Chapter 3

Elara's POV

The next day, I showed up at the company on time and slapped my resignation letter on Lucas's office desk.

Lucas didn't even glance at it. He threw the resignation letter directly into the trash, his tone cold and hard. "Elara, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. I said giving the project to Serena is temporary. Do you have to cause me trouble at a time like this?"

I looked at Lucas, my eyes clear and resolute. "Lucas, I'm not throwing a tantrum. I've already sent the handover list to HR. I'm leaving today."

With that, I turned back to my desk to pack my things.

My colleagues watched me leave with a cardboard box, all showing shocked expressions.

After all, everyone knew I was Mr. Gray's loyal follower, and for Lucas, I would give up even my life.

I didn't explain. Holding the box, I walked out of the building where I'd worked for five years. The sunlight was blinding, but I felt unprecedentedly relaxed.

Over the weekend, my friends organized a party. I didn't want to go, but thinking I'd soon be leaving the city, I decided to say goodbye.

I'd just sat down in the private room when the door opened and Lucas walked in with Serena.

Serena wore a haute couture dress with a dazzling pink diamond necklace around her neck.

The moment I saw that necklace, the room fell silent, everyone's eyes turning to me.

That necklace was what Lucas had bid for at an auction six months ago. At the time, he'd said in front of everyone that it was a wedding gift prepared for me.

But now, the necklace was around Serena's neck.

My friend Sophie was furious. She stood up abruptly and demanded, "Lucas, what's the meaning of this? Wasn't that necklace the substitute wedding ring you were giving Elara? Why is it around her neck?"

Lucas's expression didn't change. He said calmly, "Serena liked it, so I lent it to her for a few days. It's just a necklace. I'll buy Elara a better one later."

"Lent?" Sophie sneered. "You can even lend out wedding gifts. Lucas, why don't you just lend her the groom's position too!"

"Sophie, watch your words!" Lucas's eyes were cold as he instinctively shielded Serena behind him.

Serena immediately teared up, pitifully tugging at Lucas's sleeve. "Lucas, I'm sorry. I didn't know this was Elara's wedding gift. I'll return it to you..."

As she spoke, she pretended to unclasp the necklace.

"No need." Lucas held her hand, his gaze coldly sweeping toward me. "Elara isn't that petty."

I sat in the corner, watching this farce, feeling only nausea in my stomach.

I stood up, picked up the wine glass in front of me, and walked over to them.

Lucas thought I was going to get angry, his brows furrowing. "Elara, don't embarrass yourself here."

I laughed lightly, my wrist turning as I splashed all the red wine from the glass onto Serena's dress.

"Ah!" Serena screamed and hid in Lucas's arms.

"Elara, are you crazy!" Lucas was furious.

"It's just a necklace. If it gets dirty, it gets dirty." I casually threw the empty wine glass on the table, producing a crisp shattering sound. "Lucas, take your trash and get out of my sight."