Chapter 222

Sophia’s new apartment was surprisingly close to the company, and the rent was unbelievably affordable. The only downside? That dimly lit alley she had to walk through every night. But she didn’t think much of it—until now.

She paused at the foot of the stairs and turned around. “I’m here. Thanks.”

Harrison halted, his hands shoved into his coat pockets. “No problem.”

Sophia scratched the back of her neck, forcing an awkward smile. “They’re probably waiting for me, so I won’t invite you up. Rain check for tea?”

“Don’t bother,” he muttered.

“Right. Well… goodbye.” She waved, unsure how to respond to his bluntness. When he didn’t move, she hesitated before climbing the steps. At the landing, she glanced down—he was still there, unmoving beneath the flickering streetlamp.

She waved again. “You can go now.”

“Yeah.”

But he didn’t.

With a quiet sigh, Sophia hurried inside, careful not to wake her mother. Once in her room, she flicked on the desk lamp and peered out the window.

Harrison stood exactly where she’d left him, his broad frame casting a long shadow. Only when her light clicked on did he finally tilt his head up, meeting her gaze for a brief second before turning away.

She watched as he disappeared into the alley, his silhouette shrinking until it was swallowed by the darkness. A strange warmth curled in her chest.

Lucien rolled onto his back, his face pale. He yanked the blanket over his head, exhaling sharply.

“Lucien.” Vanessa’s voice was soft, hesitant. “I can’t come over for the next few days. The new product launch is almost done, and I can’t slip away. Plus, Dominic won’t be as busy anymore. I’m worried—”

“Why are you so scared of him?” Lucien sat up abruptly, the sheet pooling around his waist. He didn’t bother covering himself, just draped a towel loosely over his lap.

Vanessa didn’t need to look to know he’d lost more weight. They’d been meeting like this for months—she knew every inch of him. And right now, he looked brittle.

Once, he’d been sharp, dangerous. Now? She wasn’t sure how much longer she could rely on him.

“It’s not fear,” she corrected, sitting up. “It’s strategy. I don’t want to risk anything.”

Lucien scoffed, moving to the couch. He pulled out a small pouch and dumped its contents onto the table. “We both know what this is. You get what you need from me. So why can’t I have what I want?”

“You think I’m marrying him?” His mocking laugh made her stiffen.

“For now, he’s the best option,” she said flatly. “Just like I’m yours.”

Lucien smirked but didn’t deny it. He leaned forward, rolling a thin paper between his fingers before bringing it to his nose. His breath hitched.

Vanessa turned away, disgusted. She slid out of bed and headed for the bathroom—then froze.

A single drop of blood stained the tiles beneath her.