Chapter 47

I spotted him at the end of the hallway, standing outside the conference room. When he saw me, his entire body went rigid, files slipping from his grasp and scattering across the floor.

"Jane?"

The disbelief in his voice was palpable.

I gestured for him to come to my office later, then headed toward my office. Lucas followed me like a man in a trance, his eyes never leaving me, as if I might vanish the moment he looked away. I closed the door behind us, grateful for the momentary reprieve from the collective shock of the office.

"You're alive," Lucas finally said, his voice uncharacteristically unsteady. "How... where have you been?"

I moved to my chair, gesturing for him to sit opposite me. "I know, and I'm sorry for that. Someone tried to kill me," I said simply. "Twice, actually. The first time at the abandoned factory when you were taken, and then the explosion. I needed to disappear to draw them out."

His eyes widened. "You faked your death? Without telling anyone? Without telling me?"

I met his gaze steadily. "I couldn't risk it. Whoever is behind this has extensive resources and connections. The fewer people who knew, the safer everyone would be."

Lucas finally sank into the chair across from me, his expression shifting from shock to a hint of hurt. "So who did know?"

I hesitated. "Hunter."

"Hunter?" His voice sharpened. "Why him? He was a suspect in your murder!"

"That was part of the plan," I explained. "I've been staying at his mountain estate. It was the one place no one would think to look for me."

Lucas stood abruptly, pacing to the window. "Your father has been arrested for your uncle's murder. Did you know that?"

"It's why I've come back," I confirmed. "My father is innocent. He's being framed, just like Hunter was framed for my 'murder.'"

Lucas turned to face me, his professional composure returning. "Who do you think is behind all this?"

"I suspect my cousin John killed my uncle Robert," I said. "But he's not the mastermind. Someone is pulling the strings, someone with patience and resources. They're systematically attacking my family."

"Have you found the person behind this?" Lucas asked.

"Not yet," I admitted. "But their objective is becoming clearer. This was never just about me. I was an obstacle to removing the leadership of the James family." I tapped my fingers against my desk, thinking. "My father found Robert dying with a knife in his chest. Robert grabbed my father's hand, put it on the knife handle, and said 'I'm sorry' before dying."

"He deliberately implicated your father?" Lucas looked stunned. "Why would he do that?"

"To protect someone," I said grimly. "I suspect he was protecting John. I think John killed his own father, and with his dying act, Robert tried to shield his son."

"Do you have evidence?"

"Not yet," I admitted. "But I will." I reached into my drawer and removed a small recording device. "I'm going to get a confession."

Lucas's brow furrowed. "From John? Jane, that's incredibly dangerous. If he's capable of killing his own father..."

"My cousin doesn't have that high of an intelligence," I said dismissively. "Obviously someone is using him, manipulating his greed and weakness."

Lucas insisted, "Let me come with you."

I shook my head. "Lucas, I can protect myself. If something goes wrong, I'd be thinking about protecting you instead of gathering evidence."

A flash of hurt crossed his face, but I continued, softening my tone. "Besides, I need you here. The firm can't appear to be in disarray. Can you handle my appointments today?"

He hesitated, clearly wanting to argue, but his sense of duty won out. "Of course."

Lucy's POV

In the car, I shot a cold glance at Mary who was driving, warning:

"Mary, when we meet Hunter later, watch what you say. Know what you should and shouldn't mention, understand?"

"Don't worry, I'll definitely help my own family. Why would I help outsiders?" Mary appeared obedient and docile.

"Good, as long as you know who the outsiders are. Once William is convicted, his 50% of the shares will naturally transfer to our family," I explained..

"Why?" Mary asked in surprise.

"Because your grandfather left a will stating that if either brother harmed their siblings or seriously damaged the group's interests, they could be stripped of all shares based on the will." I smiled lightly. I was sad about Robert's death, but these benefits were too tempting.

"No wonder dad and uncle never acted selfishly all these years," Mary said.

"Once this matter is resolved, I'll find you a good family to marry into," I glanced at her, offering reassurance.

"I'll follow mother's arrangements in everything," Mary replied with a gentle smile.

Hunter's POV

I was reviewing a particularly complex merger agreement when my secretary's voice crackled through the intercom.

"Mr. Huxley, Mrs. Lucy James and Miss Mary James are requesting to see you. They don't have an appointment, but they're insisting."

James family members? Interesting timing. I instructed my secretary to show them in.

Moments later, the door opened, and Lucy wasted no time with pleasantries. "Mr. Huxley, I'll be direct. What exactly is your relationship with Jane?"

I maintained a neutral expression, though I was somewhat annoyed by her assumption. I gestured for them to sit in the chairs opposite my desk.

"Please, sit down. I prefer to discuss case-related matters only. Personal questions are outside my professional scope."

Lucy's eyes narrowed as she took a seat, her posture rigid. "Case-related? We haven't discussed any case yet."

"Then I assume that's why you're here," I replied evenly, leaning back in my chair. "Unless you've come to discuss someone else's personal affairs, which seems rather... unconventional."

Mary settled gracefully but measuredly into the chair beside Lucy. I noticed how her eyes constantly assessed the room.

Lucy leaned forward slightly. "There are rumors, Mr. Huxley, that you and Jane have been... particularly close recently. Some might even say you've been working together behind the scenes."

I allowed myself two seconds of silence. "Mrs. James, I maintain strict professional boundaries with all my colleagues. If you're here seeking legal counsel, I suggest we focus on that. Otherwise, I'm afraid I have other appointments."

"Before I entrust you with a case that could destroy my family, I need to know where your loyalties lie," she pressed.

"My loyalty lies with whoever signs my retainer," I stated plainly. "Once I take a case, I pursue the client's best interests with everything at my disposal."

Lucy studied me, seemingly reassessing.

"My husband Robert has been murdered," she suddenly said flatly. "And William is the suspect, with Jane representing him."

I raised an eyebrow. "And you want me to represent you against Jane in a murder trial involving family members?"

"Yes."

I nodded slowly, deliberately. "My fee will be one hundred million."