The Wife he threw Away (Claire and Lucian) novel Chapter 321

The following morning, Lucian was already dressed when I came downstairs.

He stood beside the dining table, speaking to one of his assistants on the phone while scanning something on his tablet. His expression was serious, his dark hair slightly disheveled in a way that suggested he had run his hand through it several times.

When he noticed me, he mouthed a ‘good morning.’

“Good morning,” I smiled.

Lucian ended the call as quickly as possible, then came toward me, bent down, and kissed my forehead.

He stared at me for a couple of seconds.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Reasonably well.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s the answer you’re getting.”

His mouth twitched. “Have I mentioned how difficult you are?”

“Several times. But it doesn’t matter because you’re annoying too.”

“I’m glad we’re both aware of our flaws.”

I laughed despite myself.

He pulled out a chair for me, then sat beside me instead of across from me.

“What’s your schedule like today?”

“Sinclair & Co. first. I need to review a few documents with Jonathan and Laurel, then also check in with Margot before we go to court.”

“Then you’re going straight to the courthouse?”

“Yes.” I answered. “The hearing is scheduled for late morning.”

Lucian nodded.

“I’ll have the driver take you. The bodyguard will accompany you, and I’ll meet you at court as soon as I’m finished with the board meeting.”

I let out a frustrated breath. “Lucian, I’m perfectly capable of getting to work without an entire security detail.”

“And I’m perfectly capable of ignoring that argument.”

I gave him a look.

He gave me one right back.

“Don’t start,” he warned.

“I haven’t started anything.”

“You’re looking at me as though you’re preparing a speech.”

“Maybe I am.”

“Save it for the courtroom. At least there, someone might be legally required to listen.”

I stared at him. “Rude!”

He smiled. “Please eat your breakfast, Claire.”

I shook my head, fighting another smile as I reached for my fork.

For a little while, we talked about ordinary things. The new house. The nursery. Whether he intended to turn the property into some kind of heavily guarded fortress.

He insisted he was simply being practical.

I told him he was one step away from installing security cameras in the refrigerator.

He said that was an excellent idea.

I laughed so hard that I nearly choked on my juice.

And for a few precious minutes, I forgot about Eva. I forgot about the anonymous photograph. I even forgot about Hope standing outside the room the previous evening.

Almost.

Because when Lucian asked whether Camilla had finalized the list of staff who would be moving to the new house, I remembered my conversation with her.

I almost told him. The words literally rose to my lips.

I caught Hope outside our room yesterday. She said she was looking for Camilla, but something about her explanation felt strange.

I could already imagine his reaction.

Lucian could be excessive. He would immediately order a security review, question the staff, and probably insist that Hope be removed from the list of people moving to the new house, until they knew more.

And what if I was wrong? What if Hope had genuinely been looking for Camilla?

I didn’t want to get an innocent woman into trouble simply because I was frightened.

More importantly, I didn’t want to become so consumed by suspicion that it began affecting every decision I made.

So I swallowed the words.

“Camilla is still working on it,” I said instead.

Lucian nodded once. “Good. She knows the staff better than anyone,” he said. “You do understand that I didn’t involve you because I know you have a lot going on with the court case.”

I almost smiled. “I’m not offended, Lucian.”

“Great. I’m sure Camilla would pick the most suitable persons.”

I lowered my gaze to my plate.

For some reason, the guilt I felt was immediate.

But I reminded myself that I wasn’t keeping a secret because I wanted to deceive him. I was keeping it because I didn’t have enough information to justify worrying him.

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