Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Chloe couldn't help noticing how weird Lucas was acting.

He was staring at Connor with this mix of anger and fear-totally not the vibe she expected, especially since he'd just messaged her earlier, telling her to treat Connor well.

Lucas, meanwhile, was a mess inside. Watching how Chloe acted around him, he could tell-Connor still hadn't told her the truth about who she really was. And honestly? Even if he did, Lucas had no clue how she'd react. He knew Connor was scared Chloe might stay with her new life, but Lucas was terrified she'd throw everything away for another man.

This secret between them? It was like a Pandora's box-neither of them dared to open it.

Connor finally broke the awkward silence, his voice smooth and controlled. "Antonio, you haven't eaten dinner yet, have you? Why don't you join us?"

Aaron chimed in, sounding completely serious, "Dad, Uncle Connor's cooking is awesome!"

Lucas didn't have the slightest appetite, but there was no way he was going to back down in front of Connor.

The kids finished eating and headed off to watch TV, leaving just the three adults at the table. Chloe and Connor were nearly done themselves. Chloe scooped some rice into a bowl for Lucas and spoke up, "Mr. Connor's a great cook. The sweet and sour ribs he made at lunch were amazing."

Lucas's face darkened at the mention of sweet and sour ribs. He remembered those used to be Chloe's favorite. And he knew Connor often made them for her- she'd brought it up a few times after visiting the Moncada family. Lucas had always avoided making that dish for her, worried it would bring back memories she wasn't ready to face.

Connor added, "If we'd known you'd be home for dinner, Mr. Lucas, we would've waited. As it is, there's just a bit of leftovers-hope you don't mind making do."

Lucas bristled. This was his house-so why did Connor sound like he owned the place? But all he said was, "I'm used to Japanese food. This isn't really my thing."

Connor smiled lightly. "But Ms. Rose loves it."

Lucas's expression went even colder. "How long are you planning to stay at my house, Mr. Connor?"

"Am I causing you trouble by being here, Mr. Lucas?" Connor replied, still calm.

Lucas's

a thinpression shifted suddenly,

a thin, almost mocking smile on his lips. Not at all. You're a guest stay as long as you want." Conte

Chloe sat there, listening to their little standoff, and couldn't shake the weird tension between them.

After dinner, she offered to clear the table. The two men stayed put, still at the table facing each other.noveldrama

Connor pulled out a phone from his pocket and slid it across to Lucas. "I borrowed your phone for a couple days. Hope that's alright."

Lucas took it, and as soon as he looked at the screen, he realized what Connor had done-he'd used Lucas's account to text Chloe, even telling her to take good care of Connor and his son.

Lucas's jaw clenched. "That's pretty low, even for you."

Connor just shrugged. "If we're talking dirty tricks, Lucas, I'm not even in your league."

Lucas's grip tightened around the phone. "You had the perfect chance. Why didn't you just tell her everything?"

Connor didn't even flinch. "No rush. I've already found her. What's a few more days?"

Lucas pounced on that, his voice

sharp. "You're scared, aren't you get

You can't do it, because deep down, you know Chloe doesn't need you anymore."

Connor paused, his glass of water halfway to his lips.