Samuel stayed by Zinnia’s side until she drifted off to sleep again. He couldn’t bear to leave her vulnerable, but there were too many moving parts in this plot for him to simply sit still. He needed answers, and every second counted.
His phone vibrated again—this time it was an encrypted message from Timmy.
"Got the list. One name stands out: Revilo Lucas. He’s had access to James’s accounts through some loophole his lawyer found. I’ll explain more when you’re back."
Revilo. Samuel hadn’t considered him before. His father’s cousin, distant enough not to be on the radar but close enough to have connections to both Lucas Realty and the trust. Samuel’s jaw tightened as the pieces fell into place.
Revilo had always been ambitious, but he had flown under the radar for years, overshadowed by more prominent family members. This was a move born out of desperation—or perhaps ambition that had finally reached its tipping point.
Samuel stood from his seat, his mind racing. He couldn’t confront Revilo outright, not yet. He needed to gather more evidence, to ensure that when he made his move, there would be no room for escape. This was a delicate game now, one that required precision. One misstep, and everything could crumble—not just the company, but Zinnia’s safety.
His phone buzzed again.
This time it was from an unknown number.
"You’re getting too close, Samuel. Back off, or you’ll regret it."
The text sent a chill down his spine, but Samuel’s resolve only hardened. Whoever was behind this was watching his every move, and that meant they were getting desperate.
He had to be careful—more careful than ever before. This was no longer a power struggle within the company. This was a life-or-death game, and the stakes had never been higher.
Samuel typed a quick response to Timmy.
"Keep an eye on Revilo. Don’t make any moves yet, but track everything. I’m going to pay him a visit soon."
---
The Lucas family mansion loomed before Samuel later that evening as he pulled up to the front gates. Revilo had been staying here for the past few months, laying low, or so it seemed. Samuel hadn’t seen him at any family gatherings or company events, and now, the reason was becoming clear.
This place used to be the setting for family gatherings when George Lucas, Samuel’s grandfather, was alive. Samuel’s parents didn’t live here. This mansion was gifted by George to his brother, Revilo’s father.
Samuel knocked on the front door, his pulse steady but his mind alert for any signs of a trap. If Revilo was behind all this, he wasn’t working alone.
Revilo opened the door, his usual sly grin in place. His short, graying hair was slicked back, and his narrow eyes gleamed with calculated charm. He wore a crisp suit, but his overall appearance had a slightly disheveled air, like someone used to skirting the edges of responsibility.
"Samuel, what a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Samuel stepped inside without invitation. "We need to talk."
Revilo’s expression didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—an unease he couldn’t hide.
"I’m always up for a chat, dear nephew," Revilo said smoothly, guiding Samuel to the sitting room. "What’s on your mind?"
Samuel sat across from him, keeping his gaze steady. "James. Or rather, the twisted game someone’s been playing, using his name."
Revilo’s smile tightened. "I’ve heard the rumors. Strange business, really. But what does that have to do with me?"
Samuel leaned forward slightly, his tone dark. "Someone’s been using James’s accounts. Someone with access to funds that should’ve been sealed years ago. And that someone just happens to be you."
Revilo’s facade cracked, just for a moment. But it was enough for Samuel to see the truth.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Revilo said, though his voice had lost its confidence.
"Cut the act, Revilo. I know you’ve been accessing James’s accounts, and I know you’ve been working with someone inside the company. You’ve been playing both sides, trying to stir up chaos while hiding in the shadows. But you slipped up. And now it’s only a matter of time before I expose everything."
Revilo’s smile vanished completely. "You think you can just come here and accuse me without proof? You have nothing, Samuel. Nothing."
"I have enough," Samuel said coldly. "And once I have more, I’m going to make sure you lose everything. This isn’t just about money anymore. You’ve put Zinnia in danger, and that’s something I won’t forgive."
Revilo stood up, his face twisting with anger. "You think you can control everything, don’t you? Just like you always have. But you’re wrong, Samuel. This time, you’re the one who’s going to lose."
Samuel remained seated, his eyes locked on Revilo’s. "We’ll see about that."
As he left the mansion, Samuel felt a cold certainty settle over him. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. But now, he had a target. Revilo was just the beginning, and Samuel was prepared to do whatever it took to protect Zinnia and unravel the truth behind the twisted plot that had nearly destroyed them both.
The game was far from over—but Samuel was ready to fight.
---
Samuel drove back to the hospital, his thoughts churning with the confrontation he’d just had with Revilo. There was no doubt in his mind that Revilo was behind the scheme, but he wasn’t acting alone. There were more players in this game, and Samuel knew it would take time to uncover all the threads. Time he didn’t have.
When he arrived at the hospital, he found Zinnia sitting up in bed, looking stronger than before. Her face brightened when she saw him walk through the door, but there was still a shadow behind her eyes, a weight that hadn’t lifted.
"You’re back," Zinnia said softly.
Samuel crossed the room and took a seat next to her, his expression serious. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," she replied, though her voice still held a hint of exhaustion. "The doctors said I could go home soon."
Samuel nodded, relieved but still tense. He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Zinnia, we need to talk. I found out something about what’s been happening."