Samantha

LUCIAN'S POV

I leaned against the cool glass of my office window, whiskey in hand, watching the city lights flicker like dying embers. My mind was a battlefield—every decision a potential landmine. I had spent months playing the game, lying, deceiving, manipulating, but Elena was changing everything.

I couldn't get over what had been in the confidential file Jason sent. It contained a blueprint of a revolutionary energy prototype—one that could disrupt the entire industry.

And it belonged to Elena.

No wonder my father wanted her crushed.

I exhaled sharply. If she lost control of her company, this invention would be in Dad's and Damon's hand before she even realized what had happened. This was bigger than money—it was about power.

A knock on my office door disrupted my thoughts.

I shoved the file into the drawer as Elena stepped in.

"I need a drink," she said, as she collapsed into my couch.

I raised a brow. "Rough day?"

She exhaled. "Something is not adding up Lucian. My father's records are incomplete. There are missing files, financial discrepancies, and—" She paused. "There's something else."

I leaned forward. "Tell me."

She hesitated. "I don't know if you know of the Blackwoods, I think and I know they had something to do with my dad's death."

"I also think there's something my dad left that they're after."

My stomach tightened. She was too close.

"You think your father was murdered?" I asked carefully.

Elena exhaled. "I just know he was, I've been noticing a lot of inconsistencies."

She turned and met my gaze. "I don't know who to trust Lucian, please can you help me get to the bottom of this matter, and bring the Blackwoods to justice?"

A beat of silence.

I clenched my jaw. I should be pushing her away—but instead, I heard myself say "You can trust me."

She searched my face. "Can I?"

My throat went dry. "Yes."

I was torn between loyalty to my family and something deeper—something I wasn't ready to name.

As Elena stepped out of my office and into the night air, my mind was torn. She had smiled at me today—genuine, trusting.

If only she knew who I really was.

But there was no time for self-doubt. I had already made my choice. I was going to protect her—even if it meant betraying my family.

Just as I reached my car, a sharp voice cut through the silence.

"Going somewhere Blackwood?"

I tensed before turning. Gabriel leaned against a sleek black car, arms crossed, his smirk sharp as a knife.

"You know," Gabriel continued, 'I was beginning to wonder when you'd stop playing both sides.'

Gabriel's gaze darkened "Don't insult me. I see the way you look at her. I see the hesitations in your actions. Do you really think you can protect her?"

My dingers curled into fists. "I think you should stop talking before you say something you'll regret."

Gabriel chuckles and says "She doesn't know who you are, does she?" he continued, his voice taunting.

"Imagine her face when she finds out she's been trusting a snake."

My grip tightened around my glass. I wouldn't take the bait.

"You think you can threaten me?" I say coldly. "You should be more worried about yourself."

Gabriel laughed. "Oh, I'm not the one lying to the woman I'm falling for.

I exhaled sharply. "Stay out of my way, Gabriel."

"Or what?" Gabriel's voice turned icy. "You have a lot to lose Lucian, I'm not even done with you. You'll pay dearly." "As for Elena, I still have her in mind too, and you can't even stop me Lucian but I'll like to see you try."

I didn't flinch as I ask, "Is that a threat, Harper?"

Gabriel smiled coldly. "Whatever you make it to be Blackwood."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, fists clenched, heartbeat pounding.

Gabriel knew I was getting closer than I supposed to. It's only a matter of time before Damon knows.

And that meant Elena was in greater danger than I thought.

I spent the next few hours at my apartment, going through every financial document, every business contract linked to the Blackwoods.

I had to find something—anything—anything that could be used against my father and Damon.

Jason had already sent me files earlier this week, hinting at suspicious transactions, but it wasn't enough. We needed something that could bring them down for good.

Just as I was deep in research, my phone buzzed.

Elena.

My chest tightened as I answered. "Hey you're still awake?"

"About what I told you about, I wish I knew what to look for."

I stared at my screen, at the open files—the very proof I couldn't give her yet.

"Maybe start with older documents," I suggested. "Go through old partnerships, deals that were made before you took over. You might find something there."

She was silent for a moment before she whispered, "Thanks, Lucian. I don't know what I'd do without you."

I closed my eyes. If only she knew.

"Get some sleep, Elena," I said gently. "We'll figure this out."

As the call ended, my expression hardened.

I wanted to protect her at all costs.

But one question remained in my mind, how would she react when she finds out, who I really am?

The next morning, Samantha was watching me.

 I could feel her eyes tracking me across the office. She was subtle, but not subtle enough.

"Something on your mind, Samantha?" I asked, leaning back on my chair.

She smiled, a picture of professionalism. "I just find it interesting how invested you are in Elena's affairs."

I raised a brow. "Isn't that my job?"

"Oh sure," Samantha said, tilting her head.

"Except you act more like a bodyguard than a consultant. Always in the right place at the right time. Always covering for her. It's almost like you know things before they happen."

My muscles tensed. I kept my expression neutral. "You're overanalyzing, Samantha. Maybe you should take a vacation."

"Maybe you should tell me the truth," she shot back, her gaze unwavering.

I gave her a slow, deliberate smirk. "Careful Samantha. You're starting to sound paranoid."

She narrowed her eyes but said nothing and walked away. I just have a feeling she knows something. She was getting too close.