The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 679

"I swear on my life, I'll never hurt Charlie again. I won't let anything happen to you or her—if I break this promise, may I never have another peaceful day."

Charles' voice was rough, but every word rang with truth.

Evelyn winced a little at his last words but didn't say anything. She just glanced at him, then quietly bent down and got into the car.

Charles started to follow, but a wave of weakness nearly dropped him. The metallic taste in his throat was almost impossible to swallow back.

He couldn't hold out much longer.

He couldn't risk getting in the car and spitting up blood in front of Evelyn and Charlie-he didn't want to scare Charlie like that.

So, Charles took a step back, steadying himself. "I'll have the security team take you and Charlie home," he told Evelyn, forcing his voice to sound steady.

"Okay," Evelyn replied softly, glancing at Charlie.

Charles gave the two of them a long, lingering look, then closed the car door. He turned to the head of security. "Have everyone follow close. Don't let anything happen-get them home safely."

"Mr. Jenkins..." The guard looked uneasy, clearly worried about Charles.

Some of the team belonged to Francis, the rest were loyal to Charles. They wanted to leave half the men behind to protect Charles, but he shut that down with a look.

one dared argue. The guard left just one driver with Charles and took everyone else to

taillights fading into the darkness at

as they were out of sight, all the strength went out of

He doubled over-

mouthful of dark red blood splattered on the cold pavement, shockingly bright under the

going black, and

"Mr. Jenkins!"

rushed forward, catching

...

it was a

blinked his eyes

was back at

His whole body felt drained, and the coppery taste still

"Charles! You're awake!"

who'd been waiting by his bed, hurried to check

had been running on fumes for a long time-always putting Charlie first, never stopping to rest.

his power to keep

is she? Has she been looking

three days. Before he'd collapsed, he'd told the guards not to let Evelyn or