"Was I asleep for an extended period?" He asked to which Lucinda affirmed with a nod. "Kindly retrieve the research files from Miss Barbie for me to peruse," he instructed, prompting Lucinda to hastily depart the office. Lucinda thought, "What was I thinking? I''m d he didn''t demand the flight ticket as evidence. I couldn''t think straight when he was unconscious, and I''m not sure why."


    As Lucinda arrived on the 23rd floor, she made a grand entrance in her blood stained armor. The assembled staff members directed their attention toward her, as she navigated among the desks at a brisk pace. "Lucinda, d to see you! Please have a seat," Barbie beamed, gesturing to a nearby chair.


    Lucinda responded, "I am not in need of a seat. My superior requested that I retrieve the research documents for review."


    "Please ept my apologies for inconveniencing you, Lucinda. I failed to bring the research files to your office. Also, do not forget about the club event," Barbie said.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Lucinda noticed curious eyes upon her. Despite feeling self-conscious, she attempted to eavesdrop on their conversation.


    "Goodness gracious, what on earth is she wearing?" whispered one employee.


    "Is that blood on her clothes? Is she a butcher?" remarked another.


    "I bet she went on a mission with the boss," chimed in a third, causing Lucinda to smile as she exited the room, hearing theirughter trailing behind.


    "What is she wearing to work? It''s so amusing!" said one, guffawing.


    "She looks like a fierce fighting doll," added another.


    "Not quite, perhaps more like ady assassin," jokingly added a third.


    "Guys, stop gossiping and face your jobs," Barbie snapped the employees back to reality.


    Lucinda looked down at her appearance, realizing that her focus on caring for Ralph caused her to forget to change her clothes, and he had not pointed it out to her, merely requesting the files.


    Lucinda entered the boss''s office with a sense of frustration and forcefully dropped the files onto his desk, creating a loud noise.


    "Is there an issue, Lucinda?" he asked, sporting sses.


    "No," she replied curtly. Feeling self-conscious about her armor, she paced around his office in it. The boss looked at her and snickered. "Shouldn''t you take that off?" he whined.


    "I''ve already beenughed at in the other office, and you didn''t even inform me I was still wearing this," she retorted. "Why do I have to remind you?" he snarled back.


    "Didn''t you mention earlier that the armor was heavy?" she countered, feeling upset, and then walked into the closet.


    "I am in awe of Lucinda''s behavior today, still. She appeared like a novice, a delicate and gentle woman, but demonstrated impressive fighting skills. Perhaps this is precisely the kind of partner I require. Although I initially doubted her, she saved my life, and I am beginning to trust her," Ralph thought to himself. He regretted doubting her, still bewildered by the fact that he boarded a ne home without remembering doing so. Regardless, the past is in the past, and Lucinda''s actions will remain a life-saving gesture.


    Lucinda emerged from the closet, now dressed in her attractive outfit from earlier in the day, and with a bloodstain on her lips. "Come closer," hemanded, offering her his handkerchief. Approaching him, she held out her face for him to clean the stain off.


    As he gazed at her, she brought him back to reality by snapping, "You''re wiping off my lipstick!"


    "Sorry," he apologized sheepishly, embarrassed by his wandering mind. With her lips now re-applied with lipstick, she strode back to her office while he watched, admiring her elegance and beauty. Despite her minimal makeup, she was stunning. "Magnificent," he mused, before tossing the handkerchief into the trash.


    As Lucinda and Ralph exited the office building, streetlights illuminated the surrounding area, casting soft glows on the road and buildings. Traces of the setting sun in the sky painted the world in a gentle warmth, signaling the approaching evening. The rush of cars and people bustling to and fro slowed down, and the city''s atmosphere shifted into a calmer pace.


    Ralph turned to Lucinda and suggested, "Let me drop you off."


    However, she politely declined, reminding him, "I am not going home. I am going out with Barbie to the club, remember?" Feeling concerned, Ralph urged, "You should rest; you don''t need to force yourself to go out. Why not go another day?"


    But Lucinda was determined, stating, "I already promised Barbie I would go with her. I am going."


    As if on cue, Barbie arrived with a group of friends, admiring Lucinda''s appearance and asking excitedly, "You look stunning! Where are we going?"


    Lucinda joined them, nced back at Ralph, and he muttered to himself, "Perhaps it''s best if I don''t intrude on her private life," and disappeared into the bustling city streets.


    Later that night, Lucinda, Barbie, and their coworkers arrived at the club and found a table to settle at. The club was filled with dim lighting and soft background music, creating a lively environment for everyone inside. Groups of people danced and enjoyed themselves all around them, while their own table was decorated with candles, creating additional ambiance.


    Once they had all sat down, Barbie abruptly asked Lucinda, "Aren''t you going to order something to drink?"


    To which Lucinda replied, "No, I don''t drink."


    Without warning, a tall and handsome guy with blonde hair approached them, "You''re so stunning and reserved. Who knows, maybe a beautifuldy like you doesn''t like drinking?" he said, trying to initiate conversation with Lucinda. Barbie was immediately skeptical of this stranger''s intentions and asked, "Who are you supposed to be?"


    "My name is Nathan. I just had toe over here and introduce myself to this gorgeousdy," he said, winking at Lucinda. Despite his efforts, Lucinda looked at him for a moment and then looked away.


    Sensing her indifference, Nathan chuckled and said, "And she''s got an attitude too," before taking a seat next to Lucinda.


    "Wow, Lucy, you''ve already attracted someone and we just got here."


    Another girl chimed in, "That''s because she''s so beautiful. Girls like her change boyfriends like they change outfits."


    Lucinda bristled at the insinuation and retorted, "I''m not like that." But her words were ignored as the group continued to drink and apply makeup.


    Nathan, who had taken a liking to Lucinda, suggested they y a game since she wasn''t drinking. "How about Truth or Dare?" he proposed, putting his arm around her shoulder. The group was enthusiastic, and they exined the rules to Lucinda.


    As the game progressed, and the bottle spun around the table, Lucinda began to feel increasingly ufortable. When itnded on Barbie, she was asked, "Truth or dare?"


    Barbie chose "Truth," and was asked, "Why did you invite Lucinda toe to the club with us?"


    "I just wanted to get to know her better," Barbie responded, "And because she''s a hottie." Lucinda red at her for objectifying her.


    Nathan spun the bottle once more, but Lucinda''s mind was already made up - this game wasn''t for her.