Chapter 31

The morning sun spilled into the living room, casting a warm, hopeful glow over the apartment. The air was thick with the scent of fresh coffee and the kind of light hearted laughter that only comes after a long storm has finally passed.

Sophie and Claire were practically vibrating with excitement, their “I-told-you-so” looks directed at Macy every five minutes. But it was Beatrice’s reaction that touched Macy the most. Her mother had taken her hands earlier that morning, her eyes clear and filled with a peace Macy hadn’t seen in years.

“I was one of the reasons you couldn’t live your life properly, Macy,” Beatrice had whispered, her voice steady. “I felt the weight of my illness holding you back. Seeing you now… I’m so happy for you. It took time, but I truly believe you’ve found the right person.”

“You never held me back, Mom,” Macy replied, kissing her forehead. “You’re the reason I worked so hard to get here.”

A few hours later, as the four women were engaged in a random, comfortable conversation about the upcoming project, the doorbell rang. Macy stood up, smoothing her jeans. “I’ll get it.”

When she swung the door open, her heart did a familiar somersault. Roman stood there, dressed in a sharp navy blazer, but he wasn’t alone. Standing beside him, looking elegant in a cream-colored silk suit, was Josephine Blackwood.

“Surprise,” Roman said, his eyes twinkling with a soft, private warmth as they met Macy’s.

“Roman! You could have given me a heads-up!” Macy squeaked, quickly stepping aside to usher them in.

Josephine didn’t wait for a formal invitation. She stepped forward and pulled Macy into a fragrant, motherly hug. “It was my idea, dear. I told him I simply couldn’t wait any longer to meet you and your mother properly.” She pulled back, her eyes shining. “And I am so, so happy for you both. I knew you had feelings for each other—I could see it from the moment I saw you both together.”

Claire laughed, stepping forward to greet them. “I think you must join our committee, Josephine. We’ve been telling Macy the same thing for a long time.”

Josephine was led into the living room, where she sat beside Beatrice. The connection was almost instant. “How are you feeling, Beatrice?” Josephine asked, her voice full of genuine concern. “Roman told me about the transplant. It was a very brave thing to go through.”

“I am doing great, thank you,” Beatrice said, glancing toward Roman with deep gratitude. “And it’s largely thanks to your son. He was more helpful than I can put into words.”

Macy felt a lump in her throat. “I’ll go make coffee for everyone,” she offered, wanting to hide her sudden emotion.

“No,” Sophie interjected, already heading for the kitchen. “I’ll take care of the refreshments. Claire, come help me. Macy, why don’t you take Roman on a tour of the house? Leave the elders to talk.”

Macy looked at Roman, who shrugged with a playful smirk. She led him through the modest but cozy apartment, showing him the small kitchen and the balcony where she liked to sit, finally ending up in her bedroom.

“So… this is my room,” she said, leaning against the doorframe.

Roman walked inside, his presence suddenly making the space feel much smaller and more intimate. He looked at the neatly made bed, the scattered books on her nightstand, and the single framed photo of her father. “It looks so good,” he murmured.

Macy tilted her head. “What looks good? The house or the room?”

Roman stepped toward her, his hands finding her waist. With a teasing smile, he pulled her closer. “Everything. Including you.”

Macy felt the familiar heat rise to her cheeks. “You’re a terrible flatterer, Mr. Blackwood.”

“I’m a very honest man, Ms. Rivers,” he countered, before leaning down to capture her lips in a soft, lingering kiss that tasted of home.

A few minutes later, Claire’s voice drifted down the hall. “Coffee’s ready! Everyone to the living room!”

As they joined the group, Sophie handed a mug to Roman with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Here you go, Roman. I personally guaranteed that this is salt and vinegar-free.”

Beatrice looked up, confused. “What salt and vinegar?”

“That’s nothing, Mom!” Macy said quickly, shooting Sophie a look that promised a very long conversation later. “Just an office joke.”

The afternoon turned into a beautiful bonding session with a simple lunch. Josephine and Beatrice spoke for hours; Josephine, usually surrounded by the high-society posturing of the country club, seemed to find a rare comfort in Beatrice’s simple, honest nature.

“Our moms really bonded,” Macy whispered to Roman as they watched the two women exchange gardening tips.

“Yes,” Roman agreed. “My mom is very simple at heart. She just needs a person she can pour her heart out to, someone who isn’t looking for a business connection or a scandal. She’s finally found that here.”

When it was finally time for the Blackwoods to leave, Josephine hugged Claire and Sophie, then turned to Macy. “You know, you are very lucky, Macy. You have wonderful people around you. Only truly good people can earn friends like these.”

Macy looked at Claire and Sophie, her heart swelling with pride. “I know. I’m the luckiest person I know.”

“Is it okay if I visit your mother often?” Josephine asked Macy looking at Beatrice. “I like her very much. She’s so easy to talk to.”

“Yes,” Beatrice nodded with smile. “Anytime,” Macy smiled. “Our door is always open to you.”

Roman waved a final goodbye, his eyes lingering on Macy as they walked to the elevator.

The following morning, the atmosphere at Blackwood Industries shifted from domestic bliss to high-stakes intensity. The executive conference room was packed. Along with the core team of Macy, Claire, and Sophie, the room now included Owen, Sebastian Thorne, and Julian Reid.

Roman stood at the head of the table, his face a mask of professional focus. “Team, listen up. We’ve received an updated order from the government regarding the defence project.”

He tapped a button, and a map of a remote coastal region appeared on the screen. “Because of the sensitive nature of the hardware deployment, the government has requested—and I have agreed—that we move our operations to our overseas site near the deployment zone.”

A murmur of excitement rippled through the room.

“We need to be operational on-site within the week,” Roman announced, his gaze meeting Macy’s across the table. “This is a massive undertaking, but it’s the only way to ensure the security of the project. Pack your bags. We’re moving to the coast.”

Macy felt a thrill of nerves and excitement. This wasn’t just a job anymore; it was an adventure and she wouldn’t be doing it alone.

Chapter 32

The air in the conference room was electric, a far cry from the usual stiff corporate atmosphere. The prospect of an overseas assignment had everyone buzzing with a mix of professional excitement and personal curiosity.

“So, Roman,” Sophie piped up, leaning forward with her chin in her hands, “when exactly are we taking to the skies? I’ve already started mentally packing my bikinis and my data sheets.”

Roman stood at the head of the table, looking every bit the relaxed but focused leader. “As per security protocol for a government project of this scale, we cannot all travel on a single flight. We need to split the team into pairs to maintain a low profile.”

Owen, already checking his watch, stood up. “I’m taking the red-eye tonight to get the groundwork ready at the facility.”

Roman glanced at Macy, a mischievous glint in his eyes that only she could truly decipher. “Macy and I will travel together on a separate flight,” he said, giving her a subtle, fleeting wink that made her heart skip a beat.

Macy cleared her throat, trying to keep her professional mask from slipping. “Actually, Roman, maybe we can travel the day after tomorrow? I want to spend one more full day settling everything for my mother—making sure Grace has the new emergency contacts and the pharmacy schedule.”

Roman nodded immediately, his gaze softening. “Of course. Family first. We’ll leave Thursday morning.”

Sebastian Thorne, the representative from the government side, saw his opening and didn’t hesitate. He turned to Claire, a rare, boyish smile breaking across his usually stoic face. “Claire, since we’ll be coordinating on the security reports anyway, shall we pair up? I have a flight booked for tomorrow evening.”

Claire’s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink, but she didn’t look away. “I… yes, that sounds efficient. I’d be happy to.”

Julian Reid, the R&D lead, laughed and looked at Sophie. “Well, Sophie, looks like you’re stuck with me. I’m scheduled for tomorrow morning. Hope you don’t mind talking shop for six hours in the air.”

“Stuck with you?” Sophie teased, her eyes sparkling. “Julian, I’ve been looking for an excuse to pick your brain about those hardware estimations. I’m in!”

Roman clapped his hands together. “It’s settled then. Stick to your schedules. Remember, absolute discretion—no social media posts, no calls about the project from the hotel. The government has booked individual rooms for us at a five-star resort just a mile from the new site. Transport will be waiting for each of you upon arrival.”

As the room cleared out, Macy lingered. She waited until the door clicked shut behind the last person, leaving only her and Roman. He was focused on his laptop, tapping away at an email, looking incredibly handsome in the afternoon light.

Macy tiptoed over, leaning against the edge of his desk. “So, Mr. Blackwood,” she whispered playfully, “I thought we were going to share a room. Individual bookings? You really disappointed me. Where’s that legendary CEO power when I need it?”

Roman stopped typing. He slowly looked up, a slow, teasing smile spreading across his face. He reached out, his hand snaking around her waist to pull her closer until she was standing between his knees. “If that’s what you’re worried about, Ms. Rivers, I can certainly arrange a ‘clerical error’ in the booking system.”

He began to tickle her sides, knowing exactly where she was most sensitive. Macy collapsed into a fit of giggles, squirming in his grip. “No! Stop! I was joking! I was just joking!”

“Oh, were you?” Roman murmured, pulling her down for a quick, searing kiss that left her breathless. “Because I wasn’t.”

The next morning was a whirlwind of activity at the apartment. Sophie was the first to leave, her suitcase overstuffed and her energy at a ten. She was pacing the living room while Macy and Claire finished their coffee.

“Okay, be honest,” Sophie said, looking at her friends. “What’s the deal with Julian? he as hot as he looks in those R&D photos. Do you think he’s single? Because if I’m trapped in a plane with a single, genius Julian, I might lose my professional composure.”

