Chapter 986 That Doesn’t Sound Like You

Just after she asked, her phone rang, and she answered it. She spoke into the phone, "Mr. Young, where have you gone?" Whatever was said on the other end, Sally responded with several reassurances of "It's okay, it's okay. You go do your thing," before hanging up. It was evident, even without asking, that Idris had called to say he had to leave early due to some matters. He really was a gentleman, explaining his departure even while angry. Then again, that was just like him—refined and dignified. While his actions might sometimes seem abrupt or unconventional, the etiquette and grace in his interactions were inherent to him. Even in anger, he maintained his composure and the manners expected of him. Seeing Sally hang up the phone and then look at me somewhat strangely, I smiled awkwardly. Before I could speak, she started, "Yvette, are you guys..." Realizing perhaps it was not her place to ask, she hesitated and then changed the subject, asking, "Yvette, have you eaten enough?" I nodded and replied with a smile. Considering it was getting late, everyone decided it was time to head home. After seeing Sally and the two children off, Minerva was about to call a taxi when I told her, "Minerva, you go back to the hotel first. I have some things to take care of and will return later." "What things?" she asked suspiciously. "Is it work-related?" "No!" Without elaborating, I hurried her into her cab as it arrived, then caught another taxi to the old town area. When I arrived at Astoria's courtyard, the lights were on, and I saw a man sitting there, lost in thought. Hearing the door open, he slowly turned his gaze from the withered flowers in the courtyard toward me. Surprised to see me, he hesitated before simply saying, "I just wanted to get some fresh air." Perhaps he was trying to preemptively answer my inevitable question about why he was sitting outside. I smiled, walked over to him, and said, "Yeah, but it's cold outside. Sitting out for too long can easily lead to a cold." He nodded, seemingly agreeing with my point. "Ms. Scott, you're here," Astoria said as she came outside, greeting me with a smile. I nodded, looking at the wheelchair beneath Lucas. "It looks quite advanced." Then, turning to Lucas, I asked, "Is it easy to use?" Lucas was momentarily taken aback, but he nodded slightly and said in a faint voice, "Yeah, it's good." I turned back to Astoria, sincerely saying, "You've thought this through." Astoria smiled, somewhat bashfully replying, "Dr. Wacket said Mr. Lucas should get more sun. I thought that it would be easier for him to go outside with a wheelchair." She had considered everything, and I nodded in agreement. Astoria had not expected me to come over so late and hurriedly asked if I had eaten dinner. I nodded and told her not to worry about me and to attend to her own matters. Then, I sat on a stone bench in the courtyard with Lucas, enjoying the chilly breeze. Seeing this, Lucas finally turned to look at me and said, "The wind is cold. Staying out too long can give you a cold." He was simply returning the advice I had given him earlier. I could not help but smile and respond to his puzzled gaze, "Haven’t you also been out here for quite a while?" He pressed his lips together slightly and looked down. "I... don’t mind the cold." "Neither do I!" I said, continuing to sit quietly, aimlessly observing the withered flowers in the yard. Looking at them made one feel sad, for whatever reason. Afterward, Astoria came out with blankets for me and Lucas, saying, "The view at night here in Tully City is indeed nice, but don’t catch a cold. The medical facilities here are not as good as in Lake City." Then, she went back inside with a smile. Wrapping the blanket over my knees warmed me up quite a bit. I glanced at Lucas and could not help but say, "It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a quiet moment." He slightly turned his head to meet my gaze. His eyes were as beautiful as before, but the deep black hue no longer held the boldness and recklessness of the past. Instead, they now revealed a hint of desolation. "I thought you would ask about what happened these past two years," he said, his voice soft. I paused, then smiled lightly. "So, are you willing to talk about it now?" He looked at me, not answering my question. Instead, after a moment of silence, he asked, "Yvette, why don’t you take me to the police station?" This question was similar to the one he had asked before about why I was willing to help him. I pursed my lips and replied, "I think I’ve answered you before, Lucas. I’m just doing what I want to do, regardless of whether it's right or wrong." He pursed his lips again and then laughed softly. "That doesn’t sound like you at all."