Chapter 179
Thorne As Armor.
The revelation shook Serena and Silas in ways they couldn’t imagine. They were silent as they drove back into the military camp, escorted by soldiers.
As they were nearing Norman Collin’s estate, Nathaniel said to Silas, “Remember what we talked about p>
Silas nodded.
Serena’s blood was boiling, but she understood there were proper ways to handle the situation.
They stopped in front of the huge estate. Serena was so lost in thought that she hadn’t noticed Norman Collins waiting for them.
When she and Silas stepped out of the car, Norman said, “Take your rest here. You can leave in the morning. It’s too late to return to Rexam p>
The former general’s gaze shifted to Nathaniel. “Got the truth out p>
Nathaniel nodded.
A scoff left Norman’s lips. “You should have been in the military, boy p>
That was because Norman had also tried to obtain the information from Victor. When he didn’t have any luck, Nathaniel proceeded to extremes, including escalating Vanessa Holt’s transfer.
Turning to Serena, Norman’s gaze softened. “Serena, you must have been traumatized, but know this – the fact that you’re standing here proves you are stronger than what was done to you p>
Serena smiled. It was a kind smile that also brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you, Norman p>
“Take your rest now. I have prepared your rooms,” Norman said, tapping Serena on the shoulder.
“Silas, you too,” Norman acknowledged Silas’s presence. “Take your rest, and be careful. Rage is easy to pick up. It’s harder to put down p>
“I’ve seen men who let anger drive them,” Norman added, letting Nathaniel hear his words as well. “They win the fight… and lose themselves p>
Silas’s face softened, just a little. Nathaniel simply nodded.
They soon made their way into the mansion.
The structure was large, but it lacked unnecessary ornamentation. Security cameras were subtly positioned along the corners, and armed personnel stood at measured intervals near the gates.
Inside, the décor was restrained, with heavy oak furniture, maps framed in glass, and an entire wall dedicated to decades of service. Medals were arranged in precise rows behind locked glass cases, their polished surfaces catching the light. Citations and commendations sat beside them, each plaque engraved with dates, operations, and ranks earned through years of command.
Photographs lined the corridor — Norman shaking hands with presidents, standing before battalions, receiving honors beneath national flags.
Nothing was displayed for vanity.
Everything had been earned.
“Mr. Thorne, you have arrived. Miss Vander, Sir Vander.” It was Gavin. “I brought clothes p>
On the second floor, they each had their assigned rooms. Serena’s room was next to Nathaniel’s.
Serena bathed and put on a comfortable pair of pajamas. It was one of the clothes she had at home, so she assumed Gavin had dropped by the Venders’ estate.
But because Serena felt uneasy sleeping in a new house, especially one that belonged to a former general, she stepped outside in search of Nathaniel. He wasn’t in his room.
Silas was already asleep. So, Serena made her way down to the first floor. She saw Gavin, and he said, “The boss is speaking to the general p>
Serena waited in the living room. When Nathaniel stepped out of Norman’s study, he spotted her immediately.
“Can’t sleep?” he asked.
“Yes,” she answered softly.
He stretched his arm toward her. “Come, let me take you to bed p>
They went to Nathaniel’s room instead.
No words were spoken, but Serena supposed it was understood. They going to share the same bed,
were
and Serena wouldn’t have it any other way.
In no time, Serena was under the covers, resting on Nathaniel’s chest.
His warmth and scent completely engulfed her.
A thought came to her mind. “Are you not going to change your last name back to Collins p>
Nathaniel did not answer right away, but when he did, he explained, “Mom and I have made a name for ourselves as Thornes. As much as we love Dad and honor him, it’s complicated, business-wise. All qui companies and assets are under our
new names p>
“I have already explained that to Norman,” Nathaniel continued. “Thorne is what we
became after my father died p>
“For me,
We built everything beet
more than just a name
and
tup against Victor he added
wę
Serena nestled further into his chest. “It’s fine, I guess. I’m sure Neal would
understand p>
Minutes passed, and although Serena felt completely comfortable beside Nathaniel,
her mind kept drifting back to what Victor had revealed.
“You need to get some sleep,” Nathaniel whispered.
When she looked up at him, her expression soft and a little defeated, he tilted his head thoughtfully.
“I might know a scientifically proven solution for insomnia,” he proposed.
“Oh?” she asked cautiously.
“Oxytocin. Endorphins. A significant drop in cortisol.” His lips curved into a slow, knowing smirk. “Very effective treatment p>
Serena blinked at him.
Nathaniel shrugged. “I’m just offering medical assistance p>
She tried not to laugh — and failed. “You’re unbelievable p>
“And yet,” he murmured, stepping closer, “you’re considering it p>
Her cheeks warmed instantly. She lowered her voice. “I’m still safe, so… you can p>
The words refused to come out.
He leaned closer, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I can what?” he asked softly.
She swallowed. “You know p>
His gaze darkened, amusement fading into something heavier. “I know p>
Before she could take another breath, his mouth claimed hers, his hands easily finding those soft parts of her body.