The world moved in slow motion as Xavier read the last file.
A photo. A date. A lab result.
Confirmation of everything Kara had tried to protect him from.
He stood in his office at Blackthorn Corp's Manhattan tower, the skyline burning gold beyond the
glass. In his hand, the documents trembled proof that Kara hadn't betrayed him.
He had been set up.
Drugged. Manipulated. His mother and his ex, Miranda, had orchestrated the plan to keep him
under control to keep him from falling in love with the girl who threatened their legacy.
And now?
Now they had nearly succeeded in destroying the only thing that ever truly mattered.
Kara.
And Zia.
He left the office in silence, ignoring the calls, the meetings, the press waiting outside. He drove
straight to Kara's apartment, a modest brownstone nestled in a quiet corner of Brooklyn,
guarded like a fortress but holding the only peace he'd ever known.
She opened the door before he could knock, like she'd been waiting.
"I know," she said softly. "You found out."
Xavier looked at her—really looked at her.
Tired eyes. Trembling hands. But she stood tall, as she always had.
"You left because you were scared," he said.
"I left because I didn't think you'd believe me. And I was right."
"You weren't."
She blinked. "What?"
He stepped inside, pulling something from his coat a single silver ring. The one she'd left behind
when she ran.
"I believed in you more than I knew. That's why I chased you. That's why I still want you."
Kara shook her head. "It's too late, Xavier."
"No," he said, his voice raw. "It's just late enough to do the right thing."
She backed up. "You hurt me."
"I know."
"You didn't trust me."
"I know."
"You made me sign a contract like I was property."
"I know."
Silence.
He stepped closer. "But I also know I would burn down everything this company, my name, my
legacy if it meant I could earn one more chance with you.
Her breath caught. "Why?"
"Because I love you. And I love our daughter. And I was a fool not to see it from the start."
Zia stepped out from the hallway, sleepy-eyed in her unicorn pajamas.
"Daddy?"
Xavier dropped to his knees.
"Hey, pumpkin."
She smiled slowly, then ran into his arms.
And Kara watching them finally allowed herself to cry.
Not from fear.
But from hope.
That night, Xavier didn't leave.
He stayed.
For the first time, not out of obligation or control but out of love.
And for the first time, Kara believed that maybe, just maybe…
They could start again.
Together.