Chapter 69: Search for Privacy
TERESA’S P.O.V.
"Bring the car around," Lucian commanded into the phone, his tone icy enough to freeze hell over. His voice carried that same don’t-you-dare-argue-with-me edge, making even the poor soul on the other end sound terrified. "We’re going back to the estate."
I crossed my arms and glared at him. "Lucian," I began, my voice deceptively calm while anger simmered just beneath the surface. "What do you think you’re doing? We can talk here. This is a company, why can’t we continue our discussion here?"
He turned to face me, and for a split second, I thought I saw a crack in his cold, marble exterior. His eyes softened, but his jaw remained clenched like he was fighting off a migraine. "This isn’t something we can discuss in the office, Teresa," he replied, his voice low but firm. "It’s... sensitive."
The thought of going back to his estate where I was humiliated, made my heart hurt. I raised an eyebrow, my arms tightening across my chest like I was preparing for battle. "Oh, so now I’m supposed to just drop everything and follow you like a little puppy? Let me make one thing clear, Lucian: I’m not one of your employees, and I definitely don’t have a contract tying me to you. I don’t take orders like some obedient robot anymore."
His façade cracked further—was that actual desperation flickering in his eyes? He exhaled heavily and rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking more human than usual. "Teresa, please," he said, his tone taking a sharp dive into almost apologetic. "Whatever grudge you have against me, can we put it aside for a few hours? I’m not trying to boss you around, I swear. I just need to talk. Alone. Somewhere private."
I blinked at him, half expecting him to pull out a white flag and wave it. "And your estate is the perfect place for this discussion?"
"It’s secure," he continued, ignoring my sarcasm. "I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of money making sure it’s soundproof. You’ll be comfortable. I promise I won’t do anything to make you uneasy."
The words hung in the air like an awkward silence at a family dinner. I wanted to tell him to take his estate and shove it, but the thought of the babies stopped me. Their safety mattered more than my pride or my intense desire to smack him upside the head.
"Fine," I snapped, my tone laced with reluctant defeat. "But Luke comes with me. Non-negotiable."
For the first time ever, Lucian smiled—or, well, almost smiled. His lips twitched, and his eyes glimmered with relief. "Deal," he said quickly, as if I’d just agreed to a million-dollar contract. Without waiting for further protest, he reached out and took one of the babies from my arms, cradling her like she was made of glass.