Chapter 438
Audrey’s POV
I twisted free from the distracted guards and stumbled back several steps.
Thalia lunged at me but caught nothing but air – I’d already moved out of reach.
Astrid rushed from the elevator, grabbed my arm and pulled me behind her, shielding me with her body.
Audrey! You okay?” Her voice was tight with worry.
I never expected Astrid to find me here. After all the crap she took from Thalia while I was gone, she still rushed in first, protecting me with her slender frame.
Maybe I wasn’t a complete disaster with relationships after all.
At least I had Astrid – someone who actually gave a damn about me.
Thalia’s face turned an ugly shade of purple beneath the swelling. “Astrid Wilson! Ruining my day again?” She spat the words out. “Forgotten what it felt like when my people pelted you with rotten eggs? Because I haven’t.”
She stepped forward. “I can make everyone hate you all over again. Think I’m bluffing?”
Astrid didn’t flinch. A cold smile spread across her face. “Is that so?”
Without warning, Astrid slapped Thalia’s already swollen cheek. The sound echoed down the corridor as Thalia’s head snapped to the side.
For a moment, nobody moved. Then something dangerous flickered in Thalia’s eyes
–
a bloodthirsty rage that sent chills down my spine.
“You’ll pay for that,” she hissed, touching her cheek. “Both of you!”
She turned to the security guards. “Don’t just stand there! Grab them! NOW!”
Her voice rose. “The old man’s dead! Blake’s in a coma! I run this family now I’ll destroy you two bitches!”
The guards exchanged uncomfortable glances before slowly moving toward us.
–
‘Astrid, get behind me,” I said quietly.
‘Just wait,’ she whispered, checking her watch. “Where is he…?”
Henry Hartford stepped out, flanked by four men in black suits who made the hospital security look like mall cops. The hallway’s
to Astrid. “You’re
fine,’ she
nodded toward Thalia. “Though
“You did this?” He
my satisfied smile. ‘For William. For Blake. My eyes flashed. “And
up. “None for
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Chapter 438
that a long time ago,’
Thalia, who backed away despite her earlier threats. His gaze
matters to me,” he said quietly. “That comes with
up at him. I left you alone before because I didn’t know everything you’d done, and you
what you did. And I know you’re not really Blake’s
Thalia’s face. She stumbled backward until she hit
“Take her, Henry said.
men grabbed Thalia’s arms. She
out, panic in her eyes. “Mom, help
muttering to herself, lost
Help!” Thalia’s voice
distance, took Olivia’s arm. “Let’s pay
–
“But Thalia Olivia began.
cut her off, pulling her
her last
his tone softer. “Want to handle this yourself, or should my
surprise, Astrid looked
“Handle what?” she asked.
her. This wasn’t the Astrid I knew
did
looked genuinely confused. “I don’t know what you’re
studying her face. “Astrid, did
across her features before she looked away.
her voice
her wrist, “Where are you
“It’s
The word felt wrong
ignoring my question. “Evelyn’s in
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Chapter 438
give
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