The ride back to the penthouse was unnervingly silent. Ethan kept his eyes on the road, his jaw so tight his teeth might have shattered, while Noah and Ava fell asleep against the plush leather seats, oblivious to the fact that they had just set the social order on fire.
Bella stared out at the passing lights of the city. She didn't feel relieved. She felt the itch of a target on her back. She knew Damien; she knew the way he clawed for control when his world tilted. And more importantly, she knew Serena.
"He knows," Ethan said, his voice breaking the silence. It wasn't a question. "He’s going to come for them, Bella. Not for you, initially. But for them."
"He’ll have to get through me first," Bella replied, her voice smooth as silk. "And he’s a lot slower than he used to be. He’s softe
