Page 63 of Final Vendetta

But Agent Myers didn’t know with certainty who I really was. His theory was just that… A theory. Even if it did hit quite close to the truth.

“You don’t need to cover for yourself,” Alexander continued. “I’ve been around long enough to read between the lines.”

“And what did you find between the lines?” I asked evenly, not wanting to give anything away.

“That you haven’t merely been sitting idly by, hoping all those assholes finally paid for what they did to you. That you took matters into your own hands.”

I didn’t immediately confess. But I didn’t deny his statement, either.

“I don’t blame you. If I were in your shoes…” He shook his head as he took another long sip from his drink. “I’m not sure I would have been as patient or methodical about it. I wanted to let you know I understand.” He narrowed his gaze on me. “There’s what’s legal. And then there’s what’s just. As long as you’re on the side of justice, I’m with you. Whatever you need, I’ll have your back.”

“I appreciate the support, sir,” I replied, “but this is my fight. I started it myself. If necessary, I’ll end it myself.”

Alexander briefly studied me before relaxing his posture. “Fair enough. But the offer stands. I can have trained mercenaries on-site within the hour.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

“Me, too. But if it does, you know where to find me.”

I offered him my thanks again before excusing myself and making my way toward Imogene, my heart warming at how beautiful and carefree she looked, her smile as radiant as the diamond now gracing her finger. The sight eased some of the tension Alexander’s words had left behind. But only a little.

As I approached, Imogene instinctively reached for my hand, pulling me to sit beside her.

“I thought you got lost,” she joked.

“Not lost.” I glanced toward Alexander as he joined us. “Just sidetracked.”

“Everything okay?” Imogene asked in a quiet voice, her gaze searching.

I touched a soft kiss to her forehead. “Never better.”

“Good.”

“Now that we finally have everyone out here,” Melanie interjected, pushing herself to her feet. “If I could have your attention for a moment?”

The chatter quieted, and we all looked her way. She stood tall, her champagne glass held high, her expression full of warmth and pride.

“I’m so happy to be here to celebrate two of the most important people in my life,” Melanie began, beaming at Imogene. “It’s been an emotional journey to get to this point. But if there’s one thing I’ve always believed about Imogene, it’s that she’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. She holds her cards close, keeps her heart guarded. But when she lets someone in, she gives them everything.”

She turned her attention fully to me, her voice softening.

“And that’s exactly what she’s given the man beside her… Everything. Even when the rest of us thought there was no way forward, she refused to let go of what she felt in her heart. She held on to hope when it would have been so much easier to give up. That hope is what brought you back to her, Gideon.”

Imogene’s fingers tightened around mine, and I glanced at her, my heart expanding as I caught the faint shimmer in her eyes.

“I won’t pretend to understand everything you’ve both been through

to get here,” Melanie continued, her voice growing steadier. “I don’t think a single person on the planet could ever do that. But here’s what I do know… The love you share is rare. It’s the kind of love that endures. That overcomes. That transforms.”

Her smile widened, her gaze sweeping over the handful of people we felt compelled to invite to celebrate with today.

“So here’s to Imogene and Gideon. To a love that doesn’t just survive. It thrives. To the future they’re building together. And to the happiness that’s waiting for them.”

The group echoed her toast, the soft clinking of glasses filling the air. Imogene turned to me, her smile as bright as the sun, and I leaned in to brush a kiss to her lips.

“I love you,” I murmured.

“And I love you.”

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