Chapter 3 - The Woman Who Had Been Watching My Apartment Claimed She Was Trying to Protect Me, Then She Revealed Lucien Wasn't DeadThe woman's name was Elena Cruz.
Former accountant.
Former Falco associate.
Former Lucien operative.
She had spent years hiding.
“Why were you watching me?”
She looked at Adrien.
“Because he wanted you dead.”
“Who?”
“Lucien.”
I crossed my arms.
“He's dead.”
She shook her head.
“No.”
Adrien's jaw tightened.
“I knew it.”
Elena nodded.
“He faked his death.”
“For eight years.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because your brother was smarter than anyone thought.”
Adrien corrected her.
“Half-brother.”
She continued.
“Lucien believed the Falco family was vulnerable.”
“Because of the succession?”
“Yes.”
“And the baby?”
“He knew.”
“When?”
“Before Chicago.”
I felt sick.
“He knew about us?”
“He knew you were meeting Adrien.”
Adrien stared.
“How?”
“Your hotel reservation.”
I remembered.
The Chicago hotel had been booked through the company.
A corporate arrangement.
Someone had access.
Elena handed me another photograph.
Adrien and me.
Outside the hotel.
Taken through a window.
I closed my eyes.
“This is insane.”
“Yes.”
“What does he want?”
“Your child.”
“Why?”
“He needs a direct heir.”
“But Adrien has no children.”
Elena looked at me.
“Not until now.”
Adrien's phone buzzed.
A video appeared.
Lucien.
Older.
Alive.
Sitting behind a desk.
“I know you're watching.”
Adrien's eyes went cold.
Lucien smiled.
“Congratulations.”
I felt sick.
“Adrien.”
Lucien continued.
“That child is the most important thing you've ever produced.”
Adrien's fists clenched.
“Don't talk about my child.”
“Oh, brother.”
Lucien laughed.
“You finally sound like Father.”
The video ended.
Adrien turned toward Elena.
“Where is he?”
“I don't know.”
“Then why come here?”
“Because I can help.”
“Why?”
“Because I want out.”
Adrien didn't trust her.
Neither did I.
But she gave us information.
Lucien had infiltrated shipping companies.
He had acquired judges.
Police contacts.
Bank accounts.
He had been building a parallel empire.
The baby wasn't simply a successor.
The baby was leverage.
Adrien's father had left a secret trust.
If Adrien had a male heir, certain assets automatically transferred.
A transportation network worth billions.
Lucien wanted control.
But there was more.
The trust also contained evidence that could destroy several major political figures.
If Lucien gained the heir, he'd have access.
If Adrien refused, he would lose everything.
I asked:
“What happens if I give birth and the child is a girl?”
Elena looked away.
“Then the trust doesn't activate.”
I stared.
The implication made me sick.
“That's why he wants the baby.”
“Yes.”
He wanted the child because of what the child could unlock.
Not because of love.
Not because of family.
Because of power.
Adrien looked at me.
“We're changing the plan.”
“What plan?”
“Your pregnancy becomes public.”
I stared.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because hiding you makes you vulnerable.”
“But publicity makes me a target.”
“Not if everyone knows you're under my protection.”
“That makes you sound like a criminal.”
“I am.”
I laughed.
For the first time, he smiled.
May you like
Then he said:
“Let them come.”
Related Stories
