The Returned Heiress Who Never Fit In

Chapter 741 Ashen Pact in Turmoil

The study was wrecked in seconds, a storm of broken wood and shattered glass.

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Artemis and Manny stood frozen, while Dale’s fury shook the room. Dan had just called–flatly denying he had taken Tessa. “Not me,” he’d said. “Find her yourselves.”

But whether it was him or not, they all knew the same truth: someone in the Ashen Pact had to produce her.

Dale’s chest heaved, every organ aching with rage.

“Father,” Manny growled, “it must be Dan. He hates us. Who else would have taken her?”

To him, the answer was obvious. Dan had both the motive and the malice. All the external forces swarming them now–surely Dan had opened the door to them.

Artemis, her brows knotted, turned to Dale. “Whoever it is, she must be handed over immediately.”

Two–thirds of Cyren Mines were already gone. Caesarville and Loren Lake were aflame with chaos. If they didn’t yield soon, everything would collapse.

“I know she must be handed over!” Dale roared, hurling his cup to the floor. Shards flew, slicing open Artemis’s calf.

She hissed in pain. Once, Dale would have noticed instantly, soothed her, fussed over her.

Not today.

Consumed by rage, he didn’t even see her injury.

she?!” His eyes burned as he

Was he—was he

had to

eyes shining with unshed tears. Back then, she had known: Diana was the real threat. That bitch should

brim, silent and wounded, the way she always

worked. He would relent, gather her

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741 Ashen

time–she

squabble. The very survival of the

like a

she’s

is she?!” Dale

cheeks. “She truly isn’t with us. Why

clenched his fists. “It has to be Dan. Who

is about

cut through the air like

Manny faltered. Artemis stiffened.

What did that mean?

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had fought tooth and nail to seize it from Dale. And now

place, hinting over and over she wanted it for Manny. Dale had always denied her, though he had given her everything else. In the end, Dan had taken it, leaving her furious for

was slipping