Chapter 135

Eleanor's POV

The black sedan's taillights disappeared into the darkness. I fished out a cigarette from my purse, the flame from my lighter briefly illuminating the somber expression. Taking a long drag, I watched the smoke curl upward into the night sky.

My phone felt heavy in my pocket. I knew I needed to call Serena, but finding the right words seemed impossible. Finally, I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

She picked up on the third ring. I forced a lightness into my voice. "Hey, workaholic! Don't tell me you're still at the office?"

"Eleanor." Her voice carried its usual calm strength. "Just wrapping up some things."

"Still working? You've been pushing yourself too hard." I couldn't keep the concern from my voice. "When was the last time you ate?"

"Well, I was away for a week." Her tone remained even, but I caught the slight emphasis on 'away' - a subtle reference to her time with Lucas that made my heart clench.

I leaned against balcony parapet, taking another drag from my cigarette. "That's exactly why you should be taking it easy. The StarRiver Group won't collapse if you leave before midnight for once."

"There's too much to catch up on." A pause, then the sound of papers shuffling. "But I'm almost done here."

I bit my lip, knowing what I had to say next. The words felt like lead on my tongue. "I... I saw my brother today."

The shuffling stopped. The silence on the other end was deafening.

"He's under grandfather's surveillance," I continued, my voice dropping to barely above a whisper. "He can't call or see you right now. But he wants you to wait for him."

I held my breath, expecting... well, I wasn't sure what I expected. Anger? Sadness? Instead, Serena's response came with an almost philosophical acceptance that took me by surprise.

"Manhattan isn't that big," she said softly. "If Lucas wants to see me, well, it wouldn't be too difficult for him."

Her words made me smile despite everything. "You're taking this better than I expected."

"What's there to take?" A hint of amusement colored her words. "Your grandfather can't keep him locked up forever. This is Manhattan, not a medieval castle."

I crushed my cigarette under my heel, watching the last ember die out. "You're right. But still, take care of yourself, okay? You shouldn't work so late."

"Says the person calling me at nearly midnight." The gentle teasing in her voice made me laugh.

"Fair point. I won't be home tonight - there are some things I need to handle here." I started walking toward the room. "But I'll be back tomorrow to check on you."

"I'm not a child, Eleanor."

"No, but you're my friend. And friends look out for each other." I suggested. "Get some rest soon, okay?"

After ending the call, I slipped my phone back into my pocket, my steps quickening as I rushed toward Lucas's wing. My heart was racing - I needed to tell him about Serena's response, to give him hope in the prison our grandfather had created.

But as I rounded the corner, two suited figures materialized from the shadows, blocking my path. My stomach dropped.

"I need to see my brother." I tried to keep my voice steady.

The taller guard's face remained impassive. "Mr. Harrington is asleep."

"Then wake him up." The words came out sharper than I intended, my patience already wearing thin.

"Mr. Howard's orders - no one sees him alone."

I felt my nails digging into my palms. "I'm his sister-"

"Especially you, Miss Yates." The guard's interruption was like a slap in the face. The message was clear - my closeness to Serena made me a liability in grandfather's eyes.

"Damn it!" The curse escaped before I could stop it, echoing off the walls.

Standing there in the hallway, the reality of our situation hit me full force. This wasn't just about keeping Lucas away from Serena anymore. The emergence of the Rachel Thorne marriage prospect, the increased security - grandfather was serious about controlling every aspect of Lucas's life.

I turned away, my heels practically stabbing the carpet as I stormed down the hallway. Almost without conscious thought, my feet carried me toward another wing of the house - toward Jace's room.

I told myself I was just going to wait a few minutes, see if he came back. Just as I was about to give up, convinced I was being foolish, I heard footsteps.

"Looking for me?"

Jace's voice, quiet and controlled. I turned slowly.

"I need you to tell Lucas something. Serena said she'll wait. I tried to tell him myself, but the guards wouldn't let me in. Grandfather must have specifically mentioned me because of my friendship with Serena..." I said calmly.

Jace studied me with those penetrating eyes of his, and nodded slightly.

"Thank you," I said finally, when the silence grew too heavy. The words came out soft, formal, nothing like the passionate arguments we used to have.

I returned to my room and shut the door, feeling no flicker of emotion.