?Chapter 1357:


    Only moments ago, Afara had nearly killed Noah. Now, he wasying down his life to secure their escape.


    It didn’t feel real.


    Noah pulled her close, one hand pressing gently against the back of hers, his presence steady and firm.


    In the flickering blur of streetlights, his profile looked carved from steel—unyielding.


    Zupren government. Night Bats. Afara…


    Whatever the truth was, Noah knew only one thing: he had to keep Sadie safe.


    Half an hourter, the car came to a stop outside a nondescript building called Pearl Apartments.


    The driver guided them straight to the seventh floor.


    The door to unit 707 opened from within.


    Inside stood several middle-aged men in suits, their faces calm but watchful. Their eyes—sharp and seasoned—held the weight of authority.


    As soon as Sadie and Noah stepped in, every gaze turned to her,ced with curiosity, scrutiny, and a hint of urgency.


    The man who appeared to be the leader stepped forward. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Hudson.”


    His voice was deep, firm—leaving no room for negotiation. “The research data left by Ms. Brenda Stewart is vital. Not just to us, but to the entire nation.”


    He didn’t waste time with pleasantries.


    “Whatever your conditions are, name them. If they are within our power, we’ll meet them.”


    Sadie met his gaze, her expressionposed. She looked untouched by the chase she had just survived.


    She didn’t respond right away. Instead, she crossed the room and took a seat on the sofa.


    Noah stood behind her like a sentinel, his presence cold and imprable.


    He said nothing. The choice was hers.


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    Sadie nced around the room, her eyes cool and steady as they met each pair of eyes.


    “Before we discuss terms, I have questions.”


    Her voice was soft, yet it rang through the stillness with unshakable rity.


    “What really happened at the NE Research Institute? Why did my mother have to hide for so long, carrying something this important?” She paused, then spoke again.


    Again—each word sharp, deliberate. “And what role did the Lawson family y in all of this?”


    The final words she spokended like a stone in still water. The room turned to ice.


    The officials, who just moments ago held themselves with quietmand, visibly flinched at the mention of the Lawson family. They exchanged quick nces—shock flickering across their faces, chased by hesitation.


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