When Lyra arrived at the office, her expression was cold enough to freeze the entire floor.
The air around her felt heavy. No one dared to speak. Everyone lowered their heads and avoided eye contact. They all knew one thing—someone was going to suffer today.
She was furious.
Not because of work.
Because of Lucien.
She had walked straight into his trap. She only wanted to spend time with him, but he had turned everything around on her. Not only did he dodge her, he scared her off with those ridiculous needles.
Her grip tightened as she walked.
Just wait, Lucien.
Her lips curled slightly.
I'll make you beg for me. Let's see how long you can resist.
The image of him losing control, his eyes filled with desire, made something stir inside her.
By the time she reached her office on the top floor, the tension had already spread. Without even sitting down, she gave an order.
"Meeting in one hour. Everyone brings their proposals."
The deadline was still two days away.
Panic broke out instantly.
Employees rushed in all directions, grabbing files, making calls, printing documents. The entire floor turned chaotic in seconds.
Ruth stood at the side, watching everything with worry. Just that morning, Lyra had said she was taking the day off. Now she was back—and in a terrible mood.
Something was clearly wrong.
…
Amid the chaos, a calm, smooth voice cut through the tension.
"Why does everyone look like they're about to collapse?"
Heads turned.
Fred Crossel had arrived.
He looked like he had stepped out of a magazine—sharp suit, perfect posture, a gentle smile that could win anyone over. He had the kind of presence that made people trust him instantly.
And he knew it.
"Manager Fred!"
Several employees rushed to him, almost desperate.
"Please help us. The boss suddenly called a meeting—today!"
Fred listened patiently, his smile never fading.
"Relax," he said softly. "I'll talk to her. But I can't promise anything."
Still, his words alone calmed them.
To everyone here, he was reliable, capable, and close to Lyra. Someone who could influence her.
Only a few knew the truth.
Fred was Lucien's stepbrother. Rina's son.
In front of others, he always played the role of the kind, misunderstood younger brother—constantly "bullied" by Lucien. Behind the scenes, he was the one who provoked him, pushing Lucien into embarrassing situations.
And Lyra had seen just enough to know things weren't that simple.
Fred adjusted his sleeves and walked toward Lyra's office. He knocked lightly.
"Come in."
He entered with a cup of coffee and a few files.
"Good afternoon, Madam."
He placed the coffee on her desk.
Lyra didn't look up immediately. When she did, her expression was blank.
"Leave it. What do you want?"
Fred lowered his gaze slightly, his voice soft.
"It's about my brother."
Lyra's eyes sharpened, but she said nothing.
"I heard he woke up," Fred continued. "Father was very worried. We… we couldn't visit him earlier."
He paused, as if hesitating.
"So Father would like to invite you both for dinner."
Then he added quietly, "I know my brother doesn't see me as family… but I've always treated him as my elder brother."
His tone turned heavier.
"When he tried to take his life, I was really worried. He can be emotional… and sometimes rude, but please don't take it to heart. I'll explain to him how much you cared for him during his coma."
Anyone listening would think he was sincere.
Concerned. Kind. Selfless.
But Lyra wasn't anyone.
She stared at him, her expression unreadable.
Before, she wouldn't have cared.
Lucien's past, his family—none of it mattered to her.
But now, things were different.
Lucien had changed.
He hadn't asked about his family. Not once. Not his father, not his stepmother, not even this so-called "caring" brother.
Instead, he had shown emotion where it didn't make sense—like when he saw her father.
That reaction wasn't normal.
And then she remembered something else.
When Lucien was in a coma, his family didn't visit him.
They came to her instead.
Not to pray for him.
Not to worry about him.
But to complain.
They called him a disgrace. Said he had ruined both families' reputation. Said he was weak for attempting suicide.
And then…
They suggested she remarry.
To Fred.
Her gaze grew colder.
That day, she had felt disgust.
Even if she didn't love Lucien then, he was still her husband. And they spoke of replacing him like he was nothing.
Pathetic.
After that, she had quietly ordered Ruth to investigate everything about that night.
What really happened.
Who was involved.
And now, standing in front of Fred, watching his carefully crafted act…
A thought crossed her mind.
Is he really as innocent as he looks?