?Chapter 969:


    Luca strode to her side, drew a dagger, and sliced through her bindings in one clean motion. “Can you move?”


    Ste gave a quick nod, forcing herself upright on unsteady legs.


    Luca guided her to the window, where a rope hung ready.


    “Ms. Russell, you first. Mr. Briggs is waiting below.”


    At his words, Ste wasted no time. She gripped the rope and began her descent without hesitation.


    Lingering even a moment could doom both her and Luca.


    With her eyes squeezed shut, Ste slid down, the rush of wind howling past her ears.


    The instant her feet hit the ground, William’s arms steadied her by the waist, holding her upright before pulling her swiftly toward the waiting car.


    Once inside, Ste caught her breath and asked, “Where’s Drake?”


    William leaned across to buckle her seatbelt. “He’s still on the first floor, holding off the bodyguards I brought with me. Don’t worry—I’ll get you out of here.”


    The car tore down the road, and Ste cast a nce over her shoulder, watching ck smoke coil skyward from the grand manor.


    A flicker of disbelief crossed her face. Had William truly ordered Luca to set the estate aze?


    One hand steady on the wheel, William sped her hand with the other. His gaze softened. “I’m sorry for putting you in danger, but I’m grateful I got to you in time.”


    Ste turned back toward him, her expression grave. “You nned this, didn’t you? You let Drake uncover your men so he’d be forced to bring me here.”


    William paused, then let out a quiet hum. “I knew he’d catch on. None of it was by chance.”


    Ste’s brows drew together in frustration. “You could’ve told me. Why didn’t you?”


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    She had truly been afraid for him—terrified that Drake might harm him.


    “I’m sorry, Ste. You were safer not knowing.”


    A flicker of guilt lingered in William’s eyes. Though frustration tugged at her, Ste understood. Some things had to be kept quiet. She let out a slow sigh, letting the silence settle.


    Drake’s men were still on their tail. Without warning, William yanked the wheel, and the car shot into a tight alleyway, tires screeching against the pavement. Ste nced over her shoulder, tension tightening her chest as her fingers curled into fists.


    “Are they all with Drake?”


    William’s jaw tensed. “No. They’re from Erebus.”


    The moment hung heavy—then gunfire cracked through the air. The rear window exploded in a shower of ss.


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