?Chapter 319:


    Unwavering, Christina replied, “No need. My answer won’t change.”


    Ralphy studied her face and finally understood why Dn had failed to talk her out of it. Christina’s stubbornness was something fierce—unyielding and absolute.


    One more time, Ralphy asked, “Are you absolutely sure?”


    “Completely.” Christina’s nod was firm.


    Left with no other option, Ralphy threw up his hands. “Alright, you win. I’ll double the security around here.”


    He figured if he couldn’t get through to Christina, he’d make sure Christina and Dn were both protected, no matter what.


    “Bring Chloe back to Dorfield with you. I won’t feel at ease unless her safety is entrusted into your hands,” Dn said, his eyes locked steadily on Ralphy.


    “All right, all right!” Ralphy answered, his toneced with resignation, realizing he couldn’t sway the pair before him. “I’ll see to it that Chloe gets back safely myself, and after that, I’lle right back here.” Even with extra people stationed to protect them, the thought of leaving just the two of them behind left him unsettled.


    “Alright,” Dn replied. “Then take Chloe to the Cloudcrest Estate.”


    Security at Cloudcrest Estate was unmatched. Every entryway bristled with checkpoints, each one more rigorous than thest. No ce could have been more imprable—Cloudcrest Estate was a fortress in its own right.


    “Will do.” Ralphy nodded.


    Before letting Ralphy go, Dn added a final instruction, “Make sure Chloe doesn’t leave Cloudcrest until we’re safely back.”


    “Got it,” Ralphy replied, his tone resolute.


    Lingering a moment longer, Ralphy confirmed that Dn was stable before heading off to collect Chloe, casting onest, reassuring nce before they departed for Dorfield.


    Though reluctant to leave, Chloe knew her staying behind might onlyplicate things, so she eventually left with a heavy heart.


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    Aboard the helicopter, unease followed her like a shadow. “Ralphy, do you think Christina will really be alright? I am a bit worried about her since she’s staying behind.”


    Chloe’s hands fidgeted restlessly in herp. The thought of more trouble finding Dn made her chest tighten, and the possibilities of Christina being caught in harm’s way only added to her anxiety.


    Ralphy did his best to soothe her. “Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged security for Christina and Dn. Besides, Dn would never let anything happen to her.” A gentle pat on her shoulder underscored his promise. “Everything’s going to be fine. Try not to worry so much.”


    Chloe said nothing, her eyes glued to thendscape whirring past the window. Her prayers drifted silently, wishing safety for Christina and Dn. If anyone had to make a sacrifice, she would do it for them without a second thought.


    Back in the hospital room, silence finally settled in. Exhaustion overtook Christina the moment shey down on the spare bed, and sleep imed her quickly.


    While she slept, Dn kept his eyes on her the entire time. He found himselfpletely drawn to her face, unable to look away for even a moment.


    Dn couldn’t help but marvel at the peaceful rhythm of Christina’s breathing, entranced by the gentle flutter of hershes. Gradually, a quiet, contented smile lit his face—one that lingered, sweet and soft, as he watched her sleep.


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