Claire laughed, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Calm down, Sophie. I’ve worked with Julian before. He’s a total gentleman and brilliant at what he does. As for his relationship status? I have no idea. He’s very private.”

Macy nudged Sophie. “He’s our schoolmate, Sophie! Just use the ‘remember when’ icebreaker. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.”

Sophie hugged them both fiercely, said a quick goodbye to Beatrice, and headed out the door with a “Wish me luck!”

By evening, it was Claire’s turn. She looked uncharacteristically nervous as she checked her reflection one last time. “Macy,” she said quietly, “about Sebastian… do you think he actually likes me? Or was he just being practical about the travel pairing?”

“Claire,” Macy said, walking over and grabbing her hands. “Did you see how fast he jumped at the chance to travel with you? That man is a government specialist; he doesn’t do anything by accident. He definitely likes you. By the time I reach the coast, I better see both of you holding hands.”

Claire smiled, a genuine, hopeful look. She bid Beatrice a warm goodbye and followed Sophie into the night.

The next morning, the apartment felt strangely quiet. Grace, the retired nurse, arrived early with a cheerful smile and a bag of knitting. She and Beatrice hit it off immediately, discussing the best way to grow indoor herbs while Macy finished packing.

When the doorbell rang, it was Roman. He didn’t just wait in the car; he came inside, greeted Grace, and spent ten minutes sitting with Beatrice, checking on her vitals and making sure she felt comfortable with the arrangements.

“Take care of her, Roman,” Beatrice said, patting his hand.

“With my life, Beatrice,” Roman promised solemnly.

The flight was a dream, but the arrival was even better. By the time Macy and Roman reached the hotel, the sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the ocean in shades of gold and violet. The hotel was a massive, sprawling five-star estate that looked more like a palace than a resort.

“Roman,” Macy whispered as they walked through the lobby, which featured a three-story waterfall and marble floors. “Why this place? It’s huge! I feel like I should be wearing a ballgown just to check in.”

“I didn’t pick it, I swear,” Roman laughed, guiding her toward the reception desk. “It was the government’s recommendation. High security, private wings, and apparently, very comfortable beds. Not that we’ll be spending much time in them with the project schedule.”

They received their key cards and headed toward the glass elevators. They passed a woman sitting in one of the plush lobby armchairs. She was deeply buried behind a wide newspaper, her face completely obscured.

Roman was in a playful mood, bumping his shoulder against Macy and sneaking a quick hug as they waited for the lift. Macy giggled, leaning her head against his chest, feeling perfectly safe and incredibly happy.

As they stepped into the elevator and the doors began to hiss shut, as soon as the elevator started its ascent, the newspaper was lowered.

Christy’s eyes were cold, fixed on the closed elevator doors. A slow, venomous smirk spread across her face as she gripped the paper until it wrinkled.

“So, it’s true,” Christy hissed to herself, her voice a sharp contrast to the luxury around her. “You and the little assistant are actually playing house. I saw the way you looked at her, Roman. I saw the way you held her.”

She stood up, smoothing out her expensive travel suit, her eyes reflecting a dangerous, obsessive light.

“I told you I would find you,” she whispered into the empty lobby. “I’m going to break both of you. And by the time I’m done, Macy won’t have anyone to cry into.”

With a flick of her hair, Christy turned and walked toward the concierge, her mind already spinning with her first move in this overseas game.

Chapter 33

Macy kicked off her heels and sighed with relief as she entered her hotel suite. The scent of fresh lilies and sea air drifted through the balcony doors. After a quick shower, she immediately dialed home. The video call connected to a beaming Beatrice and a very organized-looking Grace.

“We’re doing just fine, Macy,” Beatrice reassured her, looking vibrant in a new knitted shawl. “Grace is a drill sergeant with my vitamins, and the fresh air from the lawn did me wonders. Now, tell me, how is the coast? And how is Roman?”

Macy smiled, a soft glow settling on her face. “The coast is beautiful, Mom. And Roman… he’s been wonderful. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? Give Grace my best.”

The moment she hung up, a rhythmic, frantic knocking echoed at her door. Macy laughed to herself, already knowing who it was. She pulled the door open to find Sophie and Claire standing there, suitcases probably not even fully unpacked, looking like they were bursting with news.

The three of them collapsed into a massive group hug before piling onto Macy’s king-sized bed, sitting in a circle like they were back in their dorms.

“Okay, spill!” Sophie demanded, poking Macy’s shoulder. “How was the ‘CEO Flight’? Did he feed you grapes? Did you guys have a romantic cloud-watching session?”

Macy giggled, tucking her legs under her. “It was actually very sweet. We talked for hours—real talk, not just office stuff. The time went by so fast I didn’t even realize we were descending. But enough about me! Look at you two. Claire, you’re glowing like a neon sign. What happened with Sebastian?”

Claire’s face turned a deep, lovely shade of rose. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice barely a whisper. “He… he opened up to me, Macy. During the drive from the airport, he actually stopped the car by the cliffs. He told me he’s been a ‘cold government machine’ for too long and that I’m the only person who makes him feel like a human. He asked if we could officially start dating.”

“OMG!” Macy squealed, grabbing Claire’s hands. “I knew it! Mr. Stoic has a heart of gold. I told you he had feelings for you!”

Macy then turned her predatory, playful gaze toward Sophie. “And what about the R&D heartthrob? How was your six-hour flight with Julian?”

Sophie didn’t blush; she grinned with pure, unadulterated triumph. “Well, Julian is currently an eligible bachelor with zero baggage. We talked about everything—quantum physics, favorite childhood snacks, the works. We have so much in common it’s scary.” She paused, her eyes dancing. “So, I just asked him directly.”

Claire’s jaw dropped. “You did what?”

“I asked him,” Sophie repeated casually. “I said, ‘Julian, you’re hot, I’m fun, we’re both single. Shall we date?’”

Macy stared at her in shock. “Sophie! You didn’t even have a first dinner yet! You just met him properly yesterday!”

“Life is short, Macy! Six hours on a plane is basically three months in the real world,” Sophie laughed. “And guess what? He said yes. He actually laughed and said he was wondering how long it would take for one of us to break the ice.”

“So that’s why you were missing when we checked in!” Claire realized. “You both were probably ‘exploring the grounds.’”

“Let’s just say the hotel gardens are very well-lit at night,” Sophie winked.

Macy shook her head, laughing. “I can’t believe it. It’s been only one day and all three of us have had a relationship status update. I am so happy for you girls. We’re finally all in this together.”

Just as the laughter peaked, three phones chimed in perfect unison. A chorus of pings echoed in the room.

“Dinner?” the girls said at the same time. Their respective boyfriends were calling. The “Cupid group” grabbed their purses and headed for the lobby.

As the gang, including Owen Brooks, piled into two cars for a celebratory dinner, they had no idea they were being watched.

In the shadows of a large hibiscus bush near the hotel entrance, a pair of sharp eyes followed their departure. Christy stepped out, her designer sunglasses perched on her head, looking disheveled but determined. She pulled out her phone and hit a speed dial.

“Dad?” she said, her voice dropping into a cold hiss.

“Christy? What’s the status?” Mr. Williams asked from the other end. “Did you track them?”

“I located the group. They’re staying at the government-recommended resort. The whole team is here—Roman, the assistant, and those two annoying friends of hers.”

“Did you find out the project details?” Williams asked, his voice strained. “That defense contract is the only thing that can save us, Christy. If Blackwood secures it, we’re finished. Our debts are mounting.”

“They landed today, Dad! Give me a break,” Christy snapped, pacing the grass. “They’re being incredibly discreet. I haven’t seen a single document yet.”

“You already ruined the chance your mother gave you,” Williams warned. “Do not ruin this. If Roman succeeds, we say goodbye to our wealth. We need to ruin his name. Personal, professional—I don’t care. If he becomes a liability to the government, they’ll pull the contract and give it to us. My contact in the ministry says he’s on a very short leash.”

“I need backup, Dad,” Christy said, her eyes narrowing as she watched the tail lights of Roman’s car disappear. “I can’t do this alone if I’m going to sabotage a government-grade project.”

“I’ll send someone. Keep me updated. And Christy… don’t let your temper get in the way this time.”

Christy hung up with an evil smirk. “My temper is exactly what’s going to win this, Dad.”

The next morning, the team arrived at the new overseas facility. It was a sleek, glass-and-steel building overlooking the ocean, fortified with high-tech security scanners. They didn’t notice the nondescript rental car parked several hundred yards away, where Christy sat with a pair of high-powered binoculars, recording their entry.

Inside, the lobby smelled of fresh paint and expensive electronics.

“Welcome to our new overseas hub,” Roman announced, his voice echoing in the vast, open space. “For now, it’s our fortress for the defense project. Once the prototype is delivered, we’ll officially inaugurate it as our international headquarters.”

The team wandered through the space in awe. It was state-of-the-art, with holographic displays and ergonomic workstations.

“You can sit and work anywhere you want,” Roman told the group. “But I have a specific tour for my lead assistant.”

Macy whispered to him, a playful glint in her eyes, “So, Mr. Blackwood, where is our cabin? Somewhere with a view?”

Roman saw her with lingering, intense eyes. “Follow me, ma’am.”

They slipped away toward the executive wing. Meanwhile, the rest of the team started claiming their territory.

Sophie, distracted by the ocean view through the floor-to-ceiling glass, didn’t notice a stray Ethernet cable on the floor. She tripped, letting out a small “Whoa!“—but she didn’t hit the ground. Julian caught her by the waist, pulling her flush against his chest. They stayed there for a long moment, the air thick with new-relationship energy, Julian’s glasses sliding slightly down his nose as he smiled at her.

