The estate’s garden shimmered in gold that night with the scent of fresh roses floating through the air, filling the room with a soft and relaxing atmosphere. Waiters moved between the small groups of powerful guests with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres balanced in their hands. It looked like any other high-society brunch, polished, controlled, elegant, except that it was.Mia felt none of that ease. She stood by the fountain in a pale blue dress, watching Liam laugh with a city official near the patio. He looked handsome, sharp as ever in his tailored suit. From a distance, he was the perfect host, smiling, confident, charming. But up close, she had seen the cracks. She knew him long enough to tell that there was something wrong. Something he wasn’t admitting. Earlier that morning, he’d been jittery. He hadn’t looked her in the eye for more than a second. And now, here at the event he organized so suddenly, he was pretending like everything was just fine.Mia sipped her mimosa

The estate gates stood tall and silent, gleaming under the late morning sun. Liam’s black SUV rolled down the driveway, engine low and steady. He was heading into the city for a meeting, and even though he wasn’t that interested in it, he just couldn’t couldn’t avoid it. With the Tribunal’s memo still fresh in his mind, every step he took now carried weight.As he reached the gates, the security guard lifted a hand and called his attention. “Sir, someone’s here asking to see you.”“Who?” Liam asked, lowering the window slightly.The guard hesitated, almost as if he didn’t want to upset him. “Natalie Young.” He said. Liam’s jaw clenched as he heard her name. He pinched the bridge of his nose and said in a low tone. “Let her in. I’ll deal with it.”He reversed and parked just past the gate, stepping out of the car just as Natalie’s sleek silver coupe pulled up. She stepped out wearing oversized sunglasses, a tailored cream coat that hugged her curves, and a smirk that didn’t quite reac

The sun filtered through the tall windows of the estate and casted soft light over the breakfast table. It was the perfect start to a slow and beautiful morning, but something felt off. Mia had prepared scrambled eggs and tea for breakfast, but as she sat down on the table, she suddenly lost the mood to eat. She sat in silence, stirring her tea, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the hallway where Liam had disappeared earlier.Something didn’t feel right. Not since she found that document late at night—the one with the Tribunal's crest and Liam’s name printed across the top. He hadn’t said a word about it. And that silence was louder than anything.Today, she decided, she wasn’t going to sit still anymore. If Liam was involved again with the Tribunal, then there was no guarantee that he was safe. If he didn’t also want her help in dealing with this, she was going to do everything to make sure that her family was safe. They had fought so many different forces and weathered so many s

Liam stood in the dimly lit Tribunal chamber frozen when Lord Ainsley mentioned Mia’s name. What did he mean they were going after her as well? He was surrounded by ancient books and digital screens flashing with encrypted data. The walls were thick, built to keep secrets in and enemies out. Across the long table, Lord Ainsley leaned forward, his voice heavy with concern.“Vaughn’s gone,” he said grimly.Liam narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean he’s gone?”“He escaped Liam. He disappeared from his holding cell just after midnight,” Ainsley said, sliding over a surveillance image. It showed Vaughn walking through a corridor, alone, unarmed and free.“How’s that possible?” Liam muttered, staring at the photo. “The cells are locked down. No one gets out without clearance.”“Exactly,” Ainsley said. “He had help. Inside help.”Liam’s jaw clenched. “From who?”Ainsley tapped on his tablet and pulled up a message that had been intercepted: a recording of Vaughn’s voice.“If I can’t destroy

The next morning, Mia heaved a tired sigh, already exhausted of the day as she stood up. She walked towards the mirror, stared at her reflection for a while and then ran a hand down her stomach. Then she heaved a tired sigh and sat down in front of her dressing mirror. Her eyes were calm on the surface, but inside her mind was restless. She needed air, something to make her feel alive and free again. But then there was a sudden knock on the door and without opening, she knew it was Liam. She still didn’t feel like talking to him today,“I’ll be out for a bit,” she said, adjusting her earrings.Liam looked up from the couch, already dressed in a crisp black shirt. “Where to?”“It’s a private event. Nothing serious. Just need a little change of scene.”His eyes narrowed. “Mia, you should stay in. After everything that’s happened—”She turned around sharply. “Don’t start.”“I’m serious,” he said, maintaining his stance. “It’s not safe. You fainted two days ago. You need to stay in and re