?Chapter 1378:


    The frustration and helplessness weighed on her, making the entire situation feel unbearably absurd.


    These people spoke of cooperation, yet never gave her any real choice.


    “Don’t reject it so quickly,” Amon said evenly. “You might change your mind once you hear me out.”


    Even though she had no desire to listen, Ste knew she had no choice. There was no escaping his control at the moment.


    Amon stood up from the sofa and walked toward her at an unhurried pace. There was something in his eyes—dark, intent—that sent a chill through her.


    “You don’t remember him, and you want to leave his side, don’t you?” he continued. “I can help you. If you cooperate with me when he shows up, I can help you escape. What do you say?”


    She had to admit it—the proposal was tempting.


    At first, she had nned to weaken William from within, but she now understood just how difficult that path would be.


    Amon was William’s cousin. If anyone had the means to help her escape—and ensure her friends and family remained safe—it might be him.


    Ste sat still for a moment, then looked up. “And how exactly do you want me to help you?”


    Amon leaned in, voice smooth as silk. “It’s easy. When he walks in, act like you can’t stand to be away from him. Look fragile—like you’ll break without him. Beg him to agree to my terms.”


    Amon could sense her resolve faltering from the shift in her tone. Hence, he pressed on, “Ste, I’m the only one who can help you now. I can get you out of Choria—clean and quiet.”


    He wasn’t lying. As a Briggs, he still held some influence. Not enough to go head-to-head with William, but enough to stir trouble.


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    Ste’s chest tightened, her brow furrowing in thought. Maybe this was her only real shot at leaving William. If she passed it up, who knew when—or if—she’d get another chance?


    But could Amon really pull it off?


    And even if he could, would William actually give in just because she asked?


    The more she thought about it, the less likely it seemed.


    She looked Amon dead in the eye. “What if he doesn’t care? What if he lets you do whatever you want with me?”


    William hated her now—truly hated her. She didn’t even know what terms Amon nned to throw on the table, but she doubted William would agree to any of them.


    Amon gave her a slow, almost disappointed nce. “If he doesn’t care… then we’re done here. Simple as that. Our deal only works if it benefits both of us. And if you’re useless to me, I won’t waste my time helping you. You understand that, right?”


    A chill ran through her. So that was it. If William didn’t care, Amon wouldn’t fulfill his promise.


    “But you do know he hates me now,” she said quietly.


    She could still feel his hands at her throat from that night in the study. The rage in his eyes.


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