Chapter 21 — The Return
The moment the plane landed, Hazel felt it.
Not relief.
Not comfort.
But dread.
The air felt heavier than when she left for China three days ago. Back then, Kyle's company was struggling. Now, from the look of the headlines she kept refreshing on her phone, it was collapsing.
Investors pulling out.
Shareholders stepping down.
Emergency meetings scheduled.
Her fingers tightened around her bag.
"He'll be fine," she whispered to herself.
Beside her, Annabelle gave her a soft look. "You don't have to carry everything alone, Hazel."
Hazel forced a smile. Annabelle had been nothing but kind during the trip. Calm. Gentle. Almost protective.
She didn't know why, but being around her felt… safe.
What she didn't know was that Annabelle had received a message the moment they landed.
She's back.
And miles away, in his office at The Smith's Company, Ryan Smith had already gone still.
Klara walked slightly behind them as they exited the airport.
Her phone vibrated.
One message.
Landed. She looks stressed.
The reply came almost instantly.
Keep her close.
Klara swallowed.
Liam's tone was neutral. But she knew who was really giving the orders.
She glanced at Hazel.
Guilt flickered in her chest.
Hazel laughed lightly at something Annabelle said, unaware that every movement, every emotion, was being monitored.
Unaware that she was walking straight into something she couldn't outrun.
In the car, Hazel kept scrolling.
"They're saying the contract loss triggered everything," she murmured. "Once The Smith's Company pulled out, investors panicked."
Annabelle's fingers tightened slightly in her lap.
Klara remained quiet.
Hazel looked up. "Kyle wouldn't let this destroy him. He's worked too hard."
Neither of them answered.
Because they knew something Hazel didn't.
It wasn't just a contract.
It was leverage.
And it had already been used.
When they arrived at the city center, Hazel's unease deepened.
Kyle's company building looked… different.
Too many black cars parked outside.
Lawyers moving in and out.
Employees whispering in corners.
No celebratory energy.
No determination.
Just tension.
Her stomach dropped.
"I need to see him," she said quickly, stepping out of the car.
Annabelle watched her go, heart tightening.
"She has no idea," she murmured softly.
Klara looked down at her phone again.
She's heading inside.
Across town, Ryan stood in front of his office window, overlooking the skyline.
Liam's voice echoed from earlier.
"She's at his building."
Ryan's jaw tightened.
His wolf stirred — not restless.
Waiting.
"She shouldn't have come back," he said quietly.
Because now there would be no more distance.
No more watching from afar.
Hazel McCall was walking into the truth.
And she had already been signed away.