Chapter 253: Luna Returns to Washington

**【Luna's Perspective】**

After a moment's hesitation, I answered.

"Luna, it's me, Orion." The distinctly masculine voice with its magnetic quality was instantly recognizable.

"Orion?" I looked up from my work, surprised by the unexpected call from Max's fourth brother.

His tone was unusually somber. "Zoe has been missing for a week. Do you know where she is?"

"Zoe resigned from her position. Don't you know?" I asked, genuinely surprised by his lack of awareness.

A heavy silence followed before Orion spoke again, his voice strained. "No, I had no idea. Why would she leave without saying anything?"

"Her family wanted her to return home," I explained gently. "They've arranged for her to meet a potential husband—a successful businessman who owns a clothing factory."

Another silence, this one longer and weighted with unspoken emotion.

"Would you like me to send you her contact information?" I offered.

"No," he replied quickly. "That won't be necessary."

I hesitated, then ventured carefully, "Orion, do you have feelings for Zoe?"

"What kind of woman is she, Luna?" he countered, deflecting my question. "Beyond what I already know."

I considered my words carefully. "She's about five-foot-five, slender but graceful, with large expressive eyes and a small, perfect nose. Her smile is warm and captivating. She's outgoing yet principled, proud and fiercely independent. She might seem strong-willed on the surface, but she's incredibly gentle-hearted. I think she was just trying to help you find your way out of the darkness."

Orion laughed bitterly. "She sounds remarkable. Far too good for a blind man like me."

"Interestingly, Orion, Zoe said something similar—that she wasn't good enough for you. I think you're both being unnecessarily insecure. Why not open up and give it a chance?"

"She's kind," Orion said softly. "Can't you see this is just her gentle way of rejecting me?"

Before I could respond, he abruptly changed the subject. "Have you heard anything about William lately?"

The sudden shift caught me off guard. "Why do you ask?"

"I want him to perform neurosurgery on me," Orion stated matter-of-factly. "Even if the success rate is only one in a thousand, I'm willing to take that risk."

"That's far too dangerous," I protested. "William's not someone you should trust with your life."

"It's my decision," he replied firmly. "Do you know where he might be?"

I sighed, recognizing his determination. "I believe he might be in Washington. Max went there on a mission—possibly tracking William's whereabouts."

"Yes, Max has moved into the family mansion with his assistants, Lily and Kevin."

My heartbeat quickened. "Lily is staying at the Morrison residence?"

"Yes, both Lily and Kevin. Lily complained that you've locked The Enclave villa, and even Max doesn't have the access code," Orion added with a hint of amusement.

My mood darkened considerably. Kevin staying at the Morrison family mansion made sense—he didn't have a permanent residence in Washington. But Lily? The Carter family had their own mansion in Washington. Why would she need to move into the Morrison home?

The thought of Lily living under the same roof as Max stirred an uncomfortable mix of jealousy and unease within me. I found myself wanting to be unreasonable for once, to demand that Max choose between Lily and me. The urge to have her removed from his daily life grew stronger by the minute.

---

When I was over seven months pregnant, my doctor recommended I return to Washington for the remainder of my pregnancy. The medical center at Morrison Group had limited obstetric facilities and no proper neonatal unit should complications arise.

After requesting maternity leave, I decided to return to Washington with Violet, planning to surprise Max. However, from the moment we landed, Violet noticed something concerning.

"Luna," she whispered as we collected our luggage, "I think we're being followed."

On the drive to our residence, Violet's suspicions were confirmed. Several vehicles maintained a consistent distance behind us, their presence too deliberate to be coincidental.

"Luna, something's not right," Violet warned, checking the rearview mirror again. "Should we notify Max?"

I glanced back nervously, considering our options. "Is Washington unsafe right now?"

"I believe so," Violet replied with professional certainty. "Max has been here for over a month without leaving. He must be handling something serious."

"Then no surprise," I decided, reaching for my phone. "Safety comes first."

Max answered on the first ring, his voice warm with affection until I explained our situation.

"You're in Washington? And being followed?" His tone shifted instantly to one of urgent concern. "Send me your location immediately. I'll dispatch a security team to escort you."

"Already done," I confirmed, sensing the gravity in his voice.

"Stay on the line," Max instructed, his breathing quickening as though he was moving rapidly. "Don't stop the car, and don't approach anyone, no matter who they appear to be."

The intensity of his reaction only heightened my anxiety about whatever danger lurked in Washington.

Fifteen minutes later, Violet nudged me. "Two Morrison security vehicles have joined our tail, but there's still a third car following us."

I peered through the rear window, recognizing the familiar black SUVs with tinted windows that typically transported high-ranking Morrison Group personnel. Their presence provided a small measure of comfort, though questions about the unidentified third vehicle remained.

"They're here to protect us," I assured Violet, though uncertainty lingered in my voice.

As we navigated through Washington's streets, the security vehicles maneuvered to position themselves between us and the mysterious follower.

My hand instinctively moved to my rounded abdomen, protective of the life growing within. Whatever dangers awaited us in Washington, I was determined to shield our child from harm.

"We're almost there," Violet announced, her voice steady despite the tension. "Max's security team has created a barrier between us and our pursuer."

I nodded, drawing comfort from Max's swift response while dreading the explanation for such heightened security measures. What exactly had been happening in Washington during my absence?