Page 35 of Duty Unbound

All conversation ceased. Every head turned in my direction.

Nova’s perfectly shaped eyebrows shot up, her lips parting in surprise. “Wow, Mel. Slumming it today?”

Dexter, seated beside her, let out a theatrical gasp. “My God, she’s wearing jeans. I didn’t know you owned anything but pencil skirts.” His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Did your business casual wardrobe finally stage a rebellion?”

Heat crawled up my neck as I slid into the empty chair. “Sorry I’m late.”

“Don’t worry,” Nova stage-whispered. “We were just getting started. Though you might want to check a mirror before any more public appearances.”

I resisted the urge to touch my face, knowing it would only make Nova laugh harder.

Ethan cleared his throat, drawing attention away from me. “Let’s get back to business.” His eyes met mine briefly, an unreadable expression passing over his face before he turned to the screen at the front of the room. “Jace has some findings about the security breach.”

Jace, the tech specialist, stepped forward. With his rumpled shirt and perpetual five-o’clock shadow, he looked like he hadn’t slept in days. Maybe he hadn’t.

“Based on the angle of the video that was posted online,” he began, pulling up an electronic rendering of the house on the screen, “we’ve pinpointed exactly where your stalker was positioned.”

The 3-D model rotated, zooming in on Nova’s bedroom windows. A red dot pulsed outside, indicating a position among the bushes.

“He was crouched right here,” Jace continued, pointing to the spot. “Perfect angle to see through the French doors, yet concealed from the driveway. The good news is, those bushes are gone now.”

“We had them removed immediately,” Ethan added, arms folded across his chest. “No more hiding spots.”

Nova examined her manicure, clearly bored. “So I’m safe now with your army of goons all over the house?”

Dexter snickered beside her.

“We’ve significantly improved security,” Ethan said, ignoring the jab. “The intrusion drill we ran yesterday confirmed all systems are operational. But—” his eyes hardened “—you need to keep your curtains closed when changing. No exceptions.”

Nova rolled her eyes. “Yes, Dad.”

I shot her a warning look that she pretended not to see.

Ty, the youngest member of Ethan’s team, spoke up next. “The concerning part is that this guy seems familiar with the property. The way he navigated, where he positioned himself… We think he’s been here before.”

“Maybe even inside,” Logan added, his deep voice solemn. “Prior to the roses incident.”

A chill ran down my spine. The idea that someone had been watching us, maybe walking through our home without our knowing…

Nova seemed untouched by this revelation. “You know,” she mused, tapping her phone screen, “my followers have spiked since these incidents. Maybe we should send this stalker a thank-you card.”

“Nova!” I hissed.

“What? Just saying, all press is good press.” She shrugged. “My engagement numbers are through the roof.”

Ethan’s jaw tightened visibly. “Nova, I need to suggest something you’re not going to like.”

Nova’s attention snapped to him, suddenly wary.

“I think you should consider postponing your tour until we apprehend this individual.”

The room went silent. Nova’s face froze in a mask of disbelief. Beside her, Dexter paled dramatically.

“Absolutely not,” they said in perfect unison.

Before they could launch into what would surely be a spectacular meltdown, I jumped in.

“Ethan,” I said carefully, “postponing the tour would be a last-resort option. The financial penalties alone would be devastating. We’re talking millions in venue deposits, promotional expenses, pre-sold merchandise…” I took a breath. “Not to mention the logistics nightmare of rescheduling thirty-two shows across twenty-seven cities.”

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