?Chapter 1557:


    “Why are you so desperate to send me away? Nothing about this feels right. Tell me the truth — is this because of Ste?”


    Marc raked his fingers through his hair, shoulders sagging as fatigue crept into his voice. “I am getting Ste out of that vi. If you stay here, you will be in danger. The moment William notices anything, the first person he will go after is you.”


    Jazlyn went still, fear spreading across her face. “What are you trying to do? What kind of danger are you talking about? Son, listen to me — can you not just let Ste go?” After all these years, he still could not release her.


    Her refusal pushed him to the edge. He spun around and snapped, “I will not back down. No matter what happens, I am taking Ste away. Once the vi is set on fire, she will have no choice but toe out.”


    Silence crashed over the living room.


    Jazlyn stared at him as though looking at a stranger, the color draining from her face. Her mouth opened, and it took a long moment for words toe. “What did you just say? Burn the vi? Have you lost all sense? That is William Briggs. You know how powerful he is. You cannot fight him. Is one woman really worth this?”


    If Ste had never existed, their family would not have fallen apart. Those prosperous days were gone, his studio had barely survived before being destroyed again because of her — and now her own safety was being dragged into it.


    Jazlyn jumped up and grabbed his arm, her voice trembling. “Son, please listen to me. Stop this now. What is so special about Ste? I know plenty of good girls. If you did not like thest one I introduced, I will find another — someone better. With everything you have to offer, are you really afraid you cannot find someone better than her?”


    He shook her off, his eyes zing with a fixed intensity. “Ste belongs with me. Stop interfering. Pack your things and leave now. If you wait any longer, it will be toote.”


    “I am not going.”


    Jazlyn finally broke. Tears streamed down her face as she cried, “If I leave now and you provoke William, I may never be allowed toe back. I have lived in Choria my entire life. I am not leaving.”


    Once Jazlyn made up her mind, Marc could no longer move her. He had not expected her to refuse him this fiercely. He turned to face her, his voice t and almost cruel in its calm. “You will not leave? Then stay. When I am done and Williames looking for you, do not expect me toe back for you.”


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    The threat hit Jazlyn like ice poured over her head.


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