LOGINThe moment Hilary asked that question, Theo paused and nodded.
He tilted his little head and replied seriously, "As long as Theo is obedient and listens to Mommy, Mommy will kiss me. I like Mommy kissing and hugging me the most."That answer left Hilary completely stunned.That's it?So Scarlett hadn't used any underhanded tricks on the child at all? No threats, no manipulation-nothing like that?Just then, Scarlett returned.Theo's eyes lit up instantly. In hisHad she imagined it? Dakota kept her expression calm as she walked over and sat beside Ava, gently brushing a hand through her hair. “Ava… I’ve been busy dealing with Sean Mercer’s people these past few days.” A trace of guilt surfaced in her eyes. “I haven’t spent much time with you and Liam.” Ava shook her head softly, a pale smile appearing on her delicate face. “You’ve already done more than enough for us, sis. If you hadn’t come that night…” The memory of Blackridge Hill clearly still haunted her. Her voice trembled faintly. “Liam and I probably would’ve…” Dakota’s chest tightened instantly. “I’m sorry.” The words came out lower than expected. “Sean targeted you because of me.” Returning to Kingsland, she had almost forgotten one thing— She finally had people she cared about again. Weaknesses. And the enemies she faced now made Sean Mercer look harmless by comparison. For a split second, something u
Nathan ignored the sarcasm completely.The moment he confirmed she was unharmed, some of the tension in his expression eased. Then, without warning, he caught her wrist and led her toward the parking area."Nathan Drakov."Dakota immediately pulled her hand free once they were outside. Irritation flashed across her face."What exactly are you doing?"Nathan fixed her with a sharp look."Why would you meet Sean Mercer alone?" His voice grew colder. "I already told you. He's far more dangerous than you realize."Dakota remained unmoved.Dangerous?Nobody understood Sean Mercer better than she did."I can handle myself." Her tone cooled noticeably. "Yes, we have an agreement, but that doesn't give you the right to control who I meet in private."A flicker of amusement crossed Nathan's face, though it carried a trace of helplessness.This woman really was impossible.Stubborn. Reckless. Completely
Dakota watched him without a trace of sympathy."I can help you," Samuel rushed on. "Whatever you need. Information, contacts—anything."His words tumbled over one another in his desperation."I'll work for you. I'll make up for everything."Dakota didn't even consider it.With a sharp kick, she knocked him backward. Samuel hit the dirt hard and stared up at her in disbelief."The day you betrayed my family," she said coldly, "you made your choice."The words seemed to hit him harder than the kick.For a moment, he simply knelt there, panic written all over his face. Then his gaze landed on Ava, and something desperate sparked in his eyes.He scrambled toward her wheelchair."Miss Ava."His voice softened into a plea as he grabbed the armrest."You remember me, don't you? I looked after you for years."His eyes glistened."Please help me. If they take me away, my life is over."
Nobody moved again.Dakota handed Liam to Reid. "Watch him."Without waiting for a response, she sprinted toward Ava. As the rope was cut, Ava sagged forward, but Dakota caught her before she could hit the ground."Ava."She quickly checked her over. Aside from bruises and rope burns, there were no serious injuries.Relief washed through her.Ava buried her face against Dakota's shoulder."I'm okay," she whispered.Dakota wrapped both arms around her. "It's over."Ava nodded weakly.Dakota pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "No one is ever going to hurt you again."When she finally stood, every trace of warmth vanished from her expression.Her gaze settled on Samuel.Reid stepped forward. "Commander, what are your orders?"Dakota didn't hesitate."Kidnapping."She took a step toward Samuel."Assault."Another step."Criminal intimidation."H
Blackridge Hill.The moment Dakota stepped out of the car, she broke into a run.An abandoned cabin stood near the cliff's edge, surrounded by a dozen men dressed in black. Above them, two small figures hung from the roof by thick ropes.Liam and Ava.The wind whipped around their bodies, making them sway dangerously over the drop.For a heartbeat, Dakota couldn't breathe.Then rage took over.A man stepped away from the crowd with a grin."About time you showed up."Dakota recognized him immediately. Victor Hayes, one of Sean Mercer's most trusted enforcers, was a violent thug whose reputation had been built on extortion, trafficking, and illegal gambling.She stopped several yards away."What do you want?"Victor spat into the dirt."Cut the crap. You broke into Mr. Mercer's office this afternoon and took something that belongs to him."He pointed toward the roof."Hand it over
Shock rippled through the ballroom.Sophie's face turned deathly pale.Why was Nathan Drakov involved with Dakota?Although most people in Kingsland didn't fully understand Nathan's true background, everyone knew that Sean Mercer treated him like royalty. That alone made him untouchable.The women who had been mocking Dakota moments ago instantly lost color in their faces. One by one, they awkwardly disappeared into the crowd.Nathan lowered his head slightly toward Dakota."So obedient tonight?"Dakota froze briefly before realizing he was referring to the fact that she had actually shown up as his date.Her expression immediately cooled."Don't flatter yourself."Nearby, Sophie nearly bit through her teeth in jealousy.Unbelievable.Dakota had already hooked Chief Adjutant Reid, and now she was seducing Nathan Drakov too?Suppressing her hatred, Sophie forced an innocent smile."Dakot
The mayor's head snapped toward her.He had noticed her earlier, but hadn't paid much attention.Now, he looked her over carefully.Beautiful.Young.Slender.Could this really be her?The legendary War Goddess?She looked nothing like what he'd imagined.
The accusation in Mossa's voice made it clear she'd already decided the answer.Scarlett uncrossed her arms and stepped toward Sadie.Sadie frowned, confused.Before she could react, Scarlett grabbed the front of the gown with both hands.Rrrrip.Rrrrip.Rrrrip.
After purchasing the gowns, Mossa brought both girls to an upscale international jewelry store.Ironically, it was the very same one where Scarlett had once bought jewelry.The store manager spotted Scarlett immediately and hurried over with unusual warmth."You're here.""Tod
Clang!Michael's fork slipped from his hand and hit the floor.Scarlett stopped mid-motion.She turned toward him.He bent quickly to pick it up, then looked at her cautiously.More specifically-At the glass in her hand."You idiot!" Sadie snapped. "Can't even







