Chapter 4 - The Night She Saw Behind His Armor
The attack against Roman's reputation began two weeks later.
Articles appeared.
Rumors spread.
Business partners questioned him.
Someone leaked information.
And the person behind it was closer than anyone expected.
Tyler Voss.
When Lydia discovered the connection, she immediately went to Roman.
"You knew."
Roman looked at her.
"Yes."
"Then why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I wanted to know if you would find him without my help."
Lydia stared.
"You tested me?"
"Yes."
"Do you always treat people like experiments?"
Roman was silent.
Then:
"Only people who matter."
That answer irritated her.
"That's not better."
"I know."
For once, Roman admitted fault.
And that was more surprising than anything.
Later that night, Lydia found him alone in his office.
Without the suit jacket.
Without the public mask.
The tattoos across his chest were visible beneath his open shirt.
She noticed the scars.
"You got those protecting someone?"
Roman looked at her.
"No."
A pause.
"Getting revenge."
Lydia didn't judge him.
She simply said:
"Did it help?"
Roman looked away.
"No."
That was the first honest answer he gave her about his past.
And Lydia realized something.
Roman Mercer wasn't emotionless.
May you like
He was someone who had buried emotions so deeply he forgot they existed.
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