The Wrong Woman

"If Yale is in the clear, there's no reason for Nathan to feel anxious about his blood. But if there's a problem with Yale, Nathan would undoubtedly take swift action."

Cole's realization hit him like a ton of bricks. "Mrs. Morrison, are you suggesting that General Morrison's true motive isn't to obtain Yale's blood for DNA analysis? Perhaps he's orchestrating this ruse to provoke Yale's suspicion, prompting the man to retaliate against him."

Mila nodded. "That's my theory."

"But why would General Morrison do that?" Cole asked.

Mila, too, struggled to understand Nathan's motive. Confusion clouded her mind.

Rubbing her temples, Mila thought for a moment before asking, "Cole, has Nate given you any unusual instructions recently or asked you to place anything in the car?"

Cole suddenly recalled and exclaimed, "Yes, he did. General Morrison tasked me with fetching a professional diving pump with oxygen from the arsenal a couple of days ago, along with a specialized hammer for breaking car windows."

A faint smile crept onto Mila's lips, dispelling the sadness and despair that had plagued her in recent days. Every worry she had morphed into a source of determination.

The weight that had burdened her heart lifted at last.

Tears welled in Mila's eyes as she retrieved her phone, rereading the last message Nathan had sent her: "Stay calm, wait for my return."

serious conversation," she silently pledged. "Risking your life in such a dangerous plan without discussing it with me first-is that fair to Jasper and me if something

"Mrs. Morrison, what is General Morrison's plan

clear grasp of Nathan's intentions, but she knew they were all part

our next

do not assign anyone to track him under any circumstances. Simply regard him as inconsequential. Concentrate

acknowledgment. "Got it,

"And keep this information to yourself.

"Consider it done."

early spring, the streets were bathed in

by Phoebe,

check-up and vaccinations. After the appointment, they ventured to a nearby mall,

Lillian, whom they hadn't

that Fenna and Lillian were also shopping for baby supplies,

Lillian to greet her, she was met

as she angrily exclaimed, "With