Chapter 30 Lucas's sharp question took the servant by surprise. After a brief pause, she collected herself and answered, "Ms. Harper has been rising earlier than the rest of us lately. She was already gone by this hour." The servant kept her expression carefully blank, though inwardly she rolled her eyes. "Typical-every time Ms. Harper tried to wake him or tucked a blanket over him, he'd shout at her and send her away! But she was a mere servant, and pointing out her boss's hypocrisy wasn't her place. When Lucas demanded to know Emily's whereabouts, the servant could only shake her head and murmur apologetic denials. A flicker of irritation ran through him. He couldn't fathom why Emily seemed determined to pick fights with him. He pulled out his phone, ready to call her and unleash his frustration. But after scrolling through his contacts, he realized her number wasn't there. At the top of the list was Lydia's name. Lucas vaguely recalled Emily's number once sitting in that spot before he'd blocked it long ago. 'It wasn't my fault, he secretly told himself. 'Emily was always bossing me around, never giving me space. Cutting her off was the only way to find some peace! Emily had spent weeks trying to win Lucas back after he blocked her. She apologized, begged, and did everything she could to earn his forgiveness-but he refused to give in. 'So she realized begging wouldn't work, huh? Now she's pretending to move on, waiting for me to come crawling back instead?' Lucas clenched his jaw as realization struck. His frown deepened, irritation twisting in his chest as he thought, 'Two years at St. Gabriel Reform Academy should've changed her, but she's only grown more manipulative. 'I'm not falling for this act. But Lydia has poured her heart into planning the welcome party, and she's made it clear she expected me to bring Emily. Disappointing her isn't an option. 'Fine. I'll call Emily, tell her about the party, and then block her again. No way am I letting her get what she wants. Lucas unblocked her number and dialed, teeth gritted. He was ready to call her bluff, to throw her pathetic act right back in her face. The invitation would slip out casually, just another indifferent detail. But Emily didn't answer. Instead, the line clicked over to a lifeless automated voice. "The number you have dialed is no longer in service." The words Lucas had prepared lodged in his throat like a fist closing around his windpipe. He stood motionless, struck silent. He tried again, stubbornly redialing, but only the same automated response greeted him. Lucas stared at his phone. Emily had used that number for years-it couldn't just be disconnected. Then the realization struck-she'd anticipated his call and blocked him deliberately, forcing him to make the first move. He grew even more convinced of her manipulations. Lucas refused to indulge her, but he couldn't bear to let Lydia down. Jaw clenched, he remained at home, his anger simmering as he planted himself on the couch to wait. The plan was clear in 1/2 Chapter 30 his mind-when Emily returned, he'd say his piece and put an end to her games for good. The anger burned through him, keeping him alert long into the night. (+20) Finally, the front door creaked open. Emily stepped inside, weary from the day, only to find Lucas rigid on the sofa, his glare sharp enough to cut. She barely glanced his way. With a flicker of avoidance, she walked past without a word and headed toward her room. Lucas's anger burned hotter. He sprang from the couch. "Stop right there." In the English-dubbed series "Burning Between Us" by CrushReel, a life-changing encounter in Wesley Lowe's hotel room shook Alaya's world seven years ago. This unexpected meeting resulted in the birth of twins, but tragedy struck when her father took one child, leaving a void in her heart. As the story unfolds, themes of love, loss, and resilience intertwine with the complexities of family dynamics and the allure of the billionaire CEO world. Set in a modern mansion backdrop, this ongoing romance delves into the sweet yet tumultuous journey of navigating relationships amidst wealth and power struggles. What sets "Burning Between Us" apart is its poignant exploration of emotional depth within the glamorous facade of billionaire romance. Readers are drawn into a web of secrets, passion, and second chances as Alaya grapples with her past while facing an uncertain future. Dive into this captivating narrative that seamlessly blends modernity with classic romance tropes. Discover the allure of CrushReel's storytelling prowess as you immerse yourself in this gripping tale, available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking an escape into the world of love and intrigue.