Adrien wheeled himself closer to his father.

You’ve had 5 years to investigate.

Tell me what you found.

Victor exchanged a glance with Malcolm.

We’ve narrowed it down to three possibilities.

Marcus had the most to gain from your death.

With you gone, he was next in line for control.

Veronica had access to your schedule that day.

And he paused, jaw- clenching.

Your business partner, James Keller, disappeared 2 weeks after the shooting.

We never found him.

James? Adrienne’s voice carried genuine shock.

That’s impossible.

We were friends since college.

Friends betray each other for the right price, Victor said coldly.

Or the right threat.

We don’t know which it was.

Have you found him? No, he’s either dead or very good at hiding.

Victor stopped pacing, fixing his son with an intense stare.

Which is why we need to flush out whoever’s behind this.

And the leak to the press gives us an opportunity.

What kind of opportunity? Lena asked, though dread pulled in her stomach.

Victor’s smile was predatory.

We use Adrienne’s recovery to draw them out.

Make them desperate enough to make a mistake.

You want to use him as bait, Lena said flatly.

I want to end this.

Victor’s gaze shifted to her.

Which is why you’re more important now than ever, Mrs.

Veil.

The world needs to believe this marriage is real.

That Adrien has someone he trusts.

Absolutely.

Someone who will be with him every moment, making it harder for enemies to strike.

We’re going public with the marriage? Adrienne asked.

We’re going to make it look like a love story, Victor said.

The devoted nurse who cared for you through your coma.

The woman you married before the attack.

That’s a lie.

Lena interrupted.

The marriage was 3 months ago.

The legal paperwork says otherwise, Malcolm interjected smoothly.

We backdated everything to make the marriage appear legitimate.

As far as public record shows, you and Adrienne married 6 years ago, shortly before the attack.

Lena felt like the ground was shifting beneath her.

You falsified documents.

We protected Adrienne’s interests, Victor corrected.

And now that protection extends to you.

As of this moment, you’re not just his nurse.

You’re his wife in every public way, which means you don’t leave his side.

You don’t speak to press without approval, and you play the part convincingly.

And if I refuse, Lena’s voice was steady despite her racing heart.

Then whoever leaked this information will know the marriage is a sham.

They’ll know Adrienne is vulnerable and they’ll strike before we can identify them.

Victor’s expression was granite.

Your choice, Mrs.

Veil.

Play the devoted wife or paint a target on both your backs.

Lena looked at Adrien trying to read his expression.

He sat rigid in his wheelchair, his gray eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her breath catch.

“It’s not fair to ask this of you,” he said quietly.

I know you didn’t sign up for any of this.

I signed up to protect you, Lena replied.

If this is what that takes, then fine, but I won’t lie to the press without knowing the full truth.

Who do you really think tried to kill you? Adrien was silent for a long moment.

Then he turned to his father.

Leave us, both of you, Adrien, Victor began.

I said, leave.

There was command in Adrienne’s voice that Lena had never heard before.

the voice of someone born to lead, to be obeyed.

I’ll discuss this with my wife privately.

Victor’s jaw clenched, but after a moment, he nodded.

“You have 1 hour, then we need decisions.

” The door closed behind them, leaving Lena and Adrienne alone in the sudden quiet.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Lena said.

“Yes, I did.

” Adrienne rubbed his face, exhaustion evident in every line of his body.

“Because my father is right about one thing.

Whoever did this will come for me again, and I won’t let you walk into danger blind.

” He wheeled to his bedside table and pulled out a locked drawer.

His hands shook slightly as he entered the combination.

“Muscle memory from before the attack,” Lena realized.

Inside was a slim folder.

“I’ve been piecing together my memories,” Adrienne said, opening the folder to reveal notes in shaky handwriting.

not of the attack itself, but of the weeks before.

The meetings, the deals, the tensions.

Lena pulled up a chair.

What did you remember? That I was planning to leave.

The admission came quietly.

I was going to walk away from the family business, from all of it.

Why? Because I finally saw it clearly.

What we do, what we are.

Adrienne’s expression was haunted.

We call it business, but it’s exploitation dressed in expensive suits, moneyaundering, extortion, worse things I don’t even want to name.

And I was part of it.

I told myself I could change it from the inside, make it better, more legitimate.

