"What is she hiding?"

Amidst a shock that coursed through his veins, Lucas squinted his eyes in an attempt to attain a clearer view of the pendant, ensuring that he wasn't mistaken. To his disbelief, the necklace bore a striking resemblance to the one he had kept with him from the stripper. And yet, here it was, dangling around the neck of the cleaner, he was puzzled.

His hand lingered on the doorknob, caught in a moment of hesitation as he contemplated opening the door to clear his doubts. His watchful gaze remained fixed on the cleaner as she grazed the pendant, tears streaming down her cheeks.

With little patience left, he flung the door open and stepped into the empty office.

Startled, the cleaner flinched in surprise, hastily wiping her tears and avoiding his gaze as if overcome with embarrassment.

Undeterred, Lucas moved closer to her, his eyes locked onto the pendant.

"I'm sorry, sir, I was just about to leave—" the cleaner mumbled, raising her head to meet his penetrating stare.

Her eyes darted to