Chapter 569
Out of habit, Lucy scrutinized the man in front of her. He did not seem like a person with malicious intentions, but she still observed him with caution.
Linus seemed to have sensed Lucy's thoughts and smiled at her. "I'm sorry for startling you. I noticed the tide was rising and you were still down there alone, so I called out to you. I'm not the kind of person you're worried about." Being so easily read made Lucy blush.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
Lucy had read the news. There were numerous reports of human trafficking and other disturbing incidents lately, making it difficult for her not to be suspicious of the man before her.
"It's okay. It's good to be cautious when you're out alone... Which hotel are you staying at? How about I help you call a cab to take you there?"
Lucy was flattered by this stranger's kindness, and she knew he meant well. However, she immediately waved her hands in refusal. "No, no thank you! I can call for a cab myself. I don't want to trouble you!"
Linus did not insist further. He placed Lucy's sketchpad beside her and told her politely to stay safe before disappearing from her sight.
Lucy silently appreciated the stranger's concern.
At that moment, Matthew called.
"Matt, are you home?"
"Are you not back yet?"
Matthew's tone carried a hint of urgency, but upon hearing Lucy's calm voice, he felt somewhat reassured.
"Matt... I lost track of time while painting, and there aren't cabs to take me home anymore. It looks like I'll have to stay at a hotel nearby..."
As soon as Matthew heard that Lucy was planning to stay at a hotel, he objected.
He had a long day at work, so he had
been
with Lng forward to cuddling
with Lucy at home... For some
reason, he missed her a lot today.
"No, I'll come pick you up. Find a nearby coffee shop and wait for me there. I'll be there soon."
Matthew was a man of his word, so even if Lucy insisted that he should stay at home and rest, he would not agree.
Unable to dissuade Matthew, Lucy reluctantly gave in.
"Okay, Matt. Drive safe. I'll be waiting for you at the cafe by the beach."
"Okay."
After hanging up, Lucy arrived at the café with her sketchpad.
A waiter approached her to ask her for her order, and she ordered a glass of milk.
The café had a panoramic view. It was entirely made of glass and the only one of its kind by the sea. When she looked up, she could see the stars above her. Looking out into the distance, she could see the waves roffing in.
The perfect scenery attracted many couples from the beach, making Lucy stand out as she sat alone by the window.
"Miss, you seem quite lonely sitting here by yourself."
Lucy looked at the man and realized she did not know him at all.
"Hello, do I know you?"
Lucy's gut feeling told her that this man had ill intentions.
His hair was sticked back and so shiny that it made one wonder if he had used an entire bottle of hair gel What stood out the most was his swimming trunks paired with leather shoes, which were hard to look away from.