5. The Master Has Fallen

[Yes, Ms. Carlson. Everything is set.] The reply came instantly.

Tracy dropped her phone and wrapped both hands around Lucas’s arm as he stared out of the window.

The car pulled over in front of the hotel. Lucas was somewhat surprised to find paparazzi present; after all, it wasn’t some extravagant business dinner. He might have declined the invitation if not for Tracy’s request.

As they emerged from the car, a dazzling display of flashes and shutters greeted them. The paparazzi were in a frenzy, capturing every moment as if it were a cinematic event. The questions came like rapid-fire, each one attempting to unveil the mystery behind the couple.

“Mr. Harrison, what a splendid surprise. For the first time in history, you have a woman by your side. May we know who this lucky lady is?”

“Isn’t she the Young Mistress of the Carlson Household? There have been rumors that Mr. Harrison and Ms. Carlson are in a relationship. Is it true?”

“Mr. Harrison is one of the most eligible bachelors in Phoenix City, and Ms. Carlson is a sight to behold. Should we expect good news soon?”

“Oh, you flatter me too much,” Tracy covered her mouth, laughing softly. “The relationship between Lucas and I-”

“But rumors also have it that Mr. Harrison has a wife. Although Mr. Harrison has never appeared in public with her, rumors don’t just come out of nowhere. Or is that a misconception?”

The man who spoke last wasn’t among the paparazzi Tracy secretly invited. Her eyes dimmed, hearing that. She stepped on the man’s shoe, making him wince.

To make it seem like an accident, Tracy pretended to lose her footing, and Lucas caught her.

“Are you okay?” he asked in a worried tone.

Tracy threw her arms around his neck to stand up properly. “I- I’m fine,” she stuttered. “This place is too crowded, Lucas… can we please go inside? I- I might get hurt while our wedding is just around the corner.” She spoke in a very pitiful tone that made the man’s heart melt.

Glaring at the man who almost hurt her, Lucas held her gently, and they walked into the hotel. Tracy, ever the show-woman, glanced back and winked at the other paparazzi.

“Ah, it turns out Mr. Harrison and Ms. Carlson will tie the knot soon. What a great surprise.”

“The rumors are no longer rumors then. Mr. Harrison and Ms. Carlson are truly a match made in heaven.”

The paparazzi clicked their cameras, recording the couple’s disappearing figure, leaving a trail of excitement and speculation in their wake.

****

Inside the Harrison Mansion, in a dimly lit room, Grandpa Winston sat on a chair in front of the TV.

The teacup in his hand dropped and shattered on the floor. Watching the news of his grandson with another girl, the old man held his chest and coughed rapidly.

“Master. Master. What is happening? Are you alright?” A servant rushed into the living room.

The old man slid down the chair, falling on his side. His hand pressed tightly on his chest.

“Oh, no! Master!” The servant’s screams shook the mansion.

Throughout the dinner party, Lucas’s eyes were fixed on his phone. He was oblivious to the news spreading around the city, thanks to the paparazzi.

After introducing Tracy to one of his friends, he retreated to a quiet corner, repeatedly dialing Heidi’s number. However, his efforts were met with only an electronic voice on the other end.

Lucas’s grip tightened on the phone. He swiftly logged into his social media apps, embarking on a search for Heidi’s profile, only to discover that she had blocked him.

Lucas was on the verge of breaking something when his phone rang.

“Young Master! Young Master!” The frantic voice of a servant made him frown.

Before he could ask what happened, the servant continued…

“The Master has fallen- he’s rushed to the hospital. Young Master, please come back immediately.”

Lucas’s pupils expanded, and the phone slid off his hand.