Frank sent a team to Maple Town overnight, heading straight for the place where Arnold was rumored to be hiding Mona's people.But before dawn the next morning, his phone rang. The report made his brows tighten."They reached the location," the voice on the line said, "but there was no one there.""What do you mean no one?" Frank's voice sharpened. "Even if they're gone, there should be signs of a fight.""There are," Jacob replied after a short pause, "but they're faint. You'd miss them if you weren't looking carefully. I think someone cleaned up the scene and moved a group of people out."Jacob had once worked for Kane, but Frank had recruited him personally, and Frank trusted his judgment."Cunning bastard," Frank muttered through clenched teeth."This feels off," Jacob said, his tone low. "Want me to stay in the area and investigate?"Frank thought for a moment. "Do it, but stay sharp. If anything seems wrong, pull back immediately. No risks. Understood?""Got it," Jacob answered
Mona was eating with such fierce determination that her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk. Frank, barely holding back a laugh, walked over and snatched the food from her hand."Still tastes amazing," he said, squinting playfully as he stole a meatball right from her plate. "But I think I like this new shape even better—especially that slice of ham you just finished. I can't stop thinking about it.""Hey! Hands off!" Mona swatted his hand and glared at him. "This is all mine. Don't even think about it!"To prove her point, she stuffed a heart-shaped carrot slice into her mouth.Frank didn't bother arguing. He simply focused on stealing bites straight from her plate whenever he got the chance.By the time the two of them finished wrestling over the dishes, Mona was stuffed to the point of laziness. She flopped onto the couch, too full to move. Frank had eaten plenty too, but the warm satisfaction buzzing in his chest made him want to stay close to her.He slid down next to her and caugh
As it turned out, Mona was every bit as fierce as Frank had always claimed.The proof? Frank showed up to meet Kane sporting a perfectly placed black eye, the kind that demanded sunglasses for several days.The moment Kane got a look at him, he nearly choked on his coffee, and Aria's laugh filled the entire room."Did the cat scratch you again?" Kane teased, his grin wicked.Aria stepped closer, eyeing the bruise with mock seriousness. "That's no cat scratch," she said, clicking her tongue and pointing at the dark circle. "Whoever threw that punch had incredible control—just enough to make you live in shades for a while."Frank dropped into a chair with a scowl, turning his face away from their knowing looks.The truth was far less dignified. Mona hadn't just scratched him—she'd clawed, nipped, and left her own marks all over his chest and back.The black eye, however, was pure accident.After a particularly...enthusiastic night, he'd tried to stand, only for his knees to buckle and h
Frank's warning was clear enough to make Mona shrink her neck and purse her lips without a word.When she stayed silent, Frank gave her cheek a playful pinch."Ow!" Mona swatted his hand away and yelped.Knowing she was just putting on a show, Frank shot her a sharp look, then softened his grip, his fingers brushing her skin instead."Mona, you need to remember this," he said, lowering his voice as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "No matter what happens, I'll always be your rock."Leaning into his chest, Mona gave a quiet nod. "Mm. I know."Her answer finally brought a satisfied curve to Frank's lips.Even though she promised him, Mona knew in her heart that if trouble really broke out back at the village, she might not keep that promise. She didn't want to drag him into it.Things were already messy with Kane and Aria—newspaper stories about ATTA and the couple were everywhere. Frank never complained, but Mona knew he was quietly helping Kane deal with the fallout.That was why Mo
Neither Frank nor Mona expected Kane and Aria to get their marriage license so quickly, only to postpone the wedding indefinitely.To get the full story, Mona invited Aria out for a day of shopping."You two move fast," Mona teased as they strolled down Fifth Avenue. "One minute you're talking about it, the next you're signing papers. How's the knee? Healed yet?""It's been weeks—of course it's fine." Aria smiled, looping her arm through Mona's. "Kane and I have known each other forever. We already have a child. Getting married isn't exactly a shocking development.""As long as you're sure," Mona said with a small hum."Kane isn't as terrible as you think. What happened last time was my choice." Aria squeezed her arm. "Mona, we haven't known each other long, but you're one of the few people I truly call a friend. I want your blessing."In the past, Aria had barely any friends and revolved her whole world around Kane. Even now, with more people in her life, Mona was rare—a friend she'd
Mona couldn't shake her worry for Aria, so she personally walked her to Arthur's car and stood there watching as the vehicle disappeared down the street. Only then did she turn back toward the hospital.Frank noticed her unsettled mood and quickly caught up."You were up all night," he said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat. "Go home and get some rest. I'll drive you.""Okay." Mona didn't argue. "I just need to grab my stuff upstairs. Meet you in the parking garage.""Got it." Frank nodded.After Frank dropped her off at her apartment, he had to return to the hospital for work. Left alone, Mona's mind drifted back to what she'd been worrying about all night. She picked up her phone and tried calling Cliff.The call didn't go through.Frowning, she dialed another number from her village. Over the past year and a half, thanks to Frank's protection, Arnold's men hadn't managed to track her down in New York.Some of the villagers still checked in with her from time to time, but now th