IS LUCAS BACK?

Marco raced his living room restlessly, “She couldn't have just vanished?Marco growled, slamming his fist down on a nearby table,causing the item on it to scatter.

He paused, rubbing his temples, “James,” he muttered under his breath, “Did James somehow rescue her? But how?”

The idea that James has managed to outsmart him, that he had somehow found Olivia and took her away right under his nose was frustrating. “That little rat.” He seethed. “But how did he do it?”

Just then, one of Marco's men cautiously approached, his head lowering in deference. “Boss, we’ve checked everywhere, there's no sign of her.”

Marco’s eyes narrowed as he snapped, “Do you think I don't know that? What the hell happened? How did she get out?”

The man shifted nervously not wanting the deliverer of bad news, “it…..it seems like she might have escaped, through the bathroom window. Boss the window was left open. It's a tight fit, but she could've squeezed through.”

Marco’s fury only grew at the revelation, “The bathroom window?” He repeated, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re telling me that she managed to crawl out of a goddman window, while you idiots were standing around doing nothing!”

The man shifted backwards, “We didn't see it boss. The window was small ….no one thought she’d even try that. We..we understimated her.”

Marco's jaw clenched as he processed it, “understimated?” He spat. “You think? Now she’s out there somewhere, probably with James and God knows what they’re planning.”

He stormed over to the window, looking out at the grounds, he had been so close to breaking her , to make her pay for Lucas's sin and now she’s gone.

“Find her,” Marco hissed, turning back to his man. “I don't care what you have to do, or who you have to bribe, but you find her and bring her back to me. And if you see James, bring him to me too. I want to deal with him personally.”

…….🌵

Monica heart raced as she made her way to James’s hotel, immediately James had called her to inform her that Monica was with with him.

When she finally arrived at the hotel, Monica barely waited for the elevator doors to fully open, before rushing down the hallway to James's room. She knocked rapidly, her anxiety building with each passing second. Thexswung open and revealed James looking both relieved and tensed.

“Monica “ he greeted, stepping aside to let her in, “come in.”

Monica barely acknowledged him as she stepped into the room,her eyes scanning the space, until they landed on Olivia.

“Olivia!” Monica exclaimed, rushing over to her friend, she dropped to her knees in front of the couch, taking Olivia’s hands in hers, “Oh my God! I’ve been worried. What happened?”

Olivia managed a weak smile, though tears welled up in her eyes, “Monica….” She whispered, her voice still shaking, I'm so sorry I didn't call.”

Monica shook her head, her own eyes brimming with tears, “You don't have to apologize for anything, I'm just so glad you’re safe.”

Olivia took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, before narrating her experiences with Marco to Monica.

Monica's eye widened in shock, and she turned to look at James, who nodded grinly. “Marco? That bastard,” she said, her voice filled with disbelief and anger. “How could he?” She asked, pulling Monica into a tight hug , trying to offer some support. “I’m so sorry Olivia. You’ve been through hell.”

James stood a few feet away, his expression hardening with determination.

“That's it,” James said, his voice firm. “I’m going to the authorities. Marco needs to be arrested for what he has done.”

Olivia looked up, her eyes filled with worry. “James, be careful. He’s dangerous.”

“I know hmbut he can't keep getting away with this,” James replied, “it's time to put an end to all these.”

Monica nodded in agreement, though concern was evident in her eyes, “Just be cautious, James. We don't know what Marco might do, of he finds out that you’ve reported him.”

“I’ll.” James reassured then, he gave Olivia a reassuring smile, before grabbing his coat and heading out the door.

The drive to the police station was tensed. James ‘s mind raced with thoughts of what Marco had done. When he arrived at the station, James approached the reception where a stern looking man was seated. “I need to report a kidnapping and assault.” he said, his voice steady, despite the anger.

After James finished making his report, the police man quickly called over to a detective to take the report.

The middle aged looking detective, took notes as James spoke, “This is a serious accusation.” he said, after James finished. “Do you have any direct evident that Marco Moretti is behind this.”

James hesitated, “Not direct evidence, but Olivia escaped from his mansion, she was being held there. If you search the place, you’ll find prove.”

The detective nodded, “we'll send a team to investigate. If what you’re saying is true. We will have enough to take him in.”

James felt a surge of relief, “Thank you.”

The detective tove gave him a reassuring nod, “We’ll handle it. You did the right thing coming here.”

As James keft the police station he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

Back at Marco's mansion, things had taken a dark turn. The police arrived with a warrant, but the mansion was awfully quiet. The officers moved immediately, searching the property from bottom to top. When they reached Marco’s study, they were greeted with a shocking sight. Marco Moretti slumped over his desk, a gunshot wound to his head.

The room was so quiet as the officers approached, one of them quickly checked for a pulse. It was clear Marco was dead.

“Looks like a suicide,” one of the officers muttered, though their was a lingering suspicion iin the air.

The detective, whom James had spoken to earlier, arrived at the scene, his expression grim as he surveyed the room, “Make sure to search every inch of this place,” he ordered. “We need to find out what happened here.