85(Lucian’s POV) Martha’s Desperation


    When we finally pulled apart, breathless, her forehead rested against mine. Her voice was low but certain.


    “I’m your wife,” she said.


    And Iughed-genuinelyughed-for the first time in what felt like days.


    The staff came to collect our bags. Just as they were loading them into the vehicle, Martha and Lacy intercepted us in the driveway like vultures circling. Mara let out a visible eye-roll-subtle, but pointed. She no longer owed Martha politeness after what that woman tried to pull..


    “That’s a lot of luggage for a simple vacation,” Martha said with a mocking smile, eyes scanning the bags like she had the right to inventory our lives.


    I was tired of the games.


    “What do you want, Martha?” I asked bluntly.


    She smiled sweetly-too sweet. “Since you’re in charge of the Nighthorn money now, I need you to transfer some funds to


    me.”


    For a second, I wasn’t sure whether tough or snap. The entitlement in her tone was stunning.


    “I’m not managing Nighthorn’s money,” I said tly. “That’s my mother’s money, and it’s not the family’s by default. If you


    need something, go to your mate. I’m sure Father still has a few side businesses under his name.”


    Her smile faltered.


    “And besides,” I added, “you should have plenty stashed away. After all, you and Northwood have been stealing from Steel


    Corp for a while now.”


    Her eyes widened. First shock. Then indignation. Then confusion.


    “I never stole a dime!” she snapped. “Northwood gave me money. I helped him win contracts, get better bids. I earned that


    money.”


    I stared her down. “He didn’t pay you from his pocket, Martha. He padded invoices, delivered substandard goods, falsified quantities. He stole from thepany-and that’s what he paid you with.”


    I watched her face closely.


    The truth hit her like a slow-moving wave. First, her confidence crumbled. Then came the anger. And then, finally, the realization.


    “Lucian,” she said, her voice quieter, cracked. “You have to believe me. I wouldn’t knowingly steal from this family. I needed money-for things I couldn’t tell your father about. Life-threatening things. I… I didn’t think Northwood would underdeliver.