Even after Her Death by Rita Bond

Even after Her Death

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Chapter 486 All It Takes Is One Loss

Sergio offered his hand. "Mr. Bolton, it's a pleasure."

Both men stood tall, but Carter's presence radiated the case of someone accustomed to command. Sergio, on the other hand, carried himself with an undeniable intensity. Their handshake, simple at first, felt more like a charged meeting between two powerful figures as if the slightest spark could ignite a confrontation.

As they pulled away, I noticed Sergio's lack of interest Carter.

"I have matters to attend to. Mr. Bolton, please make yourself at home."

Though Sergio maintained a cool exterior, he always made an effort to personally welcome me, offering snacks, fruit, and drinks.

Yet, with Carter, there was no hospitality, no attempt to mask the tension.

I tried to smooth things over, "Carl, don't take it personally. Dr. Zimmer's just... well, he's not the most open person."

Carter didn't reply, though his eyes spoke volumes.

Once Whitney's session ended, I walked to Sergio's office to say goodbye. He was wiping his hands again with a wet wipe, each motion slow and deliberate.

"Um... I'll head out now," I said, unsure how to respond to his strange behavior.

Without looking up, he dropped the wipe in the trash. Alright."

I turned and left, trying to convince myself that it was just his need for cleanliness and not anything personal toward Carter.

The car ride felt tense, and Whitney broke the silence, The academy is hosting an event soon, Chloe."

"What kind of event?"

"A student exchange for top performers."

Carter and I exchanged a glance. This event was held a few times each year, advertised as a chance for students to network and gain career opportunities. But every time, a few students left for the event and never came back. After Carter looked into it, we discovered that some of those students had disappeared into a web of black- market dealings and financial fraud.

This was Taylor's chance to move.

It was an inside operation. If we could get evidence at the event, it would be the perfect moment to dismantle everything.

"You'll need senior membership for this event, right? You're a junior member. You probably won't be able

to go...

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16:01 Thu, Feb

All It

said he could get me

heart skipped a beat.

Finished

but Whitney had barely escaped the organization. If anything went wrong now, I couldn't bear

tried to explain. "Whitney, we think Luther's been trying to use you to confirm whether the Carlyns are really gone. If you go

head down, not meeting my eyes. She twirled her fingers nervously, and when she spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. "I know you're trying to protect me. But I can't just sit back while he risks everything on his own. I'm not

frowned, puzzled. "What do

"Luther likes me."

heart skipped. That wasn't the answer I'd

woman. Sometimes, all it takes is a look. Luther's part of the same group. We should've known each other, but I forgot that part of my past.

behavior toward me. I'd drawn lines with him right away. And now, I had

obvious he wants to take you away from us. Once you're out

gripped her hands, my voice firm, "We've been apart for 20 years. I've finally found you. You can call me selfish if you want, but I'm not letting you go. Taylor's life doesn't matter as much as

soft gasp escaping

say anything more. Stay with the Boltons for now. I'm not letting you leave. I know Taylor agrees with me. He wouldn't want me

took on the role of the overprotective

all I had left. I couldn't lose her

Carter, her eyes pleading. "Carter,

met her gaze. "Listen

ordered Damian to increase security. No matter what,

"Yes, ma'am," Damian

Whitney, "plied, his expression

it was the only way. "Don't hate me. I can't let you take

have to trust Taylor.

red, filled

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It Takes Is

cut her off, my tone cold, "Then

G

be

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predict what life will throw at them. This is a gamble, and in every gamble, there are losers. In fact, most gamblers lose. Even if you win, I wouldn't let you take that risk. One loss could mean everything." I cupped her face gently. "Whitney, please. When we were younger, you always listened to me. Just this

the tears, and gave a

couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at me. I immediately arranged for extra

hand resting on her growing belly, approached me. "Aunt Chloe, what's

love to the end. She needs to be kept safe. By the way, how did

Aunt Chloe.

skin. "You've been looking a bit worn out. I'm concerned. You've got to take care of yourself, especially with this being the Boltons' first child. Your dad will

ran her hand gently over her belly, her eyes clouding

are strong, no doctor can guarantee everything

in good shape, Aunt Chloe.

a cold shiver ran up