?Chapter 866:


    Panic surged. Ste tried to twist free, but their grip was iron. The club lifted higher, angled toward her wrist, while the other man pressed a hand toward her mouth. Out of options, Ste clenched her jaw, bracing for the blow.


    Ste squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the blow.<fne150> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on F?ndNovel</fne150>


    Instead, a violent crash erupted beside her.


    The man with the club let out a strangled scream as he was hurled backward, smashing into a dumpster with a hollow ng before crumpling into unconsciousness.


    The second attacker barely had time to register what happened before a polished leather shoe mmed into his side.


    Crack!


    The sound of bone snapping echoed through the alley. He copsed, clutching his ribs, howling in agony.


    The attack ended so quickly that Ste could only lean against the wall, chest heaving, her mind struggling to catch up.


    At the alley’s mouth, silhouetted in the light, a tall man calmly adjusted the cuff of his immacte suit jacket. He lowered his foot, a roguish smile spreading across his face.


    Amon.


    Ste froze, shock rippling through her.


    He strolled toward her as if nothing had happened, his gaze sweeping over her disheveled appearance.


    “Ms. Russell, has it really been that long? Trouble seems to follow you. Do you enjoy keeping me entertained like this?”


    His tone was yful, and he reached as if to brush a loose strand of hair from her cheek.


    L??t??st ch??pt??rs in gαl??ovels.c?m


    Ste jerked her head back, eyes icy. “Amon—why are you here?”


    The timing was too perfect. Too convenient. Suspicion red inside her.


    Amon only shrugged, the smile never leaving his lips, though his eyes glinted with something darker. “Call it instinct. Heroes always show up just in time, don’t they? Adds a touch of romance to the story.”


    He sidestepped the question and nced at the groaning men on the ground. “Seems my dear cousin isn’t doing his job. Some protector—nowhere to be found when you actually need him.”


    Amon’s casual jab struck deeper than Ste wanted to admit. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face before she could stop it.


    Only then did it hit her—she didn’t even know where William was right now. Amon caught the change instantly. A sly glint lit his eyes as he leaned closer, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.


    “Ms. Russell, you’d be better off with me. I wouldn’t let you walk headfirst into danger again and again… or vanish on you for a blind date when you need someone.”


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