Chapter 13 - The Canceled Wedding
Vanessa’s smirk vanished instantly, replaced by a look of profound shock. "What did you just say?"
"I said get out," Lucas repeated, standing up from his desk. His imposing height and the cold, unyielding authority in his voice made Vanessa take a physical step backward. "The wedding is off. The engagement is over. You will pack whatever you brought into this house, and you will be gone before Lily wakes up tomorrow morning."
"You can't do this!" Vanessa shrieked, panic finally piercing her arrogance. "The invitations are out! The press is covering the ceremony! If you humiliate me like this, I will ruin you, Lucas! I will go to the media. I will tell them you are unstable, that you are emotionally abusive!"
"Go ahead," Lucas challenged, walking around the desk. "Go to the media, Vanessa. Tell them whatever lies you want. But if you ever threaten my daughter again, if you ever lay a hand on her, I will use every ounce of power, wealth, and influence I possess to ensure you never work in this city again. I am a builder, Vanessa. But I know exactly how to tear things down."
Vanessa stared at him, realizing for the first time that the gentle, accommodating widower she thought she had manipulated was a complete illusion. Beneath the grief was a man made of absolute steel.
May you like
She turned on her heel and fled the office. Lucas spent the next three hours sitting in the dark, listening to the frantic sound of suitcases being dragged down the stairs and the sharp slam of the front door.
When the house was finally quiet, Lucas walked upstairs to Lily's room. He sat on the floor beside her bed, resting his head against the mattress, and watched her sleep. He had protected her. He had kept his promise.
