After talking to Regina, Lucy walked slowly, her heels clicking softly as she wandered through the upper corridor.
Her thoughts had been drifting light, idle until she caught sight of Lisa.
She stood near the front lobby, speaking with one of the firm's key clients. Her posture was confident, her expression focused but warm. Lucy paused instinctively. She leaned slightly over the railing, watching unnoticed from the top floor.
Regina's voice suddenly echoed in her mind.
" hes in a serious relationship with lisa"
Serious.
The word unsettled her like a stone dropped into still water. Lucy straightened her shoulders, arms crossing as her eyes narrowed faintly.
She didn't know what exactly bothered her the fact that Canary hadn't said anything directly to her, or the fact that Lisa, with her modest clothes and quiet strength, had managed to get that close to her son.
She watched Lisa lean in slightly as she spoke to the client, gesturing gently. Professional. Poised. Polite.
A flicker of discomfort tugged at Lucy's chest, sharp and unwelcome. She hated feeling like this uncertain, suspicious. But now that Regina had planted the thought, it was growing, spreading fast and messy.
Was this what Canary wanted? Was Lisa what he truly saw himself building a future with?
Lucy's gaze lingered for a moment longer, then she turned away, her expression unreadable.
---
That evening , Canary joined Lucy for dinner.
Lucy sipped her wine slowly, eyes trained on her son with quiet calculation. Finally, she spoke.
"I've been thinking," she said, her tone deceptively casual. "About why you suddenly joined the designing team."
Lucy set her wine glass down gently. "I just hope this isn't about Lisa."
A pause.
Canary's fork stopped midway to his mouth. "What about Lisa?"
Lucy's expression didn't change. " I know about your relationship Canary"
He didn't respond right away. He simply took a sip of water, then met her eyes. "Yes. I am."
Lucy's fingers twitched slightly, but she kept her expression smooth. "And you're serious about her?"
Canary leaned back in his chair, his voice firm but not defensive. "More serious than I've ever been with anyone. I love her."
That word—love—hung heavy in the air.
Lucy didn't flinch, but she didn't smile either. "You're sure it's not... just admiration? Or convenience?"
"No," he said without hesitation. "Lisa grounds me. She sees me for who I am—not for my name, not for the company. She doesn't care about the weight I carry. She's the calm in my storm."
Lucy looked down at her untouched wine. "She's quiet. Secretive. You know very little about her background."
"I know enough," he replied, with an edge of protectiveness in his tone. "And what I don't know, I'm willing to learn. With her."
Lucy nodded slowly, but her silence was telling. She picked up her glass and took a small sip, then set it down with a soft sigh.
"I see," she murmured.
Canary studied her carefully. "You're not pleased."
"I'm... processing," Lucy replied. "You're my only son, Canary. I want you happy, but I also want you protected. Loved the way you deserve."
"And I am," he said quietly. "By Lisa."
Lucy gave a tight smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "I just hope your heart isn't bigger than your judgment."