The news reached Sophia before the sun had fully risen.She stood frozen in the middle of her living room, the television flashing red banners that refused to stop screaming BREAKING NEWS. The anchor’s voice was calm, professional—too calm for the words coming out of his mouth.“Carl Donovan, former special operative and known fugitive, is now wanted in connection with the death of Abigail Garcia. Authorities believe he may be armed and extremely dangerous.”Sophia’s fingers slowly tightened around the mug in her hand.“No…” she whispered. “That’s impossible!" The screen shifted to a photo—Carl’s face, sharp-eyed, unreadable. The same face she had seen disappear into the shadows days ago without explanation. The same man who never ran unless he was being cornered.And Carl Donovan never let himself be cornered.Her phone vibrated violently on the table.She didn’t need to look to know who it was.Gabriel.She answered immediately.“Tell me this isn’t real.”Silence crackled on the o

Vincent moved first.A rookie mistake.He lunged for the gun hidden beneath his desk, fingers barely grazing the grip before Carl crossed the room in a blur. The impact was brutal—Carl slammed Vincent against the metal shelving, the racks rattling as crates crashed to the floor.Vincent grunted. “So it’s true,” he rasped. “You really are enhanced.”Carl didn’t answer.He drove his fist into Vincent’s ribs.Crack.Vincent screamed, the sound sharp and ugly. He swung back wildly, pulling a blade from his sleeve. Carl twisted just in time—the knife sliced air instead of flesh—but Vincent was faster than the men Carl had fought earlier.Trained.Dangerous.Vincent slashed again. This time the blade nicked Carl’s arm.Pain flared—but only for a second.Carl looked down at the wound. Watched as the skin knit itself back together.Slowly.Deliberately.Vincent froze.“Oh,” Vincent breathed. “Beautiful.”Carl’s eyes darkened.He grabbed Vincent’s wrist and crushed it.The knife clattered to t

Carl was escorted inside the Blue House moments later.The doors closed behind him with a heavy thud, sealing off the noise and tension outside. The hallway was quiet—too quiet. Every step echoed as he walked, his senses automatically on alert, scanning and listening. Old habits never really died.A PSG officer stopped in front of a large wooden door.“The president is waiting for you,” the officer said before opening it.Carl stepped inside.President Leo stood near the wide window, his hands clasped behind his back as he looked out over the capital. The late afternoon light framed him, casting long shadows across the room.“President Leo, I’m here.”Leo turned toward Carl and smiled when he saw him.“Carl Donovan. We meet again. Please, sit.”Leo gestured toward the sofa. Carl took a seat, while Leo moved closer and sat on a single chair across from him.“We’ve taken Vincent Bane into custody,” Leo said. “It was… surprising. And impressive.”“I did what I had to do, Sir,” Carl repli

Sophia waited until the applause faded and the crowd slowly broke into smaller conversations. Her heart was still pounding, but she forced her feet to move. One step. Then another.Toward him.Carl stood near President Leo, surrounded by officials and senior officers congratulating him. He listened more than he spoke, his responses short, respectful. The uniform fit him too well—like it had always been meant for him.When his eyes caught Sophia again, there was no surprise this time.Only awareness.“Excuse me,” Sophia said politely as she reached the circle. “General Donovan.”The title felt strange on her tongue.The men around Carl turned to her, curious. Carl inclined his head slightly. “If you’ll excuse us,” he said calmly.Something in his tone made them step back without argument.They moved toward a quieter corner of the ballroom, away from listening ears.Sophia crossed her arms, studying him. “So… General.”A faint smile tugged at Carl’s lips. “You don’t look impressed.”“I’

Sophia didn’t know why, but there was something unsettling in the way Richard was looking at her.His gaze followed her every move, sharp and watchful, as if he were making sure she never slipped out of his sight.“What did I do this time?” Sophia asked lightly as she took a bite of her hotdog. “It’s still morning, and you already look like I ruined your day.”Richard took a slow, controlled breath. “How long have you known Carl Donovan?”Sophia froze for a split second. Then she rolled her eyes, clearly irritated.“Him again? How long are you going to stay insecure because of him?”Richard slammed his hand on the table, the sudden sound making a few nearby guests glance their way.“Be careful with your words, Sophia. I’m your husband!” he snapped. “Why would I be insecure of him?!”Sophia slowly put the hotdog down and crossed her arms, her expression hardening.“Because you keep bringing him up,” she said calmly, but there was steel beneath her tone. “Because ever since Carl resurfa