CHAPTER 65: HIS OBJECTIVE

Raphael’s POV

"I don’t think they have any opposition so we can move on to the next item." He casually said after threatening the board. His actions were calculated unlike his carefree demeanour.

"In your absence of any opposition, we will move to the next agenda..." Ronan continued with his usual calmness. I didn’t know who was harder to read my father who I knew clearly opposed Lucien or the bastard uncle that only sought after thrills

Lucien had always been an oddball and wild card. I always knew he was smart, but he was just too lazy to use his brain unless it was for his sick games.

Father continued talking about the changes to come, but had yet to mention what position Lucien was to take. Honestly, I was curious what it was going to be.

They were whispering, Braelyn trying to focus on the meeting, but he didn’t stop whispering in her ears while staring at her with that unrestrained look of yearning. ..

The bitter taste in my mouth was apparent, as if I was forced to swallow a frog. I recognised that look, the last person he had those eyes for was someone we all wanted to forget.

Why wasn’t she listening?

"Does anyone have any contributions?" Ronan opened the floor, but Lucien still refused to look away from her. The other board members were already giving wary looks. I could feel their eyes dart between Braelyn and me.

I waited but no one opposed this ridiculousness. Were they seriously scared of Lucien?

"Raphael, do you have anything to say?" Father directly asked after receiving no suggestions for the board. Lucien’s gaze finally shifted to me. It was taunting as ever.

"I don’t have anything to say," I replied in a beat. He might have won now, but let’s see how long he will last before he gets bored.

Ronan nodded, his gaze shifted to Braelyn and Lucien before he continued. "With that aside. Let’s formally welcome Lucien Volkov on the board.." his voice trailed as he mentioned Lucien’s role.

It wasn’t as grand as the vice chairman’s but still an important position that could cost us a lot. I thought this was more ridiculous than ever. The meeting came to a close and Braelyn bolted immediately like she was being chased.

Father was still talking to some shareholders across the room. I slowly stood from my seat then buttoned up my jacket. "Congratulations on the promotion." A shareholder offered a handshake. I nodded at him in affirmation.

The shareholder smiled, ready to leave, but left something in his wake. "Be careful or you might end up not losing only your wife." He said before giving Lucien a polite smile.

Lucien arched a brow at him. There was this strange recognition in his eyes. He brushed past most of the shareholders, trying to butter him up. His hands were tucked in his pocket but that grin remained

"I was expecting you to give us an interesting scene. You wasted such a perfect opportunity." I wasn’t even surprised by his words.

"I’m sorry to disappoint you, uncle..." I drawled. The word uncle felt weird on my tongue. Lucien might have been my uncle but I never saw him as one.

He chuckled, "I’m glad you remembered I am your uncle. I will see you around Raphael." He chimed casually strolling out of the conference room. It took everything in me not to swing at his face

This wasn’t the time or place. "Infuriating bastard," I muttered under my breath. Father was finally leaving, not missing the chance, and I followed after him to the elevator.

Once he stepped into the elevator, I stepped in and then closed the door after me. "I am surprised you didn’t start a fight." He commented, almost sounding amused.

My shoulders trembled as the laugh slipped out. "What is this about?" I asked him. The emergency button was within my reach.

After engaging it, the elevator stopped between floors, the cameras were dead, and no one could hear us here. Ronan leaned against the wall, then pulled out a cigarette and lit it. The smoke filled the restricted space, while his expression remained as unreadable as ever.

He sighed, his voice sounding tired. "He wants to fulfil Gregor’s wishes." He casually said. My forehead throbbed with a headache.

"He isn’t capable of taking on such a responsibility. He would ruin the family and the company..." I stated unable to imagine the consequences. Lucien had never worked a day in his life or taken anything seriously, except his medical internship, which he abandoned without a word.

He released a puff. "Do you think I am not aware of that?" He asked then straightened up. "I literally saw him grow up. Didn’t you wonder why we were the only family members at the meeting or why it was suddenly announced?" He added his gaze hardened.

"I had that same question. I wasn’t aware until the last minute. " I replied, the call for the meeting was abrupt and too unexpected. I knew we were going to have a meeting soon, but it was meant to be in a few days after the company gala.

Father walked towards me, his cigarette hanging between his fingers. "Lucien planned everything including the invite. Olivia, despite being a major shareholder, couldn’t attend after Lucien had a phone call with her. He called every other board member too..."

My breath hitched, and I clenched my fist at the realization. No one has opposed him because Lucien had dirt on them.

"You should keep a close eye on him. I don’t want him here as much as you don’t and it isn’t just because you are my son." He sighed heavily, he was exhausted about everything.

The funeral had a heavy toll on him. "Remember to keep your friends close but your enemies closer." Those were his last words before he disengaged the emergency button, and the elevator started to move again.

The elevator dinged once it got to the underground car park then slid open. Father patted my shoulders before he stepped out. His similar hazel eyes gave me a lingering look before he walked away.

The doors closed and started to move up. What was Lucien’s objective?

My Pocket started to buzz, and I pulled out my phone to see a strange caller ID on the screen. I didn’t want to pick but the caller was persistent.

The line connected immediately. It went silent for a beat, then a calm voice slid through the speaker:

"She is already slipping away, Raphael....." The electronic voice paused. My heart stopped with a chill running down my spine.

A soft laugh then followed. "They already know..."

The air in the elevator shifted, and my mind started to race. My eyes snapped back to the private number. "Who is this?" I hissed, my jaw clenched tightly.

The voice didn’t answer the question but instead added

"And you remember what happens to things they decide to break."

The call disconnected.

I stared at the private number, expression blank, pulse roaring.

My fist tightened around the phone until my knuckles went white.

My biggest fears were coming true.