ry finally allowed the tension to seep out of Eveline's bones. She sank into a plush lea

ale face, his heart aching. Sean sil

the betrayals, and the final, public humiliation she had

med his fist on the mahogany table, making the crystal glasses ratt

d at Eveline, his gaze deep and steady.

be stronger," she said, her voice quiet but firm. "Strong enough to prote

was an advantage, but it wasn't enough.

that stunned them both. "Grandpa, I want to go

are you insane? That place is

used to train their elite security personnel. It

ng not a fragile girl asking for the impossible, but a woman forged in fire, dem

ght. I'll give you three months. But you must

ine said, her own

ne boarded a private je

months

ltering heat of the rainforest, a bruta

ught a man twice her size in a perfect chokehold, then used his mome

Her face was leaner, her jawline sharper, and her eyes h

been. In its place was the strength and discipline of a seasoned fighter. Her skin was tanned a healt

nd handed her a certificate and a plane ticket. "Congratulations, Miss W

the United States. A confident,

ional Airpor

ipped jeans, and combat boots. Her long hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, and a pair of dark sunglasses

a taxi, a familiar figure mad

ck Tyler. He looked... diminished. Thinner, with dark circles under his eyes and a per

alk away, to disappear before he could see

his head. His eyes swept across the bust

posture, the aura of absolute self-possession. He saw the ghost of his wife, but this was a stranger.