Chapter 295

Chapter 295
【Luna's Perspective】

I was arranging fresh lilies in the entryway vase when I heard Max's car pull up outside. Through the tall windows, I watched him step out, his shoulders visibly tense even from a distance. something was troubling him.

When he pushed open the front door, I abandoned all pretense of composure, moving swiftly to meet him. His eyes widened slightly at my enthusiastic greeting as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Welcome home," I whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

His surprise melted into relief as he pulled me close, burying his face in my hair. "Luna..."

"Everyone's out," I informed him, taking his briefcase and setting it aside. "My parents took Matthew to pay respects at Grandmother Daphne's memorial garden. Violet is with Liam upstairs."

Max nodded, still holding me, seemingly reluctant to let go. I guided him to the sofa, noting the weariness in his eyes.

"You looked troubled when you arrived," I observed, my fingers gently working at the knot of his tie. "What happened?"

A small smile played at his lips. "So this enthusiastic welcome was deliberate?"

"Mmm," I acknowledged, sliding the silk tie from his collar. "I wanted to cheer you up, my husband."

"You always know exactly how to improve my mood," he murmured, catching my hand and pressing a kiss to my palm.

I settled beside him, unbuttoning his collar. "Would you like a massage? You seem tense."

"My husband," Max repeated, seemingly savoring the words. His eyes darkened as he pulled me closer. "Say it again."

"My husband," I whispered against his lips.

What began as tender comfort quickly ignited into something more desperate. Max's kisses grew hungry, demanding, his hands threading through my hair to draw me closer. I melted against him, my body responding instantly to his touch.

"Not here," I managed between kisses. "Upstairs."

He nodded, rising and lifting me effortlessly despite his still-healing leg. I protested weakly about his injury, but he silenced me with another kiss as we ascended the stairs.

In our bedroom, Max was both tender and fiercely possessive, as though reclaiming me after the weeks of separation during his mission. His touch erased all thoughts from my mind, leaving only sensation and emotion.

Later, nestled in the warmth of his embrace, I traced idle patterns on his chest. "Will you tell me what was bothering you now?"

Max sighed, his fingers combing through my hair. "President Sterling refuses to help investigate Noah Walker. He wants to finish his term without complications."

"What does that mean for us?"

"It means we wait. Three months until the new administration."

I shifted to face him. "Unless we investigate ourselves."

"No," Max's tone brooked no argument. "Noah is dangerous. I forbid you from getting involved. Stay away from him completely."

"I understand," I replied softly. "I won't approach him, I promise."

Max's expression softened as he pulled me back into his arms. "Just be patient, Luna. We'll have our answers soon enough."

I nodded against his chest.

---

Several days later, Violet and I were examining a display of cashmere scarves in an upscale boutique when a familiar voice shattered our peaceful afternoon.

"What a coincidence, Mrs. Morrison."

I turned slowly to find Noah standing beside me, his wife Grace—heavily pregnant—hovering behind him. Violet immediately shifted closer to me, her posture alert.

"How unfortunate to run into you here," Grace remarked coldly.

I maintained my composure, offering a polite nod before turning to leave. Noah's voice followed us.

"In a hurry? We haven't seen each other in so long."

Ignoring him, I led Violet to another boutique across the promenade. In the VIP changing room, I was evaluating the fit of a cream silk blouse when the curtain suddenly parted.

Noah slipped inside, his hand immediately covering my mouth before I could scream. Violet was momentarily occupied with the sales associate outside.

"Don't be afraid," he whispered, his eyes studying my face intently. "I just want to talk. To see you properly."

I remained perfectly still, measuring the distance to the alarm button.

"Are you happy, Luna?" he asked, slowly removing his hand from my mouth. "Are you truly happy with him?"

"What do you want?" I asked calmly.

"Friendship," he smiled, the expression not reaching his eyes. "You haven't changed at all, still so cautious."

I returned his smile briefly before driving my knee upward with precise force. Noah doubled over, gasping in pain. The commotion brought Violet tearing through the curtain, immediately positioning herself between us.

Grace appeared moments later, her expression morphing from concern to fury when she assessed the situation.

"Luna Blake, you're dead!" she spat, lunging forward only to be blocked efficiently by Violet. "I'll destroy you for this!"

"Perhaps you should ask your husband why he was struck," Violet suggested coolly.

Grace's eyes flashed dangerously. "He didn't do anything! This woman has been trying to seduce my husband for weeks. I've been watching her."

As Noah struggled to restrain his enraged wife, I discreetly palmed a small blade from the nearby tailoring station. When he reached past me to grab Grace's arm, I carefully sliced across his forearm, drawing blood.

"I'm so sorry," I gasped with feigned concern. "I didn't mean to hurt you again."

Grace's scream at the sight of blood drew the attention of store security. While they were distracted, I calmly approached the counter to purchase the now blood-stained blouse.

"We need to leave," Violet murmured, her eyes constantly scanning for threats.

In the car, I carefully preserved the blade with Noah's blood in a small evidence bag I'd brought in my purse.

"Will you tell Max?" Violet asked as we pulled away from the shopping center.

I stared at the sample in my hand. "Not yet. First, we need to confirm who Noah really is."