CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY TWO - Unveiling Shadows

But as the clock ticked past midnight, Lucas had to admit defeat. The footage showed nothing out of the ordinary - just the usual flow of customers and staff. Whoever was leaving the gifts was either incredibly stealthy or had inside help. Rubbing his tired eyes, Lucas leaned back in his chair. The situation was more complex than he'd initially thought. He needed professional help. With a resigned sigh, he picked up his phone and scrolled through his contacts. His finger hovered over a name: Cecilia Davis. She was a private investigator he'd worked with in the past, known for her discretion and effectiveness. After a moment's hesitation, Lucas pressed call. Despite the late hour, Cecilia answered on the third ring. "Lucas Montgomery," her voice came through, alert despite the hour. "To what do I owe this midnight pleasure?" Lucas quickly explained the situation, keeping his voice low to avoid waking Ella or Sophia. "Interesting," Cecilia mused when he finished. "It could be nothi