Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT LUCIEN TOLD HER THE TRUTH
Lucien invited Ara to dinner at Mercer House.
She accepted.
Not because she needed saving.
Because she wanted answers.
They ate in a private dining room overlooking the river.
For a while, they spoke about ordinary things.
Architecture.
Chicago winters.
The difficulty of planning events for people who considered themselves more important than everyone else.
Then Ara asked:
“Why do people fear you?”
Lucien set down his glass.
“Because my family has a history.”
She waited.
He continued.
“My father controlled businesses that operated outside the law.”
Ara looked at him.
“And you?”
Lucien was quiet.
“I inherited more than I wanted.”
She studied his face.
He continued:
“I've spent years separating legitimate businesses from the criminal organization.”
Ara nodded slowly.
“Have you succeeded?”
“Not completely.”
She appreciated the honesty.
Then asked:
“Why are you helping me?”
Lucien looked toward the river.
“Because your husband used companies connected to mine in transactions I didn't authorize.”
Ara's stomach tightened.
“And?”
He turned back.
“And because I watched a woman run a six-hundred-person gala while everyone else took credit.”
Her eyes filled.
He smiled faintly.
“You deserved better than what happened to you.”
Ara looked down.
For the first time in years, someone had noticed the work she'd done.
May you like
Not just the mistakes she'd prevented.
But the person behind them.
