Once they were finished, he took a moment to steady himself before lifting her gently and taking her to the bathroom. The light flickered on, and his reflection in the mirror caught his attention. A pale, weary man stared back at him—a stranger. He barely recognized himself.

Before heading back to Warrington, Caden stopped by to see Gareth. He stood at the foot of the bed, determination in his voice.

“This won’t happen again, Gareth. From here on out, you’ll have bodyguards with you at all times,” Caden said firmly.

Gareth’s eyes met his, unfocused and distant, before he nodded slowly.

“I’ll also bring your family here,” Caden added.

“They’ll be safer with you.”

At the mention of his family, Gareth’s hands tightened into fists beneath the blanket. Corey still had them, every moment a silent reminder of the power he held. The memory of that morning twisted like a knife in his chest. The severed arm of his son had arrived as a grim warning.

Desperation and fear had forced Gareth to give in to Corey’s demands. Now, guilt gnawed at him as he met Caden’s eyes. Words swelled in his chest, desperate to escape, but he swallowed them down and forced a strained, “Thank you.”

Caden’s eyes narrowed. He studied Gareth’s face and asked, “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

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Gareth’s voice was raspy as he spoke.

“I appreciate your kindness, Caden.”

Caden’s mind echoed with Dorian’s words: “If Gareth dies today, that’s his destiny. But if he survives, then it’s your destiny that’s sealed.” His heart thudded in his chest.

He looked at Gareth with a deep, searching gaze.

“Rest up. In two months, someone will come for you. You all need to be at my engagement party.”

Gareth’s eyes widened slightly with surprise.

Caden turned and gestured to the slender figure standing by the door.

“That’s my fiancée, Alicia Bennett.”

A genuine smile spread across Gareth’s face. In that brief moment, they seemed like old friends sharing everything.

“I wish you all the happiness, K.”

As Caden stepped out of the room, his phone buzzed.

Gerry’s voice came through, sharp and impatient.

“When are you getting back?”

Caden signaled for Alicia to get into the car, leaning casually against it as he replied, “Did you handle what I asked?”

A chuckle came from the other end.