Chapter 155

Claire's POV The private jet touched down. Now it felt like a homecoming to the life I'd reclaimed through sheer determination and scientific brilliance. The tropical paradise we'd left behind had served its purpose—restoring my equilibrium and reminding me who I was beneath the layers of external pressure and expectation. Theo's hand found mine as we descended the steps onto the tarmac, his thumb tracing gentle patterns across my knuckles. The mating bond hummed between us with renewed strength, carrying his satisfaction at seeing me fully restored to myself after the healing we'd found together on the island. "Ready for reality?" he asked, though his tone suggested he was prepared to turn the jet around immediately if I showed any sign of reluctance. "More than ready," I replied, surprised by the conviction in my own voice. "I'm not the same woman who fled here weeks ago. I want to face everything head-on now." The drive through the city revealed subtle changes that reflected the shi