CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

RICHARD'S POV

As Jenny and I walked to the waiting car, the police handling the cleanup behind us, I knew I had every reason to be very grateful. Not just because of the danger I'd escaped, but because of what had been sparked between Jenny and me under the most harrowing of circumstances.

Tonight, I'd faced betrayal and death, but I'd also found an unexpected chance at something new. We entered the car together, hand in hand, the night’s earlier terror slowly fading like it was merely a bad dream. But the warmth of her hand in mine was real, solid, promising.

The drive back to my house was a blur—a mixture of adrenaline and relief coursing through my veins. As soon as I arrived, I dialed the number of a private security firm. Within the hour, two stern-looking men in dark suits were stationed at my gates. Their presence was a cold reminder of the danger that had brushed so closely against my life.

I was sitting in my study, trying to process the events, when the doorbell rang. Peer