Chapter 33: Welcome Home
Three days after the chaos in Geneva, the political landscape had completely shifted. The election was officially over, and Mr. Harold had secured a historic landslide victory. With the threat entirely neutralized and the new administration established, it was finally safe to return home.
Upon their arrival, they were immediately brought to meet the newly elected President. The atmosphere in the executive office was a stark contrast to the freezing, dark warehouse in Switzerland. Mr. Harold stood waiting for them, the immense weight of his new office matching the profound relief written across his face as he looked at his safe, unharmed son.
The President stepped forward, extending a hand to Stella—who stood perfectly composed in her flawless disguise, presenting to the world, and to Ethan, as nothing less than a elite male operative. Only Stella herself and her aunt Melissa, her sole caregiver who had taken her in after she miraculously survived that fateful shipwreck, knew the truth of her identity. To the President and to Ethan, she was simply the top-tier agent who had done the impossible.
"You delivered on your word," President Harold said, his voice thick with emotion as he shook her hand. He was fulfilling the sacred pact he had made with her in the early days of the assignment. "I told you that if you kept my son safe, I would grant you anything within my power. Riches, a high-ranking title, a permanent retirement—name it, and it is yours."
Stella offered a disciplined, respectful nod. "Thank you, Mr. President. I don't need anything right now. But with your permission, I will hold onto that promise for the future."
"Consider it an open guarantee," Harriot replied firmly.
With the assignment officially concluded and her secret identity perfectly intact, Stella returned straight to the headquarters of the HSS. Walking through the polished glass corridors of the agency, she finally shed the heavy mental burden of the protective detail, feeling the familiar, grounded rhythm of her life as an active agent returning to her.
"Well, look who finally decided to come back from Switzerland."
Stella paused and turned around. Walking down the hallway toward her was Hadrian, a warm, genuine smile breaking across his face. The relief of seeing a trusted partner after weeks of dodging assassins in the freezing cold washed over her completely.
"Did you miss me?" Stella asked, her tone lighter than it had been in months.
"The place was practically dead without you," Hadrian chuckled, stopping right in front of her. "Welcome home, Agent."