جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 60

Adeline's POVI didn't sleep that night.Kayden's words played on repeat, each iteration cutting deeper than the lastWhat if we're wrong?I'd never considered it. From the moment Grey appeared in Belle's life, I'd known something was off. My instincts screamed danger.But instincts weren't always right.I'd killed people based on contracts, based on information someone else gave me. What if one of those targets had been innocent? What if someone's paranoia, someone like me, had led to an execution that wasn't justified?The thought made me nauseous.By dawn, I felt exhausted and hollow. My certainty, the one thing that had kept me moving forward, was crumbling.Belle wanted me at her apartment by noon to look at venues. I dragged myself through a shower, pulled on jeans and a sweater, and tried to look like someone who wasn't falling apart.Kayden was in his study when I passed. Our eyes met briefly.He looked tired too, but neither of us spoke.Belle's apartment was exactly as I r

Adeline's POVThe bridal boutique was everything Belle had dreamed of—elegant, intimate, with floor-to-ceiling mirrors and soft lighting that made everything look romantic and ethereal."Ms. Cornelia?" A consultant approached with a warm smile. "And you must be the maid of honor?""Sister," I corrected. "Adeline.""Wonderful! We have several dresses pulled for you, Ms. Cornelia. Your fiancé was very specific about your preferences."Belle's face lit up. "He called yesterday. Isn't that sweet?""Very thoughtful," the consultant agreed. "He knew your size, your preferred designers, even mentioned you love off-shoulder styles. Not many grooms are that attentive.""Grey's special," Belle said, squeezing my hand. "He pays attention to everything."We were led to a private fitting room where at least fifteen gowns hung waiting. Each one was stunning, and each one was exactly Belle's style, romantic without being too traditional, elegant without being stuffy."He really does know you," I ad

Adeline's POVThe Gravano mansion looked different at night. It was imposing, with its Gothic architecture and sprawling grounds lit by strategic spotlights. I'd lived here for months now, but arriving for formal dinner still made my stomach tight with tension."Relax," Kayden said, his hand warm on my lower back as we walked to the entrance. "It's just dinner.""With your father. Who always has an agenda.""Fair point."The front door opened before we could knock. One of Russio's staff smiled warmly.Mr. Gravano, Mrs. Gravano. Your father is waiting in the dining room."We followed her through the marble hallways. I'd worn a simple black dress, elegant but not trying too hard. Kayden looked devastatingly handsome in a dark suit, his hair pulled back in his signature style.The dining room was set for six, with expensive china, crystal glasses, candles creating intimate lighting. Russio stood at the head of the table, already holding a glass of wine."Kayden. Adeline." He smiled, whic

Adeline's POVDay one of the investigation started early.I woke to find Kayden already gone, voices drifting up from downstairs. The tech specialists had arrived before dawn, eager to begin their systematic sweep of the mansion.I got dressed slowly, deliberately, trying to calm my racing heart.Act normal. Just act normal.I went downstairs to find the main living areas transformed into a command center. Laptops, cables, scanning equipment everywhere. The three specialists were already at work, methodically checking every device, every connection point."Mrs. Gravano," the woman said when she saw me."Good morning. I'm Dr. Chen. We'll try to stay out of your way as much as possible.""It's fine. Do what you need to do.""We'll be scanning the main network infrastructure today. Tomorrow we'll move to individual offices and private spaces. We'll need access to your office as well."My office. Where everything was hidden."Of course. Whenever you need it."Kayden appeared with Marco, b

Adeline's POV"I need to call Belle right now."Kayden was already moving. "Do it. Put it on speaker."My hands shook as I dialed. It rang once, twice, then three times."Pick up, pick up—""Hello?" Belle's voice, groggy with sleep."Addy? It's like midnight. What's wrong?"Relief flooded through me. "Belle. Are you okay? Are you safe?""What? Yeah, I'm fine. I'm in bed. Why?""Is anyone there with you?""Just Grey. He came over after hearing about another attack and wanted to make sure I was okay." She paused. "Addy, you're scaring me. What's going on?"Grey was there. Of course he was."Put Grey on the phone.""Why—""Belle, please."I heard rustling sounds, then Grey's voice. "Adeline? What's wrong?""How long have you been at Belle's apartment?""About an hour. I heard about the attack, got worried." His voice was concerned, genuine. "Is everything okay?""Everyone's fine. I just needed to check on Belle.""She's safe. I promise. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere tonight."The