Chapter 148

148 Anger and Regret 2

Lucian

We stood in silence as the chopper lifted off the helipad, its blades slicing through the night air like a parting promise. I kept my eyes on the small bundle inside-the incubator that cradled Richard-until the aircraft disappeared into the clouds. It felt like watching a part of my soul leave my body.

Mara stood beside me, her hand steady on her phone as she texted swiftly. The wind from the chopper whipped through her hair, but she didn’t flinch.

“I’ll handle the bills,” she said quietly, without looking at me. “Everything. Neev, the staff, the surgery… I’ve got it covered.”

She wasn’t just saying that to comfort me. Mara was in charge now-not just of our company’s finances, but of so many pieces of our future. She moved with purpose, with strength. I nodded, unable to speak for a moment.

Aiden Thornridge stood on my other side, a calm, grounding presence. Austin lingered just behind, his usual sharp energy muted by the weight of the day.