thunderbolt, sending an icy shiver rac

slipped into oblivion during her coma-

every treacherous word they had whis

s only made the subtle smile playing a

," she murmured, her voice soft and uncertain. "After e

iberately tossing them a li

. Finishing this too soon would be lett

oint herself; tearing it all do

, tension draining from their shoulders. They

e. "None of that matters now. Don't strain yourself trying to r

ina added with a gentle smile. "She has been through so m

ted memories, the pair scrambled for a f

flurry of nerves, a cool, know

ing one phone had trapped her in

would have instantly recognized the sleek dev

sitation and dialed a number

was seven years ago-right before sh

nected almos

el

smile tugged at Ashlyn's lips. She spoke sof

s Ma

bson froze, the phone nearly

carried that quiet command, the kind that once

dedly ruled the global shadows de

you disappeared, we've searched everywhere. Things fell apart without y

tone calm but edged with stee

.

long-lost heiress of the Deity Syndicate-the woman who had vanish

Prexfield like a he

t shadowy arms dynasties in the continent, the un

influence rivaled the Deity

d past their notice-not a single

ilitary uniform lounged at the wide worktable, his posture easy yet radiating quiet authorit

g-clean-cut lines framing a gaze tha

g through the day's repo

he door snapped hi

urgent voice from the

aid, his tone cl

asted no time. "Mr. Willis, we've go

d around the pen until

l, but the edges of his eyes still betrayed him, t

s-the biggest ci

pocket and drew out the phot

diant and carefree, and something raw and fiercely

gh. "Ashie, I've finally found you. This time