Chapter 207

"Oh?" Lucien finally showed a flicker of interest. "Do I know her?"

"You've seen her before," Vanessa replied with a knowing smile. "Remember Evelyn Carter?"

"Your so-called rival?" Lucien stroked his chin, the image of the striking woman flashing through his mind.

Truthfully, she had left an impression the first time he laid eyes on her. He'd had his own thoughts back then but never got the chance to act.

Vanessa scoffed. "Rival? Please. She's not even worth the title. But if you're looking for a change of pace, she might not be a bad choice."

Lucien had little patience for petty female drama, but the idea of a new diversion intrigued him. "True, she isn't," he mused. Then, after a beat, he added, "Though, from what I hear, she's no longer with DR Holdings. She's in the same sinking ship as you. You really think you can persuade her?"

Vanessa shook her head and perched on the edge of the sofa. "Must you always resort to the same tactics? There are other ways to get what you want."

"I don't force people," he said smoothly.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Lucien, you claim to love new experiences. Why not try something different? Forbidden fruit is always the sweetest."

His dark gaze locked onto hers, and she saw the spark of hunger in his eyes. Men were all the same—always chasing what they couldn't have. Once they got it, the thrill faded.

Lucien had used every trick in the book to manipulate Vanessa. Soon enough, he grew bored and set his sights on Evelyn. But for Vanessa, this was perfect. It kept her alliance with Lucien intact while letting her settle an old score. A win-win.

"So, you already have a plan?" he asked.

"Of course," she purred. "But timing is everything. Don’t worry—I’ll make sure you get what you want. Just don’t forget your promise to me."

Lucien closed the distance between them, tilting her chin up with his fingers. Vanessa murmured, "Don’t discard the old when you find something new."

"You’re far too good to me," he murmured before pressing his lips to hers.

Vanessa stiffened slightly. She knew exactly what he'd been doing just half an hour ago, but she didn’t dare pull away. Instead, she placed a hand on his chest and ducked her head, feigning shyness. "I thought you’d lost interest in me."

"I changed my mind," he said, brushing a kiss to her forehead.

Vanessa stayed silent.

Later, when they were done, she rose without a word, smoothing her clothes back into place with practiced ease. Meanwhile, Lucien sprawled across the bed, arms outstretched, the sheet barely covering his waist as he drifted into sleep.