Page 106 of Silence and Surrender

When the elevator doors opened on our floor, I heard Sari’s voice, controlled and efficient.

“I appreciate the urgency, Mr. Moreau, but these documents could have been reviewed at the office tomorrow. The board is expecting your official return in the morning.”

“Some information is too sensitive for the bank’s surveillance,” Colton replied, maintaining the firm tone I knew all too well. “What I’m about to show you requires absolute discretion.”

They entered the penthouse, Sari following a few steps behind Colton. I could see her mask slip slightly as she registered the security setup, the monitors, the obvious preparations for something far beyond normal corporate operations.

“Mr. Moreau,” she began, a new wariness in her voice. “What exactly is—”

“Before we continue,” Colton interrupted, “I need to be certain we understand each other completely.” He turned to face her directly. “I know who you really work for.”

The change was instantaneous. Sari’s posture shifted, her hand moving subtly toward what I suspected was a concealed weapon. “I don’t know what you’re implying, but—”

“Your Interpol operation has been running for years,” Colton continued calmly. “Investigating financial irregularities at Devereux Bank.”

Sari went utterly still, her composure cracking for just a moment before she recovered. “How long have you known?”

“Long enough.” Colton moved toward the study doorway. “But perhaps it would be better if we explained together.”

That was my cue. I stepped into view, one hand resting lightly on my stomach.

Sari’s reaction was everything we’d anticipated and more. The color drained from her face, her eyes widening in genuine shock as she recognized me. For several seconds, she simply stared, her training momentarily overwhelmed by the impossibility of what she was seeing.

“Isabella,” she whispered, my name sounding almost like a prayer on her lips.

“Hello, Sari,” I said quietly, a genuine smile forming despite everything. After months of hiding, seeing a familiar face—a friendly face—was more affecting than I’d expected.

“You’re alive,” she breathed, taking an involuntary step forward before catching herself. “How is this—I thought—”

“It’s a long story,” I said, gesturing toward the study. “One worth hearing, I promise.”

Sari looked between us, her training visibly reasserting itself as she processed this new reality. “You both knew,” she stated, a new calculation in her gaze. “About each other. About me.”

“I told Colton about our arrangement in Italy,” I explained. “After he rescued me.”

Understanding dawned in her eyes as she followed us into the study. “So your disappearance wasn’t what it seemed.”

“The kidnapping was real enough,” I said, my hand tightening protectively over our child. “But so was the rescue.”

“And now you’re planning something,” Sari concluded, her analytical mind already working through the implications as she took in the monitors and security setup. “Something that needs Interpol coordination.”

“Something that needs to happen soon,” Colton confirmed. “Please, sit. This will take some time to explain properly.”

Sari took the offered seat, but her eyes remained fixed on me. “Isabella...” Her gaze dropped to my stomach, understanding dawning. “You’re pregnant.”

I nodded, resting my hand more visibly on the slight curve. “Another reason why our timeline has accelerated. We can’t wait much longer.”

For a moment, her eyes widened in shock, a smile playing at her lips, revealing the friend I’d known before everything went wrong. “I thought you were gone,” she said softly. “When you disappeared...the evidence suggested...”

“That I’d been sold through the same channels we were investigating,” I finished for her. “I know. That was their intention.”

Sari’s focus sharpened, her training reasserting itself. “You’ve been investigating for years,” I said. “Gathering evidence, building a case for fraud. So have we.”

“Yes.” She didn’t bother denying it now. “But the organization is careful. Meticulous. Every transaction looks legitimate on the surface. The trafficking operation is hidden behind multiple layers.”

“Which is why we need your help,” Colton explained. “Your Interpol connections are crucial for coordinating international raids. And inside the bank, you can move more freely than I can. After my absence, they’ll be watching me carefully.”

Sari studied us both. “Why reveal yourselves to me now? Why take this risk?”

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