Mia had always known her past would catch up to her someday. But she hadn't expected it to come knocking so soon.
Ever since Adrian learned the truth about Liam, their lives had been in a whirlwind. The tension between them was still raw—too many emotions, too many years of secrets between them. And just as she was beginning to find her footing again, just as she was learning how to exist in this new reality where Adrian knew he had a son, another storm was brewing.
She felt it before it arrived.
A strange, sinking feeling.
It started with a message.
Mia stared at her phone, her fingers tightening around it as she read the email for the third time.
From: S.Greene
Subject: We need to talk.
"Mia, it's been too long. I think we need to have a chat. I'll be in Everdale soon. I'd hate to show up unannounced. Let's be civilized about this, shall we? – Samantha"
Mia's stomach twisted.
She hadn't heard from Samantha in years—not since the betrayal, not since she walked in on her so-called best friend wrapped in Nathan's arms. And now, out of nowhere, she was reaching out?
It was a warning.
Mia knew better than to believe Samantha was here to "talk."
Her past was coming back to haunt her.
And Samantha wouldn't be alone.
---
Adrian
Adrian felt on edge.
Ever since he found out about Liam, his protective instincts had gone into overdrive. He wasn't just angry—he was furious. Furious that Mia had kept his son from him. Furious that Eleanor had likely known more than she let on. But most of all, he was furious at himself.
He should have found them sooner.
Now that he knew, there was no turning back.
Mia and Liam belonged with him, and he'd do everything in his power to make sure they never had to struggle again.
But something was wrong.
Mia had been distant lately, more than usual.
She was hiding something.
Again.
Adrian swore under his breath as he paced his penthouse, his phone buzzing with an incoming message from Caleb.
Caleb: "Sir, I've found something. It's about Mia… and her past."
Adrian's blood ran cold.
Adrian: "What is it?"
Caleb: "She had a best friend. Samantha Greene. And an ex. Nathan Carter. You're going to want to see this."
Adrian clenched his jaw.
He had spent years searching for Mia, and now, just when he had her back, two ghosts from her past were coming to tear her away again?
Not a damn chance.
If Samantha and Nathan thought they could waltz back into Mia's life and cause problems, they were about to find out exactly what kind of man Adrian Sinclair was.
He wasn't just going to protect Mia.
He was going to destroy anyone who tried to take her away from him.
And this time, he wouldn't lose.
---
Mia
Mia's worst fears were confirmed the moment she stepped out of Sinclair Enterprises.
Leaning casually against a sleek black car, Samantha Greene smiled at her.
"Mia," she purred, pushing off the vehicle and striding forward like a queen returning to reclaim her throne. "It's been far too long."
Mia's throat tightened.
Samantha looked different—polished, elegant, every inch the wealthy socialite she had always wanted to be. But her eyes… her eyes held the same cruelty they always had, just better hidden beneath a mask of charm.
"What are you doing here?" Mia asked, her voice clipped.
Samantha tsked, tilting her head. "Is that any way to greet an old friend?"
Mia swallowed down the bitterness rising in her throat. "We're not friends."
Samantha smirked. "No, I suppose we're not. But we do have unfinished business."
Mia crossed her arms. "If this is about Nathan, I don't care what happened between you two. You got what you wanted. You both deserve each other."
At the mention of Nathan, something flickered across Samantha's face—something almost… bitter. But it was gone before Mia could place it.
"This isn't about Nathan," Samantha said smoothly. "This is about you. And the life you've built."
Mia's stomach dropped.
She knew where this was going.
"Poor Mia," Samantha continued, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "You left everything behind, started fresh. And what do I find when I finally track you down? You're living in luxury. Working for Sinclair Enterprises. And—" her lips curled "—you've caught the attention of Adrian Sinclair himself."
Mia's heart pounded.
Samantha knew.
And if Samantha knew, then it was only a matter of time before Nathan did too.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Mia said stiffly, turning to leave.
Samantha's voice stopped her cold.
"Oh, Mia," she said softly. "You can't outrun your past forever. You should know that by now."
Mia didn't turn around.
She couldn't.
Because for the first time in a long time… she was terrified.
Samantha wasn't just here for revenge.
She was here to destroy her.
And Mia wasn't sure she could stop her.