CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX – NEW OPPORTUNITIES

As the night wore on, Joan found herself swept up in the music, the lights, the sheer energy of the place. For a moment, she forgot about the clinic, about the Lighthouse Protocol, about all the complications of her new life. In that moment, she was just Joan – young, beautiful, and on top of the world. But as she caught Alessandro's eye across the crowded dance floor, she knew the reality of their situation. This was just the beginning of a new chapter – one filled with excitement, danger, and moral ambiguities she had never imagined. As dawn broke over the city, Joan and Alessandro stumbled out of the club, laughing and holding onto each other. "That was..." Joan began, struggling to find the words. Alessandro grinned. "Incredible? Unforgettable? The best night of your life?" She laughed, playfully shoving him. "All of the above. But also... a little scary." His expression softened. "I know. This life, it's not for everyone. But you, Joan... you were born for this." As they d