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?”

eyebrow. “Do I look like the type that can be easily pushed around?” She leaned closer, teasingly

were like back in Qathana. You’re

anyone tries to bully me, I’ll beat them up!” She raised her gentle little fist playfully toward Ashton’s face and twirled it. “I’m serious, I’m good

and said, “Oh, I believe

earnestly. “Just wait–next time I get the chance, I’ll pick a fight and show

day

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assigned to neighboring lanes. Considering the recent tension between the sisters, Beatrice chose not to make small talk this time. In the stands, Halle had brought

cheered.

to the lane beside Briar, his hands clenched into tight fists as he silently hoped she

her

offering a quiet pep talk, even hinting at a reward if she performed well.

Leilani seemed to relax significantly, her expression much more relaxed. “I’m fine now, so don’t

path. She shoved them aside. “Move aside, you’re in the way.” Perhaps Briar was simply that strong, or maybe the two girls were off

of shock swept through the stands. However, the starter was already calling the runners to their marks, so none of the other athletes dared to speak. They helped the two girls to

gun fired, and everyone on the track surged forward–everyone except Briar. She casually strolled off the line, completely unfazed, as if the race didn’t

even trying to keep up, they had already left her 160 yards behind. Leilani kept glancing back. “Beatrice, why is

saving her energy for a final sprint. That works for us. When we reach the second lap,

might get suspicious.”

No matter how anxious she felt, she had to see the job through to completion. With that kind of money at stake, paying it

stands, enjoying the best seats in the house, surrounded by university administrators from various institutions. “Hey, what’s Briar up to now?”

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

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