Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 521 - Chapitre 530

Marcus' POV I held the envelope out to him, that simple gesture carrying the weight of years of history, of choices made and unmade, of a future being redefined in that exact moment. Christian stared at the envelope for a long beat, as if he were processing not just what it represented, but everything that had led us here. Then he let out a deep breath and took it slowly, almost reverently. I watched in silence as he opened it with care, unfolded the letter I had written and rewritten more times than I could count, until the words finally felt right, and read my resignation. Short. Direct. Respectful. But final in a way my previous attempts to step away had never been. When he finished, he folded the letter neatly, slid it back into the envelope, and rested it in his lap. His eyes met mine with an intensity that made me hold my breath. "I think this time," he said, his voice heavy with an emotion I rarely saw in him—always so controlled, so composed, "I'm going to have to acc

Gwen's POV I adjusted my car's rearview mirror as Christian's voice echoed through the speakerphone, repeating—for the third time—the details of the fake identity we'd built together. "Gwen Parker," my brother recited with exaggerated patience. "Digital marketing consultant specializing in rural tourism. Lombard School of Economics. Worked on campaigns for small businesses in Castoria and is now looking for new clients to build an independent portfolio." "I know, Christian," I sighed, swerving around a truck crawling up the narrow road at a glacial pace. "I know." "I know you know," Christian said, pausing meaningfully. "But this is the first time you're doing something like this, Gwen. I need to be sure everything goes smoothly." I tightened my grip on the steering wheel, the soft leather giving slightly beneath my gloved fingers. I knew exactly what he wasn't saying—that he usually relied on Marcus for missions like this. Or on Nathaniel, when extra subtlety was required. T

Nicholas' POV I placed my hand at the base of Miss Parker's waist, feeling the soft fabric of her coat beneath my fingers. The touch was more intimate than I would normally dare with a stranger, but we needed to sell the lie we'd just created. Gwen stiffened slightly under my hand momentarily before relaxing and allowing herself to be guided toward the clinic door. "I'll take care of her, Dr. Marshall," I said, keeping my voice steady as I signed the discharge papers he handed me. "I'll follow all the instructions. If she shows any worrying symptoms, I'll bring her back immediately." "Good, Nick," the doctor said, handing me a printed sheet with post–head injury instructions and a prescription. "Keep her under observation for the next twenty-four hours. No intense physical activity, avoid screens for long periods, and if she vomits, experiences blurred vision, or becomes excessively drowsy, call me right away." I nodded, folded the papers, and slipped them into my back pocket

Nicholas' POV I went down the stairs with heavy steps, but my mind was somewhere else entirely. On Gwen's fragile body, unconscious in my arms. On how surprisingly light she'd felt when I carried her to the truck, like she was made of something too delicate for this world. On those intense blue eyes staring up at me with a mix of confusion and certainty that made no sense at all. On her long legs slipping off the gurney when I tried to help her get settled. And the kiss. Shit. The kiss. It hadn't been that kind of kiss. The kind that steals your breath and makes the world stop. It had been almost a peck. Quick. Chaste. Innocent. Her lips had touched mine for no more than two seconds before Bella appeared in the doorway. If my daughter hadn't shown up and interrupted us… I shook my head hard, pushing the thought away. Of course I would have done the same thing. Pulled back. Explained. Set boundaries. I wasn't the kind of man who took advantage of a confused, vulnerable wom

Gwen's POV Nick glanced at me, then at the girl, and answered in a voice that sounded… tired. "I'm coming, Paula." I watched the interaction between them. The way she said his name. The familiarity in her tone. The way he answered without hesitation. Something uncomfortable twisted in my stomach. Jealousy? Was I jealous? Paula nodded, satisfied with his response, and said, "Good. The tourists are already waiting for the tour." Then she turned and walked away, heading back toward the main villa with confident, determined steps. I watched her go, noticing the way her ponytail swung, the certainty in every movement. The way she seemed to belong there in a way I clearly didn't. I wanted to ask who she was. I wanted reassurance that I had no reason to feel jealous. That she was just an employee. Or a friend. Or anything that didn't feel like a threat. But at the same time, it felt pathetic not to remember such basic things about my own life. Maybe they were siblings or she