Chapter 11 - THE WOMAN WHO WALKED AWAY
Ethan was arrested two days later.
Investigators recovered the financial records and communications connecting him to the shooting and attempted takeover.
Declan cooperated.
He turned over documents.
Accepted scrutiny of his own businesses.
And began dismantling the criminal operations that had defined his life.
It was not simple.
He lost money.
Influence.
And the fear that had once protected him.
But he gained something else.
A chance to become someone different.
Mave watched him change.
Slowly.
Imperfectly.
But sincerely.
Then, after eight weeks, she resigned.
Declan stared at the letter.
“You're leaving?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because you're recovering. Your medical team is stable. And I need to return to my own life.”
His expression tightened.
“Is it because of me?”
Mave smiled sadly.
“Partly.”
Declan looked away.
She stepped closer.
“Declan, I care about you.”
He looked up.
“But I can't build a relationship with someone while I'm responsible for his care.”
His eyes filled.
“So this is goodbye?”
Mave shook her head.
“Maybe not forever.”
May you like
Then she left.
And for the first time, Declan Hayes let someone walk away without trying to stop them.
