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?”

easily pushed around?” She leaned closer, teasingly asking,

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

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

fist and said, “Oh, I believe you. I bet you could kick

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

day at

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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 stands, Halle had brought Camden to support Beatrice.

cheered.

fixed on the track. He intently observed the girl assigned to the lane beside Briar, his hands clenched into tight fists as he silently

glance at the girl who had edged a little closer to her, then 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

in, engaging her in conversation and offering a quiet pep talk, even hinting at a reward if she performed well.

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

Briar couldn’t be bothered by the pretense of invisibility from the two blocking her path. She shoved them aside. “Move aside, you’re in the way.” Perhaps

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 their feet, and everyone took their positions, ready

starting gun fired, and everyone on the track surged forward–everyone except Briar. She casually strolled off the line,

realized Briar wasn’t even trying to keep up, they had already left her 160

works for us. When

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 at

and Hamish were also seated in the stands, enjoying the best seats in the house, surrounded by university administrators from various institutions. “Hey, what’s Briar up to now?” Hamish chuckled, observing

with interest. “Isn’t she running beautifully? Her breathing and strides are perfectly

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