Ryder was worried about the safety of his wife but as Xavier informed Ryder that I was safe and it was all just an act, Ryder felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had been so consumed by his anger and his thirst for revenge that he had lost sight of what was truly important.

He looked at Xavier, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect. "Thank you," he said, his voice soft and sincere. "I don't know what I would have done if something had happened to Nova."

Xavier nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. He knew that Ryder had been through a lot, and he respected...