No Escape from Love

I originally wanted to refuse, but for some reason, I answered, "Where to?"noveldrama

Lucas lifted his chin, signaling me to get in the car.

As if possessed by some unseen force, I actually followed him in.

Lucas took me to an elegant café, where warm sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

He ordered two more cups of coffee despite the fact that the one he had at my apartment complex entrance was still unfinished.

I couldn't help but mock him, "Tell me, Mr. Schneider, just how much do you love coffee?"

I pointed at the three cups of coffee on the table, varying in shades of darkness. "You haven't even finished the first one, and now, you've ordered two more. Are you hosting a coffee-tasting event?"

Lucas simply smiled, unconcerned. His long fingers idly fiddled with the freshly served mocha in front of him. It released a rich chocolatey aroma.

"This one's for you. Try it. Their mocha is really good," he said, pushing the cup toward me.

I glanced at the beautifully crafted mocha, then at the half-finished Americano in his hand. "I don't like things that are too sweet."

"Not into sweet things?" Lucas raised an eyebrow, looking slightly surprised. "I thought all girls liked sweets."

"Girls?" I let out a cold laugh. "Mr. Schneider, your understanding is truly shallow."

Instead of getting annoyed, he looked even more amused. "Oh? Then what do you like? Enlighten me."

I couldn't be bothered with him, so I simply picked up my glass of water and took

a sip. "Women are human too. And as long as someone's human, they like money. Isn't that right?"

Lucas let out a low chuckle, a hint of indulgence hidden in his laughter. "It seems you're quite the pragmatist."

"Right back at you," I shot back without hesitation.

For a moment, an awkward silence settled between us.

Then, he suddenly said, "My company is hiring. Are you interested?"

I was taken aback and instinctively asked, "What position?"

"My assistant." His gaze met mine, and he didn't even bother to hide the scheming look in his eyes.

Lucas' assistant? That was undeniably a huge temptation for me.

His company was among the top in the industry. Working by his side would be a massive boost to my career. "About the salary and benefits..."

I hesitated, feeling a little embarrassed. Given my current situation, having a job

at all was already a blessing. Who was I to negotiate salary?

"I can offer you 15 grand a month." His tone was casual as if he were merely commenting on the weather.

I nearly spat out my water, coughing uncontrollably. "What? Did you just say 15 grand? Are you sure?"

widened my eyes, wondering if I had misheard.

Lucas handed me a napkin. "What? Too little?"

I took the napkin and wiped my mouth, rolling my eyes at him. "No, no, no. I just

think... it's a bit too much."

He chuckled and leaned in slightly. "Ms. Ashford, I'm offering you what you deserve. Your capabilities are worth this salary."

Capabilities? What capabilities?

Both Lucas and Lila had praised my capabilities before, but I had never seen myself that way. After all, fi were truly competent, would my life be in such a mess? fo

"Mr. Schneider, you wouldn't happen to have a

ing for me, would you?

That's such a lame excuse," I

half joked, my gaze holding a hint of

provocation.