Lethal Temptation (by Michelle Ray) novel Chapter 85

85 (Lucian’s POV) Martha’s Desperation

Lucian

I couldn’t believe my luck.

+25 Points

Mara must have made one hell of an impression on Austin. I’ve known him since I was twelve-loyal, quiet, never overstepping. But for him to snoop around like this, dig through Tina’s room and laptop

without being asked? That was a first.

It meant something. It meant she meant something to him, too.

As we stepped out of the room, Austin gave me more good news.

“I’ve already sent a couple to the holiday home,” he said. “They live on the same street. Trustworthy

people. They’ll handle the cleaning and upkeep.”

I could’ve hugged him again.

The last thing I needed was a flirtatious young maid eyeing me or some smooth-talking guy trying his luck with Mara. We weren’t moving out to play house in a soap opera-we wanted peace. Sanctuary. And

Austin, bless him, got it.

“Thank you,” I told him, meaning every word.

He gave me a small nod, and we parted ways.

Technically, we were just “going on vacation.” Everyone believed it, including my father. But Mara and I

both knew this was more than that-it was a retreat, a soft escape. If we stayed away until after Tina gave

birth, Vander would raise questions. So we settled on a rhythm: one week each month at the Nighthorn

mansion. It would be just enough to keep up appearances.

When I returned to our room, Mara had already finished packing her essentials. She looked up at me, her

brows raised slightly.

“Tina’s back?”

I shook my head.

The relief on her face was immediate, even if she tried to mask it. I could see the toll this whole situation

was taking on her. She wasn’t okay, no matter how much she pretended. Beneath the strength and smiles was a quiet fear-that maybe I’d go back to Tina, maybe keep her as a mistress. I hated that she even had

to consider it.

I crossed the room and sat beside her on the couch, pulling her gently into my arms.

“You mean the world to me, Mara,” I said softly.

She smiled, not with her lips, but with her eyes. The kind of smile that says I hear you, even if she can’t say

it out loud.

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<85 (Lucian’s POV) Martha’s Desperation

Then she gave me a look-a playful warning glint in her eye.

I kissed her forehead, and she immediately frowned.

“I am not your little sister, Lucian,” she muttered.

And then she kissed me.

Not gently.

It was fierce. Hungry. Reassuring.

+25 Points

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

“I’m your wife,” she said.

And I laughed-genuinely laughed-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 to laugh or snap. The entitlement in her tone was stunning.

“I’m not managing Nighthorn’s money,” I said flatly. “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 the company-and that’s what he paid you with.”

I watched her face closely.

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< 85 (Lucian’s POV) Martha’s Desperation.

• 23 Points

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. I just wanted a cut to survive. I’m a lot of things, Lucian, but I never meant

to betray us.”

I believed her. At least, I believed that part. Her greed was real, but her ignorance wasn’t an act.

“Then that’s my answer,” I said simply. I turned to walk away.

“Lucian, please,” she called after me. Her voice had shifted-no longer manipulative. Just desperate. Raw.

“I really need this money.”

I paused but didn’t turn around. The silence stretched between us-thick with history, lies, and too many

second chances.

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