Chapter 79. Accusation, Desperation.

"Elena. Elena." Luca's voice called out, jolting Elena out of her reverie. She turned abruptly, her gaze meeting Luca's careful eyes. "Are you okay? Who was that?" he asked, his intense gaze locked onto hers.

"Huh?" Elena tried to compose herself, quickly reaching down to pick up her phone.

"I'll be right back," she said, attempting to leave, but Luca caught her before she could go. "What's wrong? I won't let you move until you tell me what's going on," Luca said firmly. Elena sighed. She wasn't ready to tell him that Ryan had been poisoned in jail. It would lead to a cascade of questions that could result in disaster.

Placing her hands on his, she looked at him intently. "It's something related to Lucia, a personal issue. I'll be back before you know it, okay?" she reassured him and walked away before waiting for a response.

Elena quickened her pace as she exited the hospital building and immediately hailed a cab. Arriving at the station, she rushed to the reception area where she fo