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."

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. I've

"What

"Luther likes me."

heart skipped. That wasn't the

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

It made sense, like how I'd noticed Sergio's odd behavior toward me. I'd drawn lines with him right away.

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

I've finally found you. You can call me selfish if you want, but I'm not letting you go. Taylor's life

gasp escaping

to say anything more. Stay with the Boltons

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

took on the role of the

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

looked at Carter, her eyes

calm and steady, met her

Damian to increase security. No matter what,

Damian replied, his

room. It hurt, but it was the only way. "Don't hate me. I can't let you

have to trust

red, filled with emotion. "What if

off, my tone cold, "Then it's his bad

fine. Luther won't be on guard around

shook my head.

No one

them、 This is a

there are losers. In fact

Even

you

loss could mean everything."

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

tears,

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

hand resting on her growing belly, approached me.

gave a steady reply, "I

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

did your

go? Everything's fine,

Chloe. The baby's

QUMS

her skin. "You've been looking a bit worn out. I'm concerned. You've got

with this being

first child.

I will

happy when

be