The next few weeks were a mix of small victories and quiet moments of doubt. Clara stuck to her commitment to rebuild the relationship with her family, showing up to every gathering, taking on the responsibilities she had once abandoned, and gradually mending her connection with her father. Each time she noticed a subtle shift in the way he regarded her, it gave her a little more hope. But there was still a sense of hesitation in his eyes. It was clear that the damage ran deep, and trust wouldn’t be so easily regained.As for her relationship with Alex, it remained fragile but intact. They had their moments of closeness, their quiet talks and shared memories that brought them back to the bond they once had. Yet there were also moments of tension, when Alex would withdraw or show his uncertainty, reminding Clara of how much work still lay ahead. But she didn’t back down. She knew this was the hard part—the part where patience and persistence mattered most. And, she told herself, this t

Brown held Clara close, his arms wrapped protectively around her as if he could shield her from all the fears and uncertainties that still lingered in her heart. He could feel her heartbeat against his chest, quick and uneven, but there was something else—something that told him she was finally letting go of the walls she had built for so long.Minutes passed in silence, their breaths the only sound in the dimly lit hotel room. Brown didn’t rush her. He knew Clara needed time, and for once, he was willing to wait—not out of desperation, but because he finally saw a flicker of hope in her eyes.Clara shifted slightly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing circles on his chest. “Brown?” she murmured, her voice soft but filled with uncertainty.“Hm?” He ran his fingers through her hair, patiently waiting for her to speak.She hesitated, her grip tightening. “What if I mess this up again?”Brown sighed, knowing exactly where her mind was going.

As the car moved through the quiet city streets, Clara remained deep in thought. The events of the evening played over in her mind—Victor Langley, the masked thief, the stolen Aurora Blue, and Brown’s fearless intervention.She turned to him, studying his calm expression. "Brown, I noticed something back there… No one seemed to recognize you. They treated you like just another guest."Brown chuckled softly. "That's because they don’t know who I am."Clara frowned. "But I thought you had a reputation. I mean, you’re not just an ordinary man."Brown glanced out the window. "In certain circles, yes, my name carries weight. But these people—art collectors, businessmen, and social elites—don’t deal in the same world I do. To them, I'm just another guest, someone who received an invitation."Clara thought about that for a moment. "So, if they knew who you really were…""They would react very differently," Brown said with a smirk. "But

That night, after the meeting with Leonhardt, Brown and Clara returned to her apartment. The silence in the car felt heavier than before. Brown glanced at Clara from time to time, watching as she stared out the window, her expression filled with unspoken thoughts."What’s on your mind?" Brown finally asked, his voice low but attentive.Clara sighed. "You know, I always thought my life was complicated enough with my family. But now, I’m caught up in something far more dangerous than I ever imagined."Brown didn’t answer right away. He understood that feeling—the sense of being trapped between the life you knew and something bigger pulling you in.When they arrived at Clara’s apartment, Brown stepped out first, his eyes scanning the surroundings before opening the door for her. His hand instinctively rested on the small of her back as he guided her inside, protective as always.But as soon as they entered, a sharp voice greeted them."You had us worried sick, Clara!"In the living room,

Clara arched a brow, folding her arms tighter. “And you should stop acting like you can protect me from everything.”Brown exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face before meeting her gaze. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to do.”She took another step closer, frustration bubbling up. “I get it. You have your way of handling things. But you don’t get to make decisions about me without my input.”Brown’s jaw tightened, but there was something else in his expression—something almost hesitant. “You have no idea what Langley is capable of.”Clara tilted her head. “Then tell me.”For a long moment, he just stared at her, the weight of unspoken words heavy between them. Then, finally, he broke the silence.“They don’t just want the Black Diamond,” he said, voice low. “They want leverage. And if they find out you’re involved, you become collateral.”Clara swallowed, her mind racing. “But I already am involved, aren’t I?”Brown didn’t answer right away. Instead, he studied her, like he was