“Lucy…”
Her father’s voice was low but unyielding, the kind of tone that could still freeze her in place, even as an adult. Richard Bennett stood in the center of the living room, his jacket still dusted from last night’s chaos, silver cufflinks catching the morning light like quiet warnings.
“I planted Venessa.”
The words hit like a slap. Lucy’s eyes snapped to him. “What?”
“I planted her,” Richard repeated, slow and deliberate. “To test his loyalty. To test the man circling you. You think I haven’t had your back this whole time?” He stepped closer, gaze locked on hers. “Every step, I’ve been making sure you were safe.”
Lucy’s mouth fell open, a storm of emotions crashing through her. He did this… for me? Part of her wanted to collapse into his arms in gratitude, the same arms that
