DaoistoHrSfA

**She built walls no man could breach… until him.**  

Kathleen Palmer’s cybersecurity empire, *SafeHaven*, was born from the scars of her past—until a magnetic stranger at a Veloria gala ignites a fire she can’t control. Too late, she discovers the truth: he’s **Carl Harris**, the ruthless billionaire whose company is poised to destroy hers.  

Carl came for a business deal, not the storm of desire Kathleen unleashes in him. But when their explosive affair uncovers a shocking secret—**they met as children in the same foster home**—their battle of wits becomes a fight for redemption.  

Now, with assassins hunting them and Carl’s orphaned niece caught in the crossfire, Kathleen must choose: **trust the man who lied to conquer her… or lose the family she never knew she craved

"NO" Safe Heaven

Ava sat at the defendant's table, her usual sharp edges dulled by exhaustion, as the prosecutor droned on about *"vigilante justice."* Kathleen clenched her fists under the table.

*"Given the evidence of Mr. Thorne's terrorist ties—and Ms. Lopez's cooperation—this case is dismissed."*

Ava didn't smile. She just turned to Kathleen and whispered, *"I need a drink."*

Kathleen pulled her into a crushing hug. *"You're buying."*

Carl found Alina in the courthouse lobby, swinging her legs on a bench with her stuffed dragon.

He scooped her up. *"She always does."*

Alina patted his cheek. *"Good. Now can we *finally* plan the wedding?"*

Carl laughed—then froze as Kathleen stepped into the sunlight, her smile brighter than Veloria's skyline.

*Yes,* he decided. *It was time.*

The bar was loud, the whiskey strong, and Ava's phone buzzed nonstop with updates:

- *Julian transferred to a blacksite.*

- *Kathleen Palmer trending in wedding dress photos (courtesy of Alina's "secret" Pinterest board).*

Ava downed her drink—just as a shadow fell over her.

*Him.* The venture capitalist from the gala, his tie loosened, his smirk infuriating.

Ava slid a second glass toward him. *"Depends. You here to arrest me?"*

He clinked his tumbler against hers. *"I'm here to say thank you."*

*"Julian stole from me too."* He leaned in. *"Let's steal something back."*

The beginning of forever