Chapter: 1026

"Lukas, you don't have to do this. Starting today, if it's already dinner time and I haven't called you, go ahead and eat first." The thought of Lukas waiting for them with an empty stomach at such an old age made Rachel feel a little guilty.

"It's my fault. Sorry that

I forgot to call you tonight."

“No, Miss Bennet. Please don't say that. I'm already too old to have much appetite." Lukas chuckled.

“It's okay for me to wait."

“I'LL bring the food out." Fully aware that she wouldn't be able to persuade him, Rachel decided to change the subject.

"Oh, no. Let me do it." Lukas hurried to the kitchen with a smile.

His reaction made Rachel laugh and shake her head twice. She was reminded that Lukas wouldn't allow her to take care of him even if she wanted to, so she no longer rushed to take the dishes. Instead, she looked at the bag in her hand and thought about putting it down in her room first. When she turned around, however, she saw that

Victor had already come downstairs, standing on the landing, looking at her. Without even meaning to, her eyes suddenly met his.

They locked eyes for a few seconds. As soon as Rachel realized her inadvertent staring, she swiftly averted her eyes.

Lukas then emerged from the kitchen, asking the servants to bring the rest of the dishes to the table.

While he was setting the food down, he caught a glimpse of Victor by the stairs with a suit jacket hanging on his arm, "Mr. Sullivan, are you going out?"

After hearing his question, Victor shifted his attention from Lukas to look at Rachel, but he didn't say a word.

"I'LL go upstairs and put my things down." Finally, Rachel broke the silence and then passed Victor on the way to her room.

All this time, Lukas thought the relationship between the two had already eased up. By the looks of it, though, it seemed it was only his wishful thinking. He looked at Ivan with curious eyes and furrowed brows as though he was asking him what was happening.

However, Ivan simply shrugged with his palms up, as if saying, “Don't ask me. I know nothing.”

"Ivan." In his signature low and deep voice, Victor called him.

"It's getting late."

The abrupt mentioning of his name startled Ivan. Without much thought, he blurted out, “What?”

Victor narrowed his eyes at Ivan.

The glare made Ivan shiver so much that he instantly came to his senses.

“Mr. Sullivan, I'm leaving now."

“Hmm. Along with a slight nod, Victor's Adam's apple moved from his subtle approval.

Hastily heeding the order, Ivan headed for the door.

However, he only made one step forward when his phone rang. Feeling the oppressive aura behind him, Ivan frowned and wondered who could be calling him at this dreadful time. ‘Ugh. Couldn't you have waited a little later? Why must you call me now?'