?Chapter 1005:


    Kolton’s lessons lingered in Kiley’s mind: control came from holding something over another person. Trust could fade, loyalty could waver, but fear remained constant. It was fear of retribution, not friendship, that kept people from turning away.


    A faint smile tugged at Kiley’s lips as her eyes narrowed. “Raegan, you’re the first friend I’ve ever wanted to keep.”


    “Rest assured, Kiley. How could I ever betray you?” Raegan stepped closer, guiding Kiley’s hand to rest over her chest. “Feel that heartbeat? Kiley, you can put your faith in mepletely.”


    “Excellent,” Kiley said, satisfaction warming her tone. “You really know how to win me over. If I were a man, you’d have me wrapped around your finger, helpless to resist.”


    With a yful look, Raegan let out a mock sigh. “What a shame you’re a woman too.”


    Easing herself onto Kiley’sp, she gave a lightugh. “Not that it changes anything between us. So, what’s my next assignment?”


    Silently, she understood that Kiley’s schedule was about to get much busier. udius’ sudden disappearance had left no one to manage the handover at Cooper Group, and several of his loyal subordinates were openly resisting Kiley’s authority.


    But for someone as experienced as Kiley, such defiance was hardly an obstacle. Given a little time, she would dismantle every challenge and cement her control over the Cooper Group.


    That meant a significant share of the workload would inevitably fall on Raegan, the assistant Kiley trusted to carry it out.


    Raegan’s remark drew a faint smile from Kiley. “You really do have a knack for reading my mind.”


    However, her expression shifted in an instant. The warmth faded, reced by a steely glint in her eyes. “Do you remember what I told you after our visit to Wront Prison?”


    The change in tone made Raegan’s features sharpen with focus.


    Almost simultaneously, both women spoke the same words. “Interrogate Shiloh without holding back.”<fna655> Discover more novels at Find★Novel</fna655>


    Maple Hospital.


    A faint, chilly scent of antiseptic lingered in the hospital room.


    Pattie’s gaze followed Hurst and Mnie as they walked away. When the door clicked shut, she hurried to Maia’s side. Her expression lit up like a child holding back a giggle, eyes fluttering, lips twitching into a smile. Maia sank into her pillow and shot her a curious nce.


    “Why are you staring at me like that?”


    “Ha ha ha… I swear, you looked like a beaming mother who’s just gained a brand-new daughter.”


    Pattie finally let theughter spill out, waving a hand dismissively. “Maia, don’t take it to heart. I just had a gut feeling that Hurst might fancy you… The way he looked at you — there was something in his eyes. I’ve never seen anything like it. And his daughter Mnie… She met you and immediately called you ‘mom’. Gave me goosebumps. For a second, I even wondered if Mnie was your hidden child — until I remembered the ages didn’t add up.”


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