His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 102

She froze for a split second, then let out a soft, questioning “Hm?” and blinked up at the man with wide, innocent eyes.

In Soren’s deep gaze, her alluring face was reflected like a secret he wanted to keep. “I think I might be a little drunk,” he murmured. “How about inviting me up for a sobering drink?”

They were both adults—the meaning beneath those words needed no explanation.

Lumina’s fingers curled slightly as she was about to respond, but suddenly, her phone rang, slicing through the quiet.

She glanced at the caller ID. It was Cedric.

“Sorry, I need to take this,” she said.

She stepped out of the car, and a gust of cold wind wrapped itself around her. Instinctively, she shivered and hugged her arms tightly to her chest.

When she answered, Cedric’s calm voice came through. “You’re not home yet?”

Something unreadable flickered in Lumina’s eyes, but she smiled lightly. “I’m on my way.”

His tone was even. “Who were you out with tonight?”

She was about to reply when she suddenly felt something warm settle over her shoulders. Startled, she looked up to see a man’s jacket being draped over her.

Soren stood by her side, his tall frame casting a protective shadow. His hand rested gently on her shoulder. “It’s cold out,” he said, his voice low and husky.

The words carried so clearly through the night that Cedric, listening on the other end, could make them out. He took a slow sip from his coffee mug, his eyes shadowed and impossible to read.

“I’m downstairs already—heading up now,” Lumina said quickly, then hung up.

Soren grinned. “Family checking up on you?”

“Yeah, my cousin,” she replied offhand, pointing up at the building. “I guess he saw me getting out of a guy’s car and decided to interrogate me. He’s pretty strict.”

Soren chuckled but didn’t press her for the truth or return to his earlier proposition. He simply reached out and ruffled her hair. “Go on in.”

“What about your jacket…?”

After a pause, she opened the door and climbed in.

Inside, the air was scented with a subtle, mysterious cologne.

Harriet sat in the back seat, composed and dignified. Her features were refined, her blouse simple but impeccably tailored. She looked as if she had just woken from a nap, eyes half-closed in apparent indifference.

Without opening her eyes, Harriet spoke in a calm, measured voice. “This isn’t our first meeting.”

Lumina gave her an unfaltering smile. “Of course. We’ve crossed paths at plenty of events.”

Only then did Harriet open her eyes, slowly. She slipped a cigarette between her lips, lighting it with practiced ease. “You’re beautiful and clever, but that’s hardly all. You’re sharp, ambitious, quick on your feet.”

Blowing out a smoke ring, she let a faint smile curve her lips. “I’m not the type to mistake you for mere decoration.”

Uncertain of Harriet’s intentions, Lumina only lowered her gaze, smiling softly. “You flatter me. Everything I am, I owe to Mr. Royce’s guidance. That’s what he’s given me, and I value it deeply.”

Harriet gave a quiet laugh. “I’m not one for beating around the bush. I only have two questions for you.”