Chapter 561

The storm between them appeared to have passed, yet Claire had given birth to Lucas's child. Just when it seemed their connection might endure, the divorce papers had been signed.

Little Bella became the invisible tether binding Claire and Lucas together. Though Lucas projected an air of carefree indifference, beneath the surface lay a man burdened with responsibility.

Claire had just endured childbirth. Combined with the guilt that had been gnawing at him for months, Lucas would undoubtedly seek redemption.

As for their daughter? The moment the Bennett family discovered her existence, they'd move heaven and earth to claim her.

Lucas spotted the neon glow of Eclipse Lounge and practically leapt from the car, Alexander struggling to keep pace with his long strides.

Noting his friend's distress, Alexander ordered them both drinks. But Lucas could see Alexander's attention was elsewhere.

Physically present, mentally absent - Alexander's thoughts had clearly flown back to Evelyn.

Waving a dismissive hand, Lucas muttered, "Go home to your wife. I need to be alone tonight."

Truthfully, Alexander was itching to return to Evelyn. After their long separation, today's brief reunion felt painfully inadequate.

Yet abandoning his friend in this state seemed unconscionable.

"I'm staying," Alexander declared firmly.

Lucas snorted. "Unless you've grown breasts overnight, your company holds little appeal."

Snatching up his cocktail, Lucas beckoned Maxwell Wood over, whispering instructions. Within minutes, the manager returned with a parade of barely-clad women.

Alexander's brow furrowed. "Have you lost your damn mind?"

"We're divorced," Lucas slurred, alcohol blurring his judgment. "She's moved on. Why shouldn't I?"

When Alexander tried dismissing the women, Lucas stopped him. "You've got someone waiting. I don't. Let them stay."

The disappointment in Alexander's gaze could have frozen lava. The approaching women hesitated, sensing the tension.

Eventually they clustered around Lucas, who reclined against the leather booth accepting drinks with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

He produced a thick wad of bills, slapping it onto the table. "Make me forget her tonight, and this is yours."

One particularly observant woman purred, "Heartbreak, Mr. Bennett? Nothing heals old wounds like new... companionship." Lucas turned sharply.

The resemblance was uncanny - especially in profile. As she raised a glass to his lips, Lucas's vision blurred. "Claire?" he murmured, reaching for her.

Seizing her opportunity, the woman practically vibrated with excitement. "Would you like private service tonight, Mr. Bennett?" She elbowed her competition aside, pressing against him. "There's a VIP suite upstairs..."

Lucas lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply. The cloying, cheap perfume assaulting his nostrils was nothing like Claire's subtle vanilla scent. His interest evaporated instantly.

"Calling her Claire?" Alexander's voice cut through the haze. "That's beyond disrespectful." He raised his phone. "911? I'd like to report solicitation at Eclipse Lounge—"

Before he could finish, the room erupted into chaos as women scrambled for the exit.

Maxwell rushed in, sweating profusely. "Mr. Whitmore, what possible offense could we—"

The sudden silence was deafening. Lucas stared into his drink, the ice cubes melting like his resolve.