Chapter 319

Two hours earlier-

In the heart of Banyan City, within the dimly lit confines of the local police station's holding cells, the clock struck eleven, plunging the hallway into darkness save for the lone sentinel patrolling outside. Amidst the hush, a shadow fell across the entrance, heralding the arrival of a figure cloaked from head to toe in black.

Jaxon, slumped at the corner desk, lifted his weary gaze. The newcomer, clad in a dark ensemble, strode in with a purposeful gait, face shrouded beneath a hat. "Jaxon."

"Who are you?"

"Zane sent me. Time to get you out. Let's move."

Locked up for five interminable days, Jaxon's disheveled appearance belied the flicker of hope that now ignited within him.

The Bartels family and Elaine had kept their word.

He was right to believe that leverage meant safety.

Skeptical of Whitney's warnings, he now felt a surge of relief.

Quickly rising, Jaxon stretched, a hint of ease crossing his face. "How did Zane swing it with the cops?"

"Inside connections. Top secret. Once we're out, Elaine's arranging for you to skip the country."

The man in black led the way, a beacon of freedom to a desperate Jaxon.

Yet, as they progressed, the path seemed amiss. This was not the route to the station's main exit.

Jaxon's voice

turned, the moon casting a sinister half-light across his face, transforming him into a harbinger of

That chilling smile...

had been too trusting

Bartels intended to silence him permanently. After years at Elaine's beck and call, holding her darkest secrets, how could she betray him? In a

called out, eerily calm as he

help proved futile; the corridors

all a

Jaxon found himself cornered

done everything for the Bartels, been Elaine's right hand. I know too

Your house has been cleared out

cold smirk crossed Jaxon's face. "You won't

hinted at a hidden

the Bartels, their empire built on the shadows of such dealings. Facing imminent death, Jaxon, in desperation, swallowed the pill Whitney had given him, possibly a poison,

sinister as he lunged, needle aimed at Jaxon's

moments, Jaxon clawed at the walls, a futile attempt at escape, before collapsing, life ebbing away as

Jaxon's still form, placing a fabricated suicide note beside him, snapping a photo for the police database, then disappearing into the night

-

by the urgency. "Jaxon reached out two hours ago? The Bartels could've disposed

I gave him. We've only got 12 hours. Bryce, we need to find

the Bartels' next move, Bryce realized, "They'd fake a suicide to cover their tracks. Cremation

won't rest until they've burned the body. The morgue!"

ready to act. "Leave it to me. Head back and wait

through the night, a sense of foreboding hung in the air. The fate of her uncle and their only hope rested on

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