Chapter 96. Misunderstanding

With trembling hands, Sarah replied, "I..."

Lucian immediately snatched the phone from Sarah's hand, his expression full of anger. "Don't you ever do this again, understand?"

Sarah, who was slumped on the floor, could only nod weakly. She felt increasingly squeezed into a predicament. Lucian pushed her away, pacing back and forth, trying to contain his fury.

"Why did you contact him?" he demanded, his voice shaking with a mix of rage and betrayal.

"I... I just wanted to understand why he did it," Sarah stammered, tears streaming down her face. "I wanted closure."

Lucian's eyes softened momentarily, but the anger quickly returned. "You don't need closure from a man like Marcus. He's dangerous, Sarah. Reaching out to him puts you in jeopardy."

Sarah wiped her tears, her voice barely a whisper. "I know. I’m sorry."

Lucian sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. He sat down beside her, his tone softer but still stern. "You have to trust me. Everything I do is to protect you."

She