But that was a lie I told myself to sleep at night.

So, you decided to leave, Lena said softly.

I told three people.

My father, who was furious but said he’d accept my decision eventually.

my partner James, who I thought would support me, and he paused, pain flickering across his face.

My girlfriend at the time, Elena Cortez.

Lena’s stomach twisted.

She’d known intellectually that Adrienne had a life before the attack, but hearing about a girlfriend made it visceral.

What happened to her? She left 2 months after the shooting, sent a letter saying she couldn’t watch me die slowly.

My father showed it to me yesterday.

Adrienne’s voice was hollow.

I don’t blame her.

5 years is a long time to mourn someone who won’t die or wake up.

Do you think she was involved in the attack? Elena? Adrienne shook his head.

No, she loved me.

I’m sure of that.

But James, his hands clenched on the folder.

James stood to lose everything if I left.

We were partners.

Our business was built on my family name and his connections.

Without me, he had nothing.

So, you think he set you up? I think he’s the most likely candidate, but I can’t prove it.

And without proof, accusing him is just paranoia.

Adrienne looked at her directly.

Which is why my father’s plan, as manipulative as it is, might be our best option.

If we convince the world our marriage is real, if we make me look protected and strong, it might force whoever’s responsible to make a move.

Or it might just paint a bigger target on both of us.

Yes.

Adrienne didn’t look away.

Which is why I’m asking, not telling.

You’ve already given up so much for this.

I won’t ask you to risk your life, too.

Lena thought about the past 3 months.

The isolation, the fear, the slow transformation from nurse to guardian to something she still couldn’t name.

She thought about Adrien fighting his way back to consciousness, about his finger twitches spelling out warnings, about the way his hand felt in hers.

I told you I’d stay as long as you needed me, she said finally.

That hasn’t changed.

Relief flooded Adrienne’s expression.

Thank you.

But I have conditions.

His eyebrows rose.

Such as no more secrets.

If we’re doing this, if we’re pretending to be a real couple, I need to know everything.

Your history, your enemies, your plans, all of it.

Agreed.

And when this is over, when we’ve identified whoever tried to kill you, we dissolve the marriage.

Clean break.

No strings.

The words hurt to say, but they needed to be said.

Something flickered in Adrienne’s eyes.

Disappointment, maybe, or relief.

If that’s what you want, that’s what we agreed to.

That’s what this has always been, right? Adrienne’s voice was carefully neutral, a business arrangement.

The words hung between them, heavy with things unsaid.

Lena wanted to take them back.

Wanted to tell him that somewhere along the way, this had stopped being business for her.

But what good would that do? He was planning for their divorce before they’d even pretended to be married.

He saw her as protection, as an ally, maybe even as a friend.

But love, that was something neither of them could afford.

“We should tell your father we’ve agreed,” Lena said, standing.

Adrienne caught her hand.

Lena, before we do this, before we step into that performance, I need you to know something.

What? That I’m grateful not just for your protection or your care, but for seeing me as more than just a body in a bed.

For talking to me all those weeks like I was still a person.

His grip tightened.

You gave me a reason to fight my way back.

I won’t forget that.

Lena’s throat closed.

Adrien, I know, business arrangement, clean break when it’s over.

I understand the terms.

He released her hand, but I wanted you to know anyway.

Before Lena could respond, he’d already wheeled toward the door, calling for his father.

The next 72 hours were a whirlwind of preparation and performance.

Victor’s publicity team descended on the mansion, coaching Lena on her backstory, her mannerisms, how to look at Adrien like she loved him.

That part won’t be hard.

The lead publicist, a sharp woman named Monica, observed during one of their sessions.

You already look at him like he hung the moon.

Just don’t overdo it.

We want devoted wife, not obsessed stalker.

The official story was simple and romantic.

Lena and Adrienne had met 4 years before the shooting when she’d treated him for a minor injury at the hospital.

They’d fallen in love quickly, married quietly because of family complications, and Lena had been devastated when he was attacked just months into their marriage.

She dedicated herself to his care, never giving up hope that he’d returned to her.

“It’s a beautiful story,” Monica said with satisfaction.

“The press will eat it up, especially with the photos.

” She laid out a series of images on the table.

