Two of Charles's men tore down the valley in a frenzy, only to find wo vehicles smashed together and pinned by a fallen tree. Sprawled on the ground was a corpse, the sight so grim it turned their stomachs. Instinct jolted them to draw their weapons, scanning every shadow with anxious eyes.

One guard snapped open his radio, voice tight with urgency. "Young Master, Kelly's out of the forest. Two of our guys got

wasted."

Chris's reply exploded through the speaker.

"Are you all braindead? She's poisoned and barely standing, yet you let her slip through? Worthless bastards! Either find her and drag her back, or don't bother coming home!"

"Yes, Sir." The guard's voice was clipped, dread rolling off him in waves. He signaled to the others. "She's weak and poisoned- move it!"

The four men dove into the trees like wolves on the hunt, their fear of failure overshadowed only by their fear of Chris.

Back in the study, Charles stood tall, his tone deceptively calm as he addressed Chris Nolan and Bianca.

"Our dirty laundry's about to hit the wind. I need both of you to get out of here and head straight to Vermont."

Chris tried to argue. "But-"

"No buts." Charles's voice cut like a blade. "If Kelly sings, Jasmine Il come for me. She could even drag my father into this. You both are dead! I won't let that happen."

He turned to Chris, "You used to be the greatest knight in Vancouver. In Vermont,

I expect you to rise above that-be more than a knight. Be superhuman."

Chris hesitated. "I'm a criminal. The only reason I'm here is because you promised to clear my record."

Asly grin slid across Charles's face. "In Vancouver, you are. In Vermont, you're free as a bird. Jericho Kane rules there, and he'll set you up."

"Fine." Chris grabbed Bianca's arm with a grunt. "We're leaving."

Charles pointed at the door. "The private jet's waiting.'

"1

Bianca lingered, glancing back at him. "And what happens to you??

low

all they'll be-accusations. And if I clean this mess properly, she won't have a damn thing but her paranoid

the door behind

contempt. "Pathetic. No wonder your own father passed you

cleared his throat, mock concern

manners. It's rude to insult the idiot we're supposed to protect. Even if he's a dimwit, at

"Why the hell would I do

of Bill. "So he

both,

these two were Jericho Kane's disciples-sent to "protect

1/3

held nothing but contempt for all of

icy calm into his voice, "If she escapes, she il unravel everything

one

sneered, longing like he owned

Must be nice running a worthless hole like Kingston. Maybe Bill and I should just

She

laugh. "Elite? She'd be dog

"Then get the fuck unt

prowled over, clapping Charles on the shoulder hard enough

antidote. When I run into her, I'll enjoy every second with her. Maybe I'll record it for you-give you a front-row seat

face scarlet, his fists shaking at

smirk deepened. "You've pined after her for five

worry-I'll leave you with her after me

second-floor window. A roar of an engine followed as he tore off on a

shame and fury warring in

were closing in,

chosen Jasmine to lead instead

had conspired to siphon billions from Kingston into his own pocket,

a loan and kept

to shift the balance, Charles grabbed the phone and called Jericho Kane. He

he knew he was

ears, calling him weak, impotent, a sad excuse

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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