Chapter 8
707 Words
"We have a mole amongst us." James said, driving through the estate gates. "There's no logical explanation for the leaked information.”
"I highly doubt that." The huge man seated opposite the driver's side countered. "The man purchased his flight by selling off his surviving belongings. I don't think he could afford to pay for information. Besides, none of the men would be willing to jeopardize his life for peanuts."
"Park at the front garage." Lucien's order came from the back seat, interrupting both men.
"Yes, Boss." James answered.
As the car diverted its route, Lucien's eyes darkened, shadowed by something unspoken as his gaze fixed on the window, staring into the darkness.
There must indeed be a leak somewhere. He had never once gone through such a struggle to recover his money. Debtors who attempted to flee the country without clearing their loan was a recurring occurrence. But a debtor threatening to expose his personal information to the authorities after hours of pursuit — that was a completely different game.
The car came to a halt and moments later the door opened.
"We've arrived, Boss." James informed, holding the car door open.
Lucien's silhouette appeared first before his whole frame. His footsteps echoed against the ground as he walked to the front door. The night air was cool and calm against his face.
"Lu." A soft, half awake voice called when he was halfway up the stairs leading to his room.
He paused, slowly turning. At the bottom of the stairs stood a girl in a pastel yellow pajama set, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
The anger raging in him earlier evaporated like mist.
"Why aren't you asleep?" He asked calmly, descending the stairs.
"I was. I came down for a drink of water."
He stopped a few metres away from her. For a moment they both simply stared at each other.
His hands slipped casually into his pockets. "You didn't tell me you were coming." He said, breaking the silence.
"I missed home, Lu." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "You never come to visit me at college. Why?”
"That's not a reasonable answer, Sara."
"It's the only one I have." She pouted, lifting her chin in defiance.
Lucien exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. She was ever so stubborn.
He stepped closer, his voice lowering. "I have enemies. You know this. You should have informed me so I could send someone to pick you up. What if something had happened to you on the way here?"
"Nothing happened." She said softly.
"This time."
Silence settled once more between them. Her gaze held his without flinching. The only person in the world who dared to look him directly in the eyes.
"I'll inform you next time." She said finally, slowly looking away.
Lucien nodded. That was enough to ease his heart. She always kept her word.
"Welcome back, Mr. Black. I hope the day went well." Anne greeted as she approached them.
He nodded lightly.
Her gaze moved slowly from Lucien to Sara standing opposite him. "You're still up, Miss Sara?"
"Yes, Mrs. Anne. I came down for a drink of water. I emptied the bottle you kept in my room." Sara replied, giggling.
"You should have called for me to bring more."
"Don't worry about it. Besides, I have been sleeping since I arrived. I needed a little exercise before returning to bed."
A warm smile spread across Anne's face as she turned to face Lucien. "Mr. Black." She started. "The guest you brought in has refused to eat anything. All the meals I served her throughout the day remained untouched."
Lucien's brows drew together, his expression hardening. He had been so consumed by business all day that he had forgotten entirely about her.
What was she up to, starving herself the whole day?
He was in no mood for tantrums tonight.
"Do you have a guest, Lu?" Sara asked curiously.
"Return to your room. It's already late." Lucien said, striding up the stairs. "Mrs. Anne, bring a fresh tray of food. Something warm." He instructed.
"You never eat this hour. Who is the food for?" Sara called from the bottom of the stairs.
"A problem." He answered, not breaking his stride.
- Writer
