Chapter 25
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The winter air was sharp and cold in the estate’s expansive gardens, but the sun shone brightly, reflecting off the frost that coated the remaining autumn leaves.
Liam and I walked side by side in comfortable silence for a few minutes.
"So, what’s next for the great Liam Hayes?" I asked, breaking the silence with a soft smile. "Going back to catching corporate spies and taking down cartels?"
Liam chuckled, a deep, warm sound. "Something like that. But I have to admit, working with you was... unique, Claire. Most people freeze when the guns come out. You stepped forward."
"I had too much to lose to step back," I replied, pulling my coat tighter. "You saved my life, Liam. And you gave me the tools to save Evan’s legacy. I don't know how to ever truly thank you."
Liam stopped walking and turned to face me. His intense green eyes softened, losing their hardened, professional edge for just a moment.
"You don't owe me anything, Claire," Liam said quietly. "Watching you fight for your family... it reminded me why I started doing this job in the first place. You’re an extraordinary woman."
He reached out, gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear. The touch was brief, entirely respectful, but it sent a warm spark of electricity through me.
"If you ever need anything," Liam said, his voice dropping slightly, "you know how to reach me."
"I will," I promised, holding his gaze.
May you like
He offered a final, parting nod, turned, and walked back down the gravel path toward his car. I watched him go, feeling a quiet sense of possibility stirring in my heart. I wasn't ready for a new chapter of romance yet—I needed time to fully heal and focus on Lily—but for the first time since Evan died, the future didn't feel lonely.
It felt open.
