Chapter 133

Maya’s POV

The next morning, news tickers blazed across every channel. Richard Brooks, the corrupt billionaire, had been unmasked as both a scammer and a murderer. But the headline that froze me read: Maya Brooks, daughter-in-law of Brooks, is alive—her story will shock you. The accompanying graphic showed my current photograph alongside an old portrait of me, beneath the caption: “Richard Brooks not only defrauded businesses but also orchestrated the SkyWay bombing, killing many, including his ex-wife Marisol…(continued).”

Elias switched off the TV in a single motion. “That’s enough drama for our lives,” he said, rubbing his forehead.

We sat in silence, staring at each other as if time had slowed to a crawl. His familiar scent of sandalwood enveloped me when he shifted closer—just two steps away. Suddenly I realized how much I’d missed him: his