Knockemout, #3
Things We Left Behind
by Lucy Score
Contents
33
Overview
Lucian spirals at work, prompting Lina to confront him and staff to go home. A visit from his mother exposes family avoidance and her tentative new relationship, while Lucian tightens security. Emry bluntly diagnoses Lucian’s self-sabotage and love for Sloane. Lucian admits he’s publicly dating to mislead Hugo and protect Sloane.
Summary
At the office, Lucian snaps at staff until Lina physically detains him for a reality check. She details how his behavior has hurt the team and warns of mass turnover. Despite his bluster, Lina and leadership send everyone home, forcing Lucian to confront how his turmoil over Sloane is bleeding into work.
Petula announces Lucian’s mother, Kayla Rollins, has arrived. In a cautious exchange, Kayla asks for more event funds and reveals she’s seeing someone. Lucian agrees and quietly orders security for her, while both avoid discussing their shared past and his father, underscoring longstanding family denial.
After Kayla leaves, Nash texts, furious that Lucian “fired” Lina. Lucian then meets his friend and therapist, Emry, seeking validation that distancing from Sloane is right. Emry counters, stating Lucian loves Sloane and is sabotaging happiness due to unworthiness tied to his father.
Pressed, Lucian admits he’s been publicly dating to confuse Hugo and signal that Sloane means nothing, aiming to deflect danger away from her. Emry worries Lucian prioritizes winning over happiness, leaving Lucian unsettled about his strategy and emotional isolation.
Who Appears
- Lucian RollinsExplodes at staff, fends off accountability, manages his mother’s visit, admits he’s dating publicly to mislead Hugo, denies loving Sloane.
- Lina SolavitaConfronts Lucian about his behavior, forces a reset, and has staff work from home despite his anger.
- EmryTherapist friend who tells Lucian he loves Sloane and is self-sabotaging, urging him to choose happiness.
- Kayla RollinsLucian’s mother; requests more event funds, reveals she’s seeing someone, accepts added security.
- PetulaAssistant who announces Kayla’s arrival and spars with Lucian over his tantrums.
- Nash MorganTexts Lucian angrily about firing Lina, signaling consequences within their friend group.
- NolanEmployee Lucian insults; part of staff sent home amid office unrest.
- HollyEmotional employee cited by Lina; Lucian’s harshness made her cry after a minor car incident.
- MalikEmployee grieving his grandmother; Lucian’s insensitivity highlights his spiral.
- CarlEmployee evicted from his office by Lina during her confrontation with Lucian.