Chapter 504
Silas didn’t really have anywhere to be, so he tagged along with Calliope and Hudson to go find Lance.
On the way over, Calliope tried to talk to Hudson. She really thought Lance deserved to know what was going on.
“I just think,” she said, “it’s only fair Lance knows. If he finds out later, he might regret not having the chance to at least make a memory or two together. Sometimes, keeping stuff from him to protect him… it’s not always the right call p>
Hudson didn’t say much. He just walked beside her, quiet and deep in thought.
When they got to the office, Lance was in a meeting. They could only see him through the glass wall-he looked like he was holding court at a round table, all sharp suit and easy charm.
Hudson watched him for a second and couldn’t help but smirk. “See him? He always acts like nothing’s serious, like he’s just some rich kid who doesn’t have a clue. But I know better. He pretends he’s useless, but I get it-he’s worried if he’s not, his parents will expect more. Or maybe he’s afraid if he’s got it all handled, I’ll just leave, and he’ll have to run the show without me p>
Lance looked totally in his element in there, and Calliope could see it too. The whole “hopeless heir” routine was just an act. Truth was, Lance was every bit as sharp as Hudson.
She figured Lance kept up the charade because he wanted Hudson to stick around, to stay with the company. If he looked like he had it all under control, Hudson would probably feel like he wasn’t needed-he’d walk away, because that’s just who he was.
Calliope smiled, glancing at Hudson. “He’s always been impressive, you know p>
She nudged him. “He cares about you, a lot p>
Hudson just nodded. “Yeah p>
Silas looked from one to the other. “Uh… am I missing something p>
Fagan just raised his brow. “Wait, are those two… a thing p>
Hudson ignored them, his focus still on Lance. After a minute, he led Calliope and the others to a cozy corner in the office to wait.
It wasn’t long before Lance finished up. He walked in, beaming when he saw Hudson.
“Hey, you made it! So, did you get your results back? Everything okay?” He glanced at Calliope, searching her face.
Calliope smiled reassuringly. “All good p>
Lance let out a huge breath. “Thank God. If Callie says it’s fine, then it’s definitely fine p>
V
Calliope felt a pang in her chest. Silas squeezed her hand gently, giving her a silent look of comfort. She nodded back, pushing her worries aside.
Whatever needed to be said, it had to come from Hudson. He knew exactly where he stood.
Hudson watched Lance soaking up
he looked like he might say
the good news, and for
something more. But then he just smiled tightly.
“Hungry? Let’s go grab a bite p>
“Hang on, I’ve got a few things to wrap up first,” Lance said, flashing a grin. “Just hang tight, guys. I’ll be right back p>
When Lance got serious, he really got serious. He spun on his heel and went straight to work, all focus and determination.
No one interrupted him. Hudson
watched for a moment, feeling.
strangely proud. Deep down, hl
wanted Lance to handle everything well. He always had.