air, but Alicia barely felt it, as though her body, having endured too much

t with her knees drawn up, her ar

restraint. Everyt

mare she could not wake from, burdened b

f an approaching engine

to a stop just a few

new who it was the instant a pair of bla

ici

w and commanding, but con

n quickly steppe

her demanded harshly as he strode toward her.

did not

not even

h, anger flaring as he

ia!" he pressed.

ather knelt in

r eyes and met A

that had protected h

had never witnessed

d not en

as she threw herself into her father's a

hispered, her

tightly, pressing he

y little one

if he were the only thi

her voice broke. "I

ently stroke

But I won't let

ly, burying her face i

she murmured weakly.

's body we

forward, his eyes

did yo

s shut, another wave of

ted on me,

ed throug

briefly, forcing his an

ain, resolve had settl

tly framed Alicia's face, g

refully, Alicia

emained low

gets to define your worth. N

n Alicia's eye

, Da

a single second, that you are worth less because of what they did to you.

father's unwavering l

d, poisonous and relentless. As if they had

tepped

sealed their own fate, and there is no

ied of the warmth he usu

terprises is going to crush them

t him through t

ron

did not allow

said, his tone lethal. "

ly, never loosening hi

ision is going to cost the Apontes

and dialed a number without

tract, every investment, and every partner the Apontes ha

down Alici

and slipped his phone

just the

scent of nearby vineyards into the Hampton Mansion. The grand residence stood quie

and sit with her heartbreak, holding a cup of coffee while she stared toward the distant horizon. The brightness and certainty th

y since the betrayal

e everything she believed

ad made a

he thought possible, and there

r relentlessly, leaving her raw and

ven if the path ahead was unclear a

ister-in-law, stayed a little longer to help settle urgent business matters before leaving with Aaron. During that time, her y

ruly require Aaron's assistance, Aaron remained involved, overseeing operations until her return. Even so, Alici

d not do

rol when she no longer

sure ab

ce, drew her out

standing in the doorway,

one who had not l

though Alicia knew she had to face

ftly. "I need to be her

nd stepped closer, gently cupping

t after everything that's happened. You know perfec

t smile, one that nev

t going to the United Stat

together, sadness weigh

t want to

e unde

hter was

, but somewher

nly time c

." she whispered. "Call me. No

a nod

ill,

ace, as if trying to pour every ounce o

d her, her eyes were shi

," she said softly.

w, pushing down the tight knot

you to

r leave with a

s car disappeared along the stone

, she realized that for the first time in h

uiet sigh and c

hosen to

mean the loneline