The two men strained against each other in a deadlock. At the critical moment, Zeke suddenly barked, “Chief, why are you here?”
The assassin instinctively turned his head. It was only a two-second distraction, but that was all Zeke needed. He wrenched the man’s wrist sharply and drove the dagger deep into his chest.
The blade slid in with a sickening sound, blood spurting hot and fast.
Zeke kicked him backward, but the killer yanked the knife free and tried to lunge again. Zeke slipped behind him, locked an arm around his neck, and with one brutal twist, snapped it.
The body crumpled lifelessly, blood still streaming from his chest wound.
Breath ragged, Zeke collapsed into a chair. His palm throbbed, dripping crimson, trembling with pain. His gaze stayed fixed on the corpse, grim and heavy.
Shadow M
Caitlin studied Black Hawk’s face, cold and sharp as a blade. His composure was terrifying—no flicker, no weakness, not even the faintest twitch. His control was flawless.“Why ask me?”The realization struck him like ice water: she had begun to suspect. This woman was dangerous. She wanted to use Ida to pry open his defenses—he could not afford to take the bait.Caitlin’s smile faded. Her voice cut sharper. “Why do you think I asked? You really believe I came here to chat for fun? I already know the truth. Ida is your sister. You’re her brother, aren’t you?”His fingers dug into his palms, his stare fixed and hard on her.Caitlin pulled a faded photograph from her folder, sliding it against the glass. “Your sister’s picture. She’s only a child in it, and her brother was barely a teenager, but the resemblance is there. The eyes don’t lie. Without this photogra
Hayden’s lips were a breath away from Jillian’s when he noticed her wide, startled eyes, like a frightened little doe. He pulled back at the last second, his voice steady.“We’re here. Time to get out.”He stepped out first. Jillian’s body slackened, but her heart still thudded wildly.He didn’t kiss her.Why?A small, secret part of her had been hoping he would. Now the missed kiss left a faint, inexplicable ache in her chest. Did this mean he didn’t like her?She followed him into the estate, eyes widening at the sight of the low-key yet extravagant manor. “This… is The Fixer’s home?”“Mm.”Hayden led her inside. Jillian’s pulse raced faster. For a man to invite a woman into his most private space—didn’t that mean she was different from the others?He arranged a guest room for her. That night Jillian tossed and
“Jillian!”Caitlin spun around just in time to see her slipping, a cry escaping her lips. Julie and Zinnia both gasped, eyes wide with horror.They were too far away. None of them could reach her in time.Just as Jillian was about to plunge headfirst into the pond, a strong hand shot out and seized her wrist.Hayden.He had moved like lightning, striding forward in three powerful steps, yanking her back with a firm pull.Jillian tumbled straight into his chest, her face pale as paper, her heart pounding so violently it hurt.The others finally exhaled in relief. Jillian lifted her head from Hayden’s embrace, her lips trembling as she whispered, “Thank you.”“Idiot. Watch where you’re going,” Hayden said, his voice laced with reproach—but under it was something softer, warmer, protective.“I… got it.”Instead of getting angry at being ca
“For now, there’s still no trace of Forrest,” Caitlin replied with a small smile. “But we’ve finally found a lead on my mother.”“Really? Where is she?” Billy asked, his voice full of concern.“We tracked her to Country A. I’ve already sent people there. If nothing goes wrong, when we return home, we should be able to follow this lead and finally find her.”“Good, good, good! The sooner you find her, the sooner your family can be whole again.” Billy’s expression softened with hope.The evening ended on a warm note. After dinner, Caitlin and the others left Billy’s home and returned to their villa.Before bed, Caitlin tried to call Sebastian. He didn’t answer. She sent a message, but there was still no reply long after. Her chest tightened with unease. What was happening in the far northern seas?Far north, across the vast, icy waters.
“She’s here, she’s here!”Billy spotted the familiar figure and cried out with joy.Everyone turned to look. Caitlin entered the square, flanked by Hayden, Jillian, and others.The crowd instinctively parted, their eyes following the heir of the Yuncey family. Young, beautiful, brilliant, and fearless—she embodied the courage and clarity few could claim.Because of her, buried history had been unearthed, rigid traditions had been forced to yield, and Departure City had taken on new life and energy.Caitlin walked humbly, nodding and waving to the locals as she passed.When she reached the front, Yosef immediately stepped forward. “Caitlin, we’ve been waiting for you.”“Sorry to keep you waiting. Is everything ready?”“All set. Come, I’ll introduce you to the city leaders.”With Yosef guiding her, Caitlin shook hands with Departure City&rs
“What spy? Bring them in!” Zorro barked.Moments later, his men dragged in a bound figure, head covered with a black sack, wrists and ankles tied tight.“Count, this is the spy. She was sneaking near the Graystone borders, trying to cross into our land.”The sack was pulled off, revealing a young woman in shambles, hair matted and messy enough to hide her features.“Ask her who she is.”One of the guards ripped the tape from her mouth.Finally able to speak, Zora lifted her chin. She looked at the stern man seated high above—the same face she’d seen in photos and news reports. She had found him at last.“Answer! Who are you? Why were you lurking near the borders of Graystone?” the guard snapped.“I… I am the Count’s daughter! He is my fathe