LUCY'S NEW APARTMENT
It was modest, paid for with Celeb's "support." Lucy held a glass of wine as she watched Andrew's photo on her cracked phone screen.
"You will be mine, baby," she whispered. "And when you are… Ethan will finally understand what loss feels like."
AIRPORT – SALVADOR – MIDDAY
The warm sun and salty breeze greeted them as the private jet touched down. Mara stepped off first, baby Audrey bundled in her arms, her eyes scanning the familiar skyline. The place held both memories and ghosts.
Behind her, her four brothers followed, protectively forming a loose semi-circle around her like they always did. Rafael remained a few steps behind, eyes dark, jaw set.
He knew.
He knew Ethan was here.
And he knew what seeing him might do to Mara.
"You okay?" Steve asked, glancing back at Rafael.
Rafael nodded, offering a strained smile. "I'm good. Just... memories."
He wasn't lying. Salvador was where he'd first seen Mara. Broken. Fiery. Unstoppable.
