The Wrong Woman

"I'm sure you'll find a way. Just try to make it work," Mila said.

She understood her discomfort with Fenna might stem from her insecurities, but she was also aware that loyalty wasn't enough to sustain a marriage

Mila would never feel safe as long as Fenna was around Nathan.

Nathan stroked Mila's hand and reassured her, "Mila, I've had assurances from Fenna that she won't interfere in our marriage. She's not a bad

person, so you don't have to worry about her doing anything outrageous.”

Mila's mood darkened. She pulled her hand away and wrapped herself in the covers. She turned away and closed her eyes.

"Take care of yourself and come back safely," she murmured.

"All right." Nathan felt her indifference and decided to say nothing more. He tucked her in, turned off the light, and left.

It was 5:00 am in Phoenicia. Soldiers from the military base surrounded Hoffis Manor. Everyone was jolted awake. Avery showed up dressed in thick

pajamas and with her hair disheveled.

asked, "What's going on? Trespassing in Norvania is a

She watched worriedly as

way to the couch and sat down. His expression was

opposite Nathan, Avery pretended to be calm and asked, "General Morrison, we haven't seen

what's with all

maintained his stoic look

a seductive pose, with one hand resting on the back of her head and

at Nathan and smiled. "You're charming, but why don't you smile or

gaze hardened and cut right through Avery's facade. Her heart

and made her tremble

of

you fancy? I don't know if someone like me, the richest widow in Norvania, would catch

her being a widow. "Oliver's dead?" he

in a fire two months ago. His

stared

terrified, but she continued, "I have all the paperwork—death certificate, cremation certificate, everything. I can show

doubt me."