C21 He Was Very Uncomfortable.

Reece regarded Lydia with an icy, mocking tone.

Lydia could hear the scorn in his voice but couldn't be bothered to explain.

After all, her reputation was already in tatters in his eyes, so what was one more accusation?

Her silence was seen as an admission of guilt, and he was livid.

His grip on her wrist was vice-like, forcefully pulling her in the direction of the Tillman family estate.

"You're not going anywhere!" In that instant, Author, who had been down on the ground, got to his feet.

He caught a glimpse of Reece, seething with anger, intent on taking Lydia away and made to follow.

But Loran, all smiles and mischief, quickly stepped in his way. "Hey, isn't this Young Master Lee? It's been ages, hasn't it?"

Author, uninterested in small talk, demanded, "Move!"

"Young Master Lee, that woman is trouble you don't want to deal with!" Loran's grin was radiant, yet his hold on Author's hand grew firmer.

At that, Author scoffed and turned his gaze to Loran, "Oh? You've piqued my interest. Who is she, and why shouldn't I provoke her?"

"Don't you remember her?" Loran's brow creased.

"That does sound vaguely familiar." Author's gaze returned to the slender silhouette.

With a resigned smile, Loran whispered, "Lydia."

"Lydia?"

Author repeated the name, a sense of recognition dawning on him. It was a name he felt he should know, yet it eluded him.

Realizing Author's genuine forgetfulness, Loran clarified, "The young mistress of the Tillman family, Lydia."

"She's the one who stole her best friend's man and cornered Reece into marriage?"

Loran's nod confirmed it, and Author's eyes once again found Lydia's petite form at the corner. His eyes twinkled mischievously, betraying none of his thoughts.

Lydia?

So, she was Lydia.

Fascinating!

Such an intriguing woman!

As Author was lost in thought, Lydia's figure vanished from sight. He withdrew his gaze, a barely noticeable spark of intrigue flashing in his eyes.

"Young Master Lee, we haven't caught up in so long. How about I treat you to a drink today?" Being from the same social circle, they were far from strangers. Loran, arm in arm with Author, headed toward the villa district.

Author cast a sidelong glance at Loran, who was loyally working for Reece, and let out a scoff, "Fine, you've got yourself a deal. I expect the most beautiful woman to join me for a drink."

"Sure, take your pick!"

Discussing women seemed to transform the two from adversaries to allies in an instant, and they set off for the bar together.

At the Tillman residence.

Thud!

Lydia was unceremoniously dumped onto the sofa by Reece, her body aching so much that she involuntarily groaned.

Struggling to sit up, her chin was suddenly seized by a strong hand, and she found herself overshadowed by the man's presence.

He towered over her, his gaze fixated on her lips that Author had nearly brushed against, his eyes swirling with a frosty disapproval. "Lydia, you are still my wife. We haven't even filed for divorce yet. If you're so eager to move on, at least have the decency to wait until we're officially done! The Tillman name won't be tarnished by your recklessness!"

His anger was fueled by the fear of her behavior casting a shadow over the Tillman family's reputation.

"Fine, I understand," Lydia responded coolly, forcefully breaking free from his grasp and meeting his gaze with a detached expression.

Understood?

Hmph...

Was she tacitly acknowledging her involvement with Author?

Her smile, blooming across her face at that moment, was particularly jarring to him. It made him uncomfortable.

Yes, decidedly uncomfortable.

His eyes narrowed, a chill lacing his voice, "So it seems you've developed a fondness for him, haven't you?"