CHAPTER 12

 Lucien’s POV

She froze when I said her name and the moonlight fell across her face, showing the fear in her eyes.

“Elena,” I said again, walking closer. “What are you doing in my office?”

She stepped back, clutching the edge of my desk. “I..I was just looking for you.”

“Looking for me?” My tone was sharpened. “While ransacking my office? In my locked office?”

Her eyes darted to the drawer behind her, then back to me. “I heard a noise. I thought you were here.”

I stopped in front of her, close enough to see her breathing fast. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not lying,” she whispered.

I grabbed her wrist gently but firmly. “Then tell me what you were really doing.”

Her lips trembled. “I….I can’t.”

My patience snapped and I pulled her closer, my hand on the desk beside her, she gasped softly as her back hit the table.

“Who are you working for, Elena?” My voice dropped low. “You think I won’t find out?”

Tears filled her eyes. “Lucien, please, it’s not what you think.”

“Then make me understand.”

She shook her head, and tears spilled down her cheeks. “You won’t believe me even if I tell you.”

“Try me,” I said coldly.

Her lips parted, but no words came out, she only stood there shaking, and her small hands clutched her nightdress.

For a second, something twisted inside me. She looked terrified, too terrified.

“Elena…”

Before I could finish, the office door burst open and Daniel rushed in, out of breath.

“Sir, we found something.”

I turned sharply. “What is it?”

He glanced at Elena, then back at me. “Valeria’s car. It was abandoned near the old warehouse, the same one linked to the investigator who died last week.”

My chest tightened. “What?”

He nodded quickly. “We think she’s been going there often. There’s something strange about it.”

I looked at Elena again and then she wiped her tears, and turned her face away. I wanted to question her more, but there was no time.

“Get the car,” I ordered Daniel.

“Yes, sir.”

I grabbed my coat and walked out fast, behind me, I could still feel Elena’s eyes on my back.

The drive was quiet and the city lights blurred past as my mind spinned. Valeria. The warehouse. Why now?

When we reached the area, Daniel slowed down and the road was dark, empty, the air was heavy with dust. Valeria’s black car sat by the corner, door slightly open.

“She’s here,” Daniel said.

I stepped out, my boots crunched against gravel. “Stay alert.”

The warehouse stood tall ahead, old and half-broken. I pushed the heavy door open and it broke loud, echoing through the silence.

Inside, the air smelt of oil and rust and my flashlight cut through the darkness.

Then I stopped.

Valeria was standing in the middle of the room, wearing a red coat. She turned when she heard me, a sly smile curled on her lips.

“Lucien,” she said softly. “I was wondering when you would come.”

My jaw tightened. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for the truth,” she said.

Something caught my eye behind her.

On the wall, a small photo is pinned under the light.

I walked closer, heart pounding.

It’s a picture of a little boy…Jace.

His innocent smile stared back at me.

“Why,” I whispered, my eyes flicking from the photo to her, “do you have this?”

Valeria’s smile widened.

“Because, Lucien,” she said slowly, “you deserve to know who he really is.”

My hand tightened as I stared at Valeria and her red lips curved into that same calm smile she always used when she’s hiding something.

“Explain,” I said slowly. “Now.”

She shrugged, and brushed imaginary dust off her coat. “Relax, Lucien. I’m not your enemy.”

I stepped closer. “Then why is a child’s picture…that child…on the wall of a warehouse tied to a dead investigator?”

Her eyes flickered. “Because I’ve been investigating, too.”

I didn't blink. “Investigating what?”

“You,” she said softly. “And the people trying to destroy you.”

I let out a short, bitter laugh. “So now you’re suddenly my savior?”

“I never stopped caring about you.” Her tone lowered. “I heard rumors that someone close to you is lying. I wanted to find proof before you got hurt.”

“Rumors?”

She nodded “About your wife.”

My jaw clenched. “Watch your mouth.”

She smirked faintly. “I saw her near this same area, Lucien. Ask your men. She’s hiding something…something big.”

I took a step forward until we are almost face to face. “You expect me to believe you?”

“Believe what you want.” She tilted her head, her eyes were cold. “But if you don’t find the truth soon, you’ll lose everything. Including her.”

“Stay away from me,” I said through my teeth. “And stay away from Elena.”

Valeria’s voice softened. “You’re making a mistake. I’m only trying to protect you.”

“By lying?”

“I’m not lying.” She took a deep breath. “Lucien, I care about you. Always have.”

I looked at the photo again, the little boy’s smile cut through my chest. “Then stop playing games.”

Her eyes darkened. “It’s not a game. It’s a warning.”

I turned and walked out before I lost control. Daniel was waiting by the car.

“Sir?”

“She’s lying,” I said, “But she knows something.”

We drive back in silence. My mind keeps racing, Valeria, the photo, the investigator, the calls. None of it fits, yet it all felt connected.

“Sir,” Daniel said after a while, “I traced the ransom notes.”

I look up sharply. “From where?”

He glanced down at the file on his lap. “They all came from one source, a phone number registered under Madelina Foundation. Her private charity.”

For a second, my blood ran cold. “My stepmother?”

“Yes, sir. It’s her name, her signature, everything.”

“That’s impossible.”

Daniel met my eyes. “I checked twice.”

I leaned back, and my thoughts spinned “If this is true, then she’s been part of this since the beginning.”

He hesitated. “What do you want me to do?”

“Don’t move yet,” I said quietly. “I’ll handle her myself.”

Daniel nodded. “Understood.”

The car stopped in front of the penthouse and the lights inside were dim. I told Daniel to go home and stepped inside quietly.

I took off my jacket and walked toward the bedroom. As I reached the door, a soft sound stopped me.

Crying.

I moved closer and saw Elena lying on the bed, her face turned to the side, tears soaking the pillow.

“Please,” she whispered in her sleep, her voice trembling. “Please, don’t hurt my son.”

My heart stopped 

Son.

The word echoed in my head.

I stand frozen at the door, watching her.

She curled into herself, still whispering, still crying.

For the first time, I didn’t know if I should wake her, or start asking who she really was