Chapter 164: So You Knew All That Time
The exit from the station had been utter chaos but the drive back to the penthouse was slow and subdued, Levi had suggested they stay away from the house as it would probably be packed full with paparazzi.
The earlier urgency that had propelled Lyse from the women’s shelter to the police station had dissipated, leaving behind it a heavy awkwardness. The realization that she had thrown everything away immediately she discovered that Levi had been in trouble made her reflect on her feelings. The weight of the day’s revelations, the accusations against Levi, the shocking truth about Brandon’s parentage, hung heavy in the air between them.
Levi drove carefully, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. He could feel Lyse’s gaze on him, but he avoided looking at her, afraid of what he might see in her eyes. Disappointment? Anger? Disgust? He didn’t know if he could bear it. Even though she said that she believed him, he wondered if she had said it because there had been people there.
When they finally arrived at the penthouse, the familiar opulence of the lobby felt strangely oppressive. Lyse stepped out of the car, her movements slow and deliberate. She walked towards the elevator, her gaze fixed on the polished marble floor.
Levi followed her, his heart heavy. He knew that this conversation was inevitable and he dreaded it, he would rather fight a bear. He just didn’t know if he was ready for it.
They rode the elevator in silence, the only sound the faint hum of the machinery. When they reached his floor, Lyse stepped into the apartment and walked towards the bedroom. Levi followed her, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.
When Lyse reached the door, her hand hovering over the handle. She paused, her back still to Levi. Then, she turned abruptly, her eyes meeting his.
"Did you kill her?"
Levi took two quick steps forward and said earnestly, "I had no reason to do that." He insisted, "she called my phone, that’s all. I did not even go to see her."
Lyse kept quiet and turned away, "Levi," she said, her voice low and steady. "Did you know?"
Levi’s heart sank. He knew exactly what she was talking about. He had known this question was coming sooner or later.