Page 131 of Lucas
I dial his number, but it goes straight to voicemail. “Maybe he’s in a meeting and turned off his phone,” I say, trying to convince myself as much as her.
She nods, but the worry doesn’t leave her eyes. “Don’t stress. I’m sure he’ll clear this up in a minute.”
“Yeah. Sure. I’m not worried.” I blow out a breath, running a hand through my hair. “You’re probably right.”
Cora picks up her phone again and starts dialing.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Calling his office.” She lifts the phone to her ear, tapping her foot.
“It’s not urgent.” I try to stop her, reaching for the phone.
“Not urgent?” She stands up and moves away from me, out of reach. “This is the most urgent ever.”
“Hello?” she says as someone picks up on the other end. “Can I speak to Lucas? It’s his sister, and this is an emergency.”
She listens for a moment, her brow furrowing. “He what?” Another pause. “Okay, thanks.”
“What? What did she say?” I demand, my hands curling into fists in my lap.
“He left for home almost an hour ago,” Cora says.
I nod, relief washing through me. “That makes sense. There’s a dead zone on the way to the estate. He probably just hasn’t gotten reception yet. If he left an hour ago, he should be almost home. I should go too. He doesn’t know I’m here, and he’ll want to talk to me privately.” I stand and smooth my hands down my thighs.
“Yeah, go. Talk to him. And don’t forget to update me. And don’t kill him, okay?” She tries to joke.
“I’ll let him grovel first,” I quip, forcing a laugh. He’s probably worried and looking for me.
I need to get home, need to see him. Need to reassure myself that everything is fine, that we’re fine.
That he meant every word he said last night.
Because if he didn’t, if this picture is real, if he betrayed me...
I don’t know what I’ll do. How I’ll survive it.
Chapter Thirty-Four
AVA
“Hey!” I call out as I enter the estate after an hour and a half of driving. “Lucas?”
I don’t understand what’s going on, my stomach churning with unease.
Hugo appears in the foyer, his face creased with concern. “Mrs. Ava.”
“Where’s Lucas?” I ask, my voice tight with urgency. “I need to talk to him.”
“Mr. Valeur was here. He was looking for you. I told him you weren’t home.” Hugo shifts on his feet, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Okay. But where is he now? At the office?”
“I don’t know. He left, but he didn’t tell me where he was going.”
“He’s not home?” My heart sinks, dread unfurlingin my gut.
Hugo shakes his head. “No.”
