The Tyrant's Stolen Bride-Chapter 113: Sharp Intentions

With effortless grace, she ushered them toward the dining area, suggesting they have dinner before continuing their conversation.

Rowan guided Lyra to the table, drew back her seat, and smoothed her gown before she sat. He bent slightly as he spoke in a gentle voice.

"Wait here. I’ll get something for you."

Rowan left quickly, and her eyes followed his movements as he headed for the buffet.

Only then did she become aware of a faint shiver running through her. She rubbed her arm, an uneasy sensation settling in, as though someone were watching her.

Her gaze drifted across the room until it landed on the woman, seated at the far end of the table, some distance away.

Nova.

Lyra didn’t look away immediately. Instead, she offered Nova a small smile and lifted her hand in a faint wave.

Nova seemed slightly startled and hesitated, but after a few seconds, she waved back, yet she didn’t return the smile as a slight crease formed between her brows.

Her attention shifted when Rowan returned, setting a plate in front of her before heading off again. The inviting aroma of warm, carefully prepared dishes rose before her.

She hoped Nova wouldn’t cause any trouble tonight. All she wanted was to enjoy the evening in peace.

Lyra lifted her fork, speared a small bite, and brought it to her lips. She chewed slowly, savoring each bite as the flavors melted on her tongue. A quiet, satisfied sound slipped from her before she swallowed.

"Hi..."

A couple approached and greeted her, setting their plates down nearby and they both studied her with polite curiosity. The man cleared his throat.

"I’m Marcus... a friend of your fierce husband, and this is my wife."

Lyra blinked at the way he referred to Rowan and was about to introduce herself when Rowan’s voice came from behind her.

"Marcus, stop bothering my wife. Can’t you see she’s enjoying her meal?"

Hearing that familiar voice, Marcus swung around. "Since when? I was just saying hello."

He then pointed at Rowan, then glanced at Lyra as though appealing to her. "Look at your husband’s behavior. It’s been ages since I’ve seen him, and he’s already picking a fight."

Lyra bit back a smile, letting the two of them have their moment.

Rowan ignored Marcus as he simply set another plate in front of her and asked, "Do you want more?"

She looked down at the table and counted. One, two, three... six plates already lined the space before her. She wondered how she hadn’t even noticed Rowan placing them there.

"That’s enough for now. Come sit and join me."

She patted the seat beside her, then turned to the couple with a warm smile. "Please, join us."

Marcus gestured toward the plates spread across the table. "Is he always like this? It’s rare to see him give this much attention to a woman, isn’t it, darling?"

He nudged his wife, who only smiled in response.

Lyra let out a soft laugh.

She didn’t know much about Rowan’s past, but seeing his reaction to Marcus’s teasing, it almost seemed as though Marcus might be right.

Lyra picked up her fork again and resumed eating, unconcerned by the two men’s earlier squabble. Old friends were like that, especially when they hadn’t seen each other in a long time.

Before long, another person joined them. Enzo took the seat beside Rowan and steered the conversation toward work and business. The shift was immediate. The three men settled into a serious discussion, nothing like their childish bickering from moments earlier.

Lyra listened attentively to the conversation while she ate, giving the topic her full attention. Somewhere along the way, she forgot about the lingering pair of eyes still watching her, waiting patiently for the right moment to act.

In the blink of an eye, her plate was empty. She tugged gently at the edge of Rowan’s sleeve while he was still deep in conversation with his friend.

"I’m going to the restroom for a bit," she said.

Rowan started to stand, but Lyra gently pressed him back into his seat.

"It’s fine. I’ll be quick. Just wait here."

Taking her time, Lyra walked away, letting her body move slowly as her stomach settled and the meal began to digest.

Unbeknownst to her, Nova followed from a distance. When she saw Lyra enter the restroom, Nova quickened her steps.

There were several people inside, but Nova waited patiently until Lyra was finished.

Lyra was washing her hands at the marble sink as Nova began to move closer.

"Mrs. Pierce. We need to talk."

A sharp scent of perfume tickled her nose, making her uncomfortable. Lyra, who had been leaning forward to rinse her mouth, looked up and found Nova beside her.

She took two steps back and offered an apologetic smile.

"I’m sorry. I don’t mean to offend you. I just can’t stand being too close."

Hearing that, Nova felt offended despite the explanation and apology. Her face tightened with anger.

But then, remembering her purpose, she quickly brushed the anger aside, though she still couldn’t bring a smile to her face.

Lyra glanced at the time. She was worried Rowan might be waiting, since she had been away from the table longer than she intended.

"Is there something you need, miss? I should get back to my husband," Lyra asked politely. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The moment Lyra’s words left her mouth, Nova pressed her palms together in a pleading gesture. "Talk to your husband for me. I expect him to consider investing in my company."

She stepped closer, and Lyra instinctively stepped back.

Lyra shook her head. "I’m sorry. I can’t. I don’t interfere in his work."

"No, you have to help me." Nova’s voice rose sharply. But when she realized this approach wasn’t working and Lyra continued to refuse, she softened her tone.

"You have to help me... please," she said again, more quietly.

Lyra clenched the fabric of her dress. She had nothing to do with this, and all she wanted was to leave, not be caught in the middle of business drama.