Nora was still asleep when the twins woke up. Zayan had already made arrangements at his late grandmother's mansion, stationing what looked like over a million security guards. Every man was paid handsomely—because tonight, they would be leaving for Poland.
Meanwhile, Asher sat cross-legged with his baby girl, Naomi, who was now crawling around. He had slipped a bonnet on his head and was speaking to her in a girlish tone, making her giggle endlessly.
"So, my baby, that's how your mama and I met, hm?" Asher said, smiling. "She's very, very beautiful, right? Andddd, Mama Nora is your grandma. And your papa is very handsome too, right?"
Naomi laughed so hard she fell on her tummy, clapping. Nora, who had just woken, laughed as well, joining Aaila.
"Noami dear," Nora teased with a grin, "your dada used to pee-pee on my clothes when he was a toddler."
Naomi squealed, crawling into Nora's arms. Nora hugged her tightly. "Grandma loves you too, my darling," she whispered.
By 4:36 pm, Nora and the wives were out shopping for clothes and food. The children were all escorted to Lady Kim's mansion with Cahir, Cassian, Lysander's nurse Seth, and Renna. Rose was shifted there too, alongside Lora and Levi.
Azara wanted Rose safe with the babies. She kissed her love's forehead gently. "I'll be back, my love," she whispered.
Rose hugged her tightly. "Don't take too long."
Meeri, heavily pregnant, was also moved there by Kian, while Smith and Valencia were preparing to travel to Poland as well. Everyone was on lockdown since the children were on holiday.
Levi, now in high school, held Lora in his arms, feeding her cookies.
"Bye, Mama!" Lora chirped, waving to Azara.
She waved back before joining the convoy to the airport with the Black Scar Lords.
Sachi kissed her daughter Nixie goodbye, while Liam clung to her.
"BYE MAMA, BYE DADA!" he yelled, hugging her and Elowen along with the twins.
"They're in your care, Mom," Nora told Catalina, who nodded firmly.
Raphael kissed Catalina before leaving with Zayan.
On the plane, Zayan leaned toward Nora.
"I brought you suits and sets too," he murmured.
She kissed him softly, and before long, they all fell asleep.
Three hours later, the plane landed. Zofia was waiting with her people, and the media swarmed the area. Zayan wore a mask, surrounded by the Black Scar Lords, and held Nora's hand tightly as they walked straight into the waiting cars.
In the car, Nora looked out of the tinted window, her voice quiet.
"Z… I don't think I deserve the chair. I'm just an illegitimate child."
Zayan cupped her face gently.
"No, baby, you're not. Your father knew what he was doing. To avoid fights and killings in the family, he shared his will equally… and added you, love. But very, very bad people want that power for useless reasons. You deserve that chair."
Nora rested her head against his chest, comforted.
Just then, Zayan's phone buzzed. It was a video message from Seraphina.
"Hi Dada!!! Hi Mama!!!" Liam shouted, appearing on screen. "Liam really, really missed you guys! Also, Lilly kicked a meanie boy. We ate lasagna for dinner. And it's morning! Good morning, Mama and Dada! I love you!"
Nora smiled warmly and texted back, We love you guys too.
At the mansion, security tightened further. Guards surrounded the entire building. Boris, Henry, Salvius, Yasia—all were present. Zofia sat with a drink, while Nora plopped beside her with a dramatic sigh.
"I'm too damn hungry," she complained.
Salvius chuckled. "Well, we have food. Polish food too," he said, with an arm around Sachi.
Nora followed the chefs curiously, watching as they cooked, eager to learn each dish. Meanwhile, Zofia and the Black Scar Lords met with Zayan in another room.
"Tomorrow is the conference," Zofia said, her tone sharp. "Nora's network has increased to a hundred billion złoty. The Family will all be there. But I've had a spy inside Aldona's circle for seven months. She's planning to strike tonight and during the conference."
Zayan folded his arms, Raphael by his side.
"Then let's move," he said firmly.
Dinner was served: pierogi, makowiec, pączki, kielbasa, oscypek. Nora's eyes widened.
"Woahhhhh!" she gasped, digging in like the foodie she was.
Zayan only smiled, watching her devour everything. Zofia chuckled at the sight.
Nora was still sipping her drink when it happened—armed men burst inside, guns blazing. Some guards betrayed them too. About ten turned on Zofia.
Aldona stormed in. "Yes, I want the bastard! Where is she?"
Zofia smirked. "She's not here."
"Nonsense! James, dear, she's here, isn't she?" Aldona turned to him.
James stood with arms folded. "No. And I don't work for you anymore. You killed my girlfriend."
Saskia stared in shock. "You mean… you were working with Aldona?"
"I used to. Even before I met Nora," James said bitterly. "But the tables have turned."
Aldona sneered. "How stupid of you. I could've given you power, but you chose to be a loser."
Her voice rang across the hall: "Zofia! I want that girl NOW!"
From above, Nora revealed herself, hanging on the iron chandelier, gun in hand.
"Hey, Aldona. Listen carefully—be patient. You'll see me soon. But not tonight. We'll meet at the family board. Keep waiting. And also… you'll regret what you did to my Liam. You're dead meat."
"Show yourself, bastard child!" Aldona roared.
Nora aimed and fired, grazing her arm. Aldona froze in shock.
"That's just an example," Nora smirked. "Now get lost—and wait."
Aldona snarled, retreating. "I will make you all pay."
As she left, the spy slipped a folded letter into Zofia's coat at gunpoint before vanishing with Aldona's men.
Later, James sat outside on the stairs. Zayan joined him while Zofia lingered nearby.
"Why did you betray them?" Zayan asked quietly.
James's voice broke. "I didn't. I was forced. She kidnapped my love and held her for two years. I just wanted her back. When Zofia hired the spy, I begged her to help, but when the spy returned… she said my love was already gone. They buried her." His eyes glistened. "Every night I hear her voice. I miss her. I wanted a family with her. Now… maybe it's better I die single, so I can reunite with her one day."
Zayan placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mate, it's hard. Painful. But you had no choice. Zofia understands. And listen—there are countless women out there who could be the one for you. Nobody will force it, but with time, with family, you'll heal."
James lifted his head toward the night sky. "I hope she's happy up there. One day, I'll see her again."
"You will, mate," Zayan said, his British accent soft.
Inside, Nora had eaten herself into a food coma. She fell asleep still clutching the last bite of her sandwich. Zayan chuckled, snapped a picture, and sent it to the twins.
They replied with a voice message:
"Why is Mama knocked out?!" Seraphina giggled.
"Hold on, is that a sandwich? Mama is such a foodie!" Lysander laughed.
"Lemme see! Mama looks so cute!" Liam chimed in.
Zayan smiled, texting back: I love you all.
He slipped into bed beside Nora, pulling her close, and finally closed his eyes.