Lucien Valois tapped the table with his slender fingers, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "If you're not afraid, why are you avoiding me? Why insist on having Patrick switch your assignment?"

Jenna Roland lowered her gaze, her fingers unconsciously tracing the hem of her skirt.

After a long pause, she lifted her clear eyes. "Mr. Valois, I'm Stella's friend. Given your... relationship with Sylvia, I don't want to invite gossip."

"Oh?" Lucien arched an eyebrow. "What relationship do Sylvia and I have?"

Jenna pressed her lips together. "You know exactly what I mean."

Lucien suddenly leaned forward, his warm breath brushing her ear. "It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement. Why do you care?"

The tips of Jenna's ears burned.

His words carried an intimate undertone, as if she were jealous!

"Mr. Valois, have you reviewed the wine list?" She subtly put distance between them.

Lucien chuckled. "You choose."

Jenna strode toward the door. The moment her fingers touched the handle, her heart skipped a beat.

Outside, Gavin Valentine and two others were eavesdropping with their ears pressed to the door.

"Mr. Valentine?" Jenna frowned.

Gavin gave an awkward laugh. "Just passing by."

Jenna didn't press further and headed downstairs.

Tristan Ashcroft intercepted her. "Did he give you trouble?"

"No." She shook her head. "It's just... strange."

Tristan's expression darkened. "Patrick said he hit Lily Evans and demanded to see you."

Jenna bit her lip. "I ran into him at the hospital at noon. Stella warned me to be careful..."

"Did you mention being married?"

"I did." Jenna smiled bitterly. "It didn't matter."

Tristan slammed his fist against the wall.

Lucien was notorious for his womanizing, but he never touched married women. Why was he fixated on Jenna?

"What wine did he want?"

"He told me to pick." Jenna hesitated. "Should I choose the most expensive one?"

"Just get rid of him!" Tristan ground his teeth. "I'd pay to see him leave!"

Jenna burst into laughter.

The infamous Lucien Valois being called a jinx was oddly satisfying.

"Romanée-Conti?"

"Go!"

As Jenna turned away, she heard the sound of shattering glass behind her.