Chapter 14

It’s a simple question, Maya,” Junia said, her voice smooth, level, and entirely devoid of anger. “Mrs. Carter was remarkably well-informed about our living arrangements tonight. Aside from the household staff, who answered directly to Lucas long before I arrived, you are the only person who roams this house freely at all hours.”

I sighed. I knew nothing about this whole thing. I let out a small scoff. “Junia, how could you accuse me of that?” My voice trembled as I looked pleadingly toward Lucas. “I’m your cousin! I’ve done nothing but support you through your divorce! Lucas, you know me. I would never gossip about your private life to Damon’s family!”

“She knew about our office interactions. She knew about our rooms.”

“Stop, Junia,” I cut in. I had already noticed she no longer interacted with me the way she did when she first arrived. Maybe she didn’t need me anymore. “I won’t sit here and watch you tarnish my name in front of Lucas. He may be your husband, but he’s my boss too. I only came here to help you—”

Then I noticed the uncertainty on her face. “Maya… I wasn’t accusing you. I was just asking.”

Lucas didn’t say a word. I guessed he didn’t want anything to do with a fight between sisters.

I looked at Junia. “By the time you come back tomorrow, I’ll only be here to pick up my clothes. I think I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

I turned and walked away angrily.

“Maya, wait!”

I heard Junia call after me. Before she could catch up, she suddenly sneezed. Lucas immediately reached out and stopped her. “No. You’re not going after her. You’re already soaked. You’ll catch a cold.”

That was it. Something inside me snapped. For all the years I had spent beside him, even when I got sick at work, it was always his secretary who called to ask if I was alright. Lucas himself had never shown me that kind of concern. Yet Junia sneezed only once… and he immediately stopped her from chasing me because he was worried she would catch a cold.

“I wish you had never come back, Junia,” I muttered angrily as I waited for a cab. I had done everything to stop her from coming back. Even when I knew where she was living, I never told her parents. I was the one who removed her number from their phones. I was even the one who encouraged her to marry Damon when she started having second thoughts. So… had I done all of that for nothing? She still ended up marrying Lucas. And now she was accusing me.

I let out another frustrated sigh. Just then, my phone rang. Mrs. Carol Carter. She had been trying to reach me for the past few days, but I had ignored every one of her calls. But after tonight… I answered. She asked if we could meet. To her surprise, I agreed without hesitation. I even cancelled the plans I had with my friend. At that moment, nothing else mattered.

When I arrived and sat opposite her, I greeted her politely. “So,” she said, studying me carefully, “you finally decided to show up.”

I nodded. Only then did I notice the swelling on her cheek. It looked like she had been in quite a fight. I didn’t ask about it.

“Let’s get straight to the point,” she said. “Let’s get rid of Junia from Lucas’s life.”

Whoa… what the hell? I stared at her, careful not to reveal too much. “What are you talking about? She’s my sister.”

“Oh, come on,” she interrupted with a dismissive smile. “We’re both adults. Don’t pretend.” She leaned closer. “I know you love Lucas. And I know you want him to marry you instead.”

I froze. How… did this woman know that? “H-how?” I stammered.

She smiled knowingly. “I know a lot. In fact, I know things about you that even you don’t think anyone knows.”

My heartbeat quickened. “What do you know?” I asked, my voice uneven.

Her smile widened. “Well… I know you’re not really related to Junia at all. You’re not her cousin. You aren’t even a Larson.”

I sucked in a sharp breath. How had this woman found out? Even Junia didn’t know that.

Mrs. Carter slowly extended her hand across the table. “Help me get rid of Junia. And in return… you’ll have the family, the man, and everything you’ve ever wanted.”

I stared silently at her outstretched hand.