“The importance of upgrading the springs, sway bar, and other components cannot be overstated when it comes to handling. Fostering a distinct mindset is crucial for success in this field, markedly different from what you would typically employ for a regular car." Lucas expounded, delving into the depths of his explanation. "I understand...it seems like a lot to keep track of." Kate responded. "However, it all falls into place when you consider it. By outlining the desired results, one can pinpoint the necessary enhancements to achieve them." "Ultimately, it falls on the driver, doesn't it?" "Of course, and every member of the team. One might say that's the weak link." "The team is the weak link?" Kate quizzed, intrigued. "Machines only abide by expected outcomes, and even if they malfunction, it's not due to intentional betrayal. The human element will always be the weakest link." Lucas illustrated, imparting his extensive knowledge of racing. "Hmm...I see your point. As someone
Kate and Lucas shared a quiet dinner, ending with Lucas swiftly departing without a word.Despite not being close friends or truly engaged, Kate couldn't help feeling hurt by Lucas's silent treatment."Hey," Ace approached her with a pained smile."Is Lucas giving you the cold shoulder?" he asked."He's barely spoken to me since we left the racing circuit," Kate replied, her tone sad."Don't worry, he'll come around. It's not about you," Ace reassured her."Then who is he upset with? Do you know what this is about?" Kate inquired.Ace looked away, rubbing his neck. "It's not my place to say. He'll tell you when he's ready," he said before leaving the dining room.Kate lay in bed later, lost in thought about Elizabeth and Wilson, wondering if she could be Wilson's daughter and part of Wilson's plan to undermine Lucas's family control.=====The next morning, Kate woke up early, hopeful to speak to Lucas about their strained interaction the day before. As she approached the hallway corn
As Kate gently elbowed Ace, she inclined her head towards a specific direction. Following her lead, he turned to see what had caught her attention."Can we sit close enough to eavesdrop?" Kate asked, her eyes glimmering with curiosity."Absolutely," Ace replied, motioning for Kate to follow him through a curving path, expertly navigating through the restaurant to avoid being spotted by anyone, particularly Lucas. Finally, they arrived at a nearby table, conveniently concealed by a large pillar."Here should do just fine," Ace remarked confidently."Oh, that's a brilliant idea," Kate chimed in absentmindedly, her ears now fully attuned to Lucas's table."I know what I'm doing," Ace reassured her with a wink as they took their seats.As the two of them settled in, soft laughter resonated from Lucas's table as Elizabeth coyly whispered something to him. Kate sidelong glanced at them, just in time to witness Elizabeth reach for Lucas's hand, only for the latter to pull away, crossing his
"Kate, there is nothing for you to fear." Lucas stated reassuringly. "I could never be unfaithful to you. Please, go home. I will join you as soon as possible.""Come with me," Kate urged lightly. Lucas's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, but he quickly masked his reaction with a smirk."Well, when you ask like that, how can I refuse?" He squeezed her hand and stood up. "Excuse me." Lucas directed his icy gaze towards Wilson and Elizabeth. "I will be leaving with my fiancée. You can keep your unwanted offers to yourself." He then joined Ace, who had been watching the drama unfold with widened eyes.Meanwhile, Kate's heart was pounding. She never expected Lucas to agree to her offer.As they left, she glanced at the table and saw Wilson and Elizabeth staring after them in stunned silence.As soon as they got into Lucas's car and were on their way, he let go of Kate's hand.‘He must be angry that we followed him, right?’ She thought. To her surprise, Lucas burst out laughing."Oh, the
Kate gazed steadfastly at the two men, her emotions swinging fiercely between fear and distress. Her heart raced as she approached them with hesitant steps."Please, stop!" Her plea fell on deaf ears as Ace swung his fist at Lucas, who deftly caught it and flung Ace aside."Damn it, wait!" Kate cursed as one of them crashed into her, causing her to stumble with a startled cry. Disoriented, she struggled to identify which one it was, but their fight came to a halt as they turned to look at her with concern."Kate," Lucas called out, his voice laced with worry."Are you alright?" Ace inquired anxiously.Still reeling from the impact of their altercation, Kate stood rooted to the spot, her mind in turmoil. 'Who am I kidding?... They're both dangerous men... Even if I know them, I must never forget that. I can't stay here...' With a choked sob, she turned and ran away from the villa, ignoring the calls of Lucas and Ace as they called out after her.She ended up in the town, exhausted from
The following morning, there was a knock on Matteo's apartment door. Kate, who had just finished freshening up, emerged from the spare bedroom and asked, "Are you expecting someone?" "No..... Perhaps you are." Matteo replied. "Lucas." Kate whispered, ‘He sure moves quickly.’ Then his familiar voice sounded from outside the apartment. "I know Kate was here last night. Will you open the door or do I have to break it down?" Lucas demanded. Matteo walked to the door and opened it, revealing Lucas and Ace standing behind him. Dark circles under Lucas's eyes suggested he didn't sleep well last night. 'Was it because of me?' Kate wondered. "Kate, you're coming with me. As my fiancée, you should not be spending the night at another man's home," Lucas said with a scowl. "Matteo is my friend," Kate defended. "That doesn't matter. He is still a man," Lucas said coldly, and Kate bristled at his dismissive tone. "She didn't have to go with you," Matteo intervened. "Is that so?"
“She was a master of concealing her genuine emotions, while you effortlessly display yours." Lucas asserted, causing Kate to blush at his unexpected praise and tenderness."I simply follow my instincts, that's all." Kate replied softly, her words causing Lucas's gaze to soften as he gently brushed his thumb down her cheek."Following your heart can lead to heartache, you know.""You wouldn't do that to me though. You understand the pain and betrayal that comes with it." Kate stated, causing Lucas's eyes to widen and look away."Is that why you were hesitant about our plan? Despite having everything to gain, you were reluctant to agree to it."Kate's heart skipped a beat as she carefully chose her words, "You have always been transparent with me about the plan and your intentions."She thought of how Lucas had always maintained boundaries between them, trying to protect her from falling in love. He was true to his word, and she trusted him. He was nothing like Elizabeth.Lucas remained
"Your comprehension of friendship is lacking, isn't it?" Kate observed while Elizabeth lifted her chin in response and inquired,"What does that entail?""Ace aids Lucas due to their friendship, but also because of their working relationship. Likewise, he is here with me solely to fulfill his duties, but we have also become friends." Kate replied."Merely friends... is that so?" Elizabeth gave them an evaluating look, questioning, "So, you don't mind Lucas using you as a pawn in his 'friendship' game?"Kate nodded, "That is correct.""You are a naive young lady, but time will tell who is right." Elizabeth sauntered off, leaving Kate staring after her with disdain."Try not to let her get to you, Kate." Ace interjected."I'm doing my best." Kate responded.They continued to browse through the festival stalls, with Kate eventually purchasing a beautifully handcrafted shawl."We've been out here for quite some time now. I wonder how the deal is going." Ace pondered."Was it supposed to t