Chapter 10 - The Final Deal and the TwistThree days later, the sun was shining brightly over the Providence waterfront.
Wren stood on the deck of a private charter yacht docked near the harbor, wearing a brand-new jacket and a pair of sturdy leather boots that didn't need any glue. In her hand was a secure digital passport and a financial portfolio bearing her name, granting her unrestricted access to accounts across three continents.
She looked down. Sitting quietly beside her ankles was a massive, heavy-set black Neapolitan mastiff with a distinct white crescent-shaped patch over its left eye.
"Juno?" Wren blinked in surprise, looking up as footsteps echoed behind her on the deck.
Nathaniel walked up, dressed in a casual dark sweater without his usual suit jacket, holding two cups of black coffee. He held one out toward her.
"She doesn't like new handlers," Nathaniel said smoothly, leaning against the railing next to her and looking out toward the open sea. "And according to the security protocols, she's registered under your name now anyway."
Wren took the coffee cup, a faint smile touching the corners of her lips. "You're giving me your dog? The most terrifying animal in Providence?"
"She's a retired asset," Nathaniel corrected with a faint smirk. "Just like me. I'm stepping down from the board, Wren. The ledger is delivered, the Boston Syndicate is dismantled, and my work here is officially finished."
Wren turned to look at him, her heart doing a strange, unexpected flip. "So... what happens now? No more blind dates arranged by Dahlia?"
"No more blind dates," Nathaniel agreed, turning his slate-gray eyes to meet hers directly, the coldness entirely gone, replaced by a quiet, steady warmth. "Though, if you're ever in the Mediterranean visiting your father, I happen to know a very good restaurant down the coast that doesn't require you to wear an apron."
May you like
Wren took a sip of her coffee, looking out toward the endless horizon where the ocean met the bright blue sky.
"I'll think about it, Mr. Vance," she smiled. "After all... I like to review my variables first."
