Chapter 332: Her Decision

Braelyn’s POV

A maid. It made perfect sense but also absurd. How was Amelia able to come into contact with one of my maids? Who was it?

The look in Richard’s eyes told me everything I needed to know. He was not lying.

He fell on his face again, pleading, with a snort in his nose. “Please, I am sorry, Braelyn. I needed the money, and besides, I am also a victim in all of this too,” he said with righteous indignation.

I snorted at his pathetic display while Lucien remained relatively calm. He was just observing, with calculation written in his eyes.

Everything finally started aligning in a way that made my stomach churn. Before I could say anything else, the sound of tyres screeching cut through the silence.

A car pulled into the alley, blocking the entrance. My head darted towards the alley entrance, watching the car that had just arrived.

The headlights flared brightly for a moment before the engine died. The doors opened almost in unison.

Several men stepped out.

Their figures were blurred by the dim light, but there was something about the way they carried themselves that made the air grow heavier.

Richard’s breathing turned frantic again. “Who are they?” he whispered.

Lucien did not even glance back. “The professionals,” Lucien casually mentioned, as if it was not a threat but just plain truth. His eyes lazily fell back on the trembling Richard. Poor thing had just realised he was tricked. His biggest mistake was associating with those more powerful than him.

“We have to make sure you are not lying,” he calmly added.

Richard’s tears broke free without any restraint. “You promised…” he accused Lucien. “I told you everything.”

I felt my pulse quicken as I looked towards the figures approaching us. Something told me this night was far from over. The men immediately grabbed Richard, about to pull him away while he struggled, trying to break free.

“You cannot do this to me. You gave your word,” he barked. Lucien shrugged, almost bored.

“Miss Sinclair also gave you her word, but here we are,” he brushed off, and his face hardened.

“No way…” he muttered, defeated, losing all strength to fight.

Lucien sighed once more, bored. His hand found my back. His hold was gentle and grounding, as if he was telling me he had my back and was here for me.

Lucien’s eyes were still on Richard. “By now, you should have learnt your lesson, and besides, how are we certain you are not lying?” he said self-righteously with a smile, then gave the men a nod.

Richard did not bother fighting as he was dragged away. He was shoved into the back seat, and soon the car rolled out, leaving the alley quiet. The lights were still flickering.

Something warm draped around me, and his distinct sandalwood and expensive masculine cologne wrapped around me. It felt comforting in a strange way, like home.

“We should head out. It is getting cold,” he mentioned. We stepped out of the alley. The road was still busy as it was.

Lucien led me to his car, which was still parked over the road. The engine rumbled to life as it pulled out from the kerb and entered the night.

—

The elevator slid open, and we walked down a short entryway to the door. Lucien pressed his thumbprint on the biometric lock, and the door clicked open.

He led me into the lavish penthouse, the same one we stayed in the last time we were here. That brought back my thoughts. The hospital was yet to give me my test results.

I should ask Lucien later, I thought as my eyes darted around the room. “You should rest. I will prepare something for us to eat,” he offered.

“I am in the mood for home cooked meals,” he said before his back disappeared through the corridor. I strode towards a chair and immediately flopped into it before pulling out my phone.

My thoughts were spiralling during the ride, so I had switched off my internet connection. As soon as my data was on, the phone started vibrating in my hand as multiple text notifications flooded in.

This was a brand new phone. Even Genny did not have this number. Francesca had advised me to stay low for a while, so I had not contacted Genny during this period.

Besides, it was for the best. I did not want my disappearance to be traced back to her.

All the notifications were from one chat. The Voss family group chat that had every adult family member aside from Margaret. I was tagged in a picture of none other than Lucien and me at the restaurant.

Apparently, it was Javier who covertly took the picture and pinned it there after tagging everyone. There was no caption. It did not need a caption.

The group chat was chaos. Francesca was grilling Kyle, asking if he was the one who snitched to Lucien, with several threats. Kyle, the innocent victim, denied all allegations, but everyone assumed it was him. The rest were asking if I was alright. There were so many messages I could not read them all.

I laughed at the chaos, then sent one message.

Lynn: I am fine, and Kyle did not snitch. Lucien had his ways. It is the Hendrick guy’s fault for not showing up.

My message was like fuel to fire. Charlotte was the first to reply.

Charlotte: @Francesca You cannot even arrange a proper date. The boy did not even show up. If I were the one in charge, this would not have happened.

Francesca replied as soon as the message dropped, like she was stalking her phone.

Francesca: @Charlotte Oh please. You would not do any better. The poor boy’s mother just called me crying. Lucien threatened him.

Francesca: I always knew no one related to Ivan is good. @Lynn Please be careful. If that bastard does anything, we will cut every operation with his company.

Dominic: You know these apparent bad influences are both your favourite son’s close pals. Birds of a feather flock together.

I could already imagine the sneer on Dominic’s face.

Francesca replied like a phone soldier.

Francesca: I stand corrected. And Kyle is not my favourite. I do not do favourite children.

Alexander chirped in immediately, the quiet middle child.

Alexander: Completely believable.

While the Voss family were keeping themselves entertained with my drama, Elliot sent a single private message to me.

Elliot: If this is your decision, we will respect it, but make sure that Volkov boy is worth it.

That single message warmed my heart. I replied to him right away.

Lynn: Thank you.

Elliot: But are you certain about him? You have to be sure before we risk Mum having another fight with her best friend.

I thought for a moment, then glanced towards the kitchen, where the aroma of fresh food was drifting from, then replied.

Lynn: He made me remember what happiness means. I really do love him.

Elliot: Alright then. Remember, you are always a Voss.

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