Claire, seeing them from across the hall, turned to Sebastian with a wide, excited grin. She was about to make a loud comment about “office romance” when Sebastian’s hand suddenly covered her mouth. He pulled her into a nearby supply room, his back against the door.

“Don’t ruin their moment, Claire,” he whispered, his face inches from hers. “At least they had a ‘natural’ clumsy moment. We have to be more… intentional.”

Claire’s eyes twinkled. “Well, we can create our own moments, Agent Thorne.” She reached up and pulled his tie, bringing his lips down to hers. They were lost in a passionate kiss within seconds.

Unaware of the full scale of the office romance, Owen turned his head and spotted Julian and Sophie sharing an intimate moment. Wishing to remain unnoticed, he silently slipped into an adjacent room.

He walked past the supply room. He heard a suspicious thud and opened the door. “Is the ventilation in here—oops! Wrong room!” He slammed the door shut, his face turning red.

He moved down the hall to the main executive office to find Roman, but as he pushed the door open, he saw Macy and Roman locked in a kiss that looked like it belonged in a movie.

Owen did a 180-degree turn, his eyes wide. “Nope. Definitely not that room either.”

He finally found a small, windowless server room at the very back of the building. He walked in, sat in a swivel chair, and let out a long, weary sigh.

“Finally,” Owen muttered to the blinking green lights of the servers. “A room that is empty and has absolutely zero romance.” He leaned back, pulling a small locket from under his shirt. “I should have brought my husband with me. Oh, babe… I miss you so much. These people are going to be the death of me.

Chapter 34

The humid coastal night was thick with the scent of salt and blooming jasmine, but inside her darkened rental car, Christy Williams felt only the suffocating heat of her own failure. Her phone screen illuminated her face, which was twisted in a mask of pure annoyance as her father’s voice crackled through the speaker.

“It’s been three months, Christy! Three months!” Williams’ voice was sharp with desperation. “And you haven’t found a single thing of value. What exactly are you doing out there? From where I’m sitting, it looks like you’re enjoying a long-term vacation at a five-star resort on my dime!”

“I found the location, didn’t I?” Christy hissed, gripping the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white. “I’m doing everything I can! But they are being incredibly discreet. I’ve planted bugs in their car, I’ve followed them, but all they talk about is their boring project phases or their nauseating romantic drivel. It’s all ‘I love you, Roman’ and ‘You’re so smart, Macy.’ It makes me want to vomit.”

“I don’t care about your stomach, Christy. I care about our survival,” her father growled. “Try to ruin his reputation. Create a scandal, a security breach—anything that will break his concentration. If he loses his focus, he loses the contract. If he loses the contract, we have a chance to swoop in. If we don’t get this, our family is on the streets. It will be your fault.”

“My fault?” Christy’s voice rose to a scream. “It was your poor decision-making that landed us in debt! I only went after the McPhee heir because you told me to use him for business. I inherited this mess from you. If this project fails, the blood is on your hands, not mine!”

There was a long, heavy silence on the line. When Williams spoke again, his voice was defeated. “I’ve tried the ministry. Even my contacts there don’t know the specifics of the hardware. They’re keeping it entirely internal. Christy… I’ll send the backup you asked for. He’ll be there by the end of the week. Don’t fail me again.”

Christy disconnected the call and stared at the brightly lit hotel. “I need to get to Roman,” she whispered. “Romantically. But that little brat Macy and her ‘committee’ are stuck to him like leeches.”

The next morning, the atmosphere in the facility’s high-tech conference room was far from romantic. The holographic project board was glowing with red warnings.

“So, guys,” Roman began, his face looking leaner and more tired than it had three months ago. “Phase 2 is a success. The defense team is thrilled with the encryption speeds. But…” He paused, his gaze lingering on Macy before sweeping across the room. “The government has moved the goalposts. They want Phase 3 finished and the final launch completed in one month.”

A collective gasp filled the room.

“One month?” Owen Brooks stood up, his face pale. “Roman, we’ve only just cracked the shell of Phase 3. That’s physically impossible with our current staff.”

“I told them that,” Roman said, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “But there are geopolitical pressures. They want it ready. Now.”

Julian tapped his pen rhythmically against the table. “Maybe we need to move to a twenty-four-hour cycle. We take shifts. Half the team sleeps, the other half codes.”

“I think Julian is right,” Macy said, her voice steady and supportive. “We can’t do this on a nine-to-five schedule anymore.”

Owen nodded slowly, the manager in him taking over. “If we do shifts, I’ll need Claire, Macy, and Sophie on double-duty for the backend records. I can’t move forward if the logs aren’t cleared immediately. Are you girls okay with that?”

“Whatever it takes,” Claire said, and Sophie nodded in agreement.

“Roman,” Sebastian added, “we need to start this immediately, but the team is at a breaking point. Can we have just one day of total rest? One final day to breathe before we disappear into the lab for the next four weeks?”

Roman looked at his weary team and gave a small, appreciative smile. “Yes. Tomorrow is a total blackout. No phones, no files. Get some rest, because after that, I’m locking the doors.”

That evening, the tension of the office melted away as they returned to the hotel. Waiting in the lobby was a tall, handsome man with a kind face.

“Ezra!” Owen shouted, abandoning his professional dignity and sprinting across the marble floor. He threw his arms around his husband, burying his face in Ezra’s shoulder. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, Owen,” Ezra laughed, holding him tight.

Sebastian cleared his throat, addressing the group. “Since we have tomorrow off, I’ve arranged a private campfire on the beach for us tonight. Let’s actually enjoy ourselves for once.”

Later, as the fire crackled against the backdrop of the crashing waves, Macy leaned against Roman’s shoulder. “Roman,” she whispered, “since we have the whole day tomorrow, I’m planning to fly home tonight.”

Roman’s face fell instantly. “Tonight? But… I thought we’d spend the day together.”

“I know,” Macy said softly, taking his hand. “But it’s been three months since I saw my mom in person. I need to check on her, see Beatrice with my own eyes before we go into this final lockdown. I’ll be back by tomorrow night, ready to work.”

Roman sighed, the disappointment clear in his eyes, but he nodded. “I understand. Give her my love.”

Macy kissed him deeply, a lingering goodbye that made his head spin. “I’m going to go pack and catch the late flight. I’ll see you soon.”

As Macy walked back toward the hotel, the rest of the group started making their own plans.

“Ezra has booked a private dinner at the West Beach Resort,” Owen announced, beaming as he held his husband’s hand. “We’re heading there now. We’ll spend our day tomorrow and be back by tomorrow night.”

“We haven’t had a proper date in weeks,” Sophie said, looking at Julian. “Claire and Sebastian found a riverside resort near the forest. We’re going on a double-date and staying there until tomorrow night.”

Julian turned to Roman, who was staring morosely at the fire. “What about you, Roman? You’re going to be the only one left in this wing.”

Roman picked up a bottle of expensive bourbon. “I’m going to get comfortably wasted and sleep for twelve hours. Go. Enjoy yourselves.”

In the bushes nearby, Christy’s eyes widened with predatory delight. “Finally,” she breathed. “He’s alone.” Her mind began to spin. If she could get into his room, get him into a compromising position while he was drunk, and take photos… she could destroy his reputation and Macy’s heart in one stroke.

She was so lost in her evil plotting that she didn’t hear the dry leaves crunch behind her.

Suddenly, a heavy, cold hand dropped onto her shoulder.

Christy froze. Her blood turned to ice. She turned her head slowly, her breath hitching in her throat.

Chapter 35

The hallway of the five-star resort was silent, save for the rhythmic humming of the ice machine. Under the dim golden lights, Christy Williams stood fuming, her face a mask of annoyance as she felt a heavy hand drop onto her shoulder. She spun around, ready to unleash her temper, only to find a man in a crisp white serving jacket holding a silver tray.

“You shouldn’t be here, ma’am,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with a teasing edge. “This is a restricted area.”

Christy scoffed, trying to regain her dignity. “I… I got lost.”

The man laughed, leaning against the wall. “You seriously seem like you were eavesdropping on that group over there,” he said, gesturing toward the garden where Roman’s team had been sitting. “No wonder your father doesn’t trust you. How did he even give you this project if you can’t even hide behind a bush properly?”

Christy’s eyes narrowed. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt. “Excuse me? I asked for backup, and my father sent a waiter to watch me? Watch your mouth when you speak to me.”

“I’m Blake,” he said, straightening his tie. “And I’m not just a waiter. I joined the catering contract for tonight’s party just to meet you. I can only stay in this resort tonight, so let’s make it count.”

“Fine,” Christy hissed. “You’re just in time. I have a plan. But since you’re the backup, stay away from the front lines.”

“No problem,” Blake smirked. “I have a past with Roman Blackwood. If he sees me, the game is over instantly. I’ll stay in the backend.”

“Good. Roman just went to the bar. Follow him and check what he’s doing. I’m going to get a duplicate key for his room. Update me on the phone.”

By 10:30 PM, the atmosphere in the hotel bar was sophisticated and low-key. Roman sat at a corner booth, nursing a single glass of Scotch. He wasn’t “getting wasted” as he’d told the others; he was merely reflecting on the month of madness ahead.

His phone vibrated. It was Owen.

“Roman? Sorry to bother you on our ’night off,’” Owen’s voice sounded muffled. “The security at the site just called. The main server in the R&D wing isn’t shutting down correctly. It’s a ghost in the machine.”

Roman sighed, rubbing his eyes. “No problem, Owen. I’ll head over now and check the manual override. Tell the driver to drop me back at the hotel by 11:30 PM. He can leave after that.”

Blake, standing nearby with a tray of empty glasses, caught every word. He quickly tapped out a message to Christy: Target leaving for the office. Will be back at 11:30 PM.

