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No One Vanishes Without Leaving a Trace

Auteur: Calai
last update Dernière mise à jour: 2025-11-26 10:27:51

The evening light had softened by the time Adam stopped in front of the Sterling Atheria, a hotel known for being quietly elegant and very private. It was close to the Medical Convention Center, the kind of place where important people could stay without drawing attention. Adam, heir to the respected Evert family and well-known in both Marlowe and Atheria’s medical circles, had long been a trusted client, valued for loyalty, not for showing off.

Alina stepped out of the car, taking in the simple, clean lines of the building. “So, this is where you booked it?” she asked.

Adam smiled slightly as the doorman nodded a greeting. "It met what you asked for, safe, private, and near the convention hall."

“And the name?” she asked, adjusting her bag on her shoulder.

"Marian Cole," he replied. "It won't cause any problems. The staff knows the deal; no one will link that name to you."

Alina nodded. "Good. The less they know, the better. Until the conference is over, I want things quiet.”

“And it
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  • Back in His Arms, Back in His Game... a Billionaire's Price   Seeds and Promises

    The restaurant hummed with quiet conversation. Claire sipped her water, relaxed but attentive. Natasha leaned back effortlessly, her smile precise, controlled.“You know, Claire,” Natasha began, warm but deliberate, “sometimes the people closest to power don’t see the real game. It’s not about names or titles, it’s about knowing who will act, who will bend, who will stay loyal when it counts.”Claire nodded, flattered. “I try, but some things happen behind closed doors. I don’t always know the full story.”“That’s exactly why I wanted to meet you,” Natasha said, her smile deepening slightly. “To see where you stand, what matters to you, how you think. Knowledge now... gives opportunity later.”Claire laughed softly, taking the remark at face value. “I appreciate that. It’s nice to talk openly with someone.”Natasha’s eyes flicked subtly toward the staff, cataloging, observing. “Of course. Friends can be valuable, and sometimes a friend becomes an ally.”Claire smiled, unaware how much

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    Claire had just left Alina and Adam’s table when she spotted Natasha at a corner table in the same restaurant. Natasha rose as Claire approached, her smile bright, effortless, careful, calculated.“Claire! “It’s so nice we finally have lunch together,” Natasha said lightly. “I feel like we’ve been circling the same events for months but never actually sat down.”Claire nodded, adjusting her hair. “I know. I’m glad we found the time. It’s good to have someone to talk to outside... the usual circles.”They settled, ordering drinks, laughing lightly at shared small talk. Onlookers would have seen nothing but friendship. Beneath the surface, each measured every word, every gesture.Natasha leaned in slightly, careful not to invade personal space. “Sometimes connections matter more than appearances. Families, alliances, influence... it all shapes how we move.”Claire smiled, intrigued. “You make it sound like strategy instead of lunch.”Natasha laughed softly. “Strategy is part of everythi

  • Back in His Arms, Back in His Game... a Billionaire's Price   The Difference Between Being Seen and Being Understood

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  • Back in His Arms, Back in His Game... a Billionaire's Price   Calculated Exposure

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  • Back in His Arms, Back in His Game... a Billionaire's Price   Once You Step Away

    Alina didn’t argue with Nancy’s request.The decision came quietly. No warnings. No conditions disguised as mercy. Just a clean authorization routed through the proper channels.Nancy would be released.Sebastian watched as Alina signed off, movements precise, almost clinical. “Once she leaves,” he said, “she won’t be protected.”“I know,” Alina replied.“And Knox? Catherine?”Alina’s gaze didn’t waver. “They don’t frighten me.”Nancy felt a flicker of freedom as she stepped forward, the corridor behind her now silent. For the first time in days, she could breathe without immediate threat. Yet a heaviness lingered in her chest, sharp and insistent. Alina had let her move, allowed her the choice, but that very freedom reminded her of the stakes she carried, and of unseen eyes still tracking every step.“Mrs. Vaughn,” she said softly, “thank you... for not keeping me here.”Alina’s eyes met hers briefly. “I didn’t keep you. You chose.”Nancy nodded, a faint, complicated smile crossing h

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