Chapter 21: Surprise!
TERESA'S P.O.V.
The smell of roasted turkey and roasted vegetables filled the dining hall, but I could hardly focus on my plate. Sitting across from Lucian was always an event—he had this way of making everything feel like it was the center of the universe, even in the simple, routine act of lunch. I noticed the faintest smirk on his lips as he leaned back in his chair, those forest green eyes holding some secret that I was sure he was waiting for the perfect moment to drop.
"After lunch, we're going out," he said casually, as if he was mentioning the weather.
I blinked, nearly dropping my fork. "Where are we going?" I tried to sound casual, but I'm pretty sure my voice betrayed a little excitement. Lucian never invited me anywhere. Not since I started living here a month ago; so forgive me for being excited; and besides, it was Lucian Blackwood, anyone would jump at the opportunity to go anywhere with him if he as much hinted at an invitation.
"You'll see," he replied, his eyes gleaming with a mysterious glint. A part of me thought he enjoyed watching me squirm in his presence.
Lunch wrapped up quickly—well, mostly because I couldn't taste anything over the buzzing of nerves—and before I knew it, we stepped into a towering glass building an hour later, that had the bold words 'Blackwood Creations' plastered out front. Lucian strode ahead, completely unfazed by the sudden hush that fell over the crowd as we entered. I could feel eyes on us—well, on him, mostly. People seemed both excited and terrified, like he was some mythological creature that might breathe fire if they dared to look directly at him for too long. I, on the other hand, was acutely aware of the number of people staring and tried to shrink into myself.
A few men in tailored suits approached, looking a little winded as if they'd sprinted from somewhere. He didn't bother with introductions, didn't even acknowledge the murmurs, he just gave a brief nod to the men that rushed toward him. The men exchanged looks as though they had just received an unexpected royal visit and command as they trailed along obediently. I had to nearly jog to keep up, mentally cursing their long legs.
"Mr. Blackwood, there's a board meeting in progress," one of them said, his voice trembling a bit.
Lucian glanced at him, clearly unimpressed. "Perfect timing," he replied coolly, before striding down the hallway with a confidence that made even the walls seem intimidated. By the time we reached the boardroom doors, I was breathless.