Chapter 13

Kevin's face was completely ruined.

As the police shoved him into the squad car, he thrashed like a rabid dog, barking threats in my direction.

"Ayla, don't think I'll forget this!" he screamed. "When I get out, you're dead!"

I sat on the stone steps outside the villa, my clothes disheveled, blood trickling from the cuts on my neck.

Fixing my gaze on him, I replied calmly, "You're not getting out. I'll make sure of it. Everything you've done to me—I'll tell the police every last detail."

"There were plenty of witnesses back then. Now that you've lost the power you had in the Gray family, I'm sure at least one or two people will finally come forward."

Kevin thrashed harder, his eyes burning with fury.

"Ayla, you b—"

Before he could finish, the officers slammed the car door shut, cutting him off.

The flashing red and blue lights faded into the distance, leaving the villa shrouded in silence.

It was then that I noticed Lucas standing across from me.

He walked over, draped his jacket over my shoulders, and crouched in front of me to disinfect the cuts on my neck with a cotton swab.

The emotions I'd been holding back all night suddenly broke free.

My body trembled as I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around him.

"How long were you here?" I whispered.

Lucas hesitated for a moment before answering, "Since the moment I got your text."

His phone had received a message from me—a simple address, followed by two words: Wait for me.

There hadn't been time for us to coordinate or plan.

But just those two words were enough. Even though he'd seen everything unfold, he hadn't intervened or acted rashly.

This night had played out exactly as I'd designed it—a trap meant to end Kevin once and for all.

If Lucas had stepped in earlier, it would've ruined everything.

Closing my eyes, I leaned against him, finally letting my tears fall.

"For a moment back there, I was terrified," I admitted shakily.

"I know," Lucas murmured, gently patting my back. "But you handled it perfectly."

I thought back to the moment I saw Luna Yates slap Jenna around like she was nothing. That was when I realized that sometimes, survival means knowing when to rely on others.

Luna owed me a favor now. Someday, she'd repay it in her own way.

As I rested against Lucas's chest, I noticed something I hadn't before—his hands were trembling.

"Lucas, you…"

"Shh…" he interrupted softly, burying his face in the crook of my neck.

"Ayla, don't say anything."

On the drive back, Lucas held my hand tightly, never letting go.

He seemed utterly exhausted, his head resting against the seat as he dozed off.

Under the dim glow of passing streetlights, I noticed the bruises under his eyes for the first time.

After hesitating for a moment, I sent a text to his assistant, Mr. Carter.

Me: "Has Lucas been working a lot lately?"

A few minutes later, Carter replied:

Carter: "Yes. The company's been dealing with some trouble—caused by Mr. Kevin, of course. Mr. Gray hasn't had a proper night's sleep in days."

Carter (continued): "Just this morning, the police came, trying to arrest Mr. Gray on false charges of corporate fraud. Thankfully, we cleared things up in time."

It suddenly made sense why I couldn't reach him earlier.

Kevin had even stolen Lucas's car to pull off his latest stunt.

I typed another message:

Me: "Are Lucas and Kevin… not on good terms?"

This time, it took Carter three full minutes to reply.

Carter: "Their relationship is… extremely strained. For one, Mr. Gray's exile overseas years ago had a lot to do with Mr. Kevin's meddling."

So the harmonious "brotherly bond" the Gray family liked to present to the world was nothing but a façade, hiding years of betrayal and power struggles.

Carter: "Miss Ayla, Mr. Gray had just gotten back from dealing with the police when he saw your text. I imagine it was a lot for him to handle on top of everything else. I'm tied up at the moment—can I ask you to keep an eye on him tonight?"

I glanced at Lucas, his hand still gripping mine even in his sleep.

Me: "Got it. I'll take care of him."