Chapter 79:The Bigger Man, The Smaller Man
Lucian’s gaze was deep and unreadable.“You need to shine at the Summ
Willow didn’t mince words.“Uncle Lucian’s paying?”
Isadora chuckled.“Ms. James, feel free to choose anything, Mr. Caldwell had the entire Asia–Pacific collection brought here.He said no budget,”
Willow’s heart leaped.This was Lucian’s way of considering her for Dragon Rise!He was Investing in her appearance to ensure her success at the Summit. Another test! Uncle Lucian, thank you for this amazing welcome gift! I’ll return your investment tenfold! I’ll prove my worth!“A pure smile bloomed on her face. Since he was investing in her, she would deliver a massive return.
Willow and Lily picked out several gowns. When Willow emerged from the dressing room, Lily’s eyes widened.
“Wow!!“This was the first time she’d seen Willow in a diamond–encrusted gown.Willow glided out, her skirt swirling, as if a galaxy sparkled at her feet.
“Mommy looks like a fairy!” Lily gave her a thumbs–up.
“Come here,” Lucian said. Willow knelt before him.
“Beautiful?“Her skirt rippled on the floor, like a curtsey.
Lucian picked up a pearl necklace from a velvet box held by his assistant. He fastened it around Willow’s neck. His cool fingertips brushed against her delicate skin, sending a shiver down her spine.She looked up at him, her gaze as resolute as a general accepting her commission.Lily secretly filmed the moment with her smartwatch.
She saw a message from Shane–a picture of a capybara plush toy, as Lily had recently become obsessed with them.Lily shared her photo with Shane.
“Mommy’s unbelievably beautiful today!”
Shane returned to his law firm, a smile playing on his lips as he saw Willow’s picture.Natural beauty, unadorned. He sat down, but his gaze froze on the edge of the photo, focusing on a pair of trouser legs. Whose legs were those?!He needed a knife!
He zoomed in, studying the image.It
studying the image.It was definitely a man, around 6’2 tall!
He texted Lily, “Where are you and Mommy?”
. “At Uncle Lucian’s house.”
Shane was surprised.Which uncle? What a scandalous mentor! He’d already started drafting a lawsuit in his head.Then Lily added, “Mommy’s uncle is my great–uncle.”
Great–uncle? That was *the* Lucian Caldwell, the once–a–century genius. Since Shane could remember, Lucian had been his father’s “perfect child” example. Was even he* vying for this moon?
He leaned against his desk, his sharp eyes fixed on the picture. Willow’s gaze towards Lucian was ardent, full of adoration.Gradually, Shane’s bright eyes dulled.He tasted bitterness.Lily would never look at him like that; that was the worship reserved for a god.
He messaged his father, Samuel.
11:50
Chapter 79 The Bigger Man. The Small
“I
guess
I’m destined to be the other man!”
Samuel, sipping tea with colleagues, nearly choked.“Don’t be impulsive!” he typed, too late.
“Dad, let’s be clear, I’m traditional.If Willow has another man, I’ll be her… second.”
Samuel’s fingers trembled.“Can someone who’s not loved be the other man?”
Shane fell silent.Samuel pleaded, “Son, you may be immoral and uncouth, but being the other man isn’t as easy as you think!”
Shane was petrified.He’d lurked in the shadows for ten years and failed to become “the other
an.“Was there even a chance now?
He slumped onto the sofa, staring at the photo of Willow, radiant with happiness alongside Lucian.“Then I can only bless you two… No! I can’t! I refuse to give up! What’s wrong with adding one more?”
He covered his eyes. In the darkness, he struggled. He gritted his teeth.“Lucian has an IQ of 200, but I can offer 200 hours!”
A brilliant mind was wonderful, but his youthful vigor could bring its own unique pleasures!
He pulled himself together, rising from the sofa.He texted Lily, “The pearl necklace pales in comparison to your mother’s beauty!”
“Lily, I’m changing.”
As Lily read, Willow’s voice cut through.
“Mommy! Uncle Shane says you’re super pretty!The pearls are overshadowed by your beauty!”
Willow blushed.“You mean Shane? How did he…”
Lily showed her the chat.“I wanted to capture this moment! I wanted to share how beautiful and amazing my Mommy is!”
Her daughter’s praise brought a flush to her cheeks. Willow crouched, pondering, “But by sending Kim my picture, I feel like I’ve lost something!Lily’s intentions were good, but I don’t want to be just another woman admired on a grown man’s phone.”
Lily understood.“Okay! I’ll retract the photo! I won’t send Mommy’s pictures to any uncles anymore!”
She quickly retracted the picture.
Shane’s eyes widened, a flurry of question marks filling his mind.
Lily typed an apology.“Sorry, Uncle Shane, I sent your mother’s photo without her
permission.She doesn’t want to be just another picture on
Shane sent a head–patting emoji, showing understanding.
your
phone.”
He was, indeed, unloved.But it was fine; he liked the idea of *his* face and body being repeatedly admired by Willow!
Meanwhile, Willow locked the door, trying on another dress.A new message alert popped up.
She glanced at her phone, seeing several breathtaking photos!
Shane: Tit for tat.
A shirt halfway unbuttoned, revealing his collarbone, then a shot from above of his long legs encased in black trousers.
11:50
< Chapter 79 The Bigger Man, The Small…
Shane: Sorry for seeing your photo without permission.Check mine out.Like the angle? If you don’t like this shirt, I can take it off.
His affection could no longer be
her Willow covered
lower face,
was
her
contained.He a peacock, bold and ardent. scrolling upwards. thumb uncontrollably scrolling
