Chapter 4

He stared blankly at the sluggish arrow until a raspy voice broke the silence beside him.

“Why haven’t you pressed a button?”

“I’m going to the same floor.”

Ian, clearly irritated, tried to pick a fight. But Killian’s reply was flat, indifferent.

“…I see the Tinelli Hotel’s reputation doesn’t quite hold up anymore.” Ian said with a sneer.

“Right? I’d actually have to agree,” Killian smiled, undisturbed by the jab.

Having a guy like Ian as a guest really did say something about this place.

“I happen to be the owner of Celestial Heaven, by the way.”

Any insult to this hotel was basically a compliment to his own.

“Our hotel is much better, wouldn’t you say? Though, I doubt a stiff like you has ever stepped foot inside.”

That hit a nerve. Ian, unable to hold back, dropped his gentlemanly mask and glared openly. Killian didn’t flinch under the immature hostility.

Their gazes locked, long, unblinking. Eventually, Ian looked away, his violet eyes twitching first. But his hand gripped the woman tighter.

“Lucia. Come here.”

He yanked her toward him, forceful enough that anyone else might’ve cried out. But she didn’t make a sound.

…Did she know how much that irritated Killian?

Killian Walker spoke to Lucia once more, this time deliberately.

“Hey. If you truly wish to divorce that man, I can help you.”

“You bastard…! Don’t push your—!”

Ian’s outburst was cut off. The woman, who’d been staring at nothing the whole time, turned her head toward Killian.

“Finally looking at me,” he whispered.

Killian’s eyes gleamed. A smooth smile followed.

“Seems my offer caught your interest?”

“Lucia…!”

Ian’s protest didn’t matter anymore. Killian only saw her. Like it was just the two of them in the elevator. Her yellow eyes, golden like coins, were hauntingly beautiful. But they were hollow. Empty of light.

“Hmm…”

Killian knew those eyes. He’d seen them plenty, growing up in the slums.

And yet, even though they were familiar, his lips slowly flattened into a line. After what felt like a silent eternity, he smiled again, and leaned toward her.

“Or perhaps… you want me to kill him for you?”

“Sir…!” Derrick’s voice cut through like a warning.

“I’m quite good at that sort of thing.”

A heavy silence fell.

His offer, no matter how recklessly delivered, was dangerous.

With a toxic marriage and talk of divorce already on the table, it might not be accepted, but it would shake anyone.

Especially if the husband didn’t even treat her like a person.

Killian’s gaze dropped to her arm. Faint blue bruises marked her thin skin. Ian still clutched her tightly, oblivious to the pain he was causing.

That alone told Killian all he needed to know. He was sure she’d say yes. Or at least look at him like she needed help.

After all, she’d been rejecting her husband all night.

However,

“…No.”

Her voice was featherlight, but her refusal was absolute.

He’d been humoring the brat’s childish mind games, until now. Killian’s brow twitched, just slightly.

Before he could even ask why,

Ding—

The elevator chimed and the doors opened.

“…”

No one stepped out.

Killian’s lips, which had worn a practiced smile, stiffened into a flat line.

Disappointment soured his expression as he leaned lazily against the wall.

“I’m not fond of being rejected.”

“That is unfortunate.”

“My offer was in earnest.”

“So was my answer.”

At Lucia’s reply, one man’s face turned cold, while the other’s lit up with elation.

“Lucia!” Ian gasped, his voice shaky with disbelief. All his earlier frustration vanished as he looked at Killian, smug and victorious.

“Well then,” he said, wrapping his arms around her and guiding her out. He walked with the ease of a man who thought he’d won. And just for show, he kissed her in the hallway. Right where Killian could see.

As their lips met, Ian’s eyes found Killian’s over Lucia’s shoulder. A blatant provocation.

“Hah.”

Killian scoffed, voice low.

“And here I thought he looked like the type who only reads books on the beach.”