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Chapter 07 - Safe Haven

Two hours later, the speed boat pulled smoothly into a private marina located in a quiet, secluded coastal town fifty miles north of the city.

A sleek black luxury SUV was waiting at the dock. Standing beside the vehicle was Mr. Vance, holding a thick leather briefcase and a warm tray of hot tea and pastries.

“Everything has been taken care of, Mr. Cole,” Mr. Vance announced with a respectful bow as Nathan helped Grace and Lily step off the boat. “Senator Vance officially signed the proxy transfer twenty minutes ago. The police chief issued a public retraction and apology, citing a 'clerical error' in the initial alert.”

Grace let out a long, shuddering sigh of relief, collapsing slightly against Nathan’s side. Nathan wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, supporting her as they walked toward the SUV.

“Is there a safe place for them to stay?” Nathan asked Vance as Marcus loaded their bags into the trunk.

“My private coastal estate three miles from here,” Vance replied, opening the SUV door for Grace and Lily. “It’s fully staffed with independent, vetted security personnel, completely off the grid, and equipped with a private medical facility to treat Miss Torres’s shoulder.”

Within twenty minutes, they arrived at a stunning, stone-built seaside manor overlooking the roaring ocean waves.

Inside the master suite, a private female physician gently examined Grace’s bruised shoulder, applying a soothing medical salve and wrapping it in soft bandages. Lily sat on the plush king-sized bed, happily eating fresh strawberries while watching cartoons on a large television screen.

After the doctor stepped out, Nathan walked into the room, holding two cups of warm tea. He set the cups on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed beside Grace.

Grace looked at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of immense gratitude and deep, lingering fear.

“Nathan...” Grace whispered softly, her fingers gently touching his sleeve. “What happens now? They’re going to hate us. The media, high society... your business partners...”

Nathan reached out, taking both of her soft hands into his large palms, kissing her knuckles gently.

“Let them hate us, Grace,” Nathan said, his voice warm, sincere, and filled with deep emotion. “For five years, I lived in a gilded cage believing I had lost the only woman I ever loved. I don't care about high society. I don't care about corporate titles. The only thing that matters to me now is making up for every single day I missed with you and Lily.”

Tears overflowed from Grace’s eyes, and she leaned forward, burying her face into Nathan’s chest. Nathan pulled her into his arms, holding her close, feeling the steady, warm rhythm of her heartbeat against his own.

On the bed beside them, Lily set her strawberry down, crawled over to her parents, and wrapped her tiny arms around both of their necks.