No Escape from Love novel Chapter 143

"No need," I instinctively refused. "It's already late."

Lucas hadn't expected me to turn him down, and his gaze dropped slightly.

"Uh…" I scrambled for an excuse. "It's late, and we live in opposite directions. If you drop me off first, you'll get home very late."

Hearing my words, a smile finally returned to his face. "But I wouldn't feel comfortable letting you go home alone. Get in the car."

He took my bag and walked ahead, but for some reason, I felt a strange resistance in my heart.

"We're just friends," I kept telling myself. "Why am I hesitating?"

The parking area was right outside the hotel, with a driveway in between. Lucas had already crossed to his car. Seeing me still standing there, he smiled and urged, "Come on."

"I…" I was about to refuse again when a black Mercedes G-Class suddenly pulled up in front of me, blocking my view of Lucas.

The window rolled down slowly, revealing Alex's face.

I was genuinely surprised and happy. "What are you doing here?"

"It's this late, and you're still out, huh? Have you been drinking?" His voice carried a hint of anger. He opened the door, stepped out, and walked over to me. Then, he pulled open the passenger door. "Get in."

"I…" I wanted to explain, but he didn't give me the chance. "Get in the car. We'll talk at home."

There was a seriousness in his tone that left me no choice but to obey.

The rain was growing heavier. Alex turned to leave, but before getting into the car, he added, "Also, I don't want any company that partners with Hastings Group to exploit their employees. You started from the bottom, Mr. Schneider. You should understand what it's like for those at the bottom."

His words were sharp and unforgiving. I turned to Lucas, expecting him to argue back. But to my surprise, he said nothing. His face had gone pale.

A heavy feeling settled in my chest.

I knew Alex well, and I had thought I understood Lucas. But right now, I wasn't so sure anymore.

As the car pulled away, I glanced at the rear-view mirror.

Lucas was still standing there, completely soaked by the rain. His car was right behind him, but he didn't move. He just stood there in the storm, watching as Alex's car disappeared into the distance.