The Inheritance Secret

Chapter3

Sera stared at Lucas, her mind racing. Everything about the conversation felt surreal. She had barely come to terms with her father's death, and now Lucas was telling her that there were people who wanted her out of the picture—permanently.

“You can’t be serious,” Sera said, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is some kind of corporate game, right? A power struggle?” Lucas shook his head. “I wish it were that simple. Your father was involved in things—things you wouldn’t expect from a businessman like him. Deals that crossed lines. And now, those people think you know more than you should.” “I don’t know anything!” Sera protested, the fear creeping into her voice. “I’ve been an outsider to all of this my whole life. Why would they come after me?”

“Because you’re his daughter. You inherited everything, including his enemies.” Lucas’s tone was firm, as if he had no doubts about the danger she was in. “They’ll see you as a threat, whether or not you know anything.” Sera felt the ground slipping from beneath her. This wasn’t just about learning the ropes of her father’s company anymore—this was about survival. She ran a hand through her hair, frustration and fear colliding inside her. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner? Why didn’t anyone warn me?” Lucas looked away, the muscles in his jaw tightening. “Because I didn’t think they’d act this quickly. I thought I could keep you safe without dragging you into it. But now… now you’re a target.”

The weight of his words sank in, sending a shiver down her spine. Sera felt like she was trapped in a nightmare, unable to wake up. Her life had been quiet, ordinary, and now she was standing on the edge of something dark and dangerous. “And what do you suggest I do?” she asked, her voice sharper than intended. “Just sit here and wait for someone to come after me?” “No,” Lucas said, stepping closer to her. “You need to stay close to the company and to me. I can protect you.”

Sera scoffed, the memory of their past rising up between them. “Protect me? You couldn’t even protect me from yourself back then.” His expression faltered for a moment, the cool, detached mask slipping to reveal a flicker of something more vulnerable. “That was different. I made a mistake.” “A mistake?” Sera shot back, her anger bubbling to the surface. “You disappeared without a word, Lucas. You walked away and left me to pick up the pieces. And now you expect me to trust you?”

Lucas’s eyes darkened, and he took another step forward, his voice low and intense. “I didn’t walk away because I wanted to, Sera. I left because I had no choice.” Her breath caught in her throat. “What do you mean?” He hesitated, as if weighing his next words carefully. “There were things going on behind the scenes—things your father was involved in. He knew about us, and he gave me an ultimatum. I had to choose between you and staying in the company to protect you from the inside.”

Sera blinked, stunned by the revelation. “My father… knew about us?”Lucas nodded. “He thought I was a distraction for you. He didn’t want you involved in the company, and he didn’t want you getting hurt. So, he gave me an impossible choice. I left to protect you, Sera.”

Her heart ached at the thought of her father manipulating her life, even from a distance. All those years she had believed Lucas had abandoned her, but now it seemed her father had been the one pulling the strings all along. A bitter taste filled her mouth.“You should have told me,” Sera said quietly, fighting back the tears. “I could have made my own decisions.”“I didn’t want to put you in danger,” Lucas said, his voice softening. “I thought it was the only way to keep you safe. But now… I’m not sure I made the right choice.”

Sera’s mind swirled with emotions—anger, sadness, confusion. She had spent years trying to forget Lucas, to bury the pain of their short-lived affair. But now the truth was out, and it was more complicated than she ever imagined.“So, what now?” she asked, crossing her arms. “You’re here to protect me again?”Lucas sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s more than that. Your father’s death wasn’t an accident, Sera. Someone wanted him dead, and now they’re coming for you.” Her breath hitched, the air suddenly feeling heavy. “You think he was murdered?” Lucas’s gaze locked onto hers, his expression serious. “I don’t just think it. I know it.”

A chill ran down Sera’s spine. She had always thought her father’s death had been sudden, but she had never considered the possibility that someone had orchestrated it. The idea that her father had been killed, and that she could be next, filled her with a creeping sense of dread.

“Why didn’t you go to the police?” she asked, her voice trembling.Lucas shook his head. “It’s not that simple. Your father had powerful enemies, people who can’t be touched by law enforcement. If we go public with this, it could make things worse. They’ll come after you faster.”Sera’s hands shook, and she clenched them into fists to steady herself. “So, what do we do?”Lucas stepped closer, his presence commanding but oddly comforting. “We find out who’s behind this. We dig into your father’s dealings, uncover the truth, and make sure they can’t come after you.”

Sera swallowed hard, the enormity of what he was saying pressing down on her. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this. She wasn’t ready to dive into her father’s murky world of secrets and danger. But what choice did she have? “I can’t do this alone,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.“You’re not alone,” Lucas said, his eyes locking onto hers with a fierce intensity. “I’ll be with you every step of the way.” Despite everything—the betrayal, the heartbreak—there was something in Lucas’s eyes that made her believe him. As much as she wanted to push him away, she knew she needed his help. This wasn’t just about business or family legacy anymore. This was about survival.“Okay,” Sera said, her voice steadier now. “Where do we start?” Lucas smiled grimly, as if he had been waiting for her to ask. “We start with your father’s files. He kept meticulous records, and I’m willing to bet there’s something in his office that will lead us to the truth.” Sera nodded, a sense of resolve forming in her chest. She wasn’t a business woman, but she was stronger than she had ever given herself credit for. If her father’s enemies thought she would be an easy target, they were wrong.

“I’ll meet you tomorrow at the office,” Lucas said, turning to leave.As he reached the door, Sera called out, “Lucas.” He paused, glancing over his shoulder. “Yeah?” “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of years of pain and confusion. “For telling me the truth.”Lucas gave her a small nod, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them, before he disappeared down the hallway.

As the door clicked shut, Sera sank into a chair, her mind reeling. Her life had changed in an instant, and now she was on a path she had never expected. The truth about her father’s death, the enemies lurking in the shadows, and Lucas’s return—it was all too much to process.But one thing was clear: this wasn’t just about her father’s company anymore. This was about her survival.