Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

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

Chapter 486 All It Takes is One Loss

"Luther said he could get me in."

My heart skipped a beat. "No, you can't go."

Finished

This was clearly a trap. I didn't know what Luther's real goal was, but Whitney had barely escaped the organization. If anything went wrong now, I couldn't bear to think of it.

I took a deep breath and tried to explain. "Whitney, we think Luther's been trying to use you to confirm whether the Carlyns are really gone. If you go to that event, it might ruin Taylor's perfect chance to act. We could make things worse."

Whitney kept her 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 reckless. ve got a plan.

I frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Luther likes me."

My heart skipped. That wasn't the answer I'd expected. "Really?"

She nodded, looking up at me with a hint of resolve. "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 I forgot that part of my past. He hasn't, though. He's been trying to help me remember"

Her words struck a chord. It made sense, like how I'd noticed Sergio's odd behavior toward me. I'd drawn lines with him right away. And now, I had to do the same for Whitney.

"But Whitney, even if Luther likes you, I can't let you go. He invited you, but it's obvious he wants to take you away from us. Once you're out there, we won't be able to find you."

I 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 yours."

She blinked, a soft gasp escaping her lips. "Chloe...

"You don't have to 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 sending you into Luther's arms."

For the first time, I took on the role of the overprotective older sister.

Whitney was all I had left. I couldn't lose her now.

She looked at Carter, her eyes pleading. "Carter, you understand, right?"

Carter, always calm and steady, met her gaze. "Listen to your sister."

to increase security.

"Yes, ma'am," Damian

locked Whitney, "plied, his

it was the only way. "Don't hate me.

have to trust Taylor. He'll handle

red, filled with emotion.

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All It Takes Is One

off, my tone cold, "Then it's

G

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

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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

looked into my eyes, catching the tears,

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

resting on her growing belly, approached me. "Aunt Chloe,

a steady reply, "I can't risk her making a dangerous choice. I won't let her follow her love to the end. She needs to be kept safe. By the way, how did your last

Chloe. The

bit worn out. I'm concerned. You've got to take care of yourself, especially with this

over her belly, her

no doctor can guarantee

good shape, Aunt Chloe. The baby

at my stomach, a cold shiver

headed upstairs. Once in my room, I grabbed Carter's hand. "I think

"I won't let anything happen

before, but today things weren't

my greatest concern was

give up. We need to watch her closely. She

worry about it for now. You've got your checkup tomorrow. Just

"Okay."

eluded me. The following day's checkup was crucial. It

previous loss weighed heavily on me, making

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It

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next morning, I found Whitney sitting at the kitchen

you."

glanced up at me and

"No, Carl's coming along. You should stay home

mine, her concern evident. "Are you sure? I'm worried about him, but I'm more worried about you-especially now. Let me be there with you. I want to share every

*

her from getting

282 Vouchers WAKE

LAURA

swishing steadily, but inside the car, it was warm and cozy. Jess was in

weight beneath my palms. It was strange-I didn't remember it being this big. Hadn't I just found out I was pregnant? Wait, the song was different. This

I frowned, shifting slightly.

was something

Something in the backseat.

thinking, twisting in my seat to

Lights.

Bright, blinding lights.

sharp gasp, and

Éverything hurt.

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288 Vouchers

body seized, like every single muscle clenched at

Darkness.

Floating.

Time didn't exist.

Then-

Voices.

many of them all at

this time. Blinding fluorescents above me, burning into

I tried to move.

Nothing.

I tried to speak.

Nothing.

in my chest like a balloon, pressing against my ribs, my lungs. My fingers twitched, and suddenly, someone noticed. A

and unfamiliar, like I'd been stretched too thin.

me. A

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Another on my shoulder.

It's like

voice-soothing,

"It is called a tracheostomy. It's helping you breathe. Your diaphragm isn't strong enough to