The next morning, Aracely woke up alone in the room, naked, wrapped in sheets. Beside her was a rose, and on the nightstand, breakfast. A note was written on the rose:“My sweet little one: I went to work, I’ll be in the office with my boss. Arthur and Jake will take you to your check-up with Kate. Take care. If you feel unsafe, just tell me and I’ll go with you. I love you, my little light of my life…”Ara smiled, took a shower, had breakfast, and went to the living room to wait for Kate. She was coming down the stairs, already dressed, with a smile on her face.—Hi, Kate.—Hi, Ara. Did you sleep well? How are you feeling about tonight’s gala?—I slept well, I… —Ara’s cheeks flushed, and Kate understood.—NO! Did it really happen? —Ara covered her face and nodded. Kate hugged her tightly. —How do you feel? Was Lucca gentle?—He was very sweet, Kate. No one has ever been that sweet. He’s wonderful.—I’m so happy for you. Come on, let’s say goodbye at the office. We’re going to the doc

They arrived at the mansion. Kate grabbed a suitcase and packed her most basic clothes—jeans and sneakers. She copied all her work onto a flash drive and handed the plans and sketches to the girls so they could continue the project. Then she went to Bastien’s room, left her phone, laptop, and the necklace with the KyB initials. Everything he had given her, she left behind. She only took clothes for a few days and her work. She walked down the stairs like a ghost, went to the kitchen, and hugged Shadow, crying. The puppy simply licked her tears—he could feel his mommy was in pain.—I'm sorry, Shadow… I can’t take you with me. I’ll miss you, my little troublemaker.She stood up and left. Everyone was gathered in the living room. Kate’s tears wouldn’t stop; she was a living corpse. Bastien had destroyed her to the deepest part of her soul. The three girls hugged her as she collapsed to her knees, screaming in pain. It was as if someone were killing her—ripping out her soul. The girls cri

Arthur and Jake drove all night. After dropping the girls off, they promised to take care of Kate and to come back in a few days to see them. The girls agreed. Kate was asleep in the back seat, still sobbing in her sleep. They arrived at a lost town, somewhere no one would look for them. It had sea, beach, and was more than twelve hours away from Bastien. Jake went looking for a place to rent. They introduced themselves as three siblings and found a small house with two bedrooms. It wasn’t big, but the view made up for it — it looked out onto the ocean and even had beach access nearby. The lady could walk there whenever she wanted; her grandmother always said the sea took away all sorrows.—Miss, we’re here —Jake said.Kate opened her eyes. The sea breeze filled her lungs. She got out of the car and stepped into the house. Jake carried her things and Arthur stayed by her side.—You take the room with the ocean view. Jake and I will sleep in the one with two beds.—Thanks —she whispere

Days kept passing, and each day another organization fell under Bastien’s wrath. He was in his office when one of his oldest collaborators came to see him. The man entered and found Bastien holding a glass of whiskey and a cigarette, staring into the darkness.— Sir.— What do you want?— I came to beg for mercy.— Do you have Richard?— No, but I have something else.The man signaled, and they dragged Bastien’s double in, throwing him at his feet. Bastien looked at him and set down his glass. He grabbed the man’s face and examined him closely—it was like staring into a mirror. The only difference: this man had blue eyes and still bore the scratches Kate’s friends had left on him.— So it was you.— Hello, brother. — Bastien’s eyes widened. The man cleared his throat. — I hope this earns us your mercy.— It will. — A dark smile curved Bastien’s lips. — Take him away.Bastien took another sip.— Kate, I’ll find you. I swear I will.He walked down the hall to the cell where the double w

Bastien checked car after car. He just wanted to reach that damn town, isolated from the world. Those two gorillas really knew how to hide Kate — and he was grateful for it. If Damiano had tried to take his place, those two would’ve kept Kate safe, even if it meant turning against him. And for that alone, they had earned a juicy bonus.It hadn’t been even five hours when he arrived at the town. The GPS pointed to the hospital, which was right by the sea. It looked almost like a postcard. Bastien rushed inside and saw the two men sitting outside a room. When they spotted him, they stood up immediately, their faces a mix of doubt and respect.— Sir.— Good job — Bastien nodded. — Despite being your boss, you put Kate’s safety above everything else. That’s what makes a good bodyguard.A nurse came out of the room.— The patient... the patient isn’t there.— WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE’S NOT THERE?! What are you talking about? — Bastien's voice cracked.— We were fixing her bed. Her fever had go