Chapter hundred seventy

Ariel stood by the desk, watching Lucas with an air of suspicion. He seemed to be acting strange and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. “Mr Churchill left a while ago," she said, her voice carefully neutral. Lucas’s brow furrowed and his lips pursed in thought. He seemed anxious, almost twitchy, and it set her on edge. “Is there anything you'd like me to tell him when he returns?" Lucas paused, his expression unreadable. “No, there's nothing," he said, his voice tight.

“Thanks” Ariel nodded, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. She watched Lucas leave her desk, there was something up with the way he asked for Aaron’s presence Finally, she couldn't take it anymore, so she made a straight dial towards Aaron. Helen could feel the warmth of Aaron's body as he wrapped his arms around her. She let herself relax into his embrace, feeling safe and protected.

“Are you hurt anywhere?" Aaron asked, his voice gentle but urgent. Helen shook h