The luxury car sped down the coastal highway, sea breeze sweeping through the slightly opened windows. Mia stared blankly ahead, her thoughts unraveling faster than the passing landscape. Every truth she’d learned lately—her stolen identity, the hospital attack, and Richard’s unwavering protection—rattled in her mind like storm clouds waiting to explode.
“Where are we going?” she asked eventually, voice soft but heavy with emotion.
“To a secure house,” Richard replied, hands firm on the wheel. “Somewhere no one can touch us until we figure out the next move.”
Mia turned to him, studying the sharp angles of his jaw, the furrowed brow that never relaxed. She’d known Richard as cold, businesslike, even arrogant—but now she saw glimpses of something else. Determination. Fear. Humanity.
“Wh
