Chapter 9
The library of Kensington Manor was filled with the Board of Directors. Julian sat at the head of the table, looking solemn and triumphant.
"It is with a heavy heart," Julian began, "that I propose we declare Lucas permanently incapacitated. For the good of the company..."
The double doors banged open.
Lucas Kensington walked in.
He was wearing a charcoal three-piece suit. He leaned heavily on a cane, but he was upright. He was walking.
The room gasped. Julian dropped his pen.
"Lucas?" Julian stammered. "But... the reports..."
"Were exaggerated," Lucas said. His voice was cold, authoritative. He limped to the head of the table. "Get out of my chair, Julian."
Julian scrambled up, pale as a ghost.
Lucas sat down. He looked at the Board. "I'm back. And I'm freezing all asset transfers initiated in the last ninety days."
The meeting was short. Brutal. Julian was stripped of his interim powers.
After the directors left, Winston, Katherine, and Mia remained in the room.
Lucas turned his gaze to Mia.
"Thank you for your assistance," he said. His tone was transactional. "Now, to the matter of our 'marriage'."
Mia stiffened.
"I've instructed my lawyers to draft a settlement," Lucas said. "Five million dollars. You sign the annulment, and you leave today."
Mia felt the blood drain from her face. It wasn't about the money. If she left, she lost access to the Kensington network. She lost the only lead she had on her son. She couldn't leave. Not yet.
"You're kicking me out? After I saved your life? After I saved your son?"
"I don't like blackmail," Lucas said. "Your father forced this marriage. I am un-forcing it."
"Lucas!" Katherine cried. "She saved Leo!"
"I'll pay her for that too," Lucas said dismissively. "Alfred, escort Ms. Sterling to the gate."
Two security guards stepped forward.
Mia's mind raced. She needed a lever. She needed to break him.
"NO!"
A small scream pierced the air.
Leo sprinted into the room. He was wearing his pajamas.
He threw himself at the security guard reaching for Mia. He opened his mouth and bit down hard on the man's hand.
"Aagh!" The guard yanked his hand back.
Leo scrambled in front of Mia. He spread his small arms wide, shielding her.
He looked at his father. His face was red, streaked with tears.
"No go!" Leo screamed. "Mommy stays!"
Lucas froze. He stared at his son. Leo was looking at him with pure defiance.
"Leo..." Lucas stepped forward.
"NO!" Leo shrieked. He turned and wrapped his arms around Mia's legs, burying his face in her skirt. "My Mommy! Mine!"
Winston slammed his cane on the floor. "That settles it!"
The old man glared at Lucas. "Look at the boy, Lucas. And look at your own heart monitor logs. She is the only variable that stabilizes this family. Logic dictates she remains."
Lucas looked at his grandfather. He looked at his weeping son. He looked at Mia, who was stroking Leo's hair, her face a mask of cold victory.
He was trapped.
"Fine," Lucas spat. "She stays. For the boy."
He walked up to Mia. He leaned in close, so only she could hear.
"You can stay in this house. You can play mother to my son. But don't think you're my wife. You're a glorified nanny. And I will never touch you."
Mia looked him dead in the eye. She smiled, sharp and dangerous.
"Don't worry, darling. You're not my type."
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