The Lies Behind Her Marriage novel Chapter 179

Thorne As Armor.

The revelation shook Serena and Silas in ways they couldn’t imagine. They were silent as they drove back into the military camp, escorted by soldiers.

As they were nearing Norman Collin's estate, Nathaniel said to Silas, “Remember what we talked about.”

Silas nodded.

Serena's blood was boiling, but she understood there were proper ways to handle the situation.

They stopped in front of the huge estate. Serena was so lost in thought that she hadn’t noticed Norman Collins waiting for them.

When she and Silas stepped out of the car, Norman said, “Take your rest here. You can leave in the morning. It’s too late to return to Rexam.”

The former general’s gaze shifted to Nathaniel. “Got the truth out?”

Nathaniel nodded.

A scoff left Norman’s lips. “You should have been in the military, boy.”

That was because Norman had also tried to obtain the information from Victor. When he didn’t have any luck, Nathaniel proceeded to extremes, including escalating Vanessa Holt’s transfer.

Turning to Serena, Norman’s gaze softened. “Serena, you must have been traumatized, but know this — the fact that you’re standing here proves you are stronger than what was done to you.”

Serena smiled. It was a kind smile that also brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you, Norman."

“Take your rest now. I have prepared your rooms,” Norman said, tapping Serena on the shoulder.

“Silas, you too,” Norman acknowledged Silas’s presence. “Take your rest, and be careful. Rage is easy to pick up. It’s harder to put down.”

“I’ve seen men who let anger drive them,” Norman added, letting Nathaniel hear his words as well. “They win the fight… and lose themselves.”

Silas’s face softened, just a little. Nathaniel simply nodded.

They soon made their way into the mansion.

The structure was large, but it lacked unnecessary ornamentation. Security cameras were subtly positioned along the corners, and armed personnel stood at measured intervals near the gates.

Inside, the décor was restrained, with heavy oak furniture, maps framed in glass, and an entire wall dedicated to decades of service. Medals were arranged in precise rows behind locked glass cases, their polished surfaces catching the light. Citations and commendations sat beside them, each plaque engraved with dates, operations, and ranks earned through years of command.

Photographs lined the corridor — Norman shaking hands with presidents, standing before battalions, receiving honors beneath national flags.

Nothing was displayed for vanity.

Everything had been earned.

“Mr. Thorne, you have arrived. Miss Vander, Sir Vander.” It was Gavin. “I brought clothes.”

On the second floor, they each had their assigned rooms. Serena’s room was next to Nathaniel’s.

Serena bathed and put on a comfortable pair of pajamas. It was one of the clothes she had at home, so she assumed Gavin had dropped by the Venders’ estate.

But because Serena felt uneasy sleeping in a new house, especially one that belonged to a former general, she stepped outside in search of Nathaniel.

He wasn’t in his room.

Silas was already asleep. So, Serena made her way down to the first floor. She saw Gavin, and he said, “The boss is speaking to the general.”

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