Chapter 1277 Their Youthful Times 
Marie could feel Lucius‘ warm touch on her wrist, leaving a 
fiery sensation that seemed to burn her from within. She 
instantly transported back to a rainy past, when she handed him her umbrella. 

Back then, Lucius grasped her hand firmly and stared at her with a meaningful gaze. “Are you in love with me?” 
Marie believed that many girls had fallen for his handsome looks, but they also recognized his dangerous and 
unpredictable nature. Lucius had histories with numerous girls and frequently moved on to new relationships whenever his 
interests waned. 

Understanding Lucius‘ character, Marie had long dismissed him as a potential love interest. Plus, she preferred to focus on her studies more than personal relationships. 

Though her heart skipped a beat at his question, she soon realized he was merely teasing her. 
“Take this umbrella. It’s better to avoid the rain when you’re sick,” she told him. As the class president, she would’ve done. the same for anyone. 
While Marie had only meant to give Lucius an umbrella, she found it hard to ignore the pounding rhythm of their beating hearts that seemed to distract her from her homework. 

The incident quickly slipped her mind the following day. Lucius didn’t mention it either, though he did stop teasing her dull 
Chapter 
23 
character on their way home. When a new girl from a different school came looking for him, Marie had completely forgotten the incident. 

She was too busy with her exams and her plans for her future. She had been eager to pursue a business venture but soon discovered her management skills were lacking, leading her to change her field of study. 
But at that moment, Marie could clearly hear the same. 
pounding rhythm. It was deep and steady, yet pulsed with a rapid pace. 
Stunned, Marie felt her breathing quickened. She attempted to speak when Lucius cut her off. 

“We’re both adults, so I’m sure you know what I’m after here. Taylor’s financial statements are just to your right. You can either take them and accept my offer, or you can watch your family fall into ruin. 
“As for your daughter, I’ll make sure she never gets a chance to rise in Hawford. I give you my word,” Lucius threatened calmly. His gaze lingered on Marie’s lips as his fingers glided through 
her hair. 
Marie was completely shaken up. It was the first time in her life she had experienced such discomfort. 

During her marriage with Shane, they were regarded as the perfect couple. In truth, Marie had only entered the relationship with him because of the care he showed her. 
Back then, she was young and hadn’t given too much thought to romantic relationships. But after giving her heart to Shane, 
Chapter 1277 The ir Youthful Times: 
she had chosen not to pursue another relationship following 

her divorce. 
3/3 
Marie raised her head and confronted Lucius‘ gaze directly. As long as she could be of help, she would do everything in her 
power to support her family and da 

Lucius was right about one thing–the Wray family had been menacingly watching over the Whitmans. Marie couldn’t even imagine the chaos within the Chamber of Commerce. 
However, she knew that Wynter stood no chance against the Wrays if the Darnells sided with them. 
As she was previously ill, Marie wasn’t aware of Shane’s stunts in Hawford–not that she cared much. Yet, she knew Albert was active in stock markets, and Lucius happened to be proficient in such investments. 
She couldn’t risk jeopardizing the interests of both her family and Wynter, let alone Taylor’s future. 

Taking a deep breath, Marie finally declared, trying her best to suppress the quaver in her voice, “Alright, I agree to be your lover, but on one condition.” 
“Do you think you’re in a place for negotiation?” Lucius frowned 
His question fell on deaf ears as Marie met his gaze unwaveringly. “I’m not interested in being a homewrecker. 
Once you decide to start a family, we’ll go our separate ways.”