Chapter 33 The Caller
\-Lucien-
A small smile tugged at my lips as I signed the final page and replaced the pen in its holder.
Moments like this were exactly why I did what I did. Just like that, the bank had approved the transfer for a major project.
Jackson grinned, “That’s it. Done.”
We’d spent months trying to get approval for this project. The bank demanded detailed budgets, permits, contractor contracts, land ownership proof, every number verified, every document in order. One mistake, and it could've all gone south.
“Good,” I replied, straightening my suit. “Finally.”
The account manager gave a polite nod. “Thank you, gentlemen. I’ll get these filed right away. Everything’s in order.”
“Appreciate it,” Jackson said, offering a quick smile.
After all that was done, we exited the office, and that’s when I noticed the unmistakable figure down the hallway.
Celeste.
She stepped out of the loan office, holding a folder close to her. She seemed rather upset and didn’t notice us as she continued down the hallway.
What was she doing here?
I stayed still for a while, studying her retreating figure, watching her hands slide across her face. She was in tears.
The account manager and Jackson were still engrossed in a conversation when my legs began to move.
I walked to the loan office she had just left, and without knocking, I let myself in.
“Mr. Blackwell.” The woman rose to her feet. Of course, she knew my name, I was a familiar face here because of business.
“The woman who just left, why was she here?” I asked immediately.
She hesitated, letting out a dry laugh. “No one of importance. She came for a small business loan…”
My jaw clenched. No one of importance? How dare she?
“But she’s not eligible. We only approve loans for businesses that have been registered over a year.”
“Let me have her form.”
Quickly, she handed it to me, confusion written across her face. My eyes skimmed the paper, and a pang of guilt shot through me. She needed this for the contract she had just gotten, money for equipment, to hire staff.
A small sigh escaped me, though I hated how it felt. This was all my fault. Because of me, she couldn’t turn to her family, and yet, she couldn’t come to me either.
I cleared my throat. “Call her back.”
Her brows arched. “Excuse me?”
“Call her back. Give her the loan.”
“Sir, I can’t—our policies don’t—”
“Would you rather lose your job over a matter of ‘no importance’?” I said sharply.
Her cheeks flushed red as she nodded, fumbling with the phone. I watched her call Celeste, summoning her back to the office.
“Don’t mention why you changed your mind. Do you understand? And don’t tell her anything about my interference. I’ll take care of it myself.”
Her confusion, but she nodded.
Jackson came in at that moment, “Is everything alright?”
“I have already handled it, Jackson. Come on, let’s head back to the office.”
The last thing I wanted was Celeste running into me. If she knew about my interference, she’d reject it. Even though she knew she needed it. I knew she was that stubborn.
So for now, I'll do what I can behind the scenes.
“Was that for Madam?” Jackson asked as we walked out of the bank.
“Madam.” I smiled at the way it smoothly rolled off his tongue.
“Technically, she’s your wife now. What else am I supposed to call her, Miss Ashford?”
I scoffed as we entered the car. “You really are something, Jackson.”
“So, are you still considering your father’s deal?” He continued. “Seems to me you actually care for Celeste more than
you’re willing to admit.”
“It’s part of the plan, Jackson.” I muttered.
The engine hummed softly as he started the car.
He let out a mocking laugh, driving out the parking lot. “I do hope you know what you’re doing, Lucien.”
I didn’t respond.
I hope I know what I’m doing too.
“I looked into the Ashfords like you asked. Turns out your father was right, Edward was a thorn in the Ashfords’ side. He’d been gathering evidence against the family, but they claimed he was unstable. No wonder they framed his death as a suicide.
He had a wife and son, they fled abroad after his death and cut ties with the family.”
“A family, huh? My father didn’t mention that either. Look into that and let me know what you find.”
Just then, I got a call. It was the officer from the prank call case.
“Mr. Blackwell. Can you come down here, we have an important update on your wife’s caller…We’ve tried calling her.”
“Right, I’ll be there soon.” Turning to Jackson, I told him, “Make a turn, and head to the police station.
\---
“His name is Brad Miller Thirty‑two. He worked as an artifact courier, basically someone who delivers rare items to different locations. Travels a lot. No stable home.”
The officer cleared his throat.
“We found his body this morning, in an abandoned storage unit. No gun at the scene. No weapon at all. Meaning it wasn’t suicide.”
Then another officer added, “He also had a history of cyber stalking. Prank calls. Harassing unknown women. Your wife’s number was one of them. Investigations are ongoing, he probably got caught up with the wrong people.”
The first officer continued. “We’ll let you know if there’s any new development.”
“Thank you, officer.” I shook his hand and stood, but something about this felt… off. Way deeper than a prank call.
Just then, the door burst open and Celeste came rushing in, eyes wide as she approached the other officer. Beads of sweat poured down her face as her chest heaved breathlessly. She was stressed.
I stood, watching as he explained what had happened. Her hands flew to her mouth, and her eyes clouded. My chest squeezed at the
sight. So I went to her.
Without warning, she threw herself into my arms, trembling. I felt a knot twist in my stomach, but I couldn’t pull away.
“He’s gone…” she whispered in between sobs. “It’s all my fault.”
I held her tightly, afraid she’d breakdown if I let go. “It’s not your fault, Celeste.” I gently stroked her hair.
And even as I said it, a cold thought reeled through my mind. What if this… was about her?
What if this was far more dangerous than we’d ever imagined?