C30 Confidentiality And Dangers

Heaving a sigh, she leaned forward, glaring at Shirley, “Do you have to be this way? If you feel apologetic about the past, shouldn't you do better now?”

She leaned back in the chair before continuing, “You're trying to tear me apart from Lucas by all means possible, do you think I'd be so blind not to see it? Or that I was still that naive girl you stomped on six years ago? FYI, you're going to be surprised.”

Sophia stood up quietly, ready to go, “Don't be surprised if I do not turn up the next time you call. I'm done with your bullshit. When the time comes and you can tell me the full story, call me then.”

With that, Sophia turned to leave, leaving Shirley on the seat.

On the drive home, Lucas asked her about her conversation with Shirley but she waved it away as unimportant.

There was no point in discussing the matter since Shirley wouldn't tell her who did it.

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

She had been troubled all day, wondering about the disturbing sketches and the fire at her workshop. The police hadn't come up with any other information except the possibility of it being arson—which was disturbing, not even suspects.

How was she going to move on with her life properly if someone was after her? Lucas can't always be by her side; he has a company to run. She wished there was a way to get Shirley or even Lucas to talk.

But those two are very consistent in keeping her in the dark. Too many questions remained, and Lucas was at the heart of it all. Maybe she should have another chat with him.

She followed the butler to the library, where Lucas was studying documents behind a huge wooden desk.

Sophia's nails were digging into her palms as she tightened her fists. "Lucas, can you tell me whatever you know about the sketches and the fire at my studio?”

Lucas's countenance was unreadable as he reclined in his chair. "I don't know anything about it, Sophia; let's not do this again."

In response, Sophia's voice rose. "But someone did it, and those sketches didn’t just appear out of nowhere," she said.

"You have been secretive and aloof. How can you expect me to continue trusting you?”

Lucas squinted his eyes. "You think I’m lying to you?"

Sophia defiantly met his gaze while crossing her arms. "I'm sick of being kept in the dark, and I believe you're concealing something on purpose.”

The chair scraped the floor as Lucas jerked to his feet. He circled the desk and paused a few feet away from her. “Sophia, I have nothing to do with this. However, you're correct—I have been aloof. I can't tell you certain things that could endanger you further.”

The sadness in his words made Sophia's heart hurt, but she was unable to let it change her mind. "Lucas, that is insufficient. I can't be around these concealed threats and half-truths. I should know what’s going on."

Lucas looked away, running a hand over his hair. "You don’t understand, and you don't listen. This... it’s not the regular girl bickering you're probably used to. This is about —-”

Sophia drew closer as well, her voice softening. "Then let me help you. Don’t just shut me out. Tell me what's up and we can go through it together."

He exhaled deeply, his shoulders drooping. "I wish I could, but if you knew, you’d be in even more danger."

Frustration bubbled up in Sophia. "Lucas, I’m already in danger. They set fire to my studio. Someone’s trying to scare me, and I’m not running. But I must be aware of my opponents.”

Lucas turned back to her, his face a mask of conflict. "You’re right to be outraged, but you have to trust me on this. I'm taking care of it."

Feeling the sting of tears she would not shed, Sophia shook her head. "You're shoving me away once more. I can’t live like this, Lucas."

Lucas's hand hovered close to her shoulder before he stopped. "Sophia, I..."

His phone buzzed on the desk before he could finish. He scowled as he looked at it. “It's my assistant, Daniel. I have to take this."

Sophia stepped back, her walls going up. She said, "Go ahead. We're done here," and walked away, anger evident in her stride.

Lucas's expression tensed as he took the phone. "Daniel, this better be important."

The phone crackled with Daniel's voice. "Mr Hawke, I thought you should know—Damien Cross is back in New York. He has been back since about a week ago.”

Lucas's knuckles whitened as he tightened his hold on the phone. "Damien’s back? And you’re just telling me now?"

"I didn’t know until today. He’s been keeping a low profile," Daniel explained quickly.

Lucas seethed. "You ought to have realized as soon as he entered the country. Damien can't just appear out of the blue. Daniel, have you been doing the bare minimum at your job?”

"I apologize, sir. I’ll gather more details," Daniel vowed.

"Take that action. And find out everything he’s been up to since he got here," Lucas ordered before ending the call.

Sophia unexpectedly walked back into the room. She had been eavesdropping at the door. She watched him with wary eyes. "Who is Damien? Is he related to all of this? Who is he?”

Lucas sank into the sofa and let out a sigh, his shoulders falling. "Everything just got more complicated."

Sophia's interest blazed, but the library door creaked open before she could question him further.

A maid entered with a tiny, sealed envelope. "Mr. Hawke, this just arrived for you," she said, handing it to Lucas.

Lucas took the envelope, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the handwriting.

He opened it, his expression darkening as he read the contents.

Sophia’s stomach knotted as she observed him. "Is everything all right?” She asked.

Lucas’s jaw clenched as he folded the note and returned it to the envelope, trying to look composed. “It is business. I need to make some calls.” He excused himself and left the room.

Safely outside, he unfolded the paper again, the words were simple but chilling: “Cut her loose, or the next fire won’t be just a warning.”

His guts twisted in anger as he balled his hands into fists. “That son of a bitch!”