Tycoon Actor in Hollywood-Chapter 382: Lucas’s big change

In the comfort of his living room, Lucas found himself on the receiving end of Neil and Vincent’s scoldings. Despite their frustration, Lucas maintained a serene smile throughout.

"I’m sorry that I was not able to attend the Tony Awards, guys. My fault," Lucas said, his tone genuinely apologetic but tinged with a newfound calm.

Neil and Vincent exchanged glances, both sighing in helpless exasperation.

"Anyway, I just read your tweet from an hour ago," Vincent said, breaking the tension. "I guess there was a reasonable explanation for your disappearance. But I feel happy about your discovery of yourself."

"Thanks," Lucas replied, his smile warming.

"Wait, what tweet?" Neil asked, completely unaware. Vincent quickly showed him Lucas’s post on his phone.

After a quick read, Neil’s expression softened, a hint of guilt crossing his features. "I didn’t know you were able to learn so much about yourself in just a few days. I’m happy for you too," he admitted. "I apologize for scolding you."

Lucas chuckled, "Don’t worry about it."

***

The next day, Jennifer arrived at Lucas’s house. The moment she saw him, she enveloped him in a tight hug. "Are you serious about buying a new car?" she asked, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Are you still the Lucas I know?"

Lucas laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "Of course, I’m still me," he assured her. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "In fact, I won’t just buy a cheap car this time. I’ll even let you choose the car for me. I don’t care if it’s expensive."

Jennifer pulled back, her eyes wide with disbelief and a hint of excitement. "Who are you and what have you done with Lucas Knight?" she teased, but her smile was radiant.

Lucas simply shrugged, his expression a mix of contentment and anticipation. "Just a guy who’s learned it’s okay to treat himself sometimes," he replied. "Now, shall we go car shopping?"

Jennifer pulled back, her eyes wide with disbelief and a hint of excitement. "Are you for real?" she asked, her tone a mix of amusement and concern.

Lucas nodded, prompting Jennifer to immediately press her hand against his forehead, checking for a fever. "You seem fine," she muttered, half to herself.

"Of course I am fine," Lucas chuckled wryly.

Jennifer’s face broke into a warm smile. "Anyway, I’ll be sure not to buy you a sports car - I’m scared of you getting into an accident."

Lucas laughed, the sound genuine and carefree. "Look, I’m not even gonna drive the car if it’s a sports car. I haven’t driven a car myself in so long, I think I’ve forgotten how."

"Because you have Shawn to drive for you all the time," Jennifer chuckled, shaking her head fondly.

Lucas shrugged, a sheepish grin on his face. "Guilty as charged. But hey, maybe it’s time I get back behind the wheel myself. What do you think? Should we start with something simple?"

Jennifer’s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Lucas Knight, learning to drive again. Now that’s something I’ve got to see. Alright, let’s go car shopping. But we’re starting with something safe and practical, got it?"

"Yes, ma’am," Lucas replied with a mock salute, causing them both to burst into laughter.

***

Later that day, Lucas and Jennifer pulled up to the Mercedes-Benz dealership. The moment they stepped out of the car, heads turned. The manager, a well-dressed man in his fifties, did a double-take before hurrying over, a mix of excitement and disbelief on his face.

"Mr. Knight, Ms. Lawrence," he said, extending his hand. "I’m John Keller, the general manager. It’s an honor to have you both here. How can I assist you today?"

Lucas smiled warmly. "We’re here to look at cars. For me, actually."

John’s eyebrows shot up. "Of course, of course. Please, allow me to show you our latest models."

As they walked through the showroom, Jennifer’s eyes lit up at a sleek, silver 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. "Lucas, look at this one," she said, running her hand along the hood. "It’s gorgeous."

Lucas glanced at the price tag - it was easily the most expensive car in the showroom. He looked at Jennifer and smiled, "Hey, if you choose that one, we’ll go with that one."

Jennifer stared at him, a mixture of surprise and confusion on her face. This wasn’t the Lucas she was used to - the one who’d agonize over every dollar spent. She felt a little weird seeing this new, carefree version of him.

John, sensing a potential sale, jumped in. "Excellent choice, Ms. Lawrence. The S-Class is our top-of-the-line model. It offers unparalleled luxury and performance. Would you like to take it for a test drive, Mr. Knight?"

Lucas chuckled, "Actually, I haven’t driven in a while. Maybe Jennifer could take it for a spin?"

John nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, of course. Ms. Lawrence, if you’d like to follow me, we can get the keys and the necessary paperwork for a test drive."

As John walked away, Jennifer turned to Lucas. "Are you sure about this? It’s a lot of money, Lucas."

Lucas squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I’m sure. It’s time I learned to enjoy what I’ve earned a little. Plus, you picked it out. That makes it special."

Jennifer felt a warmth spread through her chest. This new Lucas was going to take some getting used to, but she had to admit, she kind of liked it.

As Lucas settled into the passenger seat of the sleek Mercedes-Benz S-Class, he felt a strange mix of excitement and contentment. He was spending money, yes, but he knew he’d earn it back. His ’softness’, as he called it - his desire to help others - would always be there. But now, he was allowing himself to enjoy the fruits of his labor too.

Jennifer slid into the driver’s seat, her eyes sparkling with excitement. As she started the engine, she glanced at Lucas, a radiant smile spreading across her face. Lucas couldn’t help but smile back, enjoying her happiness as much as the luxurious car.

During the test drive, Lucas found himself watching Jennifer more than the road. Her joy was infectious, and he realized that this - making the people he cared about happy - was a form of generosity he’d been neglecting.

After finalizing the purchase, Lucas surprised Jennifer further by suggesting dinner at Providence, one of the most expensive restaurants in L.A.

"Lucas," Jennifer said, her eyes wide with disbelief, "are you serious? You usually only go to places like this for business meetings."

Lucas shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Consider this a business meeting then. The business of enjoying life."

At the restaurant, Jennifer couldn’t help but notice how different Lucas seemed. He ordered without hesitation, encouraged her to choose whatever she wanted, and engaged in easy conversation with their waiter.

When the bill came, Lucas didn’t even glance at it before handing over his card. As the waiter returned with the receipt, Lucas added a $2,000 tip.

Jennifer’s jaw dropped. "Lucas," she whispered, "you just tipped two thousand dollars. You used to think five hundred was extravagant."

Lucas smiled, signing the receipt. "Things change," he said simply. Then, looking up at Jennifer, he added, "I’m learning that it’s okay to spread joy in different ways. Sometimes it’s through charity, sometimes it’s through making the people close to me happy, and sometimes it’s by making a waiter’s night."

As they left the restaurant, Jennifer linked her arm through Lucas’s. "I like this new you," she said softly. "Just don’t lose the old you completely, okay?"

Lucas squeezed her hand. "Don’t worry," he assured her. "I’m still me. Just... a more balanced version."

After their lavish dinner, Lucas steered Jennifer towards a nearby Rolex store. Jennifer’s eyes widened as she realized where they were headed.

She frequently visited luxury stores on her own, but Lucas bringing her to one and offering to buy her something? That was entirely new territory.

"Are you serious?" Jennifer asked, her voice a mix of surprise and hesitation. "I can buy for myself, you know..."

Lucas smiled warmly. "Please, just help yourself," he insisted. Inwardly, he felt a pang of guilt. Only now was he treating his girlfriend with this level of generosity. He made a mental note to make up for lost time.

Jennifer’s face softened into a warm smile, touched by Lucas’s gesture.

As they entered the store, the usually aloof and cold staff visibly perked up. The sight of Lucas Knight and Jennifer Lawrence shattered their practiced indifference.

A young sales associate approached them, her professional demeanor barely containing her excitement. "Welcome to Rolex. How may I assist you today?"

While the associate was speaking, another staff member had quietly slipped away, whispering urgently to the manager in a back room. Moments later, an impeccably dressed man emerged, making a beeline for the celebrity couple.

"Mr. Knight, Ms. Lawrence," the manager said, his voice smooth and welcoming. "I’m David Chen, the store manager. It’s an honor to have you both here. Please, allow me to show you our finest selections in our private viewing room."

As they followed the manager, Jennifer leaned in close to Lucas. "You know, you’re going to spoil me if you keep this up," she whispered, her tone playful but with a hint of genuine concern.

Lucas squeezed her hand. "Maybe it’s time I did," he replied softly. "You deserve it."

The guilt Lucas felt earlier began to fade, replaced by a warm sense of satisfaction. He was learning that generosity could take many forms, and showing appreciation to those closest to him was just as important as his broader philanthropic efforts.

As Lucas and Jennifer followed the manager towards the private viewing room, they passed by a woman who had just exited another backroom. The customer, visibly annoyed at being abruptly left by the manager, froze in surprise at the sight of the famous couple.

Discreetly, she pulled out her phone and snapped a quick photo. Her mind raced, unable to reconcile the image of Lucas Knight - Hollywood’s "Saint Actor" - browsing in a luxury watch store. This was certainly not the frugal, charity-focused celebrity the public knew.