Chapter 59

Dr. Tate was a legend in archaeology. Every PhD student he'd ever mentored was practically a superstar in the field. These days, he almost never accepted new apprentices. For Lucie, this was a golden opportunity she couldn't pass up.

"Alright then, I'll let Mr. Murphy know you've made up your mind," her grandfather said.

"Yeah, thanks, Grandpa."

When the call ended, Lucie let out a shaky breath. Something inside her- something she thought had gone out-flickered back to life. She'd been obsessed with archaeology and ancient artifacts since she was a kid. The mysteries left behind by people from centuries ago had always called to her. Being an archaeologist had been her dream. But she'd given it up when she got married and became a mom so young.

Now, though... it felt like she could finally pick up where she left off.

"I'm only twenty-four. It's not too late for anything," Lucie told her reflection in the mirror, giving herself a quiet pep talk.

At twenty-four, she'd already been a wife and a mother. Now, she was about to be divorced. For the rest of her life, she wanted to do something that actually mattered to her.

She was about to start the car when her phone buzzed on the passenger seat. It was a message from Edgar: [Mr. Heath's lawyer is asking for a pre-trial mediation. It's set for next Wednesday at 10 a.m.]

Lucie quickly checked her calendar. The mediation didn't clash with the exhibition at all. Still, she had zero interest in mediation, and even less in seeing Steven face-to-face.

[I'm not accepting mediation. Let's just follow the regular process,] she replied. [Understood.]

She put her phone down, started the car, and got ready to head back to Cedarbrook Hall. But as soon as she turned the key, a sleek black Maybach came tearing up behind her, engine growling. Panic shot through her. It's Steven. Heart pounding, she tried to pull away, but he was already too close.

With a screech, Steven's car whipped past her, then spun

sideways in front of her, blocking her in. Her heart felt like it was about to explode. She threw the car into reverse, desperate to get away, but Steven was relentless, He kept edging forward slowly but surely pushing her car back until she was pinned against the curb and some low hedges. She was stuck.

The engines went silent. The tension was suffocating.

Steven's door flew open and he strode toward her, his anger practically radiating

off him. He slammed his fist on her window.

"Open the door." His face was hard and cold, jaw clenched, knuckles white with fury. "Lucie, are you done running yet?"

Lucie gripped the steering wheel so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She tried

to back up again, but there was nowhere to go.

"Open the door," Steven barked, banging on the window even harder.

"Stay away!" Lucie shouted, grabbing her phone with shaking hands, ready

Call for help. She cursed herself

for not bringing a bodyguard

Steven saw her reach for her phone and instantly understood. He pulled a small window breaker from his pocket, pressed it to the grass and-crack!-the window shattered.

Lucie screamed. "Steven, what the hell are you doing?"

Steven's face was dark, his eyes stormy. He reached in through the broken window and unlocked the door.

"Get away from me!" she yelled, but it was too late.

He yanked the door open, unbuckled her seatbelt, and pulled her out of the car.