Chapter 126
Chapter 126
They didn’t speak during the elevator ride to Luca’s office. The sexual tension between them—and the tension from the confrontation with Nicole was still hummed through her body. Sutton watched the floor numbers light up one by one, her mind racing through everything that had just happened. The revelation, Nicole’s face as she realized she’d been caught, the stunned expressions of the executives around the table.
When the doors opened on the executive floor, Luca placed his hand gently on the small of her back, guiding her toward his office. The gesture felt both protective and intimate, making her skin warm beneath the fabric of her dress.
His assistant looked up as they approached.
“Hold all my calls, Kate,” Luca instructed. “We’re not to be disturbed.”
“Yes, sir,” the young woman replied, looking between them curiously.
Inside his office, Luca closed the door and leaned against it for a moment, breathing out slowly. He looked tired, the weight of betrayal evident by the look on his face.
“Are you okay?” Sutton asked quietly.
He pushed away from the door, moving to the large windows overlooking the city. “Six years,” he said. “She worked for me for six years. I feel so empty that someone I trusted did this to me.”
Sutton sat in one of the chairs facing his desk. “I think she might need help.”
Luca turned, eyebrows raised. “Help? She tried to sabotage my company. Why would I help her?”
“I know,” Sutton agreed. “But the way she looked at you, the things she said…” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “Luca, I think she’s in love with you.”
He stared at her as if she’d grown a second head. “That’s ridiculous. Nicole and I have always had a strictly professional relationship.”
“Maybe for you,” Sutton said. “But I don’t think it was the same for way around.”
Luca ran a hand through his hair, disturbing its perfect styling. “In
She really fell apart at the end there. It was like you betrayed her. Not the other
her any reason to think… I never flirted with her or suggested…”
“I believe you,” Sutton said gently. “But that doesn’t mean she didn’t develop feelings, anyway. Think about it… The way she said everything she did was for you… that’s not just professional loyalty.”
He sank into his chair, looking genuinely bewildered. “How did I miss
knew she was right… but he had missed it.
“Maybe you should consider having her evaluated,” Sutton suggested. “Mentally, I mean. Before pressing charges. This seems… obsessive.”
Luca studied her face. “You’re actually worried about her. Even after everything she did to you.”
Sutton shrugged. “I know what it’s like to be desperate because of feelings for someone.” She met his eyes steadily. “Not to this extreme, but still. Love can make people do crazy things.”
He held her gaze for a long moment. “You’re remarkable, you know that? Anyone else would want her locked up without a second thought. But even now you are thinking of her…”
“Oh, I definitely want her held accountable,” Sutton clarified. “I’m just saying, maybe there’s more going on here than corporate espionage.
Luca nodded slowly. “I’ll speak to my lawyer See about having a psychiatric evaluation included in whatever happens next. I don’t want her getting off on a technicality.”
“I would call mentally unstable, more than a technicality, Luca… She needs help.”
A comfortable silence fell between them. Sutton watched as Luca pulled out his phone and sent a quick text, presumably to his lawyer,
“Thank you,” he said finally, looking up at her.
“For what?”
“For seeing the humanity in a situation where I was only seeing betrayal.”
Sutton felt her cheeks warm. “It’s not a big deal.”
“It is to me.” His voice was soft, sincere in a way that made her heart twist.
Before she could respond, his phone rang. He glanced at the screen. “It’s Roman.”
Sutton nodded, and he answered, putting the call on speaker.
“Roman, you’re on speaker with Sutton and me.”
“Ah, perfect!” Roman’s voice sounded relaxed and happy. “Blair’s right here too. We just got back.”
“From the honeymoon already?” Luca asked. “That was fast. We had everything under control, you know.”
“It was just a quick getaway,” Roman replied. “We’re saving the real honeymoon for next month. But listen, we’re hosting dinner tonight at our place. Nothing fancy, just family. Blair wants her sisters there, and I want you, mate. Around seven?”
Luca glanced at Sutton questioningly. She nodded.
“We’ll be there,” Luca confirmed.
“Great! Oh, and Keira will be there too,” Roman added, his tone turning mischievous. “Blair says to tell you she’s had a talk with her, Luca, but no promises about her behavior.”
Luca chuckled, though there was a hint of nervousness in it. “Should I be worried?”
“Let’s just say if you have any protective gear, now might be the time to wear it.”
ar
Sutton pretended to consider this seriously. “Probably just intimidation. Though I wouldn’t accept any drinks, she hands you.”
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