?Chapter 1288:


    “Harlee, it’s toote. And you promised to help the inders with grudges take revenge themselves, didn’t you?” Tania tried again to catch Harlee’s hand.


    Harlee shook off Tania’s hand and spun around, only to fall into Rhys’forting embrace. He enveloped her tightly. “Lee, what’s happening?” Noel was with Rhys.


    The moonlight caught the de of the dagger in Harlee’s grip, casting a chilling, silvery glow.


    For a brief moment, Harlee became as rigid as stone. She sank into Rhys’ arms, herplexion ghostly pale. The thought that after Tonya’s rebirth, Tania’s body had been vited was unbearable!


    “Lee,” Rhys caressed her back, his touch a whisper meant to calm her fury. Harlee felt her body grow cold, as if all the warmth had disappeared. She stared vacantly into the distance, consumed by self-me. She med herself, thinking that if only she had founded thepany sooner, Tonya might have avoided such horrors.


    In that moment, Harlee’s anguish was so profound that it felt as though Tonya’s suffering had been inflicted on her own body.


    Rhys murmured tenderly into her ear, “It’s okay. I’ll be here for you, no matter what.”


    Ga ln ovels . fuels your imagination


    Harlee was speechless, her body leaning feebly against Rhys as she stared into the void. The self-reproach inside her flourished, consuming her entirely. In Harlee’s mind, Tonya should never have endured such humiliation.


    Harlee made up her mind. She was going to kill that rapist. She would not let anyone who harmed Tonya live without facing retribution. She was determined to make the rapist suffer for his actions.


    Rhys noticed the deep rage in Harlee’s eyes, her essence seemingly drained. He firmly stabilized her, cradling her face in his hands, ensuring she looked directly into his. “Harlee, focus on me.”


    Prompted by hismand, Harlee’s mind slightly cleared. She gazed up into Rhys’ deep eyes and said casually, “I want to kill the Clifford’s henchmen.” Though such actions wouldn’t undo the past, it didn’t mean the guilty could live without fear. They didn’t deserve it!


    Harlee allowed Rhys to hold her face, her eyes, usually so clear, now clouded with hatred.


    Rhys experienced a sharp twinge of sorrow. He didn’t know what Tania had told Harlee to trigger such a drastic change, but it wasn’t the time to probe. His immediate concern was to soothe Harlee.


    “Sweetheart, focus on me. Take a moment to settle,” Rhys said gently. “We can address those responsible now, but let me, Patrick, Robbie, or Noel handle it. Any of us is up to the task. You’re pregnant. Promise me you won’t tackle this yourself, okay?”


    Rhys worried about the potential risks. If not for Harlee’s exceptional resilience and their unborn child’s strong survival instinct, things could have turned out quite differently.


    Rhys silently reaffirmed his thoughts and then took Harlee’s hand, his tone sincere as he said, “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you without condition, but your well-being muste first.”


    At his mention of the baby, Harlee’s eyshes flickered. She met his earnest gaze, and her sense of reason returned. With a slight nod, she handed over the dagger. “I’m sorry.”


    She tenderly stroked her belly, contemting her recent emotional instability and her asional loss of control. After settling this quest for revenge, she nned to return to the Sanderson family estate and seek some peace.


    “No,” Rhys softly brushed her hair from her forehead. “I’m the one who should apologize. If you weren’t expecting, you wouldn’t need to restrain yourself.”


    Noel had attempted to interject several times but hadn’t found the right moment. Watching Harlee’s mood gradually stabilize, he chose to stay quiet.


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