Chapter 552
Chapter 551:
Justin drew a slow, steadying breath. He turned around, his expression wiped clean of everything from seconds ago. He was the calm, authoritative father again.
He walked over and scooped Aaden up into his arms, pressing a kiss to the boy’s cheek. “Your mom needs to rest her foot. Why don’t you go upstairs and show Maria your science project? We’ll order pizza for dinner to celebrate your grade p>
Aaden nodded happily, wriggled out of Justin’s arms, and sprinted toward the stairs, already calling for the nanny.
The living room fell silent again. But the heavy, magnetic tension was gone, replaced by a stark and pressing reality.
Justin looked at Carmen and opened his mouth to speak — to bridge the gap that had just slammed shut between them.
𝘋𝗈𝗇’t 𝘮𝗶𝘴𝘀 𝘯е𝘄 𝗿𝘦l𝗲𝖺𝘀e𝘴 𝗈n ga𝘭ոо𝘃е𝗅𝘴.c𝗈𝗺
“We can’t fight him alone,” Carmen said, her voice firm and clear. The vulnerability was gone. “Sterling is a ghost. We need someone who can hunt ghosts p>
Justin’s jaw tightened. He nodded slowly. “There’s only one family with the resources to do this off the books. But asking them for help comes with a price p>
“We’re already paying a price,” Carmen countered, meeting his eyes with a new fire. “I’d rather be in debt to an ally than controlled by an enemy p>
She reached for her phone on the end table. Her fingers were steady as she scrolled through her contacts and tapped Jocelyn’s name.
The line rang twice before Jocelyn answered.
“Carmen?” Jocelyn’s voice sounded bright and relaxed.
“Jo, it’s Carmen. And Justin,” she said, glancing at her husband, who gave a firm nod. “We need your help. We can’t talk over the phone. Can you meet us? It’s urgent. We’re under attack p>
The relaxed tone instantly vanished from Jocelyn’s voice. “Where are you? Are you safe p>
“I’m at the townhouse,” Carmen said, her voice calm and resolute. “We’re safe for now. But please, just tell me where to meet you p>
“Give me thirty minutes. I’ll send a car to pick you up and bring you somewhere secure,” Jocelyn instructed.
The line went dead.
Half an hour later, Jocelyn’s armored Maybach pulled up to a discreet, members-only club in Chelsea. Carmen, leaning lightly on Justin for support, was quickly ushered into a soundproofed corner room.
They sat together on a leather banquette, Justin’s arm a solid presence behind Carmen — a silent statement of their united front.
Jocelyn slid into the seat across from them, her sharp eyes scanning both their faces.
“What is it?” she asked, her voice low and steady. The calm authority in her tone was the anchor they desperately needed.
Carmen took a measured breath and looked at Justin, who gave her a slight nod. It was her story to tell.
“Jo, I recovered my memories,” Carmen began, watching the flicker of surprise cross Jocelyn’s face. “All of them. Justin and I have worked through it. But my past has come back to haunt us — both of us p>
The words poured out of her in a clear, concise flood. She told Jocelyn about the official police report and the real truth about her mother’s death that she now remembered. She laid out Justin’s political ambitions and the sudden, chilling threat that had landed on their doorstep.