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Lucas’s expression darkened, shadows of anger and disbelief crossing his face. His jaw tightened, muscles twitching. “She didn’t come home? Not even in the afternoon?”

Maria shook her head quickly, swallowing hard. “No, sir. She hasn’t come back at all.”

His fists clenched tighter at his sides, trembling with barely contained rage.

So she hadn’t come home.

She’d stayed with Jacob this whole damn time?

The thought ignited a fire inside him, burning hotter with jealousy and frustration.

He spun on his heel, muscles taut, ready to storm out of the house when the grand doors swung open suddenly.

Dillon appeared, striding fast with urgency in every step, eyes sharp, phone raised in hand.

“Mr. Cantrell,” he called out, voice urgent, “there’s something trending about you.”

Lucas’s glare snapped to him. “What now?”

Dillon held out his phone.

Lucas snatched it from him, eyes narrowing as he scanned the screen, tension coiling tight in every muscle.

BREAKING: Lucas Cantrell Brings Rumored Fiancée to Work—Wedding Bells Soon?

Just below the headline was a photo—him and Amelia, walking side by side out of the office building that afternoon.

‘Lucas Cantrell makes it official with rising star Amelia Jones, an upcoming jewelry designer gaining industry attention’

Lucas’s heart sank.

More headlines followed like knives:

‘Are the rumors finally confirmed? Sources say Mr. Cantrell introduced her as his future wife’

‘Lucas Cantrell and Amelia Jones: The Power Couple of the Industry?’

‘Amelia Jones: Jewelry’s Rising Star—and Lucas Cantrell’s Chosen One’

Chapter 10 My Home

Across the city, Amelia sat comfortably on her armchair, a smirk curling on her lips as her eyes skimmed over the news headlines.

Every article flashed images of her and Lucas—her and Lucas walking out of Cantrell Corporation, laughing at business parties, standing far too close in boardrooms. Every image deliberately taken at an angle that made them look like an intimate couple lost in quiet conversations and lingering glances.

Her eyes sparkled. Her smile deepened, smug and satisfied.

The phone rang.

She picked it up lazily. “Yeah, you did a good job,” she said, cool and calm. “I’ll transfer the rest of the amount to your bank in an hour. Just keep the news trending as long as possible.”

Then she tapped the screen and ended the call.

Leaning back into the plush armchair, Amelia closed her eyes, her smile still stretching across her face. Relief and happiness settled on her features.

But at Cantrell Mansion, Lucas was anything but calm.

His eyes burned holes through each headline, every article only adding fuel to the fire building in his chest.