"We deal with one crisis at a time. Right now, the priority is understanding what Jade really wants."Carter nodded slowly, some of the hollowness leaving his eyes. "Maeve, I know I don't have the right to ask, but why are you doing this?"Maeve looked at him, at this powerful man brought low by his own choices and his father's crimes, and gave him the only honest answer she had:"Because three weeks ago, you offered me a devil's bargain to save my family. Maybe it's time someone offered you the same thing. A chance to save what you love, even if the cost is your pride.""My pride is already gone.""Good. Then you've got nothing left to lose except your humanity. Let's see if we can salvage that."She turned toward the guest bedroom, paused at the door."Get some sleep, Carter. Tomorrow's going to be hell."After she left, Carter stood alone in the living room, feeling something he hadn't felt in years:Not hope, exactly. But not despair either.Something in between. Something that fe
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