Chapter 178

Quinn's POV

As I exited the courthouse, my mind heavy with concern. Despite Serena's composed demeanor during our meeting, the failed bail attempt left an unsettling weight in my stomach.

Spencer was waiting by his car, his casual stance a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation. I silently slid into the passenger seat.

"How is she?" he asked, starting the engine.

"Calm and rational," I replied, organizing my thoughts from our earlier conversation. "I reviewed the case details - there are several angles we can work with to get the charges dropped. If we can uncover the right evidence, Serena should be fine." I paused, then added, "Did you tell Lucas about the bail situation?"

"Couldn't reach him."

I frowned. "He's on a flight?"

"No." Spencer's fingers drummed against the steering wheel. "Howard has him under house arrest overseas."

The news hit me like a physical blow. I turned to stare at him, searching his face for any sign he might be exaggerating.

"That look won't change anything, Quinn," Spencer said with a resigned shrug. "The Harrington empire is still Howard's domain. Even with all his influence, Lucas can't override his grandfather."

My stomach tightened. "Without him, investigating Serena's case becomes significantly more difficult."

"Jace is trying to find a way to reach Lucas. Let's hope he succeeds."

I nodded absently, then remembered Eleanor. Pulling out my phone, I quickly dialed her number. When her worried voice came through, I briefed her on the situation, emphasizing Lucas's confinement.

After hanging up, I gazed out at the Manhattan streets sliding past, my mind churning through possibilities.

"You seem unusually invested in Serena's case," Spencer observed, breaking into my thoughts.

"An attorney has obligations to their client," I replied evenly.

"Really? Because it seems more like you've taken a personal interest in her."

I didn't deny it. "She's someone worth knowing."

"It's fascinating, really. Serena has this way of drawing people in. Even Lucas, who's famous for keeping women at arm's length, fell for her completely."

I felt my jaw tighten. "Don't get any ideas about her."

"Jesus, Quinn!" Spencer's voice sharpened with genuine anger. "What kind of person do you think I am? She's Lucas's woman!"

I barely stopped myself from pointing out his history. When we reached the Sherwood Group building, I started to turn toward the parking garage, but Spencer cut in, "I need your car."

Knowing his personality but still reluctant, I offered, "I could drive you wherever you need to go."

"Get out." His tone left no room for argument.

Gritting my teeth, I stepped out and watched him drive away in my only vehicle. Taking cabs home during late nights always made me uneasy, but Spencer had never been one to consider others' concerns.

Eleanor's POV

I practically flew back to the Harrington mansion that afternoon, my anger building with every step. I felt suffocating as I made my way to Grandfather's study.

"Eleanor." A strong hand caught my arm just as I reached for the door handle. I looked up to find Jace Gillard's face - the last one I wanted to see right now.

"Let go of me!" I glared at him, fury evident in every line of my face.

He maintained his patronizing tone, still gripping my arm. "You need to calm down. I know you want to confront him about Serena, but barging in like this won't solve anything-"

I let out a harsh laugh, cutting him off. "Of course you'd say that. When it's your friend involved, suddenly nothing can be solved." My voice dripped with contempt. "You don't want a solution - you're just afraid I'll upset Grandfather and the whole family's harmony will be disturbed. And heaven forbid that affects you! I get it, Jace. As an adopted son, you're insecure about your place here. I understand why you're so desperate to please Grandfather and secure your position. But don't be so selfish."

My words echoed through the hallway. The household staff froze, trying to make themselves invisible.

"Let her in, Jace." Grandfather's aged voice carried through the door.

I yanked my arm free from Jace's grip. "Don't touch me again," I spat, before pushing open the heavy door.

Inside, grandfather sat behind his massive desk, looking infuriatingly composed. "Grandfather, what have you done to my brother?" I demanded.

His self-assured smile only fueled my rage. "He's my grandson, Eleanor. What could I possibly do to him?"

"Don't play games with me!" My hands clenched into fists. "Why are you keeping him locked up overseas? Why won't you let him come home?"

"Eleanor." He leaned back in his leather chair, regarding me with that calculating look I'd grown to hate. "You're young. You don't understand how these things work. The engagement is beneficial for both families. Love can grow over time-"

"Love?" I nearly choked on the word. "Is that what you call forcing two people together for business interests? In your world, everything's just a transaction, isn't it? Even people's lives!"

My eyes burned with unshed tears as he continued his warnings about family duty and responsibility. The butler shifted uncomfortably nearby. "Miss Eleanor, perhaps you should..."

I ignored him. There was no getting through to Grandfather today, but I wasn't giving up. As I turned to leave, Jace was still hovering in the doorway, trying to play mediator.

"Eleanor, you have to understand. The connections involved in this situation are complex. Your grandfather isn't being unreasonable-"

I fixed him with an icy stare. "Save your fake sympathy, Jace. Keep being Grandfather's perfect little lapdog - you're so good at it."

I stormed out, my mind made up. If no one else would stand up for what's right, I would. Serena wasn't going to face this alone.