She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 242

"Let's go out and do something fun tomorrow," Leo suggested.

Then he paused, correcting himself. "Oh, wait, tomorrow doesn't work. Rowan's getting engaged. Let's hang out the day after."

Lyra offered a distracted, noncommittal hum.

Madeline let out a heavy sigh. "If Jasmine really marries Rowan and climbs the social ladder, she won't just crush you. She'll rip your head right off."

"Is Jasmine really that terrifying?" Leo asked, sounding skeptical. "I always thought she was just aloof and elegant. But I guess if she and Rowan are joining forces, they really are a power couple. Rowan's definitely terrifying on his own..."

Madeline nodded grimly. "It feels like a dark cloud just covered Seaborne City."

She felt like their peaceful days were officially numbered.

Leo puffed out his chest. "Don't worry. I'll protect you guys."

Madeline rolled her eyes at him. This scrawny guy probably couldn't even handle Jasmine in a fair fight, let alone protect anyone from Rowan.

Lyra wiped her mouth. "Are we done eating? Let's just go."

"Yeah, let's head out," Leo agreed. The three of them walked out. Leo went to settle the bill, Madeline slipped into the restroom, and Lyra waited downstairs in the main lobby.

As Julian made his way down the stairs, his gaze swept across the lobby and suddenly locked onto a figure, stopping him dead in his tracks.

Lyra was standing there in a simple, light-colored dress. Her features were luminous and captivating, and the sunlight streaming through the windows caught the ends of her hair, making the very air around her seem soft and inviting.

It was only a fleeting glance, but Julian's heart hammered against his ribs. For a second, he actually forgot to breathe.

With that kind of radiant complexion and stunning aura, one look was enough to leave a permanent mark.

Pushing down the sudden rush of adrenaline, Julian decided he had to get her number no matter what.

Taking advantage of the fact that Rowan hadn't come down yet, Julian approached her with an easy smile. "Excuse me, miss. Would you be open to exchanging numbers?"

Lyra turned around, momentarily startled.

She had always known Lyra was beautiful, but to see someone from Rowan's inner circle immediately gravitate toward her to ask for her number... a suffocating wave of jealousy lodged tightly in her chest.

At least tomorrow was their engagement party. That thought alone grounded her.

A few feet away, Leo finally noticed Rowan coming down the stairs. His aggressive attitude vanished instantly, replaced by a nervous grin. "Rowan!"

Julian raised an eyebrow at Leo, thoroughly disgusted by how quickly the guy had switched from hostile to sycophantic. He turned to Rowan. "You know this guy?"

Rowan gave a casual nod.

Julian frowned. "Wait, are they actually dating?"

He couldn't help but think the guy was completely unworthy of her.

Rowan's gaze swept over Lyra, who was trying entirely too hard to pretend she hadn't seen him. His voice was deadpan. "Yeah. They are."