We have a lead.

Lucian steps out of the packhouse, heading straight to his car.

His expression is unreadable, his thoughts tangled. He doesn't hesitate as he gets in, pulling the door shut and gripping the steering wheel for a moment before starting the engine.

Without a second glance, he drives off, the road ahead barely registering in his mind.

He isn't going to the company.

He had told Anna he was, but that was a lie.

His destination is the cottage.

Jackson is waiting for him there.

The drive isn't long, but it feels endless with the thoughts racing through his head.

He had told Anna he wanted to start over with her. That was the plan, wasn't it? To make her believe it, to see if she truly had something to hide?

But now, sitting in his car, speeding toward the cottage, the memory of her hopeful expression leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.

She had believed him.

Lucian doesn't know why that bothers him.