Christy’s reply was instant: Perfect. I go in at 11:00 PM for the setup.

At 10:40 PM, the heavy mahogany door to Roman’s suite creaked open. Two silhouettes slipped inside, carrying a small bag.

“Switch on your phone light,” a feminine whisper hissed. It was Claire.

“I can’t see the nightstand,” Sebastian muttered back. He clicked on a small lamp, casting a dim, cozy glow over the room.

Claire whispered, ‘Roman isn’t going to fire us for breaking into his suite, right?’ Sebastian looked around the luxury room nervously. ‘I certainly hope not,’ he replied—but his heart nearly stopped when the distinct click of the door handle echoed through the room.

Suddenly, the sound of a key card swiping made them both freeze.

“Someone’s coming!” Sebastian grabbed Claire’s arm and hauled her toward the massive walk-in wardrobe. They scrambled inside, pulling the door shut just as the lights flickered.

From the tiny gap in the wardrobe door, they watched two more figures enter. It was Julian and Sophie.

Sophie tossed her purse onto the bed. “Claire said she’d meet us here at 10:45 PM. She’s late.”

“Maybe she got cold feet about breaking into the boss’s room,” Julian joked. He leaned against the wardrobe door—the very door Claire and Sebastian were hiding behind.

Inside the dark closet, Sebastian’s heart was racing. His body was pressed firmly against Claire’s in the cramped space. He looked down at her, the romantic tension suddenly overshadowing the fear of being caught. He leaned in and kissed her passionately.

Squeak. Hiss.

“Did you hear that?” Julian asked, spinning around. “It sounds like… rats?”

“In a five-star resort?” Sophie frowned. She marched over to the wardrobe and yanked it open.

Claire and Sebastian tumbled out, looking flushed and guilty. Sophie shrieked in surprise, losing her balance and falling backward onto the king-sized bed.

“You guys!” Sophie gasped as Julian helped her up. “You should have given us a heads-up instead of having a private wardrobe session!”

Claire straightened her dress, laughing breathlessly. “We were here first!”

Swipe. Click.

The door opened again.

“Hide!” Julian hissed. “The wardrobe is too small for four!”

“The dressing room!” Sophie pointed to the sliding glass doors near the bathroom. All four of them scrambled behind the frosted glass, holding their breath.

A moment later, Macy walked in. She looked around the empty room, confused. She pulled out her phone and dialed Claire.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

The sound erupted from behind the dressing room door. Macy’s head whipped around. “Claire?”

Macy’s eyes locked onto the dressing room door. From the shadows, Sophie hissed at Claire, ‘I told you to silence that thing!’ Claire offered a sheepish ‘sorry’ as the four of them shuffled out into the light. Macy just folded her arms, checking her watch. ’Glad you could join us. It’s 11:00 PM—so, what’s the game plan? When do we actually start?

“We didn’t think he’d be back until—”

Swipe. Click.

“Hide! Hide now!” Sebastian whispered. “Roman is not supposed to be here yet!”

All five of them—Macy, Claire, Sebastian, Julian, and Sophie—dived back into the dressing room, cramming themselves into the corners. They peered through the frosted gap, expecting to see a tired Roman.

Instead, they saw Christy.

The group shared a collective look of horror. Christy was wearing a triumphant, predatory smile. She looked around the room like she’d already won a war.

“Finally,” Christy whispered to herself. “Roman is going to be mine. Once the pictures are taken, he won’t be able to deny that he slept with me.”

To the absolute shock of the five hidden observers, Christy began to unzipper her designer dress. She let it fall to the floor and quickly wrapped herself in the heavy white duvet from Roman’s bed, making it look like she’d been sleeping there.

Macy’s face turned a violent shade of red. She made a move to burst out and tackle her, but Sophie clamped a hand over Macy’s mouth, shaking her head vigorously. Wait, Sophie gestured. Let’s see what she does.

Christy’s eyes landed on something on the nightstand. “Oh? What’s this?” She picked up a delicate gold chain. “Looks like a girl’s chain. He probably bought this for that pathetic PA. Well, it belongs to me now.”

Christy fastened the chain around her own neck.

In the dressing room, Sophie’s eyes went wide. she frantically touched her own neck. Her chain was missing—it must have fallen off during the “wardrobe tumble.” She turned to Julian and pointed at Christy, then at her neck, her face contorted in silent rage.

Swipe. Click.

The room went dark. Christy had reached out and killed the lights, diving onto the far side of the bed and burying herself under the covers.

The door opened. Heavy footsteps entered. The person sounded exhausted. It was Roman.

He didn’t even turn on the main lights, just the dim entryway lamp. He kicked off his shoes, groaning. “What a night,” he muttered.

He walked toward the bed, ready to collapse. But as he reached for the covers, he stopped. His “CEO intuition”—or perhaps just the smell of Christy’s overbearing perfume—kicked in.

“What the…?” Roman murmured. He reached over and slammed the master light switch.

The room flooded with brightness.

Roman froze. He stared at the bed, where a duvet-clad Christy was smiling up at him with feigned shyness.

Chapter 36

“Roman, darling,” she cooed. “You took so long at the office. I thought you’d never come back to me.”

Roman’s face went from exhausted to absolutely horrified in 0.5 seconds. “Christy? What the hell are you doing in my bed? How did you get in here?”

“Does it matter?” she purred, sitting up slightly. “The staff already saw me come in. They think we’re together. Why fight it?”

Behind the dressing room door, Macy was vibrating with so much fury she was practically humming.

Christy smirked, angling her phone with predatory precision. “You know what, Roman? One selfie posted everywhere is all it takes. My ‘devastated’ face next to your ‘drunken’ one will win your mother’s sympathy and finally kick that little PA out of your life for good.”

Roman stood paralyzed, his jaw tight; he couldn’t physically force her out without causing a scene. Christy tapped the camera app, ready to strike. Behind the frosted glass, Macy exchanged a sharp look with the others. Sebastian gave a curt, professional nod. Now.

Christy focused the lens, but as the screen flickered to life, she gasped. Framed perfectly behind Roman’s head were five very familiar, very angry faces. Roman followed her terrified gaze, nearly jumping out of his skin to find his entire team watching the drama unfold like a front-row audience at a bad play.

Roman stared at his entire executive team standing in his bedroom. “Macy? Everyone? What… is… happening?”

Christy’s face turned from triumph to a sickly shade of green. She clutched the duvet to her chest, her eyes darting between the five witnesses.

“First of all,” Sophie marched right up to the bed and snatched the gold chain off Christy’s neck. “That’s mine, you thief.”

“Second of all,” Sebastian stepped forward, his ‘Security Agent’ voice booming. “Ms. Williams, I suggest you put your dress back on. Because not only are we all witnesses to this attempted frame-up, but I’ve been recording this entire conversation on my phone since you entered the room.”

Christy’s bravado vanished instantly. ‘I—I only did it because I want to marry Roman!’ she stammered, her voice thin and desperate as she clutched the duvet tighter. ’I was just trying to make him see that we belong together!

Macy turned to Roman, a mischievous, terrifying grin on her face. “Roman, dear. Since Christy wants to be part of the ‘Blackwood Family’ so badly… I think we should give her exactly what she deserves.”

Roman blinked, looking between his furious girlfriend and the shivering Christy. “And what’s that?”

Macy picked up the bucket of ice from the champagne Claire had brought. “A cold reality check.”

The silence following the “ice treatment” was broken only by the sound of dripping water and Christy’s heavy, indignant breathing. Stunned into a rare silence, Christy stood shivering, the duvet damp and heavy around her shoulders. Macy’s eyes were cold but steady.

“Go,” Macy said, her voice a calm command that brooked no argument. “Get dressed. Get out. And if you ever try a stunt like this again, I won’t just use ice; I’ll use every legal and professional bridge I have to burn your reputation to the ground.”

As Christy scrambled into the bathroom to retrieve her clothes, the clock on the bedside table ticked over to midnight. Suddenly, the doorbell chimed again. Sophie, still holding her reclaimed gold chain like a trophy, swung the door open.

Owen and Ezra marched in, carrying a massive, triple-layered chocolate cake with sparkling candles. “Happy Birthday, Roman!” they shouted in unison, their voices echoing in the high-ceilinged room.

The celebration came to a grinding halt as they spotted the disheveled Christy emerging from the bathroom, clutching her designer bag. Ezra blinked, his brow furrowed. “Who is this? Is she part of the guest list?”

“She’s the uninvited entertainment,” Claire said, crossing her arms. She looked at Christy with a look of pure dismissal. “Leave. Now.”

Christy didn’t wait for a second invitation. She shot a final, venomous glare at Macy and bolted from the room, her heels clicking frantically down the hallway.

Roman sat on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands, though a small, relieved smile was beginning to form. “So… that’s why you were all hiding in my room? I thought you were actually abandoning me on my birthday.”

“Abandon you? On the big 3-0?” Sebastian laughed, pulling a bag of streamers and decorations from behind his back. “We were going to decorate the suite before you got back from the office, but we didn’t exactly account for the resident stalker.”

“We should have reported her immediately,” Julian added, looking toward the door. “We need to inform the hotel security.”

Owen shook his head, placing the cake on the desk. “I’ll handle the hotel staff, Julian. Let the birthday boy actually enjoy a few minutes of peace. Sebastian and Julian, come with me—we need to make sure she actually left the premises.”

The group spent a brief, warm hour celebrating. Roman blew out his candles, the light reflecting in his dark eyes as he looked at the circle of people who had become more than just employees; they were his shield. They exchanged small, thoughtful gifts—a high-end watch from Sebastian and Julian, a rare coding manual from Owen—before finally saying their goodnights.

