Chapter 570
[ 510 words ]
Chapter 570:
A wave of embarrassment washed over her. This was exactly what she didn’t want. Special treatment. The assumption that she was pulling strings simply by existing.
“I’m just here for the normal orientation,” she insisted, her voice tight. “My friend and I were waiting in the public line like everyone else. I don’t need an escort, and I don’t need anyone expedited.”
The major just smiled, a tight, knowing, terrified smile. “Of course, ma’am. Whatever process you prefer.”
He clearly didn’t believe a word of it. He thought she was testing his discretion.
She gave up. There was no point arguing. The Romero name was a force of nature, a tidal wave that flattened everything in its path. She was just caught in its wake.
She nodded curtly and walked out of the office, the weight of a name she had never asked for settling heavily on her shoulders.
Caroline found Brenna leaning against the wall outside the women’s restroom, her arms crossed over her chest, a thunderous expression on her face. The front of her silk trousers was now marred by a large, dark water stain.
“There you are!” Brenna snapped, her voice a furious whisper. “I thought you’d been abducted by aliens. Or worse, forced to listen to a military recruitment speech. Where did you go?”
Caroline just smiled and took her friend’s arm. “Long story. Let’s just say the dog has been returned to its rightful, and very loud, owner.”
Before Brenna could demand more details, the major from the office came scurrying down the hall toward them. He was holding two manila folders, and his face was wreathed in an obsequious, eager-to-please smile.
𝘘𝘶a𝘭𝗶𝘁y 𝘵r𝘢𝗇𝘀𝗅а𝗍i𝘰n𝗌 𝗈𝗇 𝗀𝘢𝗅ո𝗈𝘷е𝘭s.𝗰𝗼𝗺
He stopped in front of Caroline, practically bowing. Brenna stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Mrs. Romero,” the major said, his voice oozing deference. “We’ve prepared the orientation packets for you and Ms. O’Malley. Your visitor clearances have been noted, and the liaison desk has been informed of your arrival. You may attend the briefing whenever you’re ready.”
He handed the folders to Caroline as if they were holy relics.
Brenna elbowed Caroline in the ribs. “Liaison desk?” she hissed. “What the hell did you do in there? Did you tell them who your husband is?”
Caroline shook her head, a weary sigh escaping her lips. “I didn’t have to,” she murmured. She looked at the major, who was still standing there, smiling his terrified smile. “Who flagged my name, Major?”
He just shook his head, the smile never wavering. “That information is above my pay grade, ma’am.”
It was a dead end. She was living in a world where doors opened for her before she even knocked, all orchestrated by a powerful, invisible hand. She decided, for the sake of her own sanity, to just accept it.
“Come on,” she said to Brenna, pulling her toward the exit. “Let’s get out of here. My treat, we’ll go get you a new pair of pants.”
They pushed through the heavy glass doors and stepped out into the cool, crisp evening air. The plan was simple: shopping, followed by a well-deserved cocktail.
The plan was immediately obliterated.
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