Chapter 526

Isabella’s POV

I needed to be more careful. One slip, and everything I had worked for would crumble.

By the time I arrived at the school, I had managed to compose myself. I parked the car and walked to the entrance, plastering a smile on my face as I waited for Damien to come out.

When he saw me, his face lit up, and he ran toward me. “Mom!”

“Hey, sweetheart,” I said, scooping him into a hug. His innocent smile was a stark contrast to the darkness that loomed over me.

As we walked back to the car, Damien chattered about his day, his voice a soothing distraction from my thoughts. For a moment, I allowed myself to enjoy the simplicity of the moment.

But deep down, I knew the peace wouldn’t last. Layla was gone, but the consequences of my actions were far from over. Logan’s suspicions, Jason’s potential reaction, the spy’s loyalty…all of it weighed heavily on me.

I glanced at Damien through the rearview mirror as I