**Chapter 56: You Can’t Do Away With It**
**AMY**
The pieces of this intricate puzzle began to align in my mind, revealing a picture I had never known existed. “So, you’re saying Daniel anticipated the danger but was powerless to prevent it?”
Cole’s solemn nod confirmed my suspicion. “He fought back. But that ambush was meticulously planned. I was there that night, lurking in the shadows behind him when the rogues struck. By the time I reached him, it was already too late.”
I perched on the edge of the bed, my thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a tempest. “You had the chance to leave after that, yet you chose to stay.”
His gaze met mine, unwavering. “I made a promise to him. And I don’t break promises.”
I found myself lost in the stillness of Daniel’s expression, his face a canvas of tranquility that belied the chaos surrounding him. “Does Mrs. Carter know about this?”
Cole’s response was immediate. “No, and she must never find out. If she discovers the truth, she’ll dismiss me without a second thought—or worse.”
The thought of Mrs. Carter’s iron grip on the family’s reputation sent a shiver down my spine. “She would see you as a liability,” I ventured, my voice barely above a whisper.
“She’d see me as a constant reminder,” he corrected, his tone edged with bitterness. “A reminder that her husband wasn’t flawless, and that her son has placed his trust in someone outside the family.”
I crossed my arms, my mind racing as I processed his words. “So, you’ve been carrying this secret all along. Even from me.”
“I had no choice,” he replied, his voice steady. “Daniel instructed me to keep it under wraps unless the situation became dire.”
“Why reveal it now?” I pressed, my curiosity piqued.
“Because you’re in danger,” he stated plainly. “The wolfsbane incident wasn’t merely about Daniel. Whoever orchestrated it aimed to harm both of you. You were getting too close to him—and to the truth.”
A frown creased my forehead. “Do you suspect Mrs. Carter?”
He hesitated, his expression inscrutable. “I suspect she knows more than she’s letting on. Elias, too. But until I have concrete evidence, I won’t cast accusations.”
I nodded slowly, the weight of his words settling in. “You’ve been vigilant, haven’t you?”
He shrugged, a hint of pride in his demeanor. “It’s part of my job.”
“Your real job,” I corrected, a newfound respect blossoming within me.
His eyes locked onto mine, the intensity palpable. “My real job is ensuring that Daniel’s wife survives long enough to uncover who sought to destroy him.”
The gravity of his statement left me momentarily speechless. In that moment, I no longer saw him merely as a bodyguard, but as a man bearing a burden that mirrored my own—just from a different perspective.
After a lengthy silence, I found my voice. “Do you trust me?”
He nodded firmly. “Completely. That’s precisely why I chose to confide in you.”
“Then we’re in this together,” I affirmed, determination coursing through me.
A flicker of surprise crossed his features, but he quickly nodded again. “I’ll hold you to that.”
The sudden knock at the door jolted us both from our conversation. Cole swiftly unlocked it, and Mrs. Carter’s voice echoed from the hallway. “Amy, are you in there?”
I composed myself in an instant. “Yes, please come in.”
She entered, her gaze flitting between us with a hint of suspicion. “Is everything alright?”
Leaning back in my chair, I gazed out the window, lost in thought. The truth about Cole was far too significant to remain hidden for long. If Mrs. Carter or Elias discovered it, chaos would undoubtedly ensue. But for now, I had to keep this knowledge confined to us.
Daniel had chosen Cole for a reason, and that choice held weight. Now that I was privy to the truth, I owed it to both of them to carry forward what Daniel had started—even if it meant standing against his own family.
Four days had passed since Daniel had been moved to the new room. The atmosphere in the house felt lighter, though I couldn’t discern if that was a genuine change or merely my desire for safety manifesting. The doctors had conducted their routine checks, and Daniel’s condition had remained stable—until that morning.
I was diligently sifting through reports in the office when my phone rang. It was Dr. Mendez, Daniel’s attending physician.
“Mrs. Carter,” he said urgently. “You need to come to the house right away.”
My heart raced. “Why? What’s happened?”
“There’s been… an improvement. A significant one. You need to see this for yourself.”
Without hesitation, I grabbed my purse and rushed out. Cole was waiting by the car, his sharp gaze assessing my expression before I even spoke. “Something happened?” he asked, concern etched on his face.
“The doctor called,” I replied breathlessly. “He said Daniel’s improving.”
Cole’s eyes narrowed, not out of skepticism but genuine worry. “That’s unexpected.”
“I know,” I admitted as I climbed into the car. “But if it’s true, we need to get there immediately.”
The drive felt longer than usual, my mind racing with possibilities. Improvement? How could that be? After months of stagnation, suddenly there was hope?
Upon our arrival, the driveway was filled with cars—Mrs. Carter’s, Elias’s, and several from the pack council. Cole opened my door, and as I stepped out, I felt the weight of every gaze upon me as I made my way into the house.

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