Eddy’s hand clenched hard at his side, knuckles white, itching to sock the man in the jaw–and he could, easily.
But…
He didn’t want to make his wife any angrier than she already was.
“Buy the house next to the Reese family’s place,” Eddy told his head of security.
The man nodded. “Miss called. She said Miss McCarthy invited her and Tia to visit Capitol City, and she wants to bring Healy along.”
At the mention of Healy Simmons, Eddy’s expression darkened to something almost frightening. The bodyguard knew his boss still blamed the boy for letting his wife find out the truth.
For three years, the boy had been living in that orphanage–even after they’d discovered his heart condition, Eddy had refused to let anyone bring him home.
The poor kid.
Risking Eddy’s ire, the bodyguard tried, “Maybe if your wife sees the boy, she’ll change her mind. You know how devoted she used to be–always took care of everything for him herself.”
Eddy’s face softened, the memories coming back. There were days she’d ignore him for ages, just to help Healy with some silly craft project for preschool.
She always cared more about Healy.
He grunted quietly in reply.
Military Hospital, Inpatient Wing.
Leda had slipped into a coma after her surgery.
Ablett sat on the sofa in her room, sifting through paperwork, exhaustion etched into his features.
“Director–General, we can keep watch here. You should rest,” his assistant said gently, unable to hide his concern.
young
male
Ablett set his files aside, rubbing his brow with a long–fingered hand.
1/3
He remembered Leda’s plea before she collapsed–the way the Harvey family always operated…
“What did you find out?” His voice was calm, almost detached.
The assistant hesitated. “It was your uncle. During the hunt, a wild boar charged him, he lost control of his bow, and the arrow went off by accident.”
“The Lopez family wanted to tie him up and deliver him to you for punishment, but I stopped them,” the assistant added quietly.
Ablett simply replied, “All right,” tacitly approving.
The assistant went on, “Miss Harvey was nearby. She threw herself in front of you without a second thought.”
Leda’s heart had always belonged to Ablett–how else could she have been faster than the special police, as if she’d seen it coming? She’d startled the officers, who’d already pulled Ablett out of harm’s way; the arrow would’ve only grazed him. If she hadn’t intervened, the whole mess could’ve been quietly swept under the rug.
Now, the plainclothes officers on Ablett’s team would likely be replaced–maybe even demoted. All because of this unlucky turn.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
At the assistant’s “Come in,” a plainclothes officer opened it. Carney stood outside, his voice low and rough as gravel. “Got a minute?”
Ablett gave a nod, and the officer let Carney in.
Carney sat beside Ablett, eyeing the neat stack of paperwork on the coffee table. The assistant moved to the side, giving them space.
It had been years since Carney last saw Ablett. Back then, the man had already been impressive; now, he carried himself with a quiet authority that could silence a
room.
Carney had connections everywhere, but no one could tell him exactly what position Ablett held these days. Whenever he tried to ask higher–ups, the doors slammed shut. Everything else he could find out–except this.
He knew it for sure: Ablett was going places. If you were smart, you didn’t le. go of someone like that.
“Back then, the old man practically gave his life to save Mr. McCarthy, and now, Leda nearly died for you,” Carney said, voice heavy. “Tell me, Ablett–how do you think this should be handled?”
2/3 Th
09:55
Chapter 225
That old Harvey family tradition: debts must be repaid.
Ablett didn’t react, but his assistant’s brow furrowed.
“Go on,” Ablett said, glancing at Leda’s pale face on the hospital bed. His voice was
cool, even, but it carried a weight that was almost suffocating.
Carney felt a chill crawl up his neck, but he pressed on. “Marry Leda.”
09.55
