Chapter 163

Lucas POV

Walking back into the company filled me with anxiety, even though I tried not to show it on my face.

My father was nowhere to be seen and people continued to run amuck as I walked toward the elevators.

I doubted that my father would just let this incident slide. He was going to question me about why Shana was here, and I needed to prepare myself for what I was going to say.

As I went up to the top floor, I tried to sort through my thoughts. What would my father ask me? What answer would he like to hear?

Once I finally reached the top, the elevator opened, and I began to walk to my office.

Just as I was about to reach the door, I noticed a security guard standing right outside of it.

The only person in this entire building who had security following him at all times was my father.

"Is he inside?" I asked the tall, burly guard.

He gave me a curt nod instead of giving me a clear answer with his words.

I took a deep steadying breath before pulling open the door.

The tension hit me immediately as my father's icy gaze bared down on me. He stood next to the tall floor to ceiling windows, his arms folded behind his back.

His spot by the window gave him a clear view of the city below. It also gave him a good view of the parking lot below.

I hoped in that moment that he didn't see Shana and I in her car.

"Lucas," my father pointed to my desk chair with his chin. "Sit."

I obeyed his command, and I couldn't help but feel like I was walking on very thin glass. It would be wise for me to think carefully before speaking. I didn't want to trigger another storm from him.

"You had an interesting visitor today," he said simply, allowing me the floor to clear up any confusion.

"Shana's upset we ended things," I explained, my face a mask of indifference and calm. "I've been avoiding her for a week, and she wasn't happy about that."

My father regarded me with a raised brow. I could tell he was trying to sus out if I was being truthful or not.

He wanted me to explain more, so I said, "I told her not to bother me here anymore because I'm too busy focusing on the work that needs to be done."

Instead of letting me know if he believed me or not, my father suddenly announced, "I want the engagement party to happen soon."

His tone left little to no room for negotiation. It was his way, or no way at all.

"After what I witnessed today, it's clear that girl will only continue to be a distraction in your life. The sooner you're married to Victoria, the better. Maybe then Shana will understand that she is not meant to be with someone of such high standing, like you."

My father's insinuation that Shana wasn't good enough for me made my blood boil, but his first order shocked me more.

He wanted Victoria and I to get engaged much earlier than I thought. My heart raced as I realized things would be moving incredibly fast.

I had never anticipated for this to happen. I thought that he would pay Shana's debt off way before I had to start engagements with Victoria publicly.

"I...," I started, my voice trembling as I struggled to find the right words. "I didn't expect you to want things to move so quickly. What's the rush?"

"What's the rush?" My father leaned forward, his gaze drilling into mine. "Do you have an objection to this?"

"Of course, not... but I just haven't spoken to Victoria about it much."

"This is non-negotiable, Lucas." He took a few steps forward. "The engagement party must be soon."

I nodded, feeling a sense of defeat wash over me.

What more could I do? If I tried to fight him on this, he would be suspicious of me. I needed him to trust me, and I needed him to think that I actually wanted this engagement to happen.

I had no choice but to accept my father's demand. "Alright," I mumbled, "I'll speak to Victoria as soon as possible and we'll start planning everything."

My father seemed content with my response as he began to walk toward the door of my office.

I hoped that he couldn't sense the unease in my demeanor. It felt he wanted more and more from me, and it was beginning to become too much to handle.

For now, it was in my best interest to comply.

However, just as I thought my father would be done, he turned near the front door. He tilted his head as he revealed something deeply perplexing.

"As you know, I have security constantly reviewing footage and they alert me immediately when something strange happens."

"Yes..." I trailed off, not sure where he was going with this.

Shit, did he see Shana and me kiss?

"I was notified that someone was found on our premises," he said, his voice dropping to a more ominous tone. "Your cousin was spotted outside the company building. He was found talking to Shana. Did she mention anything to you?"

My cousin? The mention of him took me by surprise. What the hell was he doing talking to Shana, and how did she know who she was?

The shock was difficult to hide from my face as I asked my father, "My cousin? Edwin?"

"The very one."

"No," I said with confusion. "No, Shana never mentioned anything about Edwin."

My father's face was blank as he blinked.

Why wouldn't Shana tell me that she had run into Edwin? That seemed like something she wouldn't want to keep from me.

I guess we were so caught up in our other conversation that she didn't have the opportunity to tell me.

"They seemed awfully close," my father continued. "He had his hands on her."

"What?" I snapped and realized that my reaction was a bit extreme. I wanted my father to think that I didn't care about Shana, and showing any emotion was not going to work in my favor. "I mean, where?"

"Just outside the building," my father's eyes scrutinized me before he nodded to himself. "But, I see... We should tread carefully. Your cousin is an odd sort. He might have his own agenda now since he isn't the heir anymore."

That was right. I had taken the heir status away from Edwin. Was he upset with me? Is that why he was trying to communicate with Shana?

If he put his hands on her... I don't even want to think what I'd do.

As my thoughts travelled down a dark path, I couldn't help but feel a heat build in the room from my anger.

I found myself caught between my newfound loyalty to my father and my concerns for Shana and her safety.

I wanted to ask my father more about the matter, but asking would only lead to suspicion. The only person I could ask was Shana, and that would be hard to do until I saw her in person again.