Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 217

Hearing that only deepened the crease between Hester's brows. Julian tracking her every move made her feel like she was living under a microscope. It proved that as long as she remained in the country, no matter where she fled, she couldn't escape his suffocating control.

Frustrated, Hester didn't bother offering Tate a pleasant expression. She knew Tate was just following orders. The root of the problem was Julian.

But honestly, she didn't even have the energy to argue with Julian about it anymore. Looking at it from another angle, maybe she should just let him watch. Let him have a front-row seat to see exactly how relaxed and happy she was living her life without him.

With that thought, the heavy irritation in her chest dissolved.

Chiara had been right: life is what you make of it. Mindset dictates your quality of life.

Suddenly, the advice Chiara had given her the other night was starting to make perfect sense.

...

At the airport, Hester hugged Poppy goodbye and headed straight for the security checkpoint.

Tate stood quietly at a distance, watching until Hester cleared security before turning around and heading for the exits.

As he walked, he tapped his Bluetooth earpiece, his voice dropping to a low, professional murmur. "She's through. Keep a close eye on her... she's highly perceptive, so whatever you do, do not blow your cover..."

...

Inside the cabin.

Hester found her seat and settled in.

A moment later, a man dropped into the seat beside her.

He was dressed in head-to-toe black athleisure. He was incredibly tall with long legs, wearing a bucket hat pulled low and a mask and sunglasses that completely obscured his face.

As soon as he sat down, a sharp-looking woman with a chic bob took the seat across the aisle from him.

Once the plane reached cruising altitude, she asked the flight attendant for a blanket, slipped on an eye mask, and went straight back to sleep.

...

Two hours later, the flight touched down at the Coralton City International Airport.

After deplaning, Hester picked up her suitcase at baggage claim and followed the flow of tourists toward the exit.

She had just pulled out her phone to call Ms. Crane when a massive wave of commotion erupted from the crowd.

Before Hester could even register what was happening, someone shoved hard against her shoulder. She stumbled backward, losing her balance. In the chaos, a strong hand grabbed her arm from behind, steadying her!

She barely regained her footing when a frantic mob surged forward. Her phone was knocked violently out of her hand, clattering onto the polished floor.

The next second, it was kicked deep into the stampeding crowd...