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Ivy’s mouth trembles. “But Maggie’s going.”

“Maggie is going because animals need care,” I say, keeping my voice low. “You’re staying because I need you safe.”

Her eyes fill, though no tears fall yet. Winston rises onto his back legs and rests both paws against her knee, as if sensing the change in her. Ivy gathers him into her lap and buries one hand in his fur.

Maggie brushes a finger beneath Ivy's chin and tips her face up. “I’ll come back, baby.”

“When?”

“Before lunch if your papa’s security doesn’t make me move slower than molasses.”

Ivy glances at me. “Will they?”

“Yes,” Maggie and I answer together.

Ivy almost smiles.

Maggie notices and leans closer. “I promise I’ll be careful.”

“You promised you wouldn’t leave.”

Maggie’s face changes. Her throat moves as she swallows, and she looks down at Ivy’s hand buried in Winston’s fur. When she speaks again, her voice has the tenderness that has undone me more than once.

“I promised I wouldn’t disappear, and I won’t. I’m comin’ back, Ivy. You can call me as many times as you want while I’m gone.”

Ivy thinks about that. “Can I call every minute?”

Maggie smiles. “Baby, if you call me every minute, I won't get anythin’ done.”

Ivy studies her seriously. “Okay. Every two minutes.”

Maggie laughs.

That earns another hint of a smile from Ivy, small but real. Mrs. Bennett steps closer, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she approaches my daughter with the calm warmth she has carried through this house for years.

“We’ll make cookies while they’re gone,” she says. “And Winston and Daisy can supervise from a safe distance.”

Winston sneezes.

“See?” Maggie says. “He’s already accepted the responsibility.”

Ivy hesitates before finally nodding. The agreement is fragile, built on trust that’s been damaged too many times, but it holds long enough for Maggie to stand.

That’s Magnolia Hayes. Afraid, grieving, exhausted, and still moving toward whatever needs her. I hate that about her, and I respect it more than I want to.

My phone vibrates in my pocket. The message appears the moment I pull it out.

Roman: I have information. Call me.

Every instinct I possess snaps into place. Roman doesn’t send messages like that unless something has changed.

Maggie notices my reaction. “What is it?”

I slide the phone back into my pocket. “Roman.”

She understands instantly and doesn't ask more questions. Together we head toward the foyer.

Luka is already waiting near the front doors with Viktor and two security men. The moment we approach, Luka straightens.