Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 13

Lucian looked at Joanne's adoring gaze, then glanced at the luxury items. He remembered how miserably she had died in his past life, all because she had been degraded by others for the sake of material things. He swore to protect her this time. "Alright, how much for everything? I'll take the lot."

His commanding, generous demeanor made Joanne's heart race. He was actually going to buy her all of it without a second thought!

"Excellent, sir. The total comes to thirty thousand dollars."

Lucian was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected it to be quite that steep, but he had already made the grand declaration. Hesitating now would make him lose face completely.

He quickly weighed his options. Once high school was over, he would launch his startup in his freshman year anyway. What was a few thousand dollars? It was pocket change to him in the grand scheme of things.

What he didn't realize was just how steep a price he would soon pay for this money and his blind arrogance.

Walking out of the luxury boutique, before Lucian could even ask Joanne where she wanted to go next, his phone rang.

It was Arthur calling.

Lucian scowled and rejected the call instantly.

He grabbed Joanne's hand and asked, "Where to next?"

Joanne was still in a daze. "Lucian, aren't you going back for evening study hall?"

He was the top student in their grade, the school's golden boy who excelled in everything.

Skipping study hall? Hah! Now that was interesting.

"Why bother? Being here with you is much more important."

Joanne blushed. If he had acted like this back in middle school, she never would have given her virginity to someone else. Ugh, how annoying, now she had to spend money to get that little procedure done. Still, if Lucian maintained his rank at the top of the class, his university scholarships would easily net him tens of thousands.

With that kind of money on the line, the procedure was worth it. It wouldn't cost much and would only take a few days to heal. Maybe... Joanne couldn't help but smirk at the thought of Lucian believing he was her first.

But before she could suggest a destination, Lucian's phone rang again.

It was Arthur again.

Seeing the screen, Joanne pouted playfully. "Lucian, you should probably answer. Arthur must be looking for you for something urgent. Who knows..." She rolled her doe eyes, layering her tone with obvious jealousy. "Maybe Amber put him up to it?"

The mere mention of Amber's name hit a nerve.

Lucian paused, surprised. "Amber didn't send you to plead her case?"

"Of course not. If Amber wanted me to plead for her, she wouldn't have refused to bring you your food. She said she'd rather feed stray dogs than give it to you. Lucian, be honest with me. What exactly did you two fight about this time? The exams are right around the corner, you two..."

"Since she's already made herself crystal clear, maybe I need to do the same. My mom is never going to marry you, Arthur. She looks down on you. She wants to marry a rich man, and you will never be that in this lifetime. And another thing..." Lucian's temples throbbed with rage. Amber had the nerve to say she'd rather feed dogs than him? Hah! As if he gave a damn about her cooking! He had grown sick of it in his past life. It wasn't that he couldn't cook, or that takeout was unhealthy—he simply despised everything she made.

"I'm a grown adult, I don't need an outsider like you delivering my meals." Beep. The call dropped, and Lucian immediately blocked the number.

He was absolutely furious.

Amber sure had some nerve.

Sitting on his motorcycle, Arthur was stunned—this sounded like a complete and permanent severing of ties. But what could have made the two kids so stubbornly opposed to each other? Was it really because they felt awkward about him marrying Grace while the two of them were dating?

No, he had to get to the bottom of this. Arthur tried calling Lucian back, only to be met with an automated voice: [We're sorry, the number you have dialed is currently busy.]

—Lucian had actually blocked him.