Chapter 64

I couldn't quite fathom Lukas's reaction, but I chose honesty. "Ava."

Observing my unease around the two men, Anthony intervened. "Sophia, who are these two?"

"This is Mr. Strakovski, CEO of Strakovski Jewelry, and his injured friend," I explained, glancing at Anthony.

Upon hearing my introduction, Elias arched an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to Lukas. He wondered why I seemed unfamiliar with them, considering Lukas and I had already obtained our marriage certificate.

Ignoring Elias's reaction, I calmly introduced Anthony. "Mr. Strakovski, Mr. Schmidt, this is Director Rivers, of Rivers Health Medical Center."

Calmly, Lukas extended his hand to Anthony. "Director Rivers, your name precedes you."

Anthony shook Lukas's hand. "The same goes for you, Mr. Strakovski. Your reputation is well-known."

Their handshake was brief but impactful.

"If you ever take an interest in jewelry design, Director Rivers, you're welcome at Strakovski," Lukas said, looking directly at Anthony.

Anthony smiled. "I'll keep that in mind. And if anyone from Mr. Strakovski's family requires medical treatment, they're welcome at Rivers Health. I'll ensure they receive the best care."

A flicker of amusement played on my lips. I sensed a depth to Anthony beyond his polished demeanor.

Lukas, however, didn't respond to Anthony's offer. Elias, on the other hand, displayed his discontent. "Is that how you talk to people? Wishing them harm, then offering hospital treatment?!"

Anthony's expression barely changed. "My words were clumsy. My apologies. Life has its ups and downs; some circumstances are unavoidable. Should anyone need hospital care, I'd offer assistance, especially with Miss Lopez present."

I hadn't expected Anthony to be both gentle and sharp-tongued.

Elias coldly snorted, met with an emotionless glance from Lukas. Elias wisely remained silent. I sensed Lukas's displeasure, but chose not to dwell on it. "Mr. Strakovski, Mr. Schmidt, if there's nothing else, I'll go see Ava with Director Rivers."

Lukas remained silent, his face cold. Elias, however, chimed in, "Ava is in the room next to mine! What a coincidence. Let's go together!"

The four of us entered Ava's room, bringing a lively atmosphere to the small, crowded space. Ava furrowed her brows at the sudden change. Feeling helpless, I introduced them. "Ava, Mr. Strakovski and Mr. Schmidt came as soon as they heard about your injury. This is my friend, Anthony."

Lukas's gaze shifted to me, but as my back was turned, I couldn't see his expression. He hadn't anticipated that, after his warning, I would seem to suppress my usual vivaciousness, becoming polite and treating him formally in front of others. He'd told me not to overstep boundaries, and he could accept my behavior, but he wondered why he was now my superior, while Anthony was my friend. And there was also Director Hopkins from the company! The more Lukas pondered, the darker his expression became.

Glancing at Elias, Lukas said coldly, "I'm leaving. Don't call unless it's urgent." He turned and walked away.

Lukas's steps hesitated, then he snorted coldly before striding off. He hadn't expected to dislike my deferential address as "Mr. Strakovski." It felt like heavy sarcasm, making him deeply uncomfortable.

Elias was momentarily stunned, then quickly followed Lukas. At the elevator, he caught up and tugged Lukas's arm. "You're really angry?"

"Which of your eyes saw that?" Lukas's expression remained indifferent.

"Don't pretend. I know you too well. You're not yourself."

"You care so much about your reputation, and yet she married you and acted distant in front of Anthony. If you're not happy about it, I'm not either. As husband and wife, your relationship should be closer than just friends. Can't she even see that?"

The final line is incomplete and seems to be cut off. There's also a stray character (त) at the very end.