Loved You Once But He's My Forever

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 ease 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 in 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...

"Luther said he could get me in."

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

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."

was barely above a whisper. "I know you're trying to protect me.

"What do you

"Luther likes me."

wasn't the answer I'd expected.

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

Sergio's odd behavior toward me. I'd drawn lines

but it's obvious he wants to take you away from us. Once

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

a soft gasp escaping her

anything more. Stay with the Boltons for now. I'm not

agrees with me. He wouldn't want me sending you

time, I took on the role of the

all I had left.

at Carter, her eyes pleading. "Carter, you understand,

and steady, met her gaze. "Listen to

we were home, I ordered Damian to increase

Damian replied, his

the only way. "Don't

you have to trust Taylor. He'll

red, filled with

cut her off, my tone cold,

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

my head.

No one

will throw at them、 This is a gamble, and in

there are losers. In fact

Even if you

wouldn't let you

loss could mean everything."

were younger, you always listened to me. Just this once,

the tears, and gave a small nod.

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

hand resting on her growing belly, approached

reply, "I can't

dangerous choice. I won't let her follow her love to the end. She

did your

Everything's

Aunt Chloe.

QUMS

looking a

this

child.

I will

happy when

be