“I’ll expect a riveting proposal from you soon.” He smoothes his tie as he takes a seat in his chair, his smirk doesn’t falter.
I pivot on my heels and take measured steps out of his office.
Lucian is ruthless in many ways, but he has a soft spot. Whereas my father has none. Lucian heard Adrienne’s sob story and took her in. Fucking married her. Doesn’t even know that she’s been fucking his enemy for years. That she’s been his eyes and ears in Ashthorne Hall.
I thought about telling him, but how could I? He has no reason to believe me. I’m just the son of his enemy. No proof. Not like I can hand over my brain like a dossier of memories in a neat little file.
It would’ve just been my word against hers.
14 NEW YEARS
Mornings at Ashthorne Hall are usually quiet. But not today.
Voices echo up from below. The scrape of furniture. The dull thud of boxes being set down. Doors opening and closing. The low murmur of men speaking to one another.
The foyer is chaos.
Movers in dark uniforms carry pieces of Ashthorne Hall out like they’re dismantling it. An antique chair wrapped in plastic, framed artwork cradled in plastic. Boxes covered with different stickers. Fragile. Handle with care.
Lucian stands in the center of it all, perfectly still in a crisp dress shirt, sleeves rolled to his forearms. A clipboard rests in one hand, his expression carved from stone as he oversees the disassembly.
I walk over to him, dodging underneath a rug two men are hauling out.
“Good morning, Gracie.” Lucian gives me a small smile.
“Morning. What’s going on?”
Lucian exhales. “Adrienne is having some things moved out.”
“Why?”
“She filed for divorce.”
“Oh, I’msorry.”
“Don’t be, it was time. Dakota’s eighteen now, she’s at Blackmoore. Our arrangement is complete.”
I chew on my lower lip as I watch people heading in and out.
“What about Dakota?”
“She still has a place here if she wants it.” Lucian looks down at me. “I still care for her. I’ve stood in as a father figure for her. Just because I’m not with her mother anymore, it doesn’t mean I’ll just toss her out.”
I look up. “That’s really nice.” I swallow as I look around.
“Now what?”
“Now, we move forward.”
“Hey, you two!” I turn to face the doors as Savvy walks in, dodging a man holding a large vase. “Are we moving out of Ashthorne Hall?” She looks around as she stops in front of us.
Lucian chuckles, shaking his head. “No, it’s Adrienne’s things.”
A look passes between Savvy and Lucian.
“I see.” She nods slowly. “I’m sorry, Lucian. I know you tried.”
“What?” I look up at him.
