Mattias parked in front of Celine's apartment, his fingers drumming on the steering wheel as his frustration built. He glanced at Lucia and Celine, who were giggling like teenagers, swaying slightly from their night out. Their dresses—glittery, revealing, and screaming trouble—only added to his mounting dread. If Mr. Sterling found out about tonight, it wouldn't just be Lucia facing the consequences.
"You've had your fun. Now get inside before you cause more damage," Mattias said, his voice low but firm.
"Oh, lighten up, Mattias," Celine said, rolling her eyes as she helped Lucia out of the car. "She's fine. I'll take care of her."
"I hope you're ready to face Mr. Sterling when this blows up," Mattias retorted. "They call him ruthless for a reason."
Celine smirked, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. "Whatever. Good night, Mattias." She led Lucia toward the apartment, the latter muttering incoherent words under her breath.
Mattias watched them disappear inside, his jaw tight. He didn't care for Celine's bravado. If Malcolm Sterling got wind of tonight's escapades, no one would escape unscathed. Shaking his head, he started the car and drove off, his mind already dreading what the morning might bring.
---
Two hours later, Morgan entered Malcolm's study in Chelsea, his shoulders tense. Malcolm sat behind his desk, his icy gaze fixed on the screen of his laptop. The room was silent except for the faint ticking of a clock, but the air was heavy with restrained anger.
"Well?" Malcolm asked without looking up.
"We couldn't find her at the club, sir," Morgan said, standing stiffly. "She left with two people—her secretary and a friend. The staff confirmed they went to a private address."
Malcolm's fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk, his calm demeanor betraying the storm brewing beneath. "Track them down. Find the address."
"Sir, should we also look into the man from the club?" Morgan asked hesitantly.
Malcolm's head snapped up, his gaze sharp. "Later. For now, focus on bringing her home."
Morgan nodded and pulled out his phone. "I'll call Mattias for information."
Malcolm leaned back in his chair, his jaw clenched. The image of Lucia on the dance floor, grinding against a stranger in that scandalous dress, replayed in his mind like a mocking taunt. Even if theirs was a loveless marriage, she should have at least shown some decorum. Instead, she was determined to test his patience.
---
Mattias had barely fallen asleep when his phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand. He groaned, fumbling for the device. Seeing Morgan's name on the screen, his stomach dropped.
"Yes?" he answered, his voice groggy but alert.
"Mr. Sterling wants Lucia's location," Morgan said curtly.
"She's at Celine's place," Mattias replied, sitting up. "I dropped them off a couple of hours ago."
"Text me the address. We'll handle it from here."
Mattias hesitated. "Morgan, do you really think this is necessary? She just needed to blow off some steam. Dragging her back might—"
"Mr. Sterling gave an order," Morgan interrupted, his tone brooking no argument.
Mattias sighed, rubbing his temples. "Fine. I'll send it now."
"Good. And stay alert," Morgan added before hanging up.
---
At Celine's apartment, Lucia sprawled on the couch, her head pounding from a combination of alcohol and regret. Celine sat beside her, a glass of water in hand.
"You'll feel better after this," Celine said, pushing the glass toward her.
Lucia took a sip and winced. "Why does everything feel like it's spinning?"
"Because you had one too many shots," Celine said with a chuckle. "But hey, it's not every day you get to party like that."
Lucia groaned, covering her face with a pillow. "I shouldn't have gone out. Malcolm's going to kill me if he finds out."
Celine waved her off. "Relax. He's probably too busy with his precious ex to care."
A loud knock interrupted their conversation, making both women freeze.
"Who could that be at this hour?" Celine muttered, rising to her feet.
The knock came again, followed by a booming voice. "Lucia, come out."
Lucia's blood ran cold. She sat upright, her eyes wide with panic.
"Did I hear that right?" Celine whispered.
Lucia swallowed hard. "It's him. Sterling."
Celine's confidence faltered, and she glanced nervously at the door. "What do we do?"
Lucia grabbed her arm and pulled her back toward the couch. "Do not open the door. Pretend we're not here."
The knocking continued, each thud more forceful than the last. "Lucia, I know you're in there," Malcolm's voice called out, calm yet menacing.
Celine looked at Lucia, who shook her head vehemently. "He'll leave if we don't answer."
"Are you sure about that?" Celine asked, her voice trembling.
As if in response, the sound of footsteps echoed outside, followed by voices.
"Surround the building," Morgan's voice ordered.
Lucia's heart sank. She should have known better than to think Malcolm would give up so easily.
---
Inside the apartment, tension hung thick in the air. Celine peeked out the window and gasped. Seven luxury cars lined the street, their occupants stepping out in unison.
"This is insane," she whispered.
Lucia buried her face in her hands. "I told you he's relentless."
Before Celine could respond, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw Mattias's name.
"Mattias?" she answered, her voice shaking.
"Celine, open the door. Now," Mattias said urgently.
"What? Are you crazy? He's out there!"
"That's exactly why you need to open it. Trust me, it's better if you cooperate."
Celine hesitated, then hung up. She turned to Lucia, who was staring at her expectantly.
"What did he say?" Lucia asked.
Celine bit her lip. "He thinks we should open the door."
Lucia shook her head firmly. "No. Not until he calms down."
Another knock came, this time softer. "Lucia, last chance," Malcolm's voice warned.
Celine and Lucia exchanged a look, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
---
Outside, Malcolm stood rigidly, his patience wearing thin. Morgan approached cautiously.
"Sir, should we—"
"Stay back," Malcolm said sharply, his eyes locked on the door.
Inside, Celine finally made a decision. Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door and opened it a crack.
Malcolm's icy gaze met hers, and she felt a chill run down her spine. "Where is she?" he demanded.
"Mr. Sterling, maybe we can—"
"Where is she?" he repeated, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Celine stepped aside, revealing Lucia, who stood with her arms crossed, her defiance barely masking her fear.
Malcolm's jaw tightened. "Let's go. Now."