Even before the international tournament began, it seemed Haynes had already


    sent Keen away somewhere for so-called "closed training."


    But this so-called training was really just a cover. In truth, Keen was being hidden


    away-protected, and kept far from prying eyes.


    Leonard let out a coldugh. "Of course. They were nning to trip Aurora up


    from the very start. Everything was ready long before now."


    Sellers sighed, his tone weary. "Leonard, Aurora''s always been fond of that child.


    If you try to use him against her, she''ll never forgive you."


    Sellers had his own agenda-he didn''t mind letting others do his dirty work. But


    he wasn''t heartless enough to involve a child. Maybe it was some leftover shred


    of decency from all those years growing up in the Burton family, a small part of


    him that refused to die.


    Leonard fell silent for a while before speaking. "If Aurora cares about him, then


    forget it. We''ll find another way."


    With that, he hung up.


    When Ste stepped out of the Williams estate, the afternoon sun was zing, so


    bright it made her eyes swim. Whether it was the heat or her restless mind, her


    steps wavered on the marble stairs. She nearly lost her bnce.


    Haynes reached out just in time, steadying her.


    "Star," he said, voice low and steady, his dark eyesced with concern. "Are you


    alright?"


    After Leonard left, neither Ste nor Haynes stayed long at the Williams house.


    Haynes''s words had already shaken Skyler and his father. Even when Leonard


    threatened Ste at gunpoint, she never gave anything away, which only made


    Skyler and his father trust her more.


    Ironically, Leonard''s outburst had helped clear Ste of suspicion.


    Ste blinked, her longshes trembling as she looked at Haynes. Suddenly, she


    gripped his wrist-her hold almost desperate.


    "Haynes, you have to protect Keen. Promise me you won''t let Leonard get


    anywhere near him!"


    For the first time, Leonard had truly terrified her.


    Haynes''s calm voice washed over


    her like cool water, soothing her


    frayed nerves. "Don''t worry, Star.


    Keen''s under tight security. Nothing


    will happen to him. I made sure of it.


    But Leonard..."


    Haynes had never dealt with Leonard before. After today, seeing what the man


    was capable of, a chill settled into his usually resolute features.


    "He''s not the type to give up so


    easily. But as long as you haven''t cut


    ties with the Williams family, he


    won''t dare go too far-not yet."


    There was something else Haynes didn''t say aloud.


    Leonard would probablye after him next.


    By standing with Ste today, he''d


    made his position clear. Leonard


    wouldn''t let that slide. Maybe he


    couldn''t take all the heat off Ste,


    but at least he could share some of


    the fallout. As long as Leonard


    couldn''t touch Ste directly, he


    might try to make Haynes pay


    instead.


    Ste finally rxed, letting go of Haynes''s wrist. "Good. Thank you-for


    everything today."


    "You don''t have to thank me," Haynes said gently, noting the exhaustion in her


    face. "Let me drive you home so you can rest."


    He wanted nothing more than to invite her out for a meal, but he knew she


    wouldn''t be in the mood for that now.


    Ste nodded wearily. "Thank you. I''d appreciate that."


    ...


    Three dayster, Ste''s phone rang. It was Benson, Haynes''s assistant.


    "Ms. Cameron, there''s been an ident. Mr. O''Brien is in trouble."