The door clicked shut, leaving the suite in a soft, golden silence. Roman turned to Macy. The adrenaline of the confrontation had faded, replaced by a thick, magnetic tension.

“So,” Roman murmured, his voice dropping an octave as he stepped into her space. “Everyone gave their presents. Where is yours, Ms. Rivers?”

Macy looked up at him, her heart hammering against her ribs. The teasing light in her eyes was softened by something much deeper—a fierce, protective love. “I am your present, Roman.”

Roman’s hands found her waist, pulling her flush against him. “Is that so? Then I think I should unwrap my gift and see what’s inside.”

“Happy Birthday, Roman,” she whispered.

He leaned down, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was no longer just a playful tease. It was a seal of a promise. In the quiet of the room, far away from the prying eyes of Christy or the pressures of the government, they finally moved beyond the boundaries they had set for themselves. It was the first time their connection became physical—a deep, rhythmic dance of trust and passion. For Roman, it felt like finally coming home after a lifetime of traveling; for Macy, it was the realization that the boy she used to prank had become the man she couldn’t live without.

The next morning, the Roman’s team gathered for a late breakfast on the terrace. The ocean was a sparkling turquoise, but the mood at the table was serious. Owen joined them last after seeing Ezra off to the airport.

“I don’t trust Christy,” Roman said, leaning back as he stared at his coffee. “I wonder if she’s just obsessed with the past, or if she’s actually targeting the project.”

“We were thinking the same thing,” Claire noted. “Blackmail photos don’t just hurt you personally, Roman. They make you a liability to the government. If you look unstable, they pull the contract.”

Sebastian nodded, “She’s been in this hotel for three months, just like us. That’s not a coincidence. She’s been tracking our movements since day one.”

“Where is she now?” Macy asked.

“Vacated,” Julian replied. “The front desk said she checked out at 2:00 AM in a massive hurry.”

“Should we call the police?” Sophie asked. “An investigation might uncover who she’s working with.”

“We can’t involve the police on our own,” Roman explained, his voice grave. “This is a government-tier project. If this involves espionage, we have to go through official channels first. Sebastian, can you flag this with the defense team?”

“On it,” Sebastian promised. “I’ll have them run a background check on her recent contacts to see if she’s a legitimate security threat.”

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit restaurant several miles down the coast, the sound of harsh laughter echoed in a corner booth.

Blake leaned back, watching Christy with a mocking grin. She looked a mess—her eyes puffy, her hands trembling as she clutched a glass of water. “I thought you were a professional,” Blake chuckled. “But you’re an absolute waste, Christy. You’re going to spoil everything, including your father’s entire empire, because you couldn’t handle a simple setup.”

“Watch your mouth!” Christy snapped, her voice cracking. “Your history with Roman and Macy isn’t exactly a success story either. Don’t act like you’re the mastermind here.”

Blake’s smile didn’t fade; it just grew sharper, colder. “Okay, cool. You had your turn, and you failed. Now, I’ll plan it. We’re going to go with my strategy.”

Christy leaned in, her desperation outweighing her pride. “Tell me. What is it?”

Blake leaned over the table, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper as he began to outline a plan that had nothing to do with lingerie, and everything to do with total destruction.

Chapter 37

The fluorescent lights of the overseas command center hummed with a clinical intensity that matched the mood of the room. It had been exactly forty-eight hours since the “Birthday Ambush,” and the team was gathered around the mahogany conference table, coffee mugs in hand and eyes rimmed with the fatigue of a three-month marathon.

Sebastian stood at the head of the table, his tablet projected onto the wall. “I’ve received the initial report from the ministry’s internal security sweep,” he began, his voice dropping into his professional ‘Agent’ register. “We flagged Christy Williams as a potential threat. They tapped her personal lines and monitored her digital footprint for the last twenty-four hours. The result? Nothing. Her data is scrubbed clean. No outgoing calls to known industrial spies, no encrypted files, nothing but a few bitter texts to her father about her ‘failed vacation.’”

Roman sat back, his fingers drumming a rhythmic, skeptical beat on the table. “I’m not convinced, Sebastian. A woman like Christy doesn’t just walk away after being humiliated in a hotel suite. She’s reactive. If she’s quiet, it’s because someone is telling her to be.”

“I agree,” Julian chimed in, leaning forward. “The timing is too perfect. But Roman, look at the clock. We are officially in the red zone for Phase 3. If we spend our mental energy chasing a ghost who hasn’t left a digital trail, we risk missing our integration deadlines. I say we focus on the code and let the perimeter security do their jobs.”

Roman sighed, glancing at Macy, who gave him a supportive nod. “Fine. We’ve done our due diligence by informing the officials. If Christy makes a move, we’re on the record as having warned them. Let’s get to work.”

While the Blackwood team dove back into the complexities of border-defense algorithms, a very different kind of meeting was taking place in a dingy, dimly lit apartment on the outskirts of the coastal city. The air smelled of stale cigarettes and cheap takeout—a far cry from the five-star luxury Christy was used to.

“It’s going to work, Christy. Stop pacing; you’re making me dizzy,” Blake said, leaning over a spread of stolen architectural blueprints.

“I don’t see how!” Christy snapped, her voice high and brittle. “They’ve doubled the guards. Sebastian Thorne is practically living at the facility. We couldn’t even get a drone within a mile of that place.”

Blake let out a dry, humorless laugh. “That’s because you’re thinking like a jilted socialite. You wanted to play dress-up and take selfies. I’m thinking like a man who wants to burn the whole building down.” He tapped a specific point on the map. “We have an internal source—someone deep in the ministry who’s tired of Roman Blackwood getting all the glory. He confirmed the timeline. They have exactly one month to finish, which means they are exhausted, overextended, and prone to mistakes.”

Christy stopped pacing, her eyes narrowing. “So what’s the plan? We steal the drive?”

“No,” Blake said, his eyes gleaming with malice. “We let them finish. We let them put all their hard work, their sweat, and their brilliance into that final prototype. And then, right before the launch, we hit the one thing Roman loves more than his empire.”

Christy’s expression shifted from anger to a slow, wicked realization. “Macy.”

“Exactly,” Blake purred. “We don’t just want the project. We want the Blackwood name dragged through the mud. Things need to come out of Roman’s own mouth—a confession, a surrender. That’s how empires fall. When the king breaks.”

Christy gripped the edge of the table. “I wanted to save Blackwood by marrying him, but after what they did to me… after that… I want them both to suffer. Especially that little PA. I want her to lose everything.”

Blake grinned, a dark look crossing his face. “I want her, too. She escaped me back in the city, but she won’t be so lucky this time. I’ll make sure she remembers my name.”

“Focus, Blake,” Christy warned, her voice cold. “No personal ‘projects’ with Macy until the defense contract is in our hands. After the project is ours and the Williams name is restored, you can do whatever you want with her. Until then, she is leverage. Nothing more.”

Blake shrugged, though his eyes remained dark. “Fine. Leverage it is. For now.”

The next few weeks were a blur of high-intensity labor. The team moved into a “lockdown” mode, sleeping in four-hour rotations in the facility’s lounge area. The banter that usually filled their days was replaced by the frantic clicking of keyboards and the hushed tones of engineers debating signal frequencies.

Macy, Claire, and Sophie became a well-oiled machine in the backend, clearing logs and verifying encryptions at a pace that left even Owen impressed.

Finally, with only seven days left until the official government launch, Roman called a final status meeting. The room felt heavy with the scent of stale coffee and triumph.

“I am so incredibly proud of this team,” Owen said, standing with a rare, genuine smile. “Phase 3 is 98% integrated. This project isn’t just a contract; it’s going to revolutionize border protection. We’re building something that will actually save lives.”

“When is the trial run?” Claire asked, her pen hovering over her notebook.

“Wednesday,” Roman replied, his voice raspy from lack of sleep. “We do a full-scale simulation Wednesday. If that holds, Friday is the official launch with the Ministry of Defense.”

“Can we actually relax for five minutes now?” Sophie asked, slumped in her chair.

Julian winked at her, reaching under the table to squeeze her hand. “I certainly hope so. I think I’ve forgotten what the sun looks like.”

Sebastian, however, remained the anchor of caution. “We can breathe, but we don’t relax our guard. I’ve kept a private detective on Christy’s tail. She never went back home. She’s still in this city, hiding in the shadows. If she’s planning something for the launch, we need to be ready.”

The team dispersed to their stations for the final “polishing” of the code. Soon, the conference room was empty, save for Roman and Macy.

Macy walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window. Below, the evening sea was a deep, restless indigo, the waves crashing against the cliffs with a rhythmic power. She felt a hand on her waist and leaned back into Roman’s warmth.

“Enjoying the view?” he whispered into her hair.

Macy turned around in his arms, her hands resting on his chest. “I’m just glad we’re almost there, Roman. One more week, and we can finally be just… us. No secret projects, no midnight server crashes.”

“I’m looking forward to that more than the contract,” Roman admitted, pulling her closer. “And speaking of home… I forgot to tell you. Your mom is staying at the Blackwood mansion now.”

Macy pulled back, surprised. “What? Why? Is she okay?”

“She’s perfect,” Roman reassured her. “Grace had to leave for a family emergency and didn’t want to leave Beatrice alone. She couldn’t reach you because of the signal jammers in the lab, so your mom called me. My mother insisted she move into the guest wing immediately. Apparently, they’ve become inseparable.”

Macy laughed, a bright, genuine sound. “I can’t believe it. How are you all so down-to-earth? You’re the ‘Blackwoods,’ and yet you’re hosting my mom like she’s family.”

