The following morning, Sierra stood on the balcony of their penthouse, her silk robe fluttering in the breeze as the city stretched before her. It was beautiful and chaotic…like her life. She sipped her espresso and scrolled through updates from Calloway, messages from Mila, and financial alerts she didn't recall setting. Isabelle was still quiet.
Too quiet.
Her fingers tightened around the cup. The quiet always came before the strike.
Just then, Liam's voice echoed from the hallway. "Babe? Can you come downstairs for a sec?"
She blinked. "Why?"
He sounded nervous. "Just... trust me."
She arched an eyebrow at the word trust, but followed him anyway. The private elevator hummed to life as they descended into the garage. Liam remained silent the whole ride down.
When the doors opened, Sierra froze.
Parked under the soft glow of the overhead lights was a black Bentley Bentayga. Not just any model…the exact specs she'd mentioned in passing more than once. Matte black exterior. Red diamond-stitched leather interior. Rose gold trim. Her dream car.
Her lips parted. "Liam..."
"I remember every detail," he said softly. "You once said this was the only car you'd break up with me for."
She turned to him, speechless.
He smiled, holding out a black velvet box. Inside was a key fob engraved with her initials: S.H.
"I wanted you to have something that felt like you," Liam said. "Something powerful. Immaculate. Beautiful."
Sierra's throat tightened. "Is this guilt or love?"
"Both," he admitted. "And respect. You've stood by me. I know I don't deserve it."
Before she could respond, the driver's door opened.
A tall man stepped out. Sharp suit, military posture, and striking green eyes. He looked polished but dangerous. Calm but alert.
"Ma'am," he said with a bow. "My name is Jace. I'm your new personal chauffeur."
She blinked. "My what?"
"I wanted you to ride in style," Liam added. "And safely. Jace comes highly recommended. Ex-diplomatic security. Background check clean."
Sierra ran her hand along the sleek hood of the Bentley, her heels echoing in the garage. She opened the passenger door and took in the red interior.
It was... perfect.
"Thank you," she murmured.
Liam looked relieved. "I meant it when I said you deserve everything."
Sierra slipped into the car. The leather hugged her frame like a throne. Jace closed the door and took his seat behind the wheel.
"Where to, ma'am?" he asked.
"Drive," she said. "Somewhere quiet."
"As you wish."
The car glided out of the garage, so smooth it felt like she was floating. Sierra stared at her reflection in the window, thoughts swirling.
A luxury car. A professional driver. A guilt-ridden husband. A mistress with a fake pregnancy. And now, Jace…cool, composed, unreadable.
Her phone buzzed.
Mila: He really gave you the Bentley?! Damn. Enjoy it. But girl… don't get distracted.
Sierra: It came with a driver. Jace.
Mila: Ooh. Now that's suspicious. Or sexy. Or both.
Sierra smirked, setting the phone aside.
Jace navigated the city streets with ease, his silence respectful but confident. She studied him in the rearview mirror.
He was the kind of man who didn't speak unless he had something to say. And Sierra appreciated that. Silence gave her space to think.
She closed her eyes briefly, absorbing the comfort of the ride.
Liam was trying. But grand gestures couldn't erase what was broken. Still… they bought her time. And this Bentley? It felt like armor. Like a weapon she could wield without raising her voice.
When the car slowed near a quiet overlook, she turned to Jace. "Do you always drive like this?"
"Like what, ma'am?"
"Like the world doesn't shake you."
He met her eyes in the mirror. "Because I'm trained not to show it when it does."
Sierra's smile was faint. "Good answer."
As they paused at the lookout, her phone buzzed again.
Calloway: Found something on Isabelle. Will send encrypted files tonight.
The war was still on. But now, Sierra wasn't playing defense.
She was driving forward.