Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 186

Ashton sat by the bay window for a long time. Only when a car pulled up did he close his laptop, get up, and head. off to change. Briar walked in just behind Connor, curious to see Ashton’s reaction to her email–not for sympathy,

but to know what he honestly thought.

Connor greeted Briar with a bright, enthusiastic smile. “Morning, Miss Jennings.”

Briar smiled back. “Morning.”

“You’re up early today. Are you waiting for a morning run with Mr. Wade?” Connor asked. He had recently taken over Brandon’s responsibilities, driving Ashton back and forth each day. He knew that whenever Ashton stayed here, he not only prepared Briar’s meals but also served as her morning running partner.

Briar nodded. “Yeah, I woke up early today and came over to see Ashton.”

As they chatted, Ashton came downstairs dressed in his workout gear. He approached Briar and gently kissed her forehead. “Why are you here so early?”

The warmth of his kiss made Briar instantly lose her cool. “Someone’s here, you know…”

Ashton chuckled, took her hand, and started leading her toward the door. “Who? I don’t see anyone watching.”

“Connor’s still here,” Briar said, turning to point out that he was still standing nearby. But just as she did, Connor quickly slipped into the kitchen, disappearing like he’d been greased up.

Briar was utterly at a loss for words. Ashton grinned. “See? No one’s here now.”

By the time they reached the yard, no one else was around. As Ashton began to stretch, he casually asked, “Briar,

did

you ever face any bullying back in school in Qathana?”

an eyebrow. “Do I look like the type that can be easily pushed around?” She leaned closer, teasingly asking, “What’s with

flickered as he gazed at her face, now mere inches away. “I’m curious about what you were like back in Qathana. You’re so pettie

ever. “If anyone tries to bully me, I’ll beat them up!” She raised her gentle little

her fist and said, “Oh, I

I get the chance, I’ll

that day

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race was divided into three groups, and by chance, Briar and Beatrice found themselves in the same group, assigned to neighboring lanes. Considering the recent tension between the sisters, Beatrice chose not to make small talk this time. In the

cheered.

to them was Robert, his eyes fixed on the track. He intently observed the girl assigned to the lane beside

let out a low, ambiguous snort. The girl instantly recoiled, her shoulders hunched, afraid to meet Briar’s gaze. ‘With nerves like that, does she think she can mess with

on the other hand, had noticed the girl’s nerves. She leaned in, engaging her in conversation and offering a quiet pep talk, even hinting at a reward if she performed

more relaxed. “I’m

pretense of invisibility from the two blocking her path. She shoved them aside. “Move aside, you’re in the way.” Perhaps Briar was simply that

stands. However, the starter was already calling the runners to their marks, so none of the other athletes dared to speak.

everyone on the track surged forward–everyone except Briar. She casually strolled off the line, completely unfazed, as if

in the lanes right beside her. By the time they realized Briar wasn’t even trying to keep up, they had

That works for us. When we reach the second lap, let’s catch up to her. Don’t waste your opportunity–stay calm, or

might get suspicious.”

Don’t worry.” She had already taken the cash. No matter how anxious she felt, she had to see the job through to completion. With that kind of money at stake, paying it back was her only option. She was tired of people showing up

the house, surrounded by university administrators from various institutions. “Hey,

interest. “Isn’t she running beautifully? Her breathing

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