Roman looked deep into her eyes, his expression turning intensely tender. “Macy, you are family. To me, and to my mother.”

He leaned down, and the world outside—the project, the threats, the ticking clock—faded into nothingness. The kiss was slow and deep, a silent celebration of everything they had survived together. In that moment, surrounded by the high-tech fortress they had built, they felt invincible.

But outside, in the tall grass beyond the perimeter fence, a pair of binoculars reflected the moon’s light, watching the silhouette of their embrace against the glass.

Chapter 38

Wednesday evening in the command center felt like the aftermath of a glorious battle. The air was thick with the smell of expensive coffee and the sweet, electric scent of success. The final simulation had run perfectly—no glitches, no “pings,” just 100% pure defensive efficiency.

“I’m glad our sleepless nights didn’t go to waste,” Roman said, his voice husky but proud as he stood before the team. “The testing was a total success. Let’s all give a hand to our project leader, Owen Brooks.”

The room erupted in applause. Even Sebastian, usually as stiff as a board, was clapping with a genuine grin.

“I couldn’t have done it without this team,” Owen said, looking a little misty-eyed as he leaned against the server rack. “This is the best group of geniuses—and occasionally chaotic humans—I’ve ever worked with.”

“I’m going to miss this,” Julian admitted, glancing at Sophie. “After Friday’s official launch, I have to head back to the R&D center. It’s going to be way too quiet without you all.”

“I have to return to the ministry,” Sebastian added, “but I’ve already decided: we are not losing touch. This isn’t just a work group anymore; we’re family.”

“Exactly!” Sophie piped up. “Family who plans zero-workload vacations with mandatory beach cocktails. No laptops allowed!”

Roman laughed, pulling Macy closer to his side. “Agreed. But first, we have one final push. Most of you can relax tomorrow, but Sebastian, Julian, and I need to be at the office to finalize the security protocols for the government officials’ visit on Friday.”

Later that night, the world felt peaceful in Roman’s suite. Macy was curled up against Roman’s chest, the steady beat of his heart acting as a lullaby.

“I’ve learned so much on this trip,” Macy whispered, tracing the line of his jaw. “You gave me a seat at the table, Roman. Not just as a PA, but as a partner. I’ll never forget this.”

Roman kissed the top of her head. “You earned that seat, Macy. Macy asked curiously, What about our city office? And don’t worry about the city office—I’ve set things up so it runs smoothly even when we’re away. Though,” he teased, “I did check the logs a few times. I can’t help being a micromanager.”

Macy sat up, her eyes serious. “Any update on Christy?”

Roman’s expression dimmed slightly. “Nothing. We’ve been so deep in the code we haven’t had time to look, and Sebastian’s contacts say she’s gone dark. She’s probably halfway to Europe by now, licking her wounds.”

“I hope so,” Macy murmured.

Roman pulled her back down, his eyes darkening with a different kind of intensity. “Forget about her. Tomorrow, you have a day off. What’s the plan?”

“Shopping!” Macy laughed. “That incentive bonus you gave me is burning a hole in my pocket. I’m going to buy out the mall.”

Roman grinned, hands found her waist, pulling her slightly higher so they were eye-to-eye, leaning in to silence her with a kiss. “Enjoy it. You deserve every bit of it.”

While the lovers slept, a dark sedan sat idling in a deserted alleyway. Inside, Blake was checking the cylinder of a revolver while Christy stared at a photo of Macy on her phone.

“Friday is the launch,” Christy hissed. “What is the move, Blake? You said you’d handle it.”

“They finished the testing today,” Blake said, his voice cold. “I’ve been waiting for them to leave that fortress. Tomorrow, they’ll be relaxed. Off guard. And I’m going for the heart. I’m taking Macy.”

Christy let out a jagged, sharp laugh. “Finally. Make her regret she ever met a Blackwood.”

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly as Macy stepped out of a taxi at the city’s premier luxury mall. She felt light, free, and incredibly rich. Little did she know, a second taxi—driven by a man named Todd—was idling nearby, with Blake and Christy watching from a tinted vehicle a block away.

“There she is,” Blake muttered into his headset. “Todd, stay sharp. She’ll come out with bags. You pick her up, and only her. Understand?”

“Copy that, boss,” Todd replied.

Two hours later, Macy emerged from the mall, laden with high-end shopping bags. She raised her hand for a cab, and Todd’s taxi smoothly glided to the curb.

But as Macy reached for the door, two voices screamed her name.

“Macy! Wait for us!”

Sophie and Claire came sprinting out of the mall entrance, clutching their own bags. They all were inside the whole-time shopping together.

Todd froze. “Uh, boss? We have a problem. Two more targets just joined the primary.”

“What?” Blake’s voice crackled with rage. “I said only Macy!”

“I can’t just tell them to get lost! They’re already opening the door!”

Macy smiled at Todd. “Hi! Can you take the three of us to the Beachside Resort?”

Todd shook his head frantically. “Sorry, ladies. I can only take one. Insurance reasons. Very strict.”

“Insurance?” Sophie snapped, already shoving her bags into the trunk. “This car has five seats! We checked the manufacturing history of this model while we were waiting for the light—it’s built for capacity!”

“Exactly,” Claire added, sliding into the backseat. “Why are you being so difficult? Do you not like money? We’re all going to the same place!”

Todd adjusted his headset, sweating. “Boss, they’re arguing with me about the history of the automotive industry. They won’t leave!”

Christy’s voice screamed in the earbud. “Just take them all! We’ll deal with it!”

“Fine!” Todd yelled at the girls. “Get in! Just get in!”

“Well, finally,” Macy huffed, sitting in the middle. “You’re a very grumpy driver, sir.”

As they drove toward the outskirts of the city, Todd reached for a professional-grade gas mask and slipped it over his face.

“Why are you wearing that?” Sophie asked, leaning forward from the front seat. “Is there a smog alert we didn’t hear about?”

“Breathing problems,” Todd mumbled. He hit a switch on the dashboard.

Hiss.

A faint, sweet-smelling vapor began to pour from the AC vents.

“Wait…” Claire whispered, her vision blurring. “This doesn’t smell like… air freshener…”

Before Macy could even reach for her phone, the world tilted and went black.

Macy’s head throbbed as she blinked her eyes open. The first thing she felt was the rough bite of rope against her wrists. She was tied to a sturdy wooden chair in what looked like an abandoned boathouse. To her left, Sophie and Claire were in the same state, looking groggy and terrified.

“Rise and shine, ladies,” a familiar, mocking voice rang out.

Christy stepped into the light, flanked by Blake, who was holding a heavy silenced pistol.

“You…” Macy gasped, struggling against her bonds. “You’re insane, Christy. Roman will find us. Sebastian will hunt you down.”

“Oh, I’m counting on it,” Blake laughed. “In fact, I want them to come. But they won’t be coming for a rescue. They’ll be coming to negotiate.”

Macy looked around the room and her heart nearly stopped. In a fourth chair, tucked away in the shadows, sat a man who was already conscious but looked tired.

“Owen?” Macy whispered.

Owen Brooks looked up with tired eyes.

Blake stepped forward, grinning as he held up a phone. “And I think it’s time to give Roman his first birthday present of the day.”

Chapter 39

The abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city smelled of dust, rusted metal, and the undeniable scent of villainous failure. Macy sat tied to a sturdy wooden chair, her mind racing as she looked at Owen.

“Owen, how did you even end up here?” Macy whispered, trying to keep her voice low. “I thought you were taking a well-deserved morning off!”

Owen looked up, a piece of tape still hanging from his chin. “I don’t even know, Macy. One minute I was enjoying a quiet breakfast at a small cafe, and the next thing I know, I’m waking up here with a headache and ropes that are definitely not professional grade. I think they spiked my coffee.”

Blake laughed, tossing a small vial of clear liquid into the air and catching it. “This guy looked too tough to take down in a fair fight, so we went with the ‘Coward’s Special.’ Easiest kidnapping of my career.”

Christy paced the concrete floor, clutching Macy’s phone like a trophy. “Blake, I’m going to message Roman now. Once he hands over the encryption key, you can do whatever you want with her. I just want my revenge.”

Macy, Sophie, and Claire shared a look of pure disgust. Christy took Macy’s phone, her thumb hovering over the screen. “Roman shouldn’t have the slightest doubt,” Blake warned. “Make it sound like her.”

“I know what I’m doing,” Christy snapped. She gestured to two burly goons. “You two, come with me to Tower Two. I want a bird’s-eye view of Roman’s arrival. Once he’s here, I’ll bring him down to see his precious ‘team’ in ruins.” She shot a nasty look at Macy and marched out.

Back at the facility, Roman’s phone chimed. He pulled it out, expecting a “look at this dress” photo from Macy. Instead, his heart dropped.

Text from Macy: “Roman, I’m so embarrassed. I got lost leaving the mall. Can you come and pick me up? I’ll share the location.”

Roman didn’t hesitate. “Sebastian, Macy’s lost. She’s sent a pin. I’m heading out to grab her.”

Julian looked up from his monitor, his brow furrowed. “Wait, Sophie and Claire were with her. Why aren’t they calling? And which mall did they go to?”

Roman checked the shared location and froze. “This… this isn’t near any shopping mall. It’s an abandoned area on the outskirts. There’s nothing out there but old industrial buildings.”

Sebastian snatched the phone. “Give me that. This is a classic trap, Roman. No one ‘gets lost’ and ends up in a decommissioned factory zone. It’s twenty miles from the city center.” He tried calling Macy back, but the line was busy. He quickly dialed Claire and Sophie. “Both phones are switched off. Julian, alert the tactical team. This isn’t a shopping trip; it’s an ambush.”

