red into the Lucas's private library. She sat with a sketchpad perched

guidelines. Even in quiet, his attention was evident as

f triumph. But it should also reflect the suffering that comes before it. Each st

t's a tall order. However, I bel

simply interested in art, Ms. Lynns. This has to do with legacy. You're craft

d. "I understand the seriousness of this, but I'l

daries are important. But so also is initiative. I'll arrange a small studio at the estate where you'll always b

one thing you must comprehend. "I value honesty. Tell me if you think someth

antly. "Alright. In exchange, I will require u

"Obviously. However, Ms. Lynns, don't confuse distance wit

be a way to get around this man. She didn't blame though, p

why he did it, but a knock soon sounded at the door and middle aged woman ent

use keeper will take you to the studio I mentioned, where y

d stood, taking

grounds of the house after seeing t

s crisp. She wanted a respite from Lucas's intensity, an o

good-looking? Or because of his commanding posture? Either way, she knew bette

er thoughts. Pulling it from her pocket, she

y West

thumb resting on

entor in almost six years, and th

Shirley had betrayed her, broke her trust for reasons best known to her.

etter judgment. "Shirley," she said in

voice, there was a sense of urgency in

acknowledged. "Why are you cal

about your new commission

htened. "How are y

us tone. "Listen, I must caution you. Lucas

sed. "Dang

y don't know because you're all about work and doesn't socialize. There is a

main composed. "I believe I am capable of making my own decisi

elled, "This isn't about me. It concerns you

rose a pitch, "The one who harmed me was you! But you called after all these years sprouting gibberish a

ter when she spoke again. "Just exercise caution, Sop

t to retort whe

Sophia returned to the stud

e space, she couldn't take h

with natural light and high-quality s

le, her fingers curving the edges, itching to wor

ulative. Not who

looked up to see Lucas standing th

with ambiguity as he remar

aning to his ambiguous remark, she replied, "I needed t

ze drifting to the sketches.

ting started,

his expression unreadable.

all from someone earlier. So

ly, but his voice remained c

t you," she said, wa

smiling faintly, though it lacked warmth. "Most people oft

find the source trustworthy." Sophia adm

ar-whisper. "Then let me make one thing clear, Sophia. I can be a lo

th meaning, and Sophia's pulse quic

h that deep voice. Oh...this man will probably

m being dangerous, manipulative and th

the studio, Shirley's v

who you th