Chapter 131

Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-One

Genevieve stepped into the entrance of the track, relishing the way the concrete tunnel amplified the sharp click of her heels as they echoed around her. That sound made her feel strong, commanding—qualities she desperately needed for the tense meeting ahead with O’Brien. Close behind her, Leo matched her pace, never leaving her side since she had landed back on American soil three days earlier.

Since her return, not a moment had been wasted—except by her husband. Twice she had tried to see him, but both visits were denied. The first was during an afternoon when Noah Bennett had subjected him to a grueling six-hour interrogation. The second was blocked due to some disturbance among the inmates. It didn’t take much insight to guess who had stirred up trouble, especially when the guards showed up shortly after, demanding a promised favor in return for their silence.

Emerging from the tunnel, the bright sunlight bounced off Genevieve’s sunglasses as she walked along the railing, spotting O’Brien waiting for her. Maisy sat on the bleachers nearby, her expression one of clear annoyance, while Mallory chattered excitedly beside her. As Genevieve approached, Mallory broke into a wide smile and waved enthusiastically. She jumped up from her seat, prompting an eye roll from Maisy and a protective step forward from Leo.

“Genevieve! It’s so good to see a familiar face,” Mallory exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug that nearly crushed her ribs.

“Uh, it’s nice to see you too, Mallory,” Genevieve replied cautiously, trying to reconcile this cheerful woman with the harsh one she’d known before. “I take it the O’Briens are treating you well?”

Mallory waved her hand dismissively. “They’re wonderful to me. Joining the Royale was the best thing that ever happened.”