“I’m going anyway,” Roman said, his voice cold as ice.

“Go,” Sebastian commanded. “But keep your phone line open. Julian and I will be right behind you. We’ll watch from a distance. If they see a fleet of security cars, they might panic. You be the bait, we’ll be the hook.”

In Tower Two, Christy watched the dusty road through binoculars. Her phone buzzed. Roman: “I’m coming right now. Just stay where you are.”

She giggled, a manic sound that echoed in the empty tower. “He’s coming. He’s actually coming.” She called Blake. “He’ll be here in thirty minutes. Get ready.”

In the warehouse, Blake hung up and turned toward Macy with a predatory smile. “Thirty minutes is plenty of time for a little game, Macy. I’ve missed our chats since that abandoned alleyway back in the city.”

“Don’t you dare touch her, you creep!” Sophie screamed, straining against her ropes.

Blake swung around and delivered a sharp slap to Sophie’s cheek. “That’s for not giving me Macy’s number when I asked nicely months ago.” He turned back to Macy. “This area is completely abandoned, beautiful. Scream all you want. No one will hear you.”

Macy’s eyes weren’t on Blake’s face; they were on the holster at his hip. “You know,” Blake continued, “this is quite uncomfortable. Why don’t we play the game from the alley? I untie you, you run, I chase?”

He started undoing the ropes on her wrists and ankles. Macy played the part of the victim perfectly, letting her body go limp, her breathing shallow. Blake, overconfident, hauled her to her feet. As he leaned in to kiss her, thinking he had won, Macy’s eyes snapped open.

THWACK.

She delivered a brutal, precisely aimed knee to Blake’s “sensitive assets.”

Blake let out a sound like a dying bagpipe and collapsed, clutching himself. The two goons guarding the door roared and charged forward.

“Macy, look out!” Claire yelled.

In a blur of motion, Macy dove for the floor, grabbed Blake’s fallen pistol, and fired at the massive industrial floodlight hanging above them.

CRASH.

The light exploded, plunging the room into chaotic shadows. The goons froze, blinded. Macy didn’t waste a second. She lunged for Claire, slicing through her ropes with the sharp edge of a tool she’d swiped.

“Untie everyone! Now!” Macy hissed, keeping the gun trained on the groaning Blake.

Claire moved with lightning speed, freeing Sophie and Owen in seconds.

“Finally,” Owen grunted, rubbing his wrists. He stood up, and his entire demeanor changed. “Did I mention I’m a karate black belt? Because I’ve been dying to practice my forms.”

One goon swung at Owen. Owen ducked, performed a perfect leg sweep, and followed up with a punch that sent the man flying into a stack of empty crates. Claire used her gymnastic skills to leap onto the other goon’s back, distracting him while Sophie marched over to the doubled-over Blake and delivered a slap that echoed like a gunshot.

“That’s for the taxi ride!” Sophie yelled.

Macy joined her, holding the gun steady. “Do you think I’m still that scared girl from the alley, Blake? You’re wrong. You idiot.”

Outside, Roman’s car screeched to a halt. Sebastian and Julian were positioned a few hundred yards back, watching through binoculars.

Christy emerged from the tower, her goons flanking her. “Roman! You’re just in time!”

Roman stepped out of the car. “Where is she, Christy? Where is Macy?”

“Oh, I have a little surprise for you,” Christy cooed. “I want to show you how your little PA looks when she’s tied to a chair. And your dear teammates? They’re all waiting. I want to give Macy a tight slap for pouring that ice water on me.”

The goons grabbed Roman’s arms. He let them, playing the part to get inside. They marched him to the large metal shutter of the warehouse.

“Take the shutter up!” Christy commanded. “Surprise, Roman!”

The heavy metal door groaned as it rose. Christy took a deep breath, ready to gloat. “See here, Roman—SURPRISE!”

The words died in her throat.

Inside, the warehouse was a wreck. One goon was unconscious. Another was being held in a headlock by Claire. Sophie and Macy were literally sitting on a bruised and battered Blake, using him as a bench.

Owen looked up, smoothing his hair. “Hey Roman. You’re late.”

Roman didn’t wait. He threw off the two goons holding him, his fists flying as he dismantled them in seconds.

Macy stood up, her eyes locking onto Christy’s horrified face. She walked straight up to her and delivered a perfectly timed, well-deserved slap.

“That,” Macy said, “is for underestimating me and trying to frame Roman.”

At that moment, Sebastian and Julian burst through the entrance with the security force.

“Everyone stay exactly where you are!” Sebastian yelled. He looked around the room, seeing his team standing over the defeated villains. He looked at Julian. “I told you we didn’t need to hurry.”

Julian laughed, going straight to Sophie. “Are you okay?”

“I’m great,” Sophie beamed. “But I think we need a vacation.”

Sophie and Julian collapsed into each other’s arms, holding on tight as the adrenaline finally began to fade. Nearby, Sebastian and Claire shared a weary, gentle embrace, the weight of the morning visible in their tired eyes. ‘Are you really okay?’ Sebastian whispered, pulled back just enough to check her face. Claire nodded with a faint, shaky smile. ‘I am now.’ Turning to Owen, Julian and Sebastian offered a respectful nod. ‘How are you holding up, Owen?’ Owen let out a long breath and grinned. ‘Honestly? I’m doing great, guys. I think I finally got my cardio in for the month!’”

Roman tackled Macy into a crushing hug. “I thought I lost you.”

Macy buried her face in his neck. “You’re never going to lose me, Roman.

Chapter 40

The sun hit the abandoned warehouse with a harsh, unforgiving glare, mirroring the mood of the handcuffed prisoners being loaded into the back of the police cruisers. Christy Williams was not going quietly. Her designer outfit was rumpled and dusted with concrete, but her voice was as sharp as ever.

“I am not the bad person here!” she shrieked at the stone-faced officers. She gestured wildly with her bound hands toward Blake. “This man kidnapped me! He’s the monster! I’m a victim of his… his erratic emotions!”

Blake, sporting a rapidly darkening bruise on his jaw and a limp that suggested Macy’s knee had left a lasting impression, let out a bark of incredulous laughter. “I kidnapped you? You’re the brain here, Christy! But that brain is rotten to the core. You planned the taxi, you planned the warehouse, you even picked out the rope!”

“It was your fault!” Christy screamed back, her face turning a vibrant shade of purple. “Why did you untie Macy? Couldn’t you control your disgusting feelings for five minutes? You spoiled everything! You’re pathetic!”

“SILENCE! Both of you!” the lead officer shouted, slamming the cruiser door shut and cutting off the toxic bickering.

Roman and his team stood in a semi-circle, watching the spectacle with a mixture of exhaustion and grim satisfaction. Among the goons being lined up was a familiar face. Macy stepped forward, eyes narrowed as she recognized the man in the driver’s cap.

“You,” Macy said, her voice dripping with ice.

Todd, the taxi driver, looked at his boots. “I was just doing a job, lady.”

SLAP.

Macy’s hand connected with his cheek. “How dare you kidnap us! I had three bags of luxury skincare in that trunk!”

Sophie stepped up next, delivering her own sharp sting to his other cheek. “And why did you tell us you’d only allow one person in the taxi? We’re a package deal!”

Claire joined the line, delivering a final, resounding slap.

“Why are you all slapping me?!” Todd whined, looking genuinely confused.

“Because the air freshener in your taxi was terrible! It smelled like cheap pine and bad intentions!”

The three women turned and walked back to their partners, laughing despite the gravity of the situation. The police officer approached Sebastian, recognizing his government credentials. “Agent Thorne, we’ll need you at the station to file the formal complaint and process the evidence.”

Roman turned to Macy, his hand lingering on her shoulder. “I’m going with Sebastian. We need to make sure the legal paperwork is airtight so they never see the light of day. Julian, can you take Owen and the girls back to the hotel? Get some rest.”

Five hours later, the atmosphere had shifted from triumphant to terrifyingly tense. The team was no longer at the warehouse; they were gathered in the high-security conference room of their facility. Across from them sat Mr. Smith, the Head of Defense, his face a mask of bureaucratic fury.

“I did not expect this from Blackwood Industries,” Smith said, his voice low and dangerous. He slammed a folder onto the table. “You have a black sheep in your company. You’re telling me that a rival firm managed to kidnap half your executive team, and you have no idea how they got the details of this project? This is ridiculous.”

“Mr. Smith—” Roman started, but Smith held up a hand.

“I gave you this contract because your work for the Department of Commerce was flawless,” Smith continued. “But defense is a different world. If we have this kind of integrity issue, I must stop tomorrow’s launch. We have no way of knowing how much of our border security architecture has been leaked to the Williams family or their buyers.”

Roman stood up, his presence commanding the room. “Mr. Smith, there is no traitor in this company. Only the seven people in this room knew the specifics of Phase 3. We have lived in a blackout for months. Our technology is hack-proof; your own team verified the final version. Furthermore, Sebastian raised a red flag regarding Christy Williams a month ago. We did our part.”

“I know all of that, Roman,” Smith said firmly. “But information doesn’t just walk out the door. Until we find the leak, the launch is delayed indefinitely.”

A heavy silence fell over the room. Then, Owen Brooks cleared his throat. Everyone turned to the Project Manager, who looked unusually thoughtful.

“The information leakage didn’t come from our end,” Owen said quietly.

Smith’s eyes snapped to him. “And how can you be so sure, Mr. Brooks?”

“Because Christy told me,” Owen replied. He adjusted his glasses, his memory of the warehouse sharpening. “Christy and Blake thought I was unconscious after they drugged my food. They were talking freely. Blake asked if she was sure we had completed the project. Christy said, ‘I’m damn sure. My dad got the information from the person working for Defense.’”

