CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ONE – THE GENEROSITY OF THE MAFIA BOSS

Hours later, cleaned and fed, Cassie stood at the edge of a balcony overlooking Sergei's vast estate. The sun was setting, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and purples. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see Maxwell approaching. He looked better than he had in weeks - clean-shaven, dressed in fresh clothes. "How are you holding up?" he asked, coming to stand beside her. Cassie sighed, turning back to the view. "I'm not sure," she admitted. "We're safe, for now at least. But..." "But it doesn't feel real," Maxwell finished for her. She nodded. "Exactly. After all we've been through, all the running and fighting... I don't know how to just stop." Maxwell placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's okay to feel that way. We've been in survival mode for so long. It will take time to adjust." Cassie leaned into his touch, drawing comfort from his presence. "What do you think Sergei wants with us?" "I'm not sure," Maxwell replied. "But he seems intrigued by you. That c