After Lumira was officially placed under William's control, the atmosphere in the office shifted. The tension that once lingered in every hallway faded, replaced by cautious optimism. Employees spoke more freely, and meetings no longer felt like battlegrounds.Ivy noticed the change almost immediately. For the first time in months, she walked into the executive floor without whispers following her. The weight on her shoulders lightened, though the scars left by the Carter family's betrayal still ached beneath the surface.One evening, she stood by the window in her office and exhaled slowly. "It feels strange," she admitted quietly. "Like I've been holding my breath for years."Callen stood behind her, calm as ever. "You carried more than you should have.""I had to," Ivy replied. "No one else would.""You don't have to anymore," he said.William's first day as the official head of Lumira was not triumphant. It was quiet and heavy with unspoken doubts. He sat at the chairman's desk lo

The Hawkins team started working that night. They went through intercity arrival data, checked hotel guest lists, and monitored the card transactions Callen had used since arriving in the capital.Soon, they discovered that Callen, Ivy, and Lily were staying temporarily at a modest inn near the trade district. The building was clean but ordinary, far from the flashy standards of wealthy families trying to show off.“No villas. No luxury apartments," one investigator reported in Alexander's office. "They chose a quiet, cheap place."Alexander leaned back in his chair, one leg crossed over the other. "And this guy claims to be who?""Registered as a business consultant. His old records show he's a veteran who served in the western military," the investigator answered."Veteran?" Alexander raised an eyebrow."Yes, sir. No high-ranking positions recorded publicly. Just general service history."Alexander smirked. "So just an ex-soldier who can fight a little."One of his subordinates hesi

That night, after news of the gang headquarters' destruction spread, Ivy sat quietly in the inn's living room. The dim light cast Callen's shadow on the wall, and for the first time, she saw something sharper than mere calmness."We didn't move here just for Lumira, right?" she asked softly.Callen didn't answer right away. He stood near the window, gazing at the city still glittering even late at night."This isn't just about business expansion," Ivy continued. "I can see that."Callen turned. "Do you regret it?""No," Ivy replied quickly. "I just want to know how deep we're going."A brief silence settled between them."Capital is the center of power," Callen said finally. "If something's going to change, it has to start here."Ivy looked at him longer. "You sound colder.""Because they don't play halfway," Callen answered evenly.Ivy took a deep breath. "I'm not afraid for myself. I'm afraid for Lily."The name made Callen soften slightly."She's still a child," Ivy continued. "The

"No," Callen answered, shaking his head. "Just attempts to build an unofficial hierarchy."Pierce nodded. "That won't happen again."Colonel Ward and Mayor Hodge had to step back without protest. They realized the situation had turned.After most residents left, Pierce approached Callen personally. His voice lowered, only audible to Ivy standing beside him."Command respects you," he said firmly. "I have no idea about your identity, but I won't let anyone disturb your family."Callen looked at him. "No special treatment is needed.""This isn't special treatment," Pierce replied. "It's about protecting the institution's honor."He added more firmly to everyone, "Anyone who tries to pressure or intimidate your family will deal with me directly!"Ivy was stunned by the statement. Callen only nodded. "Thank you."Pierce gave a short salute before turning to leave. Without saying another word, Callen took Lily's hand and signaled Ivy to go home.They left the hall while the Ironcrest resid

The day of departure arrived with clear skies and warm sea wind. Silverstrand Retreat looked like an expensive painting as Ivy's car entered the main gate.White villas stood along the beach with well-kept tropical gardens. The blue sea stretched wide without interruption.A staff member greeted them with a professional smile. "Miss Ivy, Mr. Conrad is waiting at the main pavilion."Lily held her mother's hand, eyes sparkling at the waves. "It's so beautiful!""Yes," Ivy replied softly. "But we're here to work."Conrad stood on the wooden terrace in a white linen shirt, wearing a confident smile. He was in his early forties, with sharp, unreadable eyes."Miss Ivy," he greeted warmly. "Finally, we meet in person!""Thank you for the invitation," Ivy replied politely.Conrad glanced at Lily briefly before smiling. "Your child?""Yes.""Smart decision," he said casually. "Family shows transparency."Ivy didn't fully grasp the meaning of that.They sat at a wooden table facing the sea. Sof