Some were real, candid shots from the past weeks of Lena helping Adrienne with physical therapy, reading to him, holding his hand.

Others were staged, professional photos of them together.

Adrienne’s arm around her shoulders, both of them smiling at the camera.

“When were these taken?” Lena asked, picking up one of the staged photos.

“This morning, while you were sleeping,” Monica said cheerfully.

“We have an excellent photographer, very discreet.

You photographed us without permission.

We photographed Mr.

Veil’s wife caring for him.

Nothing inappropriate.

Monica’s smile was sharp.

Everything we do is about controlling the narrative, Mrs.

Veil.

If we don’t provide photos, the paparazzi will take their own, and those won’t be flattering.

Lena looked at Adrien, who’d been silent through most of the session.

He sat in his wheelchair, his expression carefully neutral, but she could see the tension in his shoulders.

“It’s fine,” he said quietly.

“Monica’s right.

better to control what they see.

The first public appearance was scheduled for the following day, a brief press conference where Adrienne would thank everyone for their support and introduce his wife.

Victor had wanted something more elaborate, but Dr.

Reeves had put his foot down.

Mr.

Vale is still recovering, 10 minutes maximum, seated the entire time with medical staff on standby.

The doctor’s tone brooked no argument.

And Mrs.

Vale stays with him.

If he shows any signs of distress, the conference ends immediately.

Understood, Victor said, though his expression suggested he found the restrictions irritating.

That night, alone in Adrienne’s room after another grueling physical therapy session, Lena helped him back into bed.

His strength was improving daily, but he was still weak, still vulnerable.

The thought of parading him in front of cameras and reporters made her stomach churn.

You don’t have to do this, she said, checking his vitals.

We could tell them you’re not strong enough.

And show weakness to whoever’s hunting me.

No.

Adrienne caught her hand as she adjusted his IV.

But I’m glad you’ll be there.

Someone has to make sure you don’t collapse on camera.

Is that the only reason? His gray eyes held hers, searching for something.

What other reason would there be? I don’t know.

You tell me.

The air between them felt charged.

dangerous.

Lena pulled her hand back, busying herself with his medication chart.

Your pain levels have decreased, she said, deliberately changing the subject.

That’s good progress.

Lena, and your range of motion is improving.

Dr.

Reeves thinks you might be able to use a walker by next week, Lena.

Adrienne’s voice was firmer now.

Look at me.

She did reluctantly.

The intensity in his gaze made her breath catch.

When this is over, he said slowly, when we’ve caught whoever did this and dissolved the marriage like we agreed.

What then? Then I take my payment and disappear like your father planned.

That’s what you want? To disappear? What Lena wanted was to stay? To keep helping him recover, to see who he became when he was finally free of this nightmare.

To find out if the connection between them was real or just a product of extreme circumstances.

What I want is irrelevant, she said instead.

We both know how this ends.

Adrienne stared at her for a long moment.

Then he nodded slowly.

Right.

Of course.

The disappointment in his voice cut through her, but Lena forced herself to maintain the distance.

Getting attached was dangerous, hoping for more than the contract promised was foolish.

She’d learned that lesson already.

You should sleep, she said, dimming the lights.

Tomorrow’s going to be difficult.

Will you stay? The question was quiet, almost vulnerable.

Until I fall asleep.

I always do.

She settled into her familiar chair, watching as Adrienne’s eyes gradually closed.

But unlike the past 3 months, tonight he watched her back, his gray eyes tracking her every movement until exhaustion finally claimed him.

The press conference was a carefully orchestrated performance.

Adrienne sat in an expensive chair rather than his wheelchair, a concession to vanity that Lena had argued against but lost.

She stood slightly behind him, one hand resting on his shoulder, playing the part of the devoted wife.

Cameras flashed endlessly.

Reporters shouted questions, and Adrienne handled it with the same command he’d shown with his father, his voice growing stronger as he spoke.

“I want to thank everyone for their support during my recovery,” he said, his tone measured and calm.

The past 5 years have been challenging for my family, but I’m grateful to be back.

Mr.

Vale, can you tell us about the circumstances of the attack? A reporter called out.

The investigation is ongoing.

I have full confidence it will be resolved.

What about your marriage? Records show you married shortly before the shooting, but this is the first time your wife has been seen publicly.

Adrienne’s hand came up to cover Lena’s where it rested on his shoulder.

The gesture looked natural, affectionate, but Lena could feel the tremor in his fingers.

Exhaustion or emotion, she couldn’t tell.

“My wife has been my constant support,” Adrienne said, looking up at her with an expression that seemed almost genuine.

She never gave up on me, even when others did.

“I owe her everything.

The words were scripted, practiced, but the way he looked at her felt real.

” Lena smiled down at him, hoping the cameras caught devotion rather than confusion.

“Mrs.

Val, how did you maintain hope for 5 years? Another reporter asked.

This was Lena’s cue.

Monica had coached her extensively on this answer.

I loved him, she said simply, letting emotion she didn’t have to fake color her voice.

That doesn’t stop just because someone can’t respond.

Every day I hoped.

And eventually hope was enough.

The reporters ate it up.

Questions flew faster, more personal, more invasive.

Lena felt Adrienne’s hand tighten on hers.

felt the tension radiating through him.

“That’s all the time we have,” Malcolm announced, stepping forward.

“Mr.

Veil needs to rest.

” “Thank you all for coming.

” The moment they were backstage, away from the cameras, Adrien slumped.

Lena caught him as his legs gave out, easing him back into the wheelchair.

“I’m fine,” he said through gritted teeth, just tired.

“You pushed too hard.

” Lena checked his pulse, elevated, but not dangerously so.

“You’re going straight to bed.

” in a moment.

First, he looked up at her, vulnerability stark in his gray eyes.

How did I do? Was it convincing? Very, Lena said softly.

They believed every word.

And you? Did you believe it? The question hung between them, waited with meaning Lena wasn’t sure she understood.

Before she could answer, Victor appeared with Monica in tow.

“Excellent work,” Victor said with satisfaction.

“The footage is already going viral.

devoted wife nurses crime heir back to life.

“It’s perfect.

” “Glad our pain is good publicity,” Adrienne said dryly.

“Your pain is leverage,” Victor corrected.

“Which we’re going to use Malcolm has already started reaching out to known enemies, letting them know you’re recovering rapidly, that you’re remembering more each day.

” “But I’m not remembering,” Adrien protested.

“They don’t know that, and the uncertainty will make them nervous.

Nervous people make mistakes.

” Victor’s smile was predatory.

Now we wait for someone to make a move.

They didn’t have to wait long.

2 days after the press conference, Malcolm burst into Adrienne’s room at 3:00 in the morning.

Lena, dozing in her chair, jerked awake as the lights blazed on.

“We have a problem,” Malcolm said urgently.

Adrienne sat up in bed, instantly alert despite the early hour.

“What happened?” James Keller resurfaced.

He called the house 20 minutes ago asking to speak with you.

The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

Adrienne’s expression went perfectly still.

The way Lena had learned meant he was thinking fast and furious.

Where is he? Adrienne asked.

He wouldn’t say, but he wants to meet tomorrow alone.

Absolutely not, Lena said immediately.

It’s obviously a trap.

Probably, Adrienne agreed.

But it’s also an opportunity.

If James is involved, meeting him might give us answers.

Or get you killed, Lena shot back.

You can barely walk.

How are you supposed to defend yourself? I’ll have security, he said.

Alone, Malcolm interrupted.

He was very specific.

You and him, no one else.

Or the meeting doesn’t happen.

Then the meeting doesn’t happen, Lena said firmly.

This is insane.

This is necessary.

Adrien swung his legs out of bed, gripping the rail as he stood on shaking legs.

James was my best friend.

If he’s involved, I need to know why.

I need to hear it from him.

And if he shoots you again, then we’ll finally know for sure he was behind it.

Adrienne’s voice was grim.

Either way, we get answers.

No.

Lena moved between Adrien and Malcolm, her hands clenched.

I won’t let you walk into an ambush.

Not when you’re still recovering.

Not when she stopped, throat closing on words she couldn’t say.

Adrienne’s expression softened.

He reached out, cupping her face in his hand.

A gesture so gentle it made Lena’s heart ache.

“I know you’re scared,” he said quietly.

“I’m scared, too.

” “But I’ve been running from this for 5 years.

Even if I don’t remember the attack, I remember the fear of always looking over my shoulder.

I won’t live like that anymore.

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