?Chapter 898:


    I snuggled deeper into his warmth, mumbling half-asleep, “No clue…”


    Before I could finish, I drifted off to sleep, lost in dreand. When my eyes finally fluttered open, I squinted at the window—the sun was zing high. I had slept straight through to noon. I reached across the bed without thinking, but all I felt was a chilly, empty sheet—yton had vanished into thin air.


    A pang of disappointment hit me as I sat up, but then I spotted a note on the bedside table.


    I grabbed it and read aloud: “Makenna, duty calls—I’ve got some official matters to handle. Lunch is ready for you; just ring the bell, and the staff will take care of it.”


    His familiar scrawl brought a goofy grin to my face.


    yton was his usual thoughtful self, doting on me like a pro, making sure every little detail was covered.


    But holy moly, it was already noon.


    My smile faded quickly, and my chest tightened. Jett was probably pacing a hole in the floor, freaking out that I had been gone all night.


    That thought kicked me into gear. I scrambled out of bed, sshed some water on my face, scarfed down a few bites of lunch, and bolted for the mayor’s mansion.


    The streets were bustling with people, and I was still brainstorming excuses for Jett when a familiar shadow darted past the street corner.


    That figure was a dead ringer for Evelyn!


    I blinked hard, straining for a better look, but the sea of people swallowed her up in an instant.


    Tilting my head, I brushed it off as my mind ying tricks—Evelyn should still be at the pce, right?


    Makenna’s POV:


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    The hotel was conveniently close to the Pierce family residence—just one more turn, and I would be there. But as I took a step forward, my feet suddenly turned to stone.


    Emerging from a sleek car, Cody strode toward the Pierce family gate. A shiver of unease crawled down my spine. Instinctively, I lowered my head, hoping to slip away unnoticed.


    “Stop.”


    Themand, deep and cutting, sliced through the air before I could make my escape.


    I froze. There was no need to look up—I knew exactly who had called out to me.


    Cody approached with deliberate steps, his gaze cool and assessing as he studied me.


    “Weren’t you the woman who apanied Alden to the banquetst time?” His voice wasn’t loud, yet it carried an unmistakable weight. I hesitated, then nodded slightly, keeping my head down.


    “Yes,” I answered softly.


    Cody arched an eyebrow, a mysterious smile tugging at his lips. “I heard there’s a so-called miracle doctor named Edward Burton staying at the Pierce estate. Is he your husband?”


    My pulse quickened. I couldn’t read his intentions, and an unsettling pressure settled in my chest. My palms grew damp, but I managed a stiff nod.


    “Yes.”


    A chuckle escaped Cody’s lips—low and amused, but void of warmth. “Your husband is quite capable. If the Pierce family ever bes inhospitable, you’re wee to seek refuge with the Harrisons.” Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode confidently through the gates, leaving behind an air of quiet dominance.


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