Chapter 127 - LUCAS NICHOLAS 6

Ace intends to trespass Vince's office and comb the place for anything that could prove his step-brother guilty of embezzlement. Vince had been stealing money from the company's funds to supply his gambling addiction. Vince managed to hide his crimes but he couldn't keep the truth forever. 

A company employee who was loyal to Ace and who never considered Vince as the new CEO found out that the latter was faking up the company's expenses to cover up his theft. It was not a small amount of money but billions were involved. Concerned that the company is in peril he did the thing he must. He went to Ace and voiced out his concerns.

Lucas hoped that they would find what they were looking for inside Vince's office. If they find enough evidence then they could prove Vince guilty of embezzlement, it would be enough to strip Vince of the title of CEO of Greyson Enterprises. That would be Ace's first step to extracting revenge from Vince. 

Lucas Nicholas listened intently while Ace told him his whole plan. They would fly to Belavia tomorrow morning and when evening comes, they would trespass Vince's office. And to successfully get inside the tight security, Ace needs to use Lucas's expertise in opening locked doors without triggering the security alarm. The task was dangerous as hell and yet he could feel his blood pumping from anticipation.

When Lucas Nicholas finally hung up, he sighed despondently. Somehow, he failed to tell Ace the truth. Aside from that he'd given him no chance to speak, he realized that he couldn't return Vien back to Ace in the midst of this chaos. Her life would be endangered. He doesn't want that to happen.

It was difficult for him to decide but after talking with Ace over the phone, he realized that the best thing to do was keep Vien a secret while Vince was still on the rampage. If he learns the child was alive, he would undoubtedly kill her. 

He dropped his phone in the pocket of his jeans. When he raised his head towards Vien, he realized the girl was finished with her breakfast and was now intently looking at him. Her face is full of questions while she looks at Lucas. She wondered why there was a deep frown on his forehead. Vien was an intelligent child and she was very observant too. 

He gave her a reassuring smile. 

"The doctor said you would be discharged today. I need to pay for your hospital bills so we could go home."

Vien smiled meekly and nodded her head. 

***

The Colossal gates of Claymore mansion pulled open. The car rushed past the guards and it stopped right in front of the regal mansion. Lucas Nicholas pushes the door open. The warm sunshine welcomed his eyes. He squinted and moved to the other side of the car then pulled the door open.

Vien slowly climbed out of the car. Her exquisite blue eyes filled with wonder as it surveyed her new environment. Her gaze stopped right in front of the vast pool and it lingered there.

The child's innocent eyes were filled with delight. It was the first time she must have seen a pool this large. Her small but cute lips slightly curled into an amazing smile. If Ace was looking at his daughter now, he would be proud of how beautiful she looked.

"Let's get it inside." He said to take her attention. She wordlessly nodded her head and took his hand which he held to her.

They walk to the entrance of Claymore Mansion in silence. Lady Ravenwood wasn't informed he was coming. She would be undoubtedly surprised by the unexpected visit.

Milton emerged from the door and pulled it open. Once they were inside he closed it again. Then his eyes landed on the child beside him. His usually bored eyes stretched wide. He blinked several times while his gaze was on Viens face. Lucas expected him to ask questions but he was surprised when Milton asked none instead he ushered them to the library.

The door to the library opened and they got inside. He spotted Lady Ravenwood seated on the Victorian sofa.

"Tea?" His Aunt greeted him when he found him approaching her way. When his gaze landed on Vien, she froze as if she'd seen a ghost.

"No thanks, I'm not in the mood to drink tea." He responded. He then sat on the sofa opposite her. He lifted Vien and settled her on the available space beside him.

"W-what c-can I do, Lucas?" Lady Ravenwood asked without tearing her gaze to the little girl.

"To ask you a favor." He replied. He took a deep breath before continuing, "This girl was abused by his uncle. She lost her voice because of trauma. That's all the information I could provide for now. I humbly ask you to provide her a home."

"I will do it." She responded.

He couldn't believe that she agreed so easily. It was unusual for her to do so. "Pardon?" 

"I said, I will do it, Lucas. No questions asked. Consider me as her new guardian."

For the very first time he sighed in relief. More than happy to hear that his problem had been solved. A heavy burden was lifted from his chest in an instant.

"My overflowing gratitude, Claire." For the first time, he addressed Lady Ravenwood with her real name. 

"You don't need to thank me. I'm more than happy to have her in my lonely mansion. Atl least, I have someone to treat like my own daughter. What's her name?" She paused then gestured the child to come. Vien was reluctant at first but when Lady Ravenwood smiled at her doubts melted and she flew into her arms.

"Her name is Vien." He replied. He watched as she brush the girl's soft curls with her fingers.

"What a beautiful name." Lady Ravenwood mubled and rose from her seat. "From now on, I would treat you like my child." 

She took the child's fragile hand and lead her to the door.