Chapter 9 Hate this guy

Sulia glanced down at the massive screen of her diamond-encrusted phone, her lips curling into a sweet smile as her manicured fingers pressed the call button. Her expression softened instantly, and her voice took on a sugary tone.

"Darling, where are you? Why aren't you here yet? I'm so bored waiting for you all alone!" Her voice was so soft, dripping with sweetness that most men would have found impossible to resist.

Nina, busy refilling water glasses nearby, couldn't help but overhear. She blinked in surprise at the transformation in Sulia's demeanor. The icy, untouchable beauty had morphed into a playful, almost girlish version of herself. Who could be on the other end of that call? Nina wondered, her curiosity piqued.

"What? You want me to guess where you are? You're such a bad guy!" Sulia pouted, her full lips forming a sulky, playful expression. "Haven't you even taken off yet?"

Nina inwardly cringed, suppressing a groan. Couples can be so nauseating sometimes. Even big stars play these cheesy games, she thought, rolling her eyes as she walked past with the tray.

Suddenly, a deep, smooth voice came through the phone's speaker, oozing charisma. "Baby, don't you have faith in me?"

The sound made Nina's ears perk up. The voice was so rich and captivating that it seemed to fill the room, but what startled her even more was that it didn't come from the phone. It came from behind her.

Both Nina and Sulia turned around simultaneously.

There, standing at the entrance of the restaurant, was a man whose presence commanded the entire room. He wore a perfectly tailored black Armani suit that clung to his athletic frame. He had to be at least six feet tall, his broad shoulders straight, his posture relaxed but exuding authority. His features were godlike-sharp, symmetrical, with a jawline that could cut glass. His eyes, a deep, piercing black, locked onto Sulia for a moment, but they were filled with a detached amusement.

Then, they moved to Nina.

Nina's breath caught in her throat. Where have I seen him before? she thought, her mind racing. He looks so familiar... But she quickly dismissed it. There was no way someone like her, from a struggling family, could have crossed paths with someone like him-a top-tier billionaire.

Lucien Gray's lips curled into a slow, wicked smile as he strolled casually toward them, his long strides commanding attention from every person in the restaurant. "How about my card? Did it come in handy?" he said smoothly, his voice directed at Nina.

Nina's heart pounded in her chest. It was him! Her mind flashed back to that rainy night, the memory of his arrogant demeanor and the unwanted encounter they'd shared. Anger flared up inside her like a spark igniting a dry forest. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, and her chest rose and fell with the force of her fury. She wanted to yell, to say something biting, but his gaze was so intense that it pinned her in place. He didn't even seem to care about her anger-he barely acknowledged it.

"Lucien!" Sulia's soft voice interrupted, her tone a mix of surprise and coy affection.

Lucien barely glanced at her. "Hm?" he responded lazily, his eyes still locked on Nina, as though Sulia were an afterthought.

Nina's face flushed. She felt Lucien's gaze bore through her, as if he was seeing more than her simple uniform and tired eyes. She crossed her arms tightly, trying to shield herself from the intensity of his stare. She hated him-this self-righteous, overbearing man who thought his wealth gave him the right to treat people however he wanted. Her pulse quickened as memories of their last encounter filled her mind. Who does he think he is?

By now, the entire restaurant had noticed Lucien Gray's entrance. Conversations stopped, and heads turned, especially those of the female staff. Some of them whispered in excitement, their eyes wide with admiration. "Is that Lucien Gray?" one of the servers murmured. "No wonder Sulia's been doing so well lately. She's got him backing her."

Sulia basked in the attention, a smug smile curling her lips as she enjoyed the envious glances thrown her way. But when she turned to Lucien, her smile faltered. His eyes weren't on her. They hadn't been since he entered.

Following his line of sight, Sulia's gaze landed on Nina. Her eyes narrowed in disbelief. This waitress? Sulia sized her up quickly. The girl's uniform obscured her figure, and while her skin was clear, her face was plain-certainly not the kind of beauty that could turn heads. A surge of disdain rose in Sulia's chest, though she masked it behind a sugary smile.

"Lucien, do you know this waitress?" Sulia asked, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness, but she made sure to emphasize the word *waitress*, her eyes flashing with contempt as they landed on Nina.

Nina felt the sting of the word, and her stomach twisted. Sulia's beautiful eyes, lined with perfect eyeliner, were filled with condescension. The actress didn't need to say much; her tone and posture spoke volumes.