LOGINThe bedroom door shut behind them, and the sound of the lock clicking into place was the last thing either of them heard from the world outside. Ethan didn't put her down. He carried her the last few steps to the bed and lowered her onto it with a care that felt deliberate, like he was proving something to himself — that she was real, that she was here, that his hands could hold her without anything tearing them apart. Skyler's back met the comforter, and she watched him above her, his face still close enough that she could feel the warmth coming off his skin, could smell the faint trace of sweat and night air still clinging to his shirt. He braced one hand beside her head. The other found her waist, his thumb pressing slow circles against the fabric of her top. His eyes moved over her face like he was memorizing it again, and the look in them — the raw, unguarded want mixed with something almost like disbelief — made her chest tighten. "You're sure," he said. Not a question exact
The convoy finally came to a stop.Ethan looked out the window before stepping out, while one of the security guards quickly led Skyler inside.The new location was nothing like the previous house. It was secluded, heavily secured, and surrounded by layers of private security. Several guards were already positioned around the property, while others were checking the perimeter.David approached the moment Ethan stepped out.“Boss.”Ethan nodded.“Give me an update.”“The perimeter is secure. I've doubled the guards around the property and stationed two teams outside the main entrance.”“Good.” He nodded and then asked. “What about the people who attacked us?”“We're still trying to identify them.”Ethan's expression hardened. “Find out who they are and who sent them.” He looked again. “ I'm sure they're not working alone.”David nodded in agreement. “ We'll get on it and find out everything we can.”“Also, make sure nobody gets near this property without clearance. I don't care who the
“Take the next turn!”David's voice rang through the communication system.The convoy immediately changed direction. Two security vehicles moved ahead while another stayed behind Ethan's car, creating enough distance between them and the wreckage they had left behind.“Are we clear?” Ethan asked.“For now,” David replied.Ethan looked toward the rear window.The damaged vehicle was already far behind them.But he wasn't taking any chances.“Keep moving.”“Yes, boss.”The convoy disappeared into a quieter road.Only when David was certain they had created enough distance did he instruct the driver to slow down.Ethan finally looked at Skyler.She was still crying.Not the frightened tears from moments earlier.These were different. They were tears of relief. Of happiness. Of finally understanding.She looked at him through tear-filled eyes.“You.”Ethan's throat tightened. “Sky…”She suddenly threw herself into his arms.Ethan barely had time to react before she wrapped both arms aroun
The first gunshot came without warning.BANG!Skyler screamed.Ethan's head snapped toward the rear window.Another shot tore through the darkness.BANG!The sound was deafening.“Get down!”Ethan immediately pulled Skyler toward him, forcing her below the level of the windows.“What is happening?” she cried.“Stay down!”Another bullet struck the vehicle.THUD!The glass trembled.Skyler covered her ears, her entire body shaking.Ethan's expression hardened.“They're shooting at us.”Her eyes widened.“What?”He reached for his phone.“David.”The call connected almost immediately.“Boss?”“We're under attack.”“ What?!”“ Get Caspian.”“ Where are you?”Ethan quickly gave him their location.“We're coming.”With intense urgency, the call ended.Ethan looked at Skyler.“Are you hurt?”She shook her head rapidly. “No.”“Good.”He pulled her closer. “Stay down.”Another series of gunshots erupted behind them.The driver accelerated.The vehicle surged forward.Skyler pressed herself ag
Skyler laughed so hard that she had to cover her mouth.“No, Ethan. You actually did that?”Ethan leaned back against the couch, looking completely unapologetic.“I did.”“You're unbelievable.”“I was trying to help.”“You made it worse!”“I didn't know the vase was that expensive.”Skyler stared at him for a second. Then she burst out laughing again.Ethan smiled.It was one of those rare moments when neither of them was thinking about the past.No investigations.No family secrets.No betrayal.No questions about what had happened before Skyler lost her memory.Just the two of them sitting in the living room, laughing over something so ridiculous that neither of them could properly explain why it was funny anymore.Skyler wiped the corner of her eye.“You're honestly impossible.”She said, then looked at him. Their eyes met.For a moment, neither of them spoke, and then Skyler's smile slowly softened.There was something about Ethan's expression that made her heart beat differently.
Fiona sat alone in the darkened living room.The house was unusually quiet.Too quiet.She had dismissed everyone hours ago, unable to tolerate the sight of another person moving around her while her mind continued to replay Nathaniel's words.I will destroy everything you care about.Her own son had threatened her.Because of Skyler.Fiona's fingers tightened around the phone in her hand.She had spent years protecting Nathaniel.She had lied for him.Manipulated people for him.Destroyed people for him.She had even killed for him.And now, because Skyler had somehow survived, Nathaniel was turning against her.Fiona slowly lifted her eyes.“No.”Her voice was barely audible.“I won't let this happen.”She reached for another phone.It was an old device she rarely used. There were only a handful of contacts saved inside it. One of them had no name.Just a number.Fiona stared at it for several seconds. She knew exactly what making this call meant. She also knew she had already cross







