CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise, “Dinner, Now?”

“Yes, now” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument, “It's important, trust me”.

Olivia hesitated, her mind racing, “I don't have a dinner gown to wear, and why are you taking me out for dinner”.

Lucas smirked slightly, “Consider it my way of appreciating your hard work”.

“If you really want to appreciate me”, Olivia said, her voice firm, “then let me go”.

Lucas’s eyes widened, momentarily before he softened, “A designer will be here shortly to get you ready”. He said , and left the room.

Few minutes later, a designer arrived with a selection of dresses.Olivia was ready in no time, donning a red , simple yet elegant fishtail gown. The dress hugged her curves perfectly, flowing gracefully on the floor.

Lucas walked in her room, when she was almost done. He was dressed in a black suit that fit him like a glove.

The tailored jacket highlighted his broad shoulders, and the crisp white shirt underneath highlighted his tan skin.

His black tie was well knotted, and he exuded an air of dangerous sophistication.

“You look stunning”, he said , his eyes racing over her appreciatively.

“Thank you”, Olivia replied, feeling a blush rise to cheeks.

“One more thing”, Lucas said, stepping closer. He brought out a delicate necklace, a simple yet elegant piece with a single diamond pendant.

He moved behind Olivia, his hands moving her hair to the other side of her shoulder, his fingers brushed her neck , as he placed the necklace around her. The touch sent her shiver down her spine.

His fingers lingered on her clasp for a moment longer than necessary , and she could feel his breath on his neck. “There” he said, his voice a low murmur, “Perfect”.

“Thank you”, Olivia muttered.

Lucas led her out to his car, a black luxury sedan parked in front of the mansion. He opened the door for her , and she slid into the passenger's seat.

Meanwhile, Detective Harris sat in his unmarked car, a distance away from Lucas's mansion, his eyes fixed on the grand structure . The mansion was an architectural marvel , with tall iron gates and a long driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges. He was deep in thought when a sleek black sedan emerged from the gates, he couldn't see who was in the car, because of the tinted glass, without hesitation he started his car, and began to follow the sedan at a district distance.

As they drove through the city Olivia couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and dread , what was Lucas planning? As Lucas drove, he occasionally glanced at the side mirror, Lucas was aware of Harris's presence, a sly smile curved at his lips.

It's been weeks since Olivia saw the outside world, she stared at the environment, like one who had just been released from prison.

Few minutes later they arrived at an exclusive restaurant , as Olivia and Lucas stepped out of the car, Harris parked a bit further down the street . He watched as they both held hands.

He watched them walk into the exclusive restaurant,the kind of place that required reservations months in advance. Lucas, however, walked asif he owned the place. The maitre d’ greeted him with a bow and led them to a private dining room.

The room was dimly lit, with a single table set with fine china and crystal glasses. Lucas pulled out a chair for Olivia , and she sat down , feeling a mix of awe and unease.

As they settled in, the waiter brought a bottle of their finest wine, Lucas poured them each a glass, his eyes never leaving Olivia's.

“To a successful evening” , he said, raising his glass.

Olivia clinked her glass against his, her mind racing, “What's this about, Lucas?”

“Like I said before, Appreciation ,Olivia”. Lucas said.

Few minutes later, Olivia excused herself, “Let me use the restroom”, Olivia said to Lucas who nodded in response.

Just as Olivia left Lucas, Harris walked into the restaurant , flashing his badge briefly to gain access, and made his way to the private dining room.

Lucas saw him approaching, and leaned back in his chair , a smug smile playing on his lips.

“Detective Harris”, Lucas said , his voice dripping with mock cordiality, “to what do I owe the pleasure?”

Harris glared at him taking a seat uninvited, “Cut the crap, Moretti, I know Olivia is in danger. You think no one would notice?listen, you can't keep her forever”.

Lucas' smile widened, his eyes cold, “You should be more careful, Harris. You are treading on dangerous ground”.

“I’m not afraid of you”, Harris snapped, leaning forward , “I know you’re up to something, and I'll expose you, I just need more evidence”.

Lucas leaned in as well, his tone turning icy, “You should be?You think you’re the only one with secrets? I know all about you, Harris, You’re not as clean as you pretend to be”.

Harris's face hardened, “What are you talking about?”

Lucas’s gaze was piercing, “I owe you no explanation detective” .

Harris' face darkened, “This isn't about me, it's about Olivia, let her go?”

Lucas chuckled darkly, “Olivia is under my protection”.

“Protection” Harris scoffed, “You’re the one putting her in danger”.

Lucas’s eyes flashed with anger, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, “Listen detective, stay off my back, or you’ll regret it, this is a game you can't win”.

“This is not over ,Lucas Moretti, you think you can control everything, Moretti? You think you're untouchable? But you’re not, I will find a way to bring you down ”, Harris said, and walked out of Lucas' presence, cause he knew he couldn't push further without causing a scene.

Lucas sat at the elegantly set table, his confrontation with detective Harris had left him on an edge,but he maintained his calm exterior. His eyes kept darting towards the direction of the rest room, where Olivia had gone a few minutes ago.
Minutes ticked by and Lucas' patience wore thin, he drummed his fingers on the table,glancing at his watch.

Something felt off, standing up he made his way towards the restroom. Lucas pushed open the door to the ladies restroom ignoring the disapproving looks from a few patrons.

“Olivia?” He called out, his voice echoing,but there was no response. He searched each stall, finding them empty.

He approached a waitress, his expression intense, “Did you see the woman I was with, She went to the restroom and hasn't come back”

The waitress looked startled,but shook her head, “I’m sorry sir,I haven't seen her”.

Lucas nodded, he didn't panic knowing there was a chip embedded in the necklace he had given to Olivia.