I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 449

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The extraction of Annabel's family was executed with flawless precision and absolute silence, going entirely unnoticed by anyone.

A sleek, remarkably inconspicuous van arranged by Xander had pulled up to the rear entrance of The Vance Institute of Medical Science before dawn.

The extraction route was carefully mapped out to completely avoid any major intersections with heavy surveillance.

Gareth wheeled Annabel out through the service doors, while Meredith trailed behind with a single suitcase, having packed only a few changes of clothes and her daughter's favorite childhood stuffed animals.

Nora had assured them that the safe house was fully stocked with every amenity and medical supply they could possibly need, so packing heavy was unnecessary.

Still, Meredith, ever considerate and reluctant to impose, insisted on bringing their own essentials.

Annabel sat in her wheelchair, looking pale. Medically speaking, her current stage of recovery made traveling a significant risk. However, leaving them exposed to an unpredictable, malicious threat was infinitely more dangerous.

Moving them was a drastic but non-negotiable necessity to ensure her survival.

Fortunately, Annabel's spirits were high. As she was being lifted into the transport, she turned and offered Nora a bright wave. "Bye, Dr. Newman!" she called out softly.

Nora stood by the doors, watching until the van completely vanished down the street. Xander stood faithfully by her side, slipping his hand into hers to anchor her with a quiet, unshakeable strength. "Don't stress over it. I've deployed a specialized team to look after them, and they can contact you the second anything comes up. The transit team is completely vetted. They're safe."

Nora nodded. "Thank you for handling all the logistics perfectly."

Xander looked at her with utmost sincerity. "Do you really need to thank me for protecting what matters to you?"

Nora smiled and shook her head. Just as they turned to head back inside, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out, her eyes locking onto an unknown number flashing on the screen.