At his private estate, Zeke answered Caitlin’s call calmly.
“It’s nothing urgent–just something with my sister.”
“What happened to her?” Caitlin asked.
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“After the awards night, she had a miscarriage. She was hospitalized for a bit, but yesterday, just after being discharged, my mom called saying she’d gone missing.”
“Missing?” Caitlin frowned.
“Yeah,” Zeke confirmed. “We tried looking for her, but then we found a note she left, asking us not to look for her. I think she couldn’t handle the emotional blow and went into hiding.”
He sighed. “Honestly, let her be. I’ve got no affection for that sister of mine. She’s selfish, spoiled, andpletely reckless–reminds me way too much of Zorro.”
He didn’t want anything to do with it. But his mother was still worried–worried that after such a trauma, her daughter might not recover or worse.
Zeke could only do his best tofort her. But as for actively looking for Zora? He didn’t think it was necessary.
Zora had left of her own free will. That waspletely different from what had happened to Caitlin.
She needed time to cool off–nothing more.
After hanging up, Caitlin filled Sebastian in. He snorted.
“She brought it all on herself. Who else can she me? If she’d changed earlier, she wouldn’t be in this mess now.”
“Yeah,” Caitlin agreed. “Ximena’s love for her was all for nothing.”
“Don’t waste time thinking about people like that,” Sebastian said as he pulled her gently into his arms. “We should be nning something better.”
Caitlin tilted her head.
“nning what?”
“A family vacation. I want you to rest and recover. You’ve lost weight, and I’m going to get it all back on you.”
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With the ck Wolf Fortress situation finally behind them, they had some breathing room. Sebastian wanted to take the opportunity to get away with her and the kids–to reset.
“Sounds great. You n it, I’ll follow.”
Caitlin also wanted a break–to recharge before tackling anything else.
When they returned to the Vanderbilt estate, they found quite a few people waiting. Zinnia, Xavi, Tyler, King, Vaughn–all were there.
“Caitlin!”
Zinnia rushed forward, hugging her tightly. Her eyes welled with tears as she checked her
over.
“Are you okay? I was worried sick…”
“I’m alright now. Don’t worry,” Caitlin reassured her.
“Ma’am, I’m so sorry…”
Vaughn stepped up, guilt written all over his face. If that assassin hadn’t impersonated him, Caitlin never would’ve ended up in such danger.
“It’s not your fault,” Caitlin said with a smile. “Don’t me yourself. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Sebastian then addressed the group.
“Everything’s settled now. I’m giving everyone two days off. Go on a date, visit your families- do whatever you need.”
Tyler and King stepped forward. “Mr. Vanderbilt, we don’t need time off. Our duty is to protect you.”
“Fine by me,” Sebastian said.
Caitlin suddenly remembered something and turned to Tyler.
“Since you and King are back, what about Federico and Ashfall? Are they still in A Country?”
“They returned with us, but Ashfall’s already left. Federico went back yesterday–something came up with his family,” Tyler replied.
Caitlin didn’t know what happened with Federico, but she made a note to check inter.
“Got it. But there’s something else I need you to do.”
“Anything, ma’am.”
She handed him a slip of paper.
“Go back to A Country. Follow these instructions exactly.”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll head out immediately.” Tyler took the note and left.
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The vacation came together quickly. Sebastian booked a luxury vi suite at Cloudtop Resort. It had beachfront ess, a private pool, and even a kids‘ y zone–perfect for a family
retreat.
Once they arrived, Quincy and Faith took the kids to the beach. Sebastian and Caitlin went up to their suite.
Caitlin looked around as they entered.
“This ce… looks familiar.”
Sebastian set the luggage down, came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“You forgot? Six years ago, we spent three unforgettable nights here.”
“Ohhh–so that’s why…”
She finally remembered. This was the ce where it had all started.
“Consider it a trip down memoryne,” Sebastian whispered, scooping her up in his arms.
He carried her straight to the spacious bathroom and sat her on the ss countertop.
“This time, you don’t need to lift a finger,” he said with a grin. “Just rx and let me take care of you.”
“My queen, please wait while your humble servant prepares your bath!”
The tall, charming man went about cleaning the tub, then filled it with steaming hot water.
“Come now<i>, </i>Your Majesty. Allow me to assist with your royal robes.”
Caitlinughed.
“I think I can manage that myself.”
She eased into the warm water and let herself sink back, thoroughly enjoying thefort. Sebastian bustled around, tossing in rose petals until the surface bloomed in fragrant color.
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“You take your time. I’ll be right back.”
He left briefly, returning with a tray holding a bottle of red wine, two sses, and a dish of freshly washed fruit.
“Here you go, my love. A little wine to unwind.”
He poured her a ss, and when she took a sip, he picked up a plump cherry and held it to her lips.
“Open up. Let me feed you.”
Caitlin leaned forward, but just as she was about to bite it, he pulled it away—and popped it into his own mouth instead.
Before she could protest, he leaned in and kissed her, sharing the fruit in the most intimate
way.
“Mm…”
She tried to push him away,ughing breathlessly, but she didn’t really mean it.
The tart sweetness of the cherry mixed with his lips, melting into a tender, lingering kiss.
“How was it? Do my cherries taste amazing or what?” Sebastian teased, leaning over her with a yful glint in his eyes.
“They’re delicious,” Caitlin said with a smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth.
Being with someone you love–sometimes it’s the small things that feel the sweetest.
Though they were in the same ce they’d stayed six years ago, everything felt different now. There was more love, more connection, more understanding. Even the air between them seemed sweeter.
“Want another bite?”
With the fruit still in his mouth, he leaned in again. This time, they shared it together, slowly and intimately.
The sweetness of the fruit faded, but Sebastian didn’t stop. Instead, his kisses grew deeper- more passionate.
And Caitlin, wrapped in his arms and surrounded by rose–scented warmth, responded without hesitation.