Chapter 206

Vanessa blinked in confusion as Lucien released her hand abruptly and turned away. He strode back to the coffee table, retrieving a pack of cigarettes with practiced ease. The metallic click of the lighter echoed in the tense silence as he lit one, exhaling smoke towards the window while staring at something beyond the glass.

Her bare shoulders prickled with unease. Why had he shown her that disturbing scene if he didn't intend to involve her? The memory of what she'd witnessed made her stomach churn. She inched closer, studying his rigid posture, the way his fingers tapped impatiently against the windowsill.

The silk robe slipped from one shoulder as she hesitated. Lucien took a long drag before finally turning. His gaze swept over her disheveled state with clinical detachment, lingering just long enough to make her skin crawl.

Vanessa held her breath. Was this it? Had he grown bored of her? The thought brought equal parts relief and panic. Freedom from his twisted games would be a blessing, but without his connections, how would she secure her place in the upcoming competition?

Her mind raced. Before he could speak, she closed the distance between them, pressing herself against his chest. "Tell me what's wrong," she murmured, fingers tracing the buttons of his shirt. "I'll learn whatever you want. I can be exactly what you need."

Lucien didn't push her away. He simply exhaled another cloud of smoke before tapping the cigarette ash into a nearby tray. His free hand came up to pat her head like one might comfort a pet. "You're exquisite, darling. But even the finest wine grows tiresome after too many glasses."

Vanessa's grip tightened. "Then let me be something new. Name your fantasy." The annual showcase loomed in her thoughts - she couldn't lose his backing now.

A humorless chuckle rumbled through his chest. "It's not about costumes or roles, sweetheart. The problem is..." His fingers tilted her chin up. "You're still you."

The words stung more than any physical mark he'd ever left. "So you've found someone else?" she whispered, forcing her voice to waver.

Lucien's gaze grew distant, his thumb absently stroking her cheekbone. For a fleeting moment, she saw genuine longing in his eyes - but not for her. The realization burned hotter than shame.

"Long-term arrangements needn't preclude... fresh inspiration," he said smoothly, as if discussing stock portfolios rather than betrayal. "Surely you understand?"

Vanessa's nails dug into her palms. "You want my help seducing your new obsession?" The absurdity nearly made her laugh.

His answering grin was all sharp edges. "Clever girl. And here I thought you might be jealous."

"Please." She forced a smirk, though her jaw ached with tension. "We both know what this is." The unspoken truth hung between them - no hearts would break over this transaction.

When Lucien finally stepped back, Vanessa found her composure returning like armor clicking into place. She met his gaze evenly. "Actually, I might know just the person for you." The idea forming in her mind was dangerous, possibly reckless. Perfect.