**Chapter 11: Mother's Resolve**

As they walked away from the park, Yelena couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being pulled back into her old life. Maria Hill's offer still lingered in her mind, tempting her with a chance to make things right. But at what cost? Yelena glanced down at Emma, who was chattering excitedly about her bike ride. Her daughter's smile was infectious, and Yelena's resolve hardened. She would do whatever it took to protect Emma, even if it meant giving up the chance to take down the Red Room. As they approached their apartment, Yelena quickened her pace. She wanted to get Emma inside and safe, away from the prying eyes of SHIELD and the Red Room. Natasha fell back, letting Yelena and Emma take the lead. Yelena was grateful for her sister's silence, as she didn't know what to make of Natasha's motives. Once they were inside, Yelena set Emma down on the couch, where she immediately began to babble about her day. Yelena listened, smiling, as she busied herself making a sandwich in the kitchen. Natasha appeared in the doorway, her eyes scanning the apartment. "You're not going to consider working with SHIELD, are you?" she asked, her voice low. Yelena raised an eyebrow, her hands moving deftly as she assembled the sandwich. "I'm not going to make any deals with SHIELD," she said firmly. "I want Emma to have a normal life, without the Red Room or SHIELD breathing down our necks." Natasha nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I understand. But you need to be prepared for the fact that the Red Room won't give up easily. They'll keep coming for you, Yelena." Yelena's grip on the knife tightened, her mind flashing back to her training days. She had thought she'd left that life behind, but it seemed her past was determined to catch up with her. "I'll protect Emma," Yelena said, her voice cold. "No matter what it takes." Natasha's eyes searched hers, and for a moment, Yelena thought she saw a glimmer of understanding. "I know you will, Yelena," Natasha said softly. "You're a good mother. But you're also a skilled fighter. Don't let them push you into a corner." Yelena's gaze lingered on Natasha's face, searching for any hidden motives. But her sister's expression was neutral, and Yelena couldn't read her. As they finished their snack, Yelena made a decision. She would focus on protecting Emma, no matter what. If that meant keeping a low profile, avoiding SHIELD and the Red Room, then so be it. She was ready to do whatever it took to give Emma a chance at a normal life. The rest of the day passed quietly, with Yelena and Emma engrossed in a game of dolls. Yelena's mind wandered occasionally, her thoughts drifting back to the Red Room and SHIELD. But whenever she looked at Emma, she was reminded of her priorities. As the sun began to set, Yelena tucked Emma into bed, her heart full of love and determination. She would do everything in her power to keep Emma safe, even if it meant facing her past head-on. As she left Emma's room, Yelena caught Natasha's eye. Her sister was watching her, a small smile on her face. "You're doing a great job, Yelena," Natasha said softly. "Being a mother suits you." Yelena's expression softened, and for a moment, she felt a sense of peace. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but with Emma by her side, she felt like she could face anything. But as she turned to leave, Yelena's instincts flared. She sensed a presence outside, a presence that didn't feel right. Her hand on the door handle, Yelena's eyes met Natasha's. "I think it's time we got some rest," she said, her voice low. Natasha nodded, her eyes flicking to the door. "Agreed." As they retreated into the safety of their apartment, Yelena knew that she was just getting started. The Red Room and SHIELD might think they could use her, but Yelena had other plans. She would protect Emma, no matter what it took. And if that meant fighting her past demons, then so be it. She was ready.