My Harem Will Help Me Get My Revenge-Chapter 36: Lucius is such a Gentleman

Chapter - 36

Morning sunlight kissed Iris’s face through the curtains as she slowly opened her eyes.

She blinked a few times, confused for a second about the surroundings — then her stiff neck reminded her of where she was.

"Ow... This damn sofa," she muttered, rubbing the side of her neck, "That idiot must be snoring happily after torturing me. Why did I even pick me up?"

She sat up, yawning and stretching her sore back. But then she noticed something odd... There was a blanket on the floor, right next to her.

"What the... ?" she mumbled to herself in confusion. She bent down and pulled the blanket down to check. And there he was... Her archnemesis, Lucius, lying on his side, pillow under his head, arms folded across his chest and his hair a complete mess.

Tearing her gaze away from him, she looked toward the bed. Empty. She blinked twice, Was she still dreaming?

Iris then stared for a second, a little surprised. Her face softened for a moment, ’Why did he sleep here... Next to me?’

But soon she shook herself back to her usual sass, "Look at this clown," she muttered and nudged him with her foot, "Hey wake up. Why are you sleeping on the ground?"

But Lucius just groaned, not moving. So she kicked him a little harder, "Lucius!"

He stirred, finally blinking and groaning. He sure wasn’t happy, "Ugh... What time is it? Why does my back feel like it got run over?"

Iris crossed her arms, uninterested, "Why the hell are you sleeping on the floor? Did the bed grow thorns?"

"What do you think? Like always..." Lucius scratched his head, still half asleep, "It’s all because of you, obviously."

"Because of me? Don’t blame me for all your dumb actions," Iris frowned as she heard Lucius.

He yawned, "You almost fell off the couch last night. Who do you think saved you like a superhero?"

"I caught you in these very arms,"

"Thought you’d roll off and break your nose or something. So I stayed there. To make sure you didn’t die in your sleep."

She blinked, caught off guard, "Wait... you did what?"

"Yeah," He flopped back down with a grunt, "And you are welcome."

Iris sat there for a second, lips parting like she wanted to say something. But instead, she just murmured, "Thanks..." and turned away quickly toward the bathroom.

"I hope this works," Lucius watched her walk off and groaned as he stretched, "Damn... My whole body is killing me."

Soon they both got ready to leave. Lucius glanced at Iris, and found her staring at her phone, looking a bit off.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I am fine," she replied quietly, then whispered to herself, "Just going over a few details."

"Let’s go," soon Iris said as she picked up her purse.

Lucius walked ahead and opened the door for her, "After you, mademoiselle," he said with a playful grin.

Iris raised an eyebrow, ’Since when did he get all gentlemanly?’ She looked surprised, but didn’t say anything. She just walked past him while he followed and closed the door behind them.

While they were in the elevator Lucius casually leaned against the wall while humming a random tune. Iris just shook her head at his mood, ’He is always so carefree. Why would anyone would want to kill him?’

Outside the hotel, as they walked toward their car parked near the entrance, Iris’s heel caught on a small stone sticking out of the pavement.

"Eeehhh!!!" she stumbled forward.

But before she could fall, Lucius reacted in a flash. He reached out and caught her by the waist, steadying her. He pulled her up and she bumped into his chest.

"Careful, madam. I know I am hot, but don’t go around falling for me like this," he smirked.

Iris rolled her eyes, about to push him off and mutter something sarcastic, but just then they heard someone

"Hey!"

Iris turned toward the voice... And her eyes widened in surprise, "Cassey?"

Cassey marched toward them, wearing black leggings and a tight sports bra, her body glistening from a morning run. But her expression? Full of fire. Her eyes darted from Iris to Lucius and then to his hand around her waist. She didn’t look happy.

"Cassey? What are you doing here?" Iris asked, genuinely confused.

But her question fell into deaf ears as Cassey didn’t answer. She just stormed up and suddenly grabbed Lucius’s arm, pulling Iris a few steps away from Lucius.

"Whoa— Hey!" Iris steadied herself, frowning, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Cassey blinked. Her breath hitched, as if she just realized what she did. She was supposed to stay hidden, but at that moment...

"I came here with my friends. You know... Trip thing," she lied with a straight face.

"Trip? Out of nowhere?" Iris asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Like always. That’s none of your business," Cassey snapped, already turning away.

Lucius scratched his head as he watched Cassey storm off, "Is it just me, or did I miss a whole episode here?"

Cassey’s steps were fast, but her mind was racing faster, ’Damn it... I wasn’t supposed to show up. But seeing her in his arms... I just lost it.’

"Let’s go," Iris got into the car and called out Lucius. As the engine started and they pulled away, Cassey turned back and watched them disappear.

"Fuck," she hissed under her breath, "Now they know I am here."

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An hour later, Iris and Lucius arrived at a grand palace-turned-resort nestled in the hills just outside Udaipur.

The car rolled slowly rolled up a stone-paved driveway as the tires crunched over the gravel path as the entrance came into view.

In front of them, the palace stood tall and proud. It was breathtaking. Its ivory walls glowing under the morning sun. The elegant domes, the carved balconies, and arched windows gave it an old-world charm.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers blooming in neat rows along the garden, and just beyond the walls of the palace the Aravalli hills stretched behind it like a painted backdrop.

Peacocks roamed freely near the gates, their feathers catching the morning sunlight, and they could hear the sound of soft classical music playing somewhere in the distance. It was peaceful, luxurious and very calming.

"This is insane," Lucius muttered, looking around, "Feels like we are in a movie. Totally CGI"

"Let’s get this done," she said as Iris adjusted her sunglasses as she stepped out of the car.

She was focused on the real reason they were here to meet the palace owner, Mr. Pratap Singh, who was already in talks with multiple parties interested in this palace. And Marcus was his main concern.

They walked into the cool marble lobby, where a young woman in a crisp cream uniform stood behind the front desk, greeting with a smile plastered on their face.

"We are here to meet Mr. Singh. It’s urgent," Iris said in her usual firm tone as she approached her.

The lady looked up politely, "I am really sorry, ma’am. Mr. Singh is not seeing any visitors this morning without an appointment."

"Do you have an appointment?" The young woman asked.

Iris opened her mouth to argue, but Lucius raised a hand and stepped forward, flashing his easy-going grin.

"Hi there, Miss..." he said, lowering his voice a little and leaning on the counter, "Miss Anjana. I am sorry but can you help us out this one time?"

"We have come all the way from so far to have this conversation with Mr. Singh. I am sure he can spare us a few minutes." Lucius looked at her with a pleasant smile.

"You just need to put in some nice words for us."

The lady blinked once, but remained professional, "I understand, sir. But Mr. Singh has given strict instructions. He does not want to be disturbed."

But Lucius did not back off. He gave a charming smile, "I promise, we won’t take long. Just ask him once on our behalf. If he says no, we will see us out of here. No drama, I swear."

The woman thought for a while and then gave them a polite nod, "Alright. Please wait here while I check with him. But I will need you to keep your word."

Lucius stepped back and gave the young lady a salute, "Aye! Aye! Ma’am."

She gave a brief smile, "How should I introduce you to Mr Singh?" She asked them.

Nodding at the young lady, Iris handed over her card and Anjana left.

Lucius turned to Iris and whispered, "See? Polite persistence. That’s how it’s done."

Iris raised an eyebrow and smirked, "You are lucky she is a nice girl. If it were me, I would have slapped that grin off your face."

"It’s worth the risk," Lucius grinned, "She is beautiful."

Iris wanted to slam him but just then Anjana returned.

"Miss Levain. Mr. Singh has agreed to see you. Please follow me," Anjana said bowing slightly.

"Thank you," Iris replied.

"Appreciate it," Meanwhile Lucius returned the gesture with a polite nod, and then winked looking at Iris.

"Pervert!"

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