Chapter 54

The spoon clinked against the porcelain bowl with a crisp sound.

Lucy White stepped out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of freshly cooked sweet dumplings, followed closely by Michael Johnson. In the living room, Edward Johnson was enthusiastically massaging Rachel Johnson’s shoulders.

"Lucy’s here!" Edward’s eyes lit up as he hurried over.

"Hello, Mr. Johnson," Lucy greeted politely with a nod.

Edward leaned closer to Rachel, dramatically sniffing the air. "My wife’s cooking is on another level. Just the smell of these dumplings is making me drool."

Rachel rolled her eyes. "Even a dog wouldn’t sniff as eagerly as you."

"I’m just complimenting you," Edward said with a pout, rubbing his nose before glaring at his son, who was standing stiffly nearby. "What are you waiting for? Pull out a chair for your girl!"

Lucy: "..."

She noted that this so-called business tycoon’s personality was crumbling by the day.

Michael immediately stepped forward, gently pulling out a chair for her. With the elders present, Lucy couldn’t refuse outright, but once seated, she spoke up. "Mr. Johnson, Michael and I have already broken up."

"What?" Edward’s spoon clattered onto the table. "Since when? Is this some kind of joke?"

"We broke up not long ago, and it’s final," Lucy replied calmly.

Michael clenched his fists. "I don’t agree."

"A breakup isn’t a divorce. Your signature isn’t required," Lucy said without looking up.

Michael’s chest tightened. She was always like this—warm enough to melt ice, yet ruthless as a blade when she made up her mind.

Edward looked stunned. "Lucy, are you really sure about this?"

"Yes." Lucy scooped up a dumpling and blew on it lightly.

Edward turned to his son, eyes sharp. "Did you do something to hurt Lucy?"

Normally, Michael would’ve snapped back. But now, he just lowered his head. "It’s my fault. I upset her."

"Then apologize properly!" Edward said, exasperated.

"I already did. She won’t forgive me." Michael’s voice was muffled.

Just as Edward was about to argue further, a sharp pain shot through his side. Rachel had pinched him hard, her eyes flashing a warning.

"Ahem," Edward wisely changed the subject. "By the way, why did you suddenly ask about the Parker family?"

Michael recounted the evening’s events in detail.

Bang! Rachel slammed her hand on the table. "Liam Parker has some nerve! Does he think Lucy is easy to bully?"

She turned to her husband. "Go teach the Parkers a lesson."

"Aunt Rachel," Lucy set down her chopsticks, "I’d like to handle this myself."

Rachel frowned. "How can you deal with them alone?"

"I have a plan." A glint of determination flashed in Lucy’s eyes. "But I wanted to ask, Mr. Johnson—does the Parker family have any sworn enemies?"

Edward thought for a moment. "The Wu family has been their biggest rival. But lately, the Wus are barely holding on. They probably can’t help."

"Oh?" Lucy’s interest was piqued. "What happened?"

"Strange incidents, one after another." Edward lowered his voice. "The Wu heirs keep meeting with accidents—all seemingly coincidental. They’ve consulted metaphysics experts, but nothing’s worked."

Lucy’s eyes gleamed. "Could you introduce me? I’d like to take a look."

"You?" Edward’s eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

Lucy smiled faintly. "My skills aren’t any worse than my father’s."

Outside, a dark cloud drifted across the moon, shrouding its light.