Page 104 of The Call She Made That He Never Answered
Eight o'clock.
Eight fifteen.
The clock's ticking filled the silent room. Half an hour past his usual time.
I stared at the screen, that familiar dread creeping back. That feeling from the manor—waiting for his call until dark, wondering where he was, who he was with.
I took a deep breath and dialed him.
It rang and rang until it went to voicemail.
I bit my lip, fingers trembling, and tried again. Still nothing.
My hands started shaking. Panic rose like a tide, threatening to drown me.
No. I told myself. You can't spiral like before.
Lucas nearly died trying to find you. He wouldn't ignore your calls without a reason. He must be tied up with something urgent, maybe in a critical closed-door meeting.
I had to trust him.
I set down the phone, walked to the desk, and opened my study guide. I needed to focus on my own work. I needed to trust Lucas.
I stared at the page. Couldn't read a word.
"Ella! Oh my God, get out here!" Maya's voice burst from the living room, panicked.
I hurried out. She held a tablet, her face pale.
"What is it?"
"Look at this," she said, shoving the tablet toward me. "The news."
Before I could take it, my phone buzzed in the bedroom.
"Hold on." I rushed back.
Lucas.
I grabbed the phone, nearly fumbling it. My voice came out raw. "Lucas?"
"Ella, I'm sorry," Lucas sounded utterly exhausted, background noise full of shouting and hurried footsteps. "I was dealing with an emergency. Missed your calls."
"What happened?" I asked, dread settling in my gut.
Silence on the other end. I could hear his breathing—heavy, like he was fighting to stay in control.
"I got served," he finally said. "Vivian's suing me for sexual harassment."
My mind went blank. "What?"
"She filed a lawsuit," Lucas said, tired and furious. "Claims I assaulted her in the office. She's got photos, so-called witnesses."
I sank onto the couch, legs weak.
"Because of yesterday?"
"Classic malicious litigation," Lucas said, barely containing his rage. "Vivian knows workplace harassment allegations are cheap and devastating. Even when legal wins the case, the damage is done. Wall Street competitors and tabloids won't wait for a verdict."
