Chapter 158

No.1

The late afternoon sun cast long, golden shadows across the rolling lawns of Dr. Blevins's Connecticut estate. It was an oasis of tranquility, a world away from the noise and poison of the city.

Elisa was sitting on a checkered blanket under a massive oak tree, watching Kayden chase a monarch butterfly through a field of wildflowers. Dr. Blevins sat in a nearby wicker chair, a fond, grandfatherly smile on his face as he watched the little girl's joyful dance.

He had insisted they come for a few days, to give Elisa a place to breathe and to keep Kayden safe and happy after the trauma of the school incident. It was the first time Elisa had felt her shoulders relax in weeks. The burn on her chest had faded to a pale pink, and the country air felt clean in her lungs.

"I'm so glad you and Kayden could come," Dr. Blevins said warmly. "It's a busy day, unfortunately. I'm expecting Mr. Cromwell shortly to discuss a new research grant, but the west wing and the gardens

will be all yours. No one will bother you."

No.2

A movement from the main house caught her eye.The butler was walking briskly across the lawn, his expression troubled.

He leaned down and spoke in a low voice to Dr.Blevins. "Sir, a Mr. August Chambers and a Ms. Mills are here. They say they have an appointment,arranged through Senator Cartwright's office."

The names hit Elisa like a physical blow. The blood drained from her face, and her body went rigid.

Dr. Blevins's smile vanished, replaced by a deep,angry scowl. "I told my secretary I wasn't available to see them."

"I know, sir," the butler said, looking pained. "But Mr.Chambers was... insistent. He said he was bringing a donation for the foundation that you would not want to refuse. Also, a Mrs. Rosalind Mills is on the line,saying she's on her way from the stables with her son."

No.3

Elisa's first instinct was pure, primal panic. She had to get Kayden. She had to hide. He couldn't see her here.Not here.

Her hands shook as she started to scramble,grabbing the edges of the blanket.

Dr. Blevins placed a firm, steadying hand on her arm."Elisa. It's alright," he said, his voice a calm,reassuring rumble. "This is my home. No one will harm you or the child here."

He turned to the butler. "Show them into the main library and tell them I will be with them shortly." Then he looked back at Elisa. "Take Kayden to the conservatory in the west wing. It's quiet and out of the way. They won't go there."

Elisa gave him a look of profound gratitude. She scooped up Kayden, who was chattering happily about the butterfly, and carried her quickly toward the sprawling glass structure of the conservatory.

No.4

In the library, August and Allena were looking around with an air of proprietary appraisal. A two-person film crew was already setting up discreet cameras.

"Get a shot of that bookshelf," Allena whispered to the cameraman."And the fireplace. It looks so...intellectual."

Dr. Blevins entered the room, his face a mask of cold

displeasure. He didn't invite them to sit. He walked over to the grand French doors and pushed them open, letting the scent of roses and freshly cut grass fill the stuffy room.

"Mr. Chambers," he said, his voice clipped. "I amn a very busy man. You have five minutes."

No.5

August smiled, unfazed by the rudeness. He gestured to his assistant, who stepped forward with a leather-bound portfolio. "Dr. Blevins, I believe you'll find we have all the time in the world. This is a signed pledge for an eight-figure donation to your foundation."

Just as he spoke, a new figure appeared in the library doorway.

Alastair Cromwell.

He took in the scene-August, Allena, the cameras-and a slow, dangerous smile spread across his face.

August's expression darkened. "Cromwell? What the hell are you doing here?"

No.6

"I could ask you the same thing," Alastair said smoothly, strolling into the room. "I'm visiting an.old

friend. You, on the other hand, I heard your European servers were a bit... unstable. I'm surprised you have time for a country vacation."

Alastair's presence instantly shattered the illusion of control August had tried to create with his money.

In the humid warmth of the conservatory, surrounded by giant ferns and exotic orchids, Elisa's phone buzzed. A text from Jewel.

Alastair is there. Total coincidence, he had a meeting with Blevins about a new partnership. Looks like fate is on our side.

No.7

Elisa held Kayden a little tighter, her heart still hammering against her ribs. She could hear the low murmur of voices from the main house. She prayed Kayden wouldn't get restless, wouldn't decide to explore.

She was trapped. They were all trapped, in the wrong place, at the worst possible time. And the risk of her deepest secret being exposed had never been higher.②