?Chapter 1344:


    Sadie stepped forward, her presence radiating intimidation like a tangible force.


    “Or do you think, as a mere bodyguard, you can make decisions on behalf of my father?” Her voice carried a venomous edge, each word carefully measured. “Should I call him right now and talk about how you’re ‘taking care’ of me?”


    Without hesitation, she wielded her status as Emerson’s daughter like a weapon, his name alone carrying devastating power.


    Cold sweat beaded on the bodyguard’s forehead as panic crept into his features.


    Everyone working at the estate knew Sadie’s true identity as the long-lost daughter of the manor’s master.


    Each servant had witnessed firsthand the devotion Emerson showed her.


    Crossing her over something so petty could spell disaster if she whispered even a singleint into Emerson’s ear.


    Wrestling with the impossible choice, the bodyguard finally surrendered, bowing his head in defeat. “The car will be ready immediately, ma’am.”


    Sadie’s lips curved in a cold smile as she looked away with satisfaction. This victory was merely the beginning of her grand n.


    Using the precious identity Emerson had bestowed upon her, she would im every ounce of freedom within her grasp.


    Meanwhile, Hurst carefully followed the cryptic markers Noah had left behind—signals only the two of them could decipher—until he finally reached a presidential suite in a five-star hotel.


    Smoothing down his smoke-stained clothes, he pressed the doorbell.


    The door swung open almost instantly.


    Relief flooded through Hurst’s chest at the sight of Noah standing before him.


    Yet as Hurst stepped inside and absorbed the opulent surroundings, shock froze him in ce.


    With Emerson’s and Afara’s forces searching every corner of the city, could they really hole up in such a brazen location?


    Then, realization struck him like lightning.


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    They were hiding in in sight.


    Sometimes the most dangerous ce became the ultimate sanctuary.


    While search teamsbed through derelict warehouses and remote hideouts, their quarry loungedfortably in the city’s most visible luxury hotel.


    The strategy was nothing short of genius.


    “You’re injured.” Hurst’s gaze fixed on Noah’s bandaged arm, concern deepening the lines around his eyes.


    Moving with efficiency, he grabbed clean gauze and antiseptic from the room’s medical supplies, his hands steady despite the urgency. The bullet had torn through flesh in a vicious graze; while not life-threatening, the raw wound looked agonizing.


    Noah endured the treatment in stoic silence, his dark eyes remaining as cold and unreadable as winter stone.


    Their n had been wless, ounting for every variable except one wildcard: Afara.


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