C10 Intense Art Session

Still troubled by the anonymous note, Sophia showed up at Hawke Enterprises for a planned meeting with Lucas.

She hadn't told him or anybody else about the note. The vague warning left her feeling exposed and uncertain about whom to believe.

Daniel, gave her a courteous but preoccupied nod as she entered the sleek, contemporary office.

He shuffled a pile of papers and added, "Mr. Hawke will be with you shortly."

Sophia placed her sketchpad on the table and said, "Thank you."

A folder fell out of Daniel's hand while he was filing, scattering its contents onto the ground.

Sophia stooped to assist him out of Instinct, picking up some stray papers.

"Allow me—" Daniel started, but halted when he saw the document she was holding.

Sophia's heart skipped a beat when she took one look at it. It was a dossier with a picture of her from years ago and her name at the top.

Below it were thorough notes regarding her relationships, artistic career, and even her financial difficulties before meeting Lucas.

"What is this?" She held up the document and demanded.

Daniel's face turned red. “It's nothing at all. Just standard research, as Mr. Hawke asked.”

"Standard research?" Sophia's voice rose as she repeated. "This is my life! Why would Lucas require such a thing?”

Daniel struggled for a response, but Lucas entered the doorway before he could say anything.

"What's happening here?" His tone was calm yet tinged with power as he questioned.

Sophia held out the document as she turned to face him. "You tell me. Why do you have this?”

As Lucas collected the paper from her, his face grew serious. "This isn't what it looks like, Sophia."

"So what is it?" She demanded. "Because it appears that you have been looking into me."

With a groan, he combed through his hair. "I had to know who I was collaborating with. You must consider things from my point of view. Sophia, I don't just let anyone inside my world without investigating them. I needed to be certain that we could work together. And you could handle—-”

"Handle what precisely?" Her voice cut in impatiently, shaking as she asked.

Lucas paused, his normally assured demeanor wavering. "It's difficult."

"That isn't a response!" Sophia yelled. "Why are you unable to simply tell me the truth? About everything that's going on. All this strange stuff going on since I met you."

Lucas took a step forward, his eyes intense. "Because there's no turning back once you know. Sophia, believe me. This is for our mutual protection, not just for me.”

Sophia was furious, but she hesitated when she heard Lucas's tone of sincere concern. She heaved a heavy sigh and asked, looking intently into his eyes for the first time, “Lucas, can I trust you?”

Lucas heaved a sigh as well. He moved closer to her, holding her gaze. Placing his hand on her shoulder, he assured her, ‘You can trust me, Sophia.”

Sophia nodded, even though she knew she shouldn't give in.

***********************************************

They had never had a session like the one they experienced that day. Lucas stayed with Sophia, putting more pressure on her than ever before, expecting flawlessness in every detail and brushstroke.

He was so intense that she was out of breath and annoyed. She finally put down her brush and exclaimed, "Why are you acting this way?"

His voice was stern as he stated, "Because this project is bigger than you realize. It's about creating something that will outlive us both and making a statement, not just about art."

Her spine tingled at what he said. His tone was almost fanatical, as though the endeavor had a deeper meaning than she yet understood.

Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she questioned, "What kind of statement?"

Lucas took a while to respond. Rather, he examined her so intently that she felt vulnerable. "You'll understand when the moment is appropriate. For now, simply have faith in the process.

Sophia wanted to fight and ask questions, but she was hushed by the weight of his stare.

Sophia decided to give Shirley a call later that night. Sophia needed someone to help her make sense of everything, and Shirley seemed like her best shot even though she didn't trust her, not completely.

Shirley's voice sounded sharp but worried when she answered. "What's going on, Sophia? I'm sure you're not calling to exchange pleasantries.

Seeming anxious, Sophia started by saying, "I found something," describing the dossier event and Lucas's enigmatic actions.

Then there's the note I received, which says, 'Leave before it's too late.' I'm at a loss for what to think.

After a period of silence, Shirley let out a sigh. "I have to tell you something, Sophia. I should have told you this years ago.”

"What is it?" Sophia's pulse accelerated as she asked.

"I have a history with Lucas," Shirley said.

Sophia gasped. "What sort of history?"

As though considering what to say, Shirley paused. "I betrayed you because of Lucas. He made me an irresistible offer: the opportunity to further my career in return for…. giving someone else your commissioned piece.

Sophia felt a knot in her stomach. "You betrayed me because of him?"

"It wasn't about him alone," Shirley blurted out. He was collaborating with individuals who controlled my career at the time. Sophia, I had no other option. But, you do.”

Sophia was struck by the words like a freight train. She no longer felt certain about anything she believed to be true from Shirley, Lucas, or her history.

Her voice trembled as she questioned, "What does he want from me?"

"I'm not sure," Shirley said. “But it's more than simply your art, no matter what. Sophia, be careful. Lucas poses a threat in ways that are beyond comprehension”

Sophia hung up the phone, her head buzzing with inquiries. What would Lucas have done now if he had planned Shirley's betrayal all those years ago?

And above all, what was it he wanted from her?