The room went deathly silent. Smith’s face paled.

“She said the guy was a temporary worker in your department,” Owen continued. “He had limited access, but he tried to hack our servers and failed because our protection was too high. Blake asked how he even knew where to look, and Christy said it’s because he was an ex-employee of Blackwood Industries.”

Roman’s chair screeched as he leaned forward. “Ex-employee? Owen, why didn’t you say this at the warehouse?”

“Honestly, Roman? I was a bit preoccupied with being tied to a chair,” Owen said dryly. “And I thought Christy was the mastermind. I assumed her ‘source’ would be caught in the sweep. But seeing the blame being put on us now… I realize he’s a bigger piece of the puzzle. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it sooner.”

“Did they give a name?” Sebastian asked.

“No name,” Owen sighed. “Just that he was a temp in Defense.”

Mr. Smith was now sweating, his bravado replaced by a look of sheer horror. He snatched up his phone and barked an order to his assistant: “Send me the files of every temporary worker in the Defense wing who has a prior employment history with Blackwood Industries. Now!”

Ten minutes later, a ping echoed in the quiet room. Smith opened his laptop, scrolled through a PDF, and turned the screen toward Roman. “Do you know this man?”

Roman stared at the photo. His jaw tightened. “Jacob. He was my junior assistant a year ago. I fired him personally because I caught him trying to sell confidential client lists to our competitors.”

Smith frowned, looking at the attached digital documents. “Then why did you give him a glowing experience certificate? It says here he was an ‘exemplary worker with high integrity.’ Our background check cleared him because you didn’t file a police report.”

Roman’s brow furrowed. “I never signed that.”

“Let me see,” Claire said, pulling the laptop closer. She zoomed in on the signature. “Roman, look. He used the digital signature from his original offer letter—the one we used three years ago. But look at the bottom corner. My signature is missing, and the company seal is a fake. Mr. Smith, your department didn’t even send us a verification request for this hire. If you had called us, we would have told you he was blacklisted.”

Mr. Smith sat back, the weight of the error sinking in. The “traitor” wasn’t a Blackwood employee; it was a ghost from their past who had slipped through the government’s own loose vetting process.

“I…” Smith cleared his throat, looking truly humbled. “I see. The lapse was indeed on our end. Jacob will be in custody before the sun goes up.” He stood up and offered his hand to Roman. “I apologize for questioning your integrity. We proceed with the launch tomorrow as planned. Please… get some rest. You’ve earned it.”

As Smith and his entourage hurried out to begin their internal purge, the team finally let out a collective breath. Roman turned to Macy, pulling her into a quiet corner of the room while the others began to pack up.

“It’s over,” he whispered, his hands resting on her waist. “Really over.”

Macy leaned her forehead against his. “Tomorrow we launch. And then?”

Roman smiled, that rare, playful look returning to his eyes. “And then, I’m taking my ‘little PA’ on a vacation where the only thing we have to ‘encrypt’ is the sunscreen.”

Macy laughed, pulling him into a kiss that tasted like victory. “I think I can handle that.”

Chapter 41

The air in the capital city was electric. If the previous months had been a silent war, Friday was a loud, glittering victory parade. The official launch of the Border Defense System—had gone off without a single line of code flickering. In the grand auditorium, the massive holographic display showed the system’s seamless integration across the country’s grid, turning a once-vulnerable map into a fortress of glowing blue lines.

Mr. Smith stood on the stage, beaming like a proud father as he shook Roman’s hand for the cameras. “This is a historic day for our national security,” Smith told the press, before leaning in to whisper to Roman, “The outcome is beyond our expectations. I’ve already discussed it with the Ministry—we want a permanent tie with Blackwood Industries. In fact, we want to dedicate this entire coastal facility as a collaborative hub for future defense projects.”

Roman’s face lit up. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about the legacy. “We would be honored, Mr. Smith.”

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of flashes, high-stakes interviews, and news anchors praising the “Seven Geniuses of Blackwood.” By the time the night gala arrived, the team was exhausted but riding a high that no amount of caffeine could replicate.

The following morning, the breakfast table at the resort was unusually quiet, though the tension was entirely gone. Ezra had joined them, leaning back as he watched the group he’d heard so much about.

“I can’t believe we’re vacating tomorrow,” Roman said, stirring his coffee. “I’m actually going to miss this place. And all of you being under one roof.”

Julian snorted, reaching for a croissant. “Don’t get too sentimental, Boss. With this new collaboration, we’re going to have so many meetings and joint workshops that you’ll probably be sick of my face by Tuesday.”

“True,” Claire added, “but we’re expanding the team now. It won’t be just the seven of us in a bunker anymore.”

Sophie leaned over and bumped Claire’s shoulder. “That’s fine. We’re more than co-workers now; we’re a family. I’m officially instigating a ‘No-Work Wednesday’ dinner every week. If you don’t show up, I’m sending Sebastian to arrest you.”

Macy laughed, her eyes bright as she glanced at her phone. “Speaking of the team, have you checked the markets? The Blackwood stock price didn’t just go up; it practically achieved orbit. I hope our CEO is feeling particularly generous with the bonuses this year.” She shot Roman a teasing, eyebrow-raising look.

Roman smirked. “I think the Cupid group might find their bank accounts looking very healthy on Monday morning.”

The conversation turned serious as Sebastian cleared his throat. “I have the final report on the arrests,” he said. “Jacob is in deep. It turns out he wasn’t just a disgruntled ex-employee; he was part of an unethical shadow organization trying to destabilize the city’s infrastructure. Blake was a rogue for hire.”

Roman’s expression darkened. “And the Williams family?”

“Mr. Williams was a bit of a ’useful idiot,’” Sebastian explained. “He thought he was just playing a game of aggressive business competition to save his empire. He didn’t realize he was being used as a front for something much more dangerous. But he’ll still face significant jail time for conspiracy. As for Christy… well, let’s just say her designer wardrobe will be replaced by a very unflattering orange jumpsuit for a long, long time.”

Sophie shook her head. “What kind of amateurs trust a plan involving Christy Williams?”

“They wanted a face that made it look like a standard corporate rivalry,” Sebastian said. “If Owen hadn’t overheard them talking about the ‘Defense source,’ Jacob would have vanished back into the system, and it would have looked like an internal leak from us. The city’s protection would have been at stake.”

Ezra reached out and squeezed Owen’s hand. “Thank God you all got out in time. You didn’t just save a company; you saved the city.”

As the evening sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of violet and gold, Roman led Macy down to the private stretch of beach behind the resort. The salt spray was cool, and for the first time in months, there was no hum of servers or ring of a phone.

“After all this time,” Macy said, kicking off her sandals to feel the sand between her toes, “this is the first time we’ve just… been here. Without a crisis.”

“It’s been a long road, Macy,” Roman murmured, standing beside her. He looked out at the vastness of the ocean.

Macy looked out at the waves, her voice barely a whisper. ‘We leave tomorrow, Roman. I’m already starting to miss this—just being by your side every second.’

Roman stepped closer, catching her gaze. ‘Macy, your mother is already settled at the mansion. Why not come home with me? Stay there, where you belong.’

Macy gave him a small, bittersweet smile. ’I’d love nothing more, but as what, Roman? I’m your girlfriend, but I have my dignity. I can’t just move into your family estate without a real reason. I’ll visit you, I promise. And besides, my mom isn’t a permanent resident there. As soon as we’re back in the city, I’m moving her back to the apartment with me.

Roman stopped walking. Macy stopped too, a question mark practically hovering over her head. Suddenly, the powerful, unshakable CEO of Blackwood Industries looked nervous. He took a deep breath and sank onto one knee in the sand.

Macy gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. Roman pulled a small velvet case from his pocket and snapped it open. A diamond, clear and brilliant as the ocean they’d protected, caught the final rays of the sun.

“Then don’t come as my girlfriend,” Roman said, his voice thick with emotion. “Come as my wife. Macy, these last few months showed me that I don’t just want you by my side in the office—I want you by my side for every sunrise. You’re the logic to my chaos, the light in my dark rooms, and the only person I want to wake up to for the rest of my life. You’re my partner in everything.” He smiled, his eyes shimmering. “I’ve spent my life building walls and defenses, but you’re the only one who ever made me want to take them down. Will you marry me?”

Macy’s eyes flooded with tears, a mix of shock and pure, unadulterated joy. She was laughing and crying at the same time. “Of course I will, Roman! Yes! A thousand times yes!”

She held out her hand, and he slipped the ring onto her finger before standing up and swinging her into a dizzying embrace. They kissed—a long, deep kiss that tasted like the end of one chapter and the beautiful, terrifying, exciting beginning of another. All the exhaustion of the project, the fear of the kidnapping, and the stress of the secret mission melted away into the sand.

Finally, Macy pulled back just an inch, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just so we’re clear, Mr. Blackwood… I am still paying off the loan for my mother’s surgery. I’m a woman of my word.”

Roman laughed, resting his forehead against hers. “And just so we are clear, I have no plans to change my PA. In fact, I’m quite looking forward to my first cup of ‘vinegar coffee’ as a married man.”

Macy raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. “Oh, really? You’re talking to a pro, mister. I might even upgrade you to salt-water tea if you’re not careful.”

As they walked back up the beach, hand in hand, their laughter was lost to the wind. They were no longer just the CEO and his assistant; they were a team, a family, and a powerful couple ready to take on whatever the world—or the Williams family—could throw at them next.

The Blackwood empire was safe, but Roman knew his greatest treasure wasn’t the company. It was the woman walking beside him in the sand.

THE END.