The Thorne Heiress Unveiling Shadow novel Chapter 59

The next morning, neither of them mentioned the nightmare. An unspoken, fragile truce hung in the air, a new layer of complexity added to their already complicated alliance. They had to play their part, to become the wealthy, happy couple looking for a new home. Their mission for the day was simple: to be seen, to establish their cover story, and to find a natural way to encounter Martha Gable.

As they were leaving the inn, Kaelen, with a practiced ease that surprised Evelyn, reached for her hand. "Couples do this, I believe," he said, his voice a low, teasing murmur.

Evelyn hesitated for a fraction of a second, her mind warring with her instincts. This was a tactical necessity, a part of the disguise. But when her cool fingers slipped into his large, warm palm, a jolt of unexpected electricity shot up her arm. It was a completely illogical, purely physiological reaction, and it flustered her more than any cyberattack ever had.

They walked down the town's charming Main Street, a picture of mismatched harmony. He was a titan of industry in a cashmere sweater and expensive loafers, looking slightly out of place. She was a hidden queen in simple jeans and a blouse, looking like she could belong anywhere. They made small talk, pointing out the local sights, their conversation stilted and awkward, but to any casual observer, they looked like any other couple in love.

Their first stop was The Daily Grind, the cozy coffee shop that, according to Grey's surveillance, Martha visited every morning at precisely 10:30. They took a small table by the window, the air thick with the smell of coffee beans and fresh pastries.

The owner, a cheerful, talkative woman named Sally, came over to take their order. "You two aren't from around here," she said, her smile warm and genuine. "Welcome to Havenwood. On vacation?"

"Something like that," Kaelen said, his hand still holding Evelyn's on the tabletop. "We're thinking of buying a second home in the area. A place to get away from the city."

"Oh, how wonderful!" Sally gushed. "It's a wonderful place to raise a family. How did you two lovebirds meet?"

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