Veil of Shadows

Chapter Four- Evangeline

I leaned back in my office chair, trying to steady my breathing. The tension in the room downstairs had been palpable, and even now, the weight of the conversation lingered like a thick fog. Lucas's presence was still a jarring contrast to the cold efficiency I had tried to project. His anger and resentment had been unmistakable, and the way he had looked at me—almost as if he were still caught between love and fury—had unsettled me more than I cared to admit.

I glanced around my office, trying to ground myself in the familiar surroundings. The walls were lined with dark mahogany bookcases, filled with a mix of legal texts and family records. The desk, a massive slab of polished wood, was cluttered with documents and old photographs of my father. It was meant to project power and control, but right now, it felt like a prison of my own making.

My mind drifted back to the visitor downstairs. Ava had mentioned someone waiting for Lucas, and the thought of who might be in my home, unannounced and possibly with their own agenda, was troubling. It was a vulnerability I couldn't afford, especially in these fragile early days of my tenure.

I stood up and walked over to the large window behind my desk, pulling back the heavy curtains just enough to see the grounds outside. The night was still and quiet, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside the house. The moonlight bathed the estate in an eerie glow, and I could see the shadows stretching across the lawn. Everything seemed deceptively calm, but I knew better than to let appearances fool me.

As I stared out into the darkness, I thought about Lucas. He was once my father's right hand, a man who had been integral to our operations. Now, he was a thorn in my side, a reminder of everything I was trying to control. The way he had looked at me, the way his anger had crackled just beneath the surface—it was clear he felt betrayed. But I had no choice but to assert my authority. The Moretti name needed to strike fear and respect, not a semblance of weakness.

I shook my head, pushing away the distracting thoughts. I needed to be composed, to present myself as the leader my father had been. Lucas's lingering presence was just a distraction, and I couldn't afford to let it unravel me. I took a deep breath and straightened my posture, adjusting the black blazer I had donned earlier.

The thought of the visitor downstairs gnawed at me, but I had to focus. I needed to present a unified front, to make it clear that I was in control. I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was time to confront the situation and reassert my authority. Lucas's conversation had unsettled me, but I couldn't let it show. I had to go down there and remind everyone, including Lucas, who was in charge.

With a final glance at my reflection in the window, I steeled myself and made my way toward the door. As I descended the grand staircase, I could hear the murmur of voices from the lounge below. The low, indistinguishable hum of conversation grew louder with each step, and I could sense the shift in the atmosphere as I approached.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the lounge. The room was dimly lit, casting long shadows that seemed to dance across the walls. The visitor, a man whose face was partially obscured by the low lighting, looked up as I entered. His expression was neutral, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes. Lucas stood nearby, his posture rigid, as if he were bracing for an impending confrontation.

"Lucas," I said, my voice cutting through the murmur of conversation. "I believe it's time we address the situation."

I turned my attention to the visitor, trying to gauge his intentions. The room fell silent, and I could feel the weight of the eyes on me. I had to be authoritative, to make it clear that I was not to be trifled with.

"Welcome," I said, forcing a polite smile. "I understand you've been waiting for some time. Please, tell me what brings you here."

The visitor inclined his head slightly, his gaze shifting between Lucas and me. "Miss Moretti," he said, his voice smooth but carrying an edge of formality. "I'm here on business, but I also have some... personal matters to discuss with Mr. Thorne."