Chapter summaries Things we Left behind Lucy Score

Chapter 25 Summary: Tracking Devices & Bad Decisions

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Lucian returns to the city in an unusually cheerful mood after a weekend with Sloane. Their humorous text exchange—boasting about soreness and pretending to be done with each other—masks an undeniable pull. At the office, his staff notices his almost-smile; Nolan deduces he got laid. Nolan and Lina review confirmation: Tate Dilton put Nash’s name on Anthony Hugo’s list and attempted to kill Nash. Lina vows to tell Nash despite her NDA. A separate thread reveals Lucian helped sink Morganstern Credit Corp., the company of a man who once scammed Sloane. Later, security chief Grace finds a tracking device on Lucian’s Escalade; he decides to use it against Hugo.

Key Events

  • Lucian and Sloane exchange teasing texts about their physical state after sex, joking about “chemical peels” and “sprained vaginas,” then tentatively agree to meet on Valentine’s Day.
  • Nolan reports that Travers confirmed Tate Dilton—the deceased mustachioed man—was the one who showed up at the Metzer family barbecue and is linked to putting Nash’s name on Anthony Hugo’s informant list.
  • Lina is furious and insists on telling Nash the truth.
  • Lucian learns that Morganstern Credit Corporation is being sued for predatory debt collection; Sloane’s ex (who faked his death) worked there.
  • A group text with Nash and Knox reveals the brothers teasing Lucian about getting laid; Lucian deflects but does not deny.
  • Emry texts Lucian about his date with Sacha, asking for dating advice.
  • Grace, head of security, reports finding a tracking device on Lucian’s Escalade during a routine sweep; Lucian’s personal vehicles are clean—he drove the Range Rover to Knockemout, so Sloane was never at risk.
  • Lucian decides not to remove the device yet; he plans to use it to “fuck with Hugo.”

Character Development

  • Lucian Rollins: Shows uncharacteristic vulnerability and humor; his staff sees him nearly smiling. He teases Sloane about training for “exhaustive research,” revealing a playful side. His protective instincts surface when he verifies Hugo’s men didn’t follow him to Knockemout, and he shifts from revenge to using the tracker offensively.
  • Sloane Walton: Matches Lucian’s banter effortlessly; she refuses to admit they are still involved but agrees to see him again. Her mention of her ex’s employer reinforces her backstory.
  • Nolan: Acts as both investigator and confidant; he notices Lucian’s mood shift and openly teases him about Sloane, but also respects the privacy boundaries.
  • Lina: Demonstrates fierce loyalty to Nash; she is ready to break an NDA to tell him the truth about Dilton.
  • Grace: Efficient, professional, and clever—suggests keeping the tracker to manipulate Hugo.

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

  • Duality of control vs. vulnerability: Lucian’s cheerful mood is a rare break from his usual cold demeanor; the tracking device symbolizes the ever-present threats he faces.
  • Humor as a shield: Both Lucian and Sloane joke about their physical soreness to avoid acknowledging emotional intimacy.
  • Obsession vs. genuine connection: Lucian’s thoughts keep returning to Sloane, and his revenge focus on Hugo is now tinged with protecting her.
  • Trust among allies: Lina’s choice to tell Nash despite the NDA shows that loyalty matters more than corporate secrecy.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter advances two threads: the resolution of Nash’s shooting investigation (Dilton is confirmed as the shooter) and the deepening of Lucian and Sloane’s relationship. The tracking device discovery sets up the next conflict with Anthony Hugo, raising the stakes for Lucian’s personal and professional life.

Study Questions

  1. Question: Why does Lucian decide not to remove the tracking device immediately?
    Answer: He wants to “use this against Hugo” by feeding false information and manipulating Hugo’s moves, turning the threat into an offensive strategy.

  2. Question: How does the text banter between Lucian and Sloane reveal their true feelings?
    Answer: They both claim to be done with each other, yet they immediately plan to meet on Valentine’s Day (Lucian) and joke about “training on your very large penis” (Sloane), showing they are not ready to stop.

  3. Question: What does Lina’s decision to tell Nash about Dilton reveal about her character?
    Answer: She values personal loyalty over professional agreements; her fury at Dilton is motivated by love for Nash, not just justice.

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