The Wrong Woman

"If Yale is in the clear, there's no reason for Nathan to feel anxious about his blood. But if there's a problem with Yale, Nathan would undoubtedly take swift action."

Cole's realization hit him like a ton of bricks. "Mrs. Morrison, are you suggesting that General Morrison's true motive isn't to obtain Yale's blood for DNA analysis? Perhaps he's orchestrating this ruse to provoke Yale's suspicion, prompting the man to retaliate against him."

Mila nodded. "That's my theory."

"But why would General Morrison do that?" Cole asked.

Mila, too, struggled to understand Nathan's motive. Confusion clouded her mind.

Rubbing her temples, Mila thought for a moment before asking, "Cole, has Nate given you any unusual instructions recently or asked you to place anything in the car?"

Cole suddenly recalled and exclaimed, "Yes, he did. General Morrison tasked me with fetching a professional diving pump with oxygen from the arsenal a couple of days ago, along with a specialized hammer for breaking car windows."

A faint smile crept onto Mila's lips, dispelling the sadness and despair that had plagued her in recent days. Every worry she had morphed into a source of determination.

The weight that had burdened her heart lifted at last.

Tears welled in Mila's eyes as she retrieved her phone, rereading the last message Nathan had sent her: "Stay calm, wait for my return."

Mila bit her lip, a whirlwind of emotions raging within her. "When you come back, we need to have a serious conversation," she silently pledged. "Risking your life in such a dangerous plan without discussing it with me first-is that fair to Jasper and me if something goes wrong?"

Unable to suppress his curiosity, Cole asked, "Mrs. Morrison, what is General Morrison's plan exactly? Where is he?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Mila admitted. She didn't have a clear grasp of Nathan's intentions, but she knew they were all part of his calculated strategy.

next move?"

or getting too close to him. Also, do not assign anyone to track him under any circumstances. Simply regard him as inconsequential.

acknowledgment. "Got

information to yourself. Don't discuss

"Consider it done."

the early spring, the streets were bathed in radiant sunshine, with

by Phoebe, Mila

to the hospital for

ventured to a nearby

for

Lillian, whom they hadn't seen since the wedding

also shopping for baby supplies, hinting

Mila approached Lillian to greet her, she was met with

angrily exclaimed, "With Nate's life on the

other choice do I have? Should I spend every day at home grieving? Or should I dive into the river each day, searching for my possibly deceased husband?" Through gritted

remarking, "Ms. Hudson, your love runs deep, doesn't it? It's just unfortunate that you're directing it toward the wrong

twisted with anger. "A woman like you doesn't deserve Nate," she spat

Mila replied indifferently, "I

but Nathan

regardless of whether he's dead or alive. My worthiness to him is not

have the sole right

intensified

Phoebe and Jasper in tow, Mila