Just as the dust settled from Martin’s expensive car disappearing down the street, a figure appeared on the sidewalk, walking toward the shop. Ethan looked up—and his tense expression immediately softened into a smile.It was Lucas Craig, a tall, well-dressed young man about Ethan’s age, carrying a brown paper lunch bag in one hand. His shirt was neatly tucked in, and his shoes didn’t have a single scuff. He looked like he came straight from an office building, which wasn’t far from the truth. Lucas worked at one of the companies owned by Rutherford Enterprises. Which meant, unfortunately, Martin Rutherford was technically his boss. But Lucas didn’t carry himself like the people Martin surrounded himself with. There was no arrogance in his step, no cold smirk on his face. Just an easy grin and eyes that said, “I’ve got your back.”“Look who’s still standing after getting barked at by the golden prince of the Rutherford empire,” Lucas said, his tone light as he approached.Ethan chuck

The sound of footsteps faded as Martin and his guards turned their backs on the wreckage—and on the wrecked man at its center.Ethan lay on the dusty, oil-stained ground, body broken, lips cracked and bleeding, his clothes torn and soaked with sweat and blood. His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths. Every inch of him screamed in pain, but none of it compared to the agony twisting through his heart.He didn’t even look up as Martin’s sleek black car pulled up nearby, the engine purring like a predator. The door opened with a soft click, and Martin, still smiling smugly, climbed into the back seat. His guards followed, exchanging quiet chuckles and murmurs. One of them glanced back at Ethan, smirking with cruel satisfaction.The driver started the engine again. Tires crunched over the gravel and broken glass scattered from the demolished shop. Then came the roar of the car pulling away, kicking up a cloud of dust that floated gently through the air and settled over Ethan’s c

Lucas looked at Ethan for a moment, then gave a short nod. “Okay,” he said, grabbing the car keys. “But if we’re doing this, we’re doing it now.” He threw Ethan a jacket. Ethan pulled it on, even though it hurt. The jacket touched his bruises, but he didn’t care. The pain didn’t matter anymore. His heart was racing like a drum. The smell of the hospital, the beeping machines, the soft voice of a nurse in the hall—it all faded away. Lucas walked beside him in silence, casting wary glances at him. “You're not even supposed to be walking,” he muttered under his breath as they exited the ward. “Damn it, Ethan, you better know what you're doing.” Ethan didn't respond. He couldn't. His thoughts were a storm, wild and relentless. The elevator dinged open, and Lucas pressed the button for the underground parking lot. As they descended, Ethan stared at his reflection in the polished metal walls. His eyes were tired, he had a split lip, and he also had a bruise blooming across his jaw.

The sound of the helicopter was so loud it felt like it was shaking Ethan’s whole body, matching the fast, hard beating of his heart. He was strapped into his seat, still holding Helena’s hand tightly. Her wedding dress was wrinkled and covered in dust. Around his neck, the golden eagle pendant felt heavy; a constant reminder of how fast everything in his life had changed. Through the window, the night sky stretched on forever, dark and silent, with only the tiny lights of the city glowing far below them.Eleanor sat across from them. Even after everything they had just been through, she sat straight and calm, like a queen. Her black-and-gold gown sparkled softly in the low cabin light. Her eyes were sharp and impossible to read as she stared at Ethan, making him feel nervous. Two of her guards sat beside her. Their white suits were spotless, even though they had just come through gunfire. Their faces showed no emotion, and their hands stayed close to their weapons, ready for anything