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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All It Takes is One

he could get me

skipped a beat. "No,

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real goal was, but Whitney had barely escaped the organization. If anything went

Carlyns are really gone. If you go to that event, it might ruin Taylor's perfect chance to act. We could make

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

frowned, puzzled. "What do you

"Luther likes me."

That wasn't the answer I'd

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

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

if Luther likes you, I can't let you go. He invited you, but it's obvious he wants to take you away from

found you. You can call me

soft gasp escaping

now. I'm not letting you leave. I know Taylor agrees with me. He wouldn't

I took on the role of the overprotective

left.

eyes pleading. "Carter, you understand,

met her gaze. "Listen to

to increase security. No matter what, Whitney mustn't

"Yes, ma'am," Damian

"plied, his

was the only way. "Don't

trust Taylor. He'll

filled with emotion. "What

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486 All It Takes Is One

her off, my tone

G

looked desperate. "I'll be fine. Luther won't be on guard around

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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 once, please

looked into my eyes, catching the tears, and gave a small nod.

despite her promise, I still couldn't shake the anxiety gnawing at me. I immediately arranged for extra security to keep an

growing belly, approached me. "Aunt Chloe,

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

Chloe.

a relief." I noticed the pale tint to her 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 be so happy when

hand gently over her belly, her eyes clouding with a

strong, no doctor can guarantee everything will

like you're in good shape, Aunt Chloe. The baby

at my stomach, a