Chapter 1691:


    Though already reeling from her uncle’s sins, the exchange that crackled next through their earpieces nearly shattered what remained of Alfy’sposure.


    After acknowledging Bernie’smand, Sophia turned toward him with practiced deference and said, “Boss, we’ve received intelligence that your niece Alfy has been kidnapped by human traffickers. I’ve already initiated tracking protocols for her location.”


    Bernie’s face transformed instantly. Shock rippled across his hardened features, followed swiftly by a darkening rage as he fixed Sophia with a dangerous stare. “What? Kidnapped?”


    No one understood better than he did the horrific destinations where traffickers delivered their victims, or the unspeakable fates that awaited them. If such atrocities were to befall Alfy…


    Bernie forcibly halted that line of thought, unwilling to envision the possibilities. “Mobilize everyone immediately,” hemanded, his voice dropping to a menacing growl. “If anyone hasid a finger on her, eliminate them. All of them.”


    His entire demeanor had shifted. Alfy was his singr weakness — the only person who truly mattered. Should any harme to her, the guilt would consume him entirely.


    Sophia nodded. “Consider it done.”


    Her hand had barely touched the doorknob when she turned back. “Boss,” she ventured carefully, “what contingency ns do we have if Alfy discovers your leadership of the T Organization?”


    The question struck Bernie like a blow, freezing him where he stood. His expression darkened like a thundercloud gathering force. “Should my identity ever bepromised to her, every single one of you will forfeit your lives as consequence.”


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    He understood perfectly how Alfy saw him — as the epitome of moral integrity. Though she acknowledged his asionally ruthless business tactics, she believed his actions remained within the boundaries of eptable conduct.


    If Alfy found out… Bernie couldn’t begin to imagine her reaction. Under no circumstances could he allow such a revtion.


    Every damning word filtered through Alfy’s earpiece with crystal rity. Paralyzed, she recalled the dossier she hadpiled on the T Organization’s mysterious leader during her earlier investigations. She knew about the cruelty and inhumanity attributed to the organization’s head — the horrors, the corruption, the blood on their hands.


    And yet, in the end, that voice belonged to her uncle.


    Alfy surged to her feet, unable to maintain the charade for another second.


    Katelyn, instantly recognizing her intentions, lunged forward and seized Alfy’s wrist. She shook her head in urgent warning, but Alfy gently pried her fingers away.


    “Take care of yourself,” she murmured.


    She made no effort to whisper it. Though much was left unspoken between them, Katelyn understood the meaning entirely.


    Katelyn remained frozen in ce. She could not reveal her own identity — not here, not in the heart of the T Organization’s stronghold.


    With onest meaningful nce at Katelyn, Alfy turned and strode purposefully toward the staircase. The attendant, sensing the shift in atmosphere, moved to intercept her.


    But Alfy was faster. Before he could close the distance, she had already reached the second floor.


    With one powerful thrust, she flung the heavy door wide open.


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