Page 85 of Lucas

I’ve been poring over the numbers for days and I just can’t see a way out. When I tried to ask Father about it, he lashed out at me, accusing me of joining the enemy camp.

I flip through the pages again, searching for anything, any data point that could save someone’s job. I just can’t agree to Lucas’s ruthless downsizing plan.

Hold on.

Turning back a few pages, my gaze lands on the largewarehouses we own on the outskirts of the city. They’re valued at tens of millions and sit almost empty. They cost us money. A lot of money. If I sell them off, that could give us some much-needed breathing room.

Granted, it still involves layoffs, but we’re talking single-digit job losses and short-term employees. We have a few other underutilized properties I could lease out too, to reduce the costs. At least until we land a new project. I can also trim some fat from various department budgets.

It’s not ideal, but it’s the lesser evil.

Massaging my throbbing temples, I run the numbers again. This could work.

It will work.

I can’t believe I found a solution.

Typing up all the data, I triple-check my work before hitting print. Snatching up the pages, I bolt for the stairs, taking them two at a time up to the executive floor.

Bursting into Lucas’s office, I wave the folder. “I did it!”

My voice cuts off, and my eyes widen as I take in the room full of suited men gathered around the table. Lucas’s secretary jumps up from her typing and hurries over to me.

“Mrs. Valeur, you don’t have an appointment right now,” she whispers, glancing around.

“Oh, sorry. Please continue.” I take a step back, cheeks flaming. Damn, I should have checked he was alone first. I just assumed.

“Wait,” Lucas’s deep voice rings out. “Gentlemen, my wife needs my attention, so we’ll have to resume this meeting another time.”

The execs all stand to gather their things, grumbling under their breaths.

“No, really, it’s not urgent,” I stammer, but they’re already filing past me out the door as I press myself against the wall.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Valeur,” his secretary says once we’re alone. “I had no idea she would barge in here unscheduled like that.”

My spine stiffens. Barge in? I’m his wife, not some floozy off the street.

Lucas shoots me an unreadable look before addressing her. “My wife doesn’t need an appointment. If she wants to see me, she has an open invitation at any time.”

“Yes, sir.” Gathering up her laptop, she gives me one last disapproving stare before stepping out and shutting the door.

“Ava.” Lucas takes a step closer, his voice low.

The air seems to vanish from the room, along with my ability to form words.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have interrupted like that. It’s not urgent.” I press my back against the wall, needing support.

“Like I told my secretary, you’re always welcome if you need me.” He takes another step, invading my space until mere inches separate us.

“Why?” The word escapes unbidden.

He cocks his head. “What do you mean?”

“Why would you say I’m welcome anytime? You hate me.” My chest rises and falls. Hates me or not, my body sure hasn’t gotten the memo. I suck in a deep breath, inhaling his dizzying scent.

“I don’t hate you, Ava.” He shakes his head, eyes burning into mine. “Believe me, my life would be a lot simpler if I did, but I don’t.” He presses his forehead against the wall by my temple.

“Are you okay?” I whisper when he makes no move to pull back. “Did something happen?”