No Escape from Love novel Chapter 164

That evening, I unexpectedly ran into Lucas when I went downstairs.

"I haven't seen you since that day at the mall when Mr. Hastings took you away." Lucas looked at me eagerly. "Serena, he didn't do anything to you, did he?"

I shook my head. "No, he just scolded me a little. That's all."

Lucas nodded. "That's good."

I stirred my drink, hesitating on whether to speak.

I knew I shouldn't doubt Lucas, but at the same time, I couldn't ignore the logic in Alex's words.

"Serena, is there something you want to say?" Lucas seemed to pick up on my hesitation and asked directly.

"Yeah." I bit my lip out of habit. "Luke, did Mr. Schneider assign you to this project? I heard he gave you the position of vice president, so why would you still personally oversee a project like this?"

His hand movements paused slightly. "Did Mr. Hastings tell you that?"

I shook my head quickly. "No, I just checked Schneider Group's website and happened to see your title there."

He looked at me and suddenly smiled. "Serena, you're really sharp. Nothing gets past you."

I was momentarily stunned, unsure what he meant.

"I… technically didn't have to handle this project myself. It's just… It was the first contract I personally signed. And since you were the lead on your side, I volunteered to oversee it."

"Why?" I looked at him in surprise.

"Because…" Lucas lowered his eyes. "Serena, you're the most important… friend to me."

"I came here specifically to find you," she continued with a gloomy expression. "Serena, the company found an email sent out from your account… with the leaked data."

For a moment, my mind went blank, but I quickly snapped back to my senses.

They were trying to frame me. And they even did a thorough job of it.

Inside the meeting room, Patricia looked anxious as if she had a lot to say but couldn't because of the setting. Samson, on the other hand, was practically gloating.

Oliver glanced at me with slight concern but not much. Alex remained focused on his documents as if this had nothing to do with him.

Several unfamiliar colleagues sat there, completely indifferent.

"Everyone's here. Let's begin." Oliver cleared his throat.