Chapter 263

Serena's POV

"I've had people make inquiries," Atticus said. "Lucas is being held at the Portland detention center. Since the alleged misconduct occurred in Manhattan, the case will likely be tried here. They'll probably transfer him back to Manhattan within a few days. Do you want to see him now in Portland, or wait until he returns?"

"I need time to think," I said.

"Then I'll leave you to your thoughts." Atticus hung up.

I leaned back against the couch, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. Suddenly, so many things seemed unclear.

The next day, news of Lucas's arrest at his wedding broke. The initial media blackout followed by sudden widespread coverage could only mean one thing - the Thornes had completely abandoned him.

Sure enough, within half an hour of the news breaking, the Thorne family released a statement. Citing their century-old tradition of integrity and uprightness, they declared they would never allow anyone with criminal allegations to tarnish their family name. They officially announced the nullification of Lucas and Rachel's engagement.

The public reaction was immediate and divided. Some criticized the Thornes for their cold-hearted abandonment in times of trouble. Others supported their decision, arguing that criminal allegations were different from other issues and deserved severe consequences. The majority sided with the Thornes - after all, they still held power, while the Harringtons had lost their voice entirely.

Five days later, Atticus messaged me to say Lucas had been transferred back to Manhattan, including the address of the detention center where he was being held.

I continued to sit there, my mind racing with possibilities. The carefully constructed plans I had made were now lying in ruins, and I couldn't help but wonder if this had been Lucas's intention all along - to make himself so toxic that the Thornes would have no choice but to break the engagement. But at what cost?

After some hesitation, I decided to go. The meeting with Lucas went smoothly-Atticus must have arranged everything in advance. We sat facing each other in the sterile room, surrounded by a suffocating silence. Looking at his haggard appearance, a twinge of sympathy stirred in my heart, but I found myself at a loss for words.

"Are the allegations true?" I finally broke the silence. I needed to know the truth.

"No," he answered simply.

My heart skipped a beat. "Was this to break off the engagement?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"It was the only way to ensure everyone could walk away unscathed."

"What about you?" I asked, struggling to keep my emotions in check.

"Does it matter to you?" He suddenly smiled. Despite his worn appearance and the stubble on his face, somehow, even in such a dejected state, his smile remained devastatingly handsome.

I didn't answer. There was no point anymore. I had learned about his case from Atticus-he was being charged with corporate malfeasance involving billions. With numbers that high, he could face life imprisonment.

"How is this any different from choosing to marry Rachel?" I finally spoke, each word laden with anger. "To me, you being imprisoned is no different from you marrying Rachel!"

"Are you afraid I'll die in here?" he asked again, seemingly unmoved by my anger.

"I'm not afraid, but I feel sorry for kids," I replied coolly. "He has such an irresponsible father. But don't worry. Next time, I'll be more careful in helping them find a better daddy."

"Planning your next move while I'm still breathing?" he said with a hint of teasing.

"I'm not joking."

"I won't die," he stated plainly. "Since the allegations are false, I won't be convicted. This is simply the cleanest way to make the Thornes withdraw from the engagement."

"And then what?" I challenged him. "What happens when the Thornes realize you played them?"

"By then, they won't have the power to retaliate."

I furrowed my brow, suddenly glimpsing something in his words.

"That's all you need to know," he cautioned, then added softly, "Serena, as long as I'm breathing, I won't let Milo and Stella call anyone else 'daddy.'"

"Take care of yourself first," I retorted. But seeing his confident demeanor, I felt somewhat reassured. Lucas wouldn't be foolish enough to throw everything away just to break off an engagement. He was far too intelligent for that. I had to trust he had a plan.

"I'm leaving," I said, having gotten the answers I came for. I stood up to go.

"Serena." His voice stopped me, deep and tinged with emotion.

I paused, looking at him. "What is it?"

"Take care of Milo during this time."

"I know."

"And take care of yourself."

"I've always been good at taking care of myself."

"Don't fall for anyone else," he added.

I rolled my eyes. Even at a time like this?

"When I get out, I'm going to pursue you properly."

"I won't wait forever," I replied.

I saw his eyes flicker, a brilliant light dancing in them for a moment.

I turned away, my back to him, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.

As I was leaving, I heard him say, "It's a promise."