Chapter 71

“Oh Derek, it feels like an eternity since our last communication. How have you been, my dear?”

Derek’s frustration boiled over as he snapped back, “Quit fooling around and tell me where Lilith is, you conniving witch.”

Lucy, a mischievous grin on her face, relished in teasing Derek and prolonging his anxieties.

“Now, now, sweetheart, that’s not the way to address an old friend. Let’s catch up, shall we? How have things been for you, Derek? I hope life has been as delightful as you promised, with a blissful marriage and those two children you mentioned having by now. You’re, what, thirty years old already?”

Derek’s anger escalated, his words laced with expletives, “Enough with the games, Lucinda Tate! Just answer the damn question. Where is Lilith?”

Her smile widening, Lucy continued to revel in Derek’s distress.

“Oh, you mean Lilith, Astria’s step-sister and your former fiancée?”

“Yes, you imbecile! Where is she?! I’ve been trying to reach