The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 161

Chapter 161 Waiting for You

Chapter 161 Waiting for You

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Lucas’s smile wasn’t as cold and distant as it used to be; instead, there was a touch of warmth and familiarity in it.

He let out a soft laugh, low and pleasant to the ears. “Heard you were taking Blackhawk’s entrance evaluation today, so I dropped by to see how you were doing. I’ve got to say–you just keep surprising me.”

Sloane blinked hard, brushing aside the strange feeling that rose in her chest. “Oh.”

“Sloane, come here!” Samson called to her from not far away.

“I’ll be right back,” Sloane said quickly, then turned and ran over.

Lucas watched her retreating figure, the smile on his lips deepening. He thought of the way she’d spaced out just now, and a wave of softness stirred in his heart.

Samson was taking her to meet Blackhawk’s coaches. Sloane glanced back at the stands, but Lucas was no longer there. He must’ve already left.

As Blackhawk’s youngest new member, Sloane received an overwhelming welcome. The senior members of the team praised her endlessly–her performance during the evaluation had been nothing short of astonishing.

The coach, in particular, had high hopes for her. He gave her a pat on the shoulder and smiled. “Sloane, you’ve got a ton of potential. The future’s looking bright.”

After the brief welcome ceremony, the other team members rushed off to their training sessions. Samson and the coach had things to discuss, so Sloane waited at the doorway for Samson.

“Sloane, what are you daydreaming about?” Samson asked as he came out and saw her standing there, lost in thought.

She snapped out of it and quickly shook her head. “It’s nothing. Just a little tired.”

Samson nodded, his tone gentle. “Today was a tough one. Go home and get some rest. Don’t forget, there’s an internal team meeting tomorrow.”

Sloane gave a small response and left the training center with him.

By the time they stepped out of the building, the sky had already darkened. The streetlights had come on, casting a soft golden glow across the pavement. She stood at the entrance and

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7:23 Fri, Sep 5

Chapter 161 Waiting for You

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instinctively glanced around–there wasn’t a single person in sight. Lucas really had left.

Suddenly, a pair of blinding headlights lit up the street ahead. She squinted against the brightness and followed the beams to see a black sedan slowly pulling up to the curb. The window rolled down, and Lucas’s striking face appeared in her line of vision.

“Get in,” he said. His voice was low and gentle, yet left no room for argument.

Sloane froze for a moment, still processing, when Samson laughed and gave her shoulder a light pat. “Lucas, you’re still here? Perfect–take Sloane home, will you? I’m heading off.”

“Mr. Samson…” Sloane started to call after him, but Samson had already turned and walked away, his retreating figure practically radiating quiet certainty.

She hesitated for a beat, then opened the door and got in.

The car was filled with a faint woody scent–Lucas’s signature fragrance.

“Why are you still here?” Sloane asked, genuinely curious.

Lucas glanced at her, the corners of his lips curving into a smile. “Waiting for you.”

She froze. That smile again.

Lucas let out a soft chuckle and started the engine. “Let’s get you something to eat.”

Truth be told, Sloane was starving, so she didn’t say no.

The car came to a stop in front of a high–end restaurant. Lucas stepped out and walked around to the passenger side, opening the door for her.

“Thanks,” Sloane murmured, then followed him into the restaurant. Inside, the lighting was soft, the atmosphere refined. Lucas clearly came here often–the moment the staff saw him, they greeted him respectfully and led them to a table by the window.

Once seated, Lucas handed her the menu. “See what you feel like eating.”

Sloane took the menu, flipped through it casually, and ordered a few dishes she liked.

Lucas added a couple of signature seafood plates. Sloane actually loved seafood, but usually avoided ordering things like shrimp and crab because they were such a hassle to eat. So when the dishes arrived, and she saw those on the table, she figured they were for him and didn’t touch them.

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