?Chapter 195:


    Makenna’s POV:


    Bryan