Page 143 of Lucas

He folds the pages and sets them on the table, his brow furrowed. “Lucas. What was so urgent?”

“I need to talk to you.” I remain standing, my hands shoved in my pockets to hide their trembling.

“I’m listening.” He leans back, crossing his legs.

“We should do this in private.” I glance around the room, my nerves stretched taut.

“There’s no one here.” He waves his hands at the space, confusion flickering in his eyes.

No, there’s no one here, but he has an entire staff of employees who, I’m sure, listen to every word. I remain standing, my jaw clenched.

“Okay.” He gets to his feet with a heavy sigh,his Italian leather shoes sinking into the plush Persian rug. “Let’s go to my office, if it will make you feel better.”

I follow him down the long, portrait-lined hallway, our footsteps muffled by the thick carpeting. I close the door behind us, making sure it’s shut tight so no one can overhear like I did.

I turn to face him, my heart pounding against my ribs. “I’m transferring Gant back to Ava. I’m not going to dismantle it. I love her, and I want her to be okay.”

Dad tilts his head, studying me with an inscrutable expression. “Did you come to ask for my permission?”

“No. I came to inform you.” I lift my chin, meeting his gaze head-on.

A smile spreads across his face, surprising me. “I’m glad.”

I narrow my eyes, suspicion coiling in my gut. “You’re glad I’m giving her the company back?”

“No. I’m glad you decided without me and that you’re willing to stand against me. That’s what I’ve always wanted from you. To show some backbone. To fight for what’s important to you. Now I know you’re ready to take my place at the helm of our empire, and I can step back.” Pride gleams in his eyes, warming his stern features.

I stare at him, baffled. “So you wanted me to fight you?”

He laughs, the sound jarring in the tense atmosphere. “Not exactly. I wanted you to fight for yourself. I’m not thrilled that you chose someone from the Gant family, but I’m willing to accept that she’s good for you. You’ve changed. And I’m happy about that.”

I nod, processing his words. “I love her.” The admission falls from my lips, raw and honest.

“I know. I also know she left the house.” He raises an eyebrow, a silent question.

“How do you know that?” I shake my head, marveling at his omniscience.

“There aren’t many things that escape my notice. Fight for her, Son. I told you before that there aren’t many things in life more valuable than love. Love is something worth fighting for. Love has driven the world since the dawn of time.” His voice is fervent, his eyes distant as if remembering something long past.

He’s right. Ava is worth fighting for.

I lick my lips, steeling myself. There’s no easy way to approach this, no way to soften what I’m about to ask. Better to just rip off the bandage.

“Dad.” My voice cracks on the word, and I clear my throat. “I need to know. Did you... Did you murder someone?”

His eyes widen, and he turns as pale as the wall behind him. “Why would you ask me something like that? Where is this coming from?”

“That’s not an answer,” I point out, my voice steady. “Did you kill someone? It’s a simple question. Yes or no.”

“Where did you hear that?” he demands, leaning forward, his hands gripping the edge of his desk.

I sigh, the weight of the world pressing on my shoulders. “From you. You were talking about it on the phone.”

“Who else knows?”

I shake my head, holding his gaze.

“Did you tell anyone else? One of your siblings?” he presses, urgency bleeding into his tone.