Chapter 28

LUCAS’S POV Nick had always been a valuable asset at my Academy. Strategic, sharp, and methodical in his thinking—his skills were undeniable. He was one of those minds you don't come across often, and I knew it. Losing someone like him would sting, but not enough to tolerate this kind of disrespect. Still, it was Elora who remained unmatched. Even with Nick's PHD and polished resume, he lacked the intuitive brilliance that Elora possessed. Elora had vision. A rare kind of edge. The moment I saw her again, I saw the same quiet intensity in her eyes—the same controlled fire she always had. That alone had sealed my decision. I'd planned to talk to Nick later in private about Maya, about why I'd refused to hire her and why things had shifted. But after today, I realised Nick's feelings ran deeper than I thought. The first time I'd seen them together—Nick and Maya—there was something there. A look, a tension, it was clear now. Nick had been carrying something for her. Maybe more than just f