Despite everything that had just happened, Michelle found herself letting out a chuckle.It came unexpected, even to her.Richard frowned as he looked at her. He didn't understand what she found amusing at a moment like this.But Michelle shook her head, a faint smile still on her lips.The great Richard Carter had stuttered.It was such a little thing yet it felt significant. She had never seen him lose composure before. He was always calm and on point with his words and actions but just now, he had faltered and that made him feel real.Her mind drifted back to everything that had happened earlier that day.The moment he appeared beside her on the highway and the way he had taken her away from Alister. He had shielded her and handled the situation with ease that left her speechless.Even in the car while they were being chased and shot at, she had not felt the kind of terror she expected to feel. He was there with her through it all and despite the danger she had trusted him.Mic

The moment Richard arrived at his mansion, he went straight to the living area. His footsteps were slow and each one seemed to be filled with restraint. Seated comfortably at the dining table, his mother appeared at ease as though she had every right to be there. A glass of wine rested between her fingers, and she took small sips as she spoke with elegance. The biscuits laid out before her had been arranged and she picked one up continuing her conversation. She spoke to Michelle, recounting fragments of stories of Richard when he was younger. They were stories of a child she had never raised and memories she had only come to know through the mouths of others who were present when she wasn't. She spoke with such confidence that painted her as a caring and nice mother who was present and always available in Richard’s past.Michelle sat across from her, listening with curiosity in her eyes. She had welcomed the woman out of courtesy. When the woman had introduced herself as Richard’