Chapter 244

With a courteous nod, Lucy painted a clear picture for Augustus of what it meant to give a fake smile.

"Mr. Scruggs, is there something you wanted to talk about?"

She inwardly groaned, praying not to get trapped in another pointless conversation like the one that morning. It had been filled with nonsensical chatter that dragged on forever.

Cillian was at home waiting for her, and if she was late, he would surely start to worry—especially with how overprotective he had been lately.

A headache began to form. She was not a child, after all. Regardless, she really did not feel like speaking to the man before her.

Oblivious to Lucy's discomfort, Augustus cheerfully asked, "I actually have a matter to discuss. Also, I was wondering if you might come over to my place?"

Alarm bells rang in Lucy's head. What was he implying? Inviting a near-stranger to his home… Were Charleston folks always so welcoming?

That could not be right. She had heard that Charleston locals were known for being a