F1 Champion's Perfect Crash: When Love Takes The Final Turn novel Chapter 63

Hearing Gerald’s words, I understood what he meant, but it still made me feel uneasy.

I tried to keep a straight face as I said, "We should end this matter now. There's no need to continue."

I was acutely aware that, even in Gerald's absence, another pawn might have been dispatched last night.

In short, it was Ricardo who schemed last night to manufacture a threat against me.

Lukas subtly narrowed his eyes. He was surprised by my quick forgiveness of Gerald.

As he glanced at Lukas, Elena's lips curved into a smile, "Lukas, now that Miss Lopez has pardoned Gerald, let's extend the same generosity and spare the Hughes family."

There was a moment of thoughtful silence before Lukas spoke carefully. "I am doing this not for your benefit but for the sake of Elias's dignity. The Hughes' ought to learn their boundaries."

Elena caught the undercurrents in Lukas's words. His concern was for Elias's reputation. Elena was Elias's younger sister, and she shared a distant kinship with Gerald through the Schmidt family.

Despite that, Lukas's deliberation was primarily for his brother.

She nodded in understanding, her fingers curling around Gerald's arm as she impishly directed him, "Quick, offer your gratitude to Mr Strakovski!"

Gerald's nod was almost comical in its eagerness, his words rushing forth, "Thank you, Mr Strakovski, for your generosity. And Miss Lopez, thank you for your kind forgiveness. Rest assured, I won't err again!"

Elena exhaled a relieved breath. Though Lukas's demeanor didn't soften, the storm seemed to be dispersing.

She glanced over at Lukas and asked, "Lukas, are you available tonight? Gerald and I would be delighted if you and Miss Lopez would join us for dinner."

"No need. You're free to leave." Lukas's directive rang clear.

Elena recognized the unwavering resolution in Lukas's words. A flush of embarrassment tinged her cheeks as she nodded, then took her leave alongside Gerald.

I also began my exit, but Lukas's voice halted me in my tracks. "You stay. There's something I wish to discuss."

My surprise registered briefly, yet I acquiesced, maintaining my position.

Elena's ears caught this directive, and she subtly pursed her lips. She cast a parting glance at the mysterious Lukas before departing with a faint sense of hesitation.

After Elena left, Lukas's gaze settled onto me.

The barrage of questions about his feelings for me throughout the day nagged at him, his brow furrowing involuntarily.

His scrutiny bore into me, questioning if I, too, had been contemplating along similar lines.

I responded earnestly, "Mr Strakovski, I understand your standpoint. Ours is a marriage of convenience, and I have a favor to ask. I want to borrow your stance about unwarranted emotional entanglement. You needn't worry about any inappropriate sentiments from my end."

I stood unruffled, my once fierce demeanor mellowing like a placid cat.

Lukas's gaze flickered, an unfamiliar unease creeping upon him.

Nevertheless, he pursued, "Our marital contract hinges on mutual benefits. Hence, I'm contemplating a one-year term for this arrangement. What are your thoughts?"

"The decision rests with you, Mr Strakovski. I raise no objections." I veiled my reaction, responding politely and with detachment.

Given the foundation of our association, what grounds did I have to protest?

Lukas gauged my response, a semblance of contentment flickering within him.

Then he casually changed the subject. "Regarding Jacob's side, do you have any other thoughts? He stood on our side this time and helped you. If you still want to suppress him, I can assist you."

Another wave of surprise registered through me. Was he wielding a strike while simultaneously extending an olive branch?

Unfortunately, our relationship was based on mutual needs, and it was better to keep a distance!