?Chapter 1433:


    Rhys tousled her hair affectionately, his voice warm as a summer breeze.


    “But aren’t those illusion-inducing drugs you created even more extraordinary?”


    Rhys had discovered that the bullets Harlee used wereced with a unique drug, one that plunged its victim into a web of fabricated illusions, forcing them to confront their conscience in their final moments. That was why Harlee had taken the antidote so boldly, without batting an eye.


    Harlee, her pale face still tinged with exhaustion, raised an eyebrow with pride. Those bullets were her masterpiece—a work of brilliance she wouldn’t deploy unless the stakes demanded it. But…


    Her gaze softened as it drifted down to her belly. A smile yed on her lips, and she murmured, “My little one, thank you for loving me enough to hold on so tightly.”


    If the baby hadn’t been resilient, she was certain she would have suffered a miscarriage.


    Rhys, ever vignt, handed her another ss of water, his concern clearly visible across his face.


    Harlee took small, measured sips, not daring to defy Rhys. After all, she’d been unconscious for three days and had no strength left to argue with him.


    As if reading her thoughts, Rhys’ expression turned steely.


    “You’d better not dare!” His tone carried a warning sharp enough to cut through her stubbornness.


    “Oaklee has already partnered with Casper. Without Lucius, N is in retreat, giving us some breathing room. So, you’re staying home and focusing on this pregnancy—end of story.”


    Harlee opened her mouth to argue but mped it shut at the sight of his piercing gaze. Fine. She’d wave the white g—for now.


    gα?ησν????s﹒c??m has it all


    Before they could enjoy even a moment of peace, the Sanderson family swept into the room like a whirlwind, their concern filling every corner.


    “Harlee!”


    “My darling girl, thank heavens you’re awake!”


    In an instant, Harlee’s parents and brothers had muscled Rhys away from the bedside, moring to surround her.


    “Are you still feeling unwell?”


    “Did Goodwin check you out yet?”


    “Why is your face still so pale?”


    Harlee, overwhelmed by the onught of questions, decided to y her ace. With doe-like eyes, she softly pleaded, “Mom, I’m starving.”


    The worried chatter came to a screeching halt. Who could resist Harlee when she looked so fragile? Certainly not her overprotective family.


    “I’ll make your favorite macaroni and cheese right away,” Lonnie announced, already halfway out the door.


    Harlee’s lips curled into a sweet smile.


    “Thanks, Dad.”


    Turning to the others, Harlee added, “Mom, Brenton, Kareem, Fleming, Clint, and Fletcher—I’m still feeling a bit tired. Can I nap until Dad’s done cooking?”


    She wasn’t entirely sure why she had been asleep for three days or what had transpired during that time, as her mind wasn’t quite clear yet. Toprehend the recent events, she needed to collect herself, give it some thought, and ideally call Thiago and the others. Not wanting to cause rm, she quickly concocted an excuse to send them away.


    How could Sk and the Sanderson brothers possibly refuse? They each shared a few well-meaning words of advice, their concern evident, and then tactfully retreated downstairs.


    Once the coast was clear, Rhys strolled back to his spot with a sly grin that practically screamed mischief.


    “Babe, don’t even think about sneaking in some work.”


    Harlee blinked. How had this man grown so adept at reading her thoughts?


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