Lucas was holding Lily like he was afraid of losing her. He was kneeling in front of her while she waited on the bed. He had his arms wrapped around her, and it felt like his hold strengthened in each second that passed. "Lucas," Lily repeated. Her voice trembled in suspense. "I opened the door so you could tell me the truth. I want the truth, Lucas. I can't bear it any longer with what I have heard. The Mullins also said Vice President Wallace was involved with the Alpha Vipers. So what is it really? What was your involvement with the Alpha Vipers?" "And why!" Lily's voice strengthened as she said, "Why get involved with them in the first place?" "Lily, I -" Lucas stared into Lily's blue eyes. He said, "I did what I had to do to ensure your safety." "What?" Lily's heart sprinted. Fear crept into her soul, and her head imagined all the possibilities of what Lucas meant. She said in frustration, "What do you mean, Lucas? Tell me? Please, I have to know!' "About ten years ago." L

After Lucas left the room, Lily refreshed her mind as to what she knew about the Alpha Vipers. She had files about them on her laptop when the organization ceased operation. Lily read parts of the company's official statement: [Dear Clients and Partners, With regret, we write to inform you of the closure of Alpha Vipers, effective November 20XX. Over the years, we have valued your partnership and trust in our services. However, due to discontinued support from our investors, we find it necessary to cease operations...] Lily put two and two together. Lucas had brought down the leaders of the Alpha Vipers, so it was natural for the organization to lose its backbone. She made a phone call to her contact with the FBI. When the person on the other line picked up, she requested, "I want all information about Bane Emerson, his prison, and the charges against him. Also, I know we have stopped looking into the Alpha Vipers, but can you see if you have named the investors and all the le

While Lucas chuckled, Lily's mouth fell on the floor. Lily glared at Lucas, but as they walked out of the villa, he said, "He already had sex education in school. You know that right." "I know, but -" "If you put malice into it, the more he'll be curious," Lucas suggested. "Better think of it as if it's nothing - that's part of human nature because it really is. We just need to set boundaries." Lily sighed. She said, "Fine." They were heading out. Lily said there was still time. She made a few phone calls while Lucas changed into casual clothes. Lily was also dressed nicely that night. She was in white instead of her usual brown or black leather jacket. She was still sporty but with a touch of elegance. Before the driver could bring the car up front, Lily took out a black tie from her jacket pocket. She said to Lucas, "Close your eyes." Lucas leaned back. He reacted, "What the hell is going on?" Rolling her eyes, Lily replied, "It's a surprise. Come on." Because she was put

"We will have to figure out a way to get to the hotel safely, to securely travel to the city's municipal office, to drive to the site location, then visit the hospital to see the affected workers, and go back, possibly without being detected," Lily said while studying a map of Koplin City with Gunner. A hiss left Lily's lips. She said, "This is difficult." "That is so many trips for someone being targeted," Gunner remarked. "We need as much help as we can get," Lily declared. "That's why I have coordinated with the military and local authorities, but we can't always rely on them. We have to have our own men." "I have already instructed our people from the Black Hawk to secure the hotel first," Gunner said. "I have asked for twenty contractors." Lily nodded. She said, "That should be enough. I will bring six of Lucas' existing bodyguards." While Lily and Gunner were planning the visit to Koplin City, Ryan and Lucas met in the study. "Maybe I should go with you. You will leave

"Again, we are sorry for your loss, Misses Gomez. We know this will never replace your husband's life, but I could at least ensure that you and your children will live comfortably," Lucas said while giving Misses Gomez a ten-million-dollar check. He also presented a certificate to the woman, granting two of her children a college scholarship at the University of Koplin. The settlement for the workers who died was held within Koplin Intercontinental Hotel's first conference room. Each affected family was given time to express their frustration about the accident. Lucas wanted to ensure he didn't just pay them but also let them know he was willing to listen. More than just the compensation, he earnestly wished to show that he was sincerely sorry for the death of their beloved. Each family has different needs, so Lucas tried to customize the settlement accordingly. His lawyers repeatedly drafted one contract to another, according to the family member's satisfaction. At the end of that