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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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."

were home, I ordered Damian to increase security. No matter

"Yes, ma'am," Damian

locked Whitney, "plied, his

It hurt, but it was the only way.

have to trust Taylor. He'll handle

filled

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486 All It

tone cold, "Then

G

fine. Luther won't be on guard around me. I'll make it back

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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

catching the tears,

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

her growing belly, approached

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 baby's

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

gently over her belly, her eyes clouding with a touch

are strong, no doctor can guarantee everything

shape, Aunt

at my stomach, a cold shiver ran up my

upstairs. Once in my room, I grabbed Carter's hand. "I think Alisa's about to make a move. Stay alert. She might try something

pulled me into a soft embrace. "I won't let anything happen

had felt powerless before, but today things

my greatest concern was

We need to watch her closely.

now. You've got your checkup tomorrow. Just

"Okay."

sleep eluded me. The following day's checkup was crucial. It would focus on the baby's

loss weighed heavily on me,

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486 All It Takes Is

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prepared to leave the next morning, I found Whitney sitting at the kitchen table, eating

you."

glanced up at me and said, "I'll go

coming along. You should stay home and

me be there with you. I want to share every moment, every surprise." I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep her away.

*

from getting

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the headlights. The world outside was a blur, the wipers swishing steadily, but inside the car, it was warm and cozy. Jess was in the driver's seat, tapping the steering wheel along with the beat of whatever song was playing too softly on the

a comforting weight beneath my palms. It was strange-I didn't remember it being this big. Hadn't I just found

I frowned, shifting slightly.

something

Something in the backseat.

unbuckled my seatbelt without thinking, twisting in

Lights.

Bright, blinding lights.

gasp,

Éverything hurt.

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body seized, like every single muscle clenched at once, and then there

Darkness.

Floating.

Time didn't exist.

Then-

Voices.

Sharp. Too many of them

Blinding fluorescents above

I tried to move.

Nothing.

I tried to speak.

Nothing.

ribs, my lungs. My fingers twitched, and suddenly, someone noticed. A sharp exclamation in a language I didn't

like I'd been stretched

touching me. A hand pressing

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Another on my shoulder.

nothing came out. Was I even trying? It's like my body forgot how to move.

a man's voice-soothing, calm-spoke in accented

was measured and practiced. "It is called a tracheostomy. It's helping you breathe. Your diaphragm isn't strong enough to do it on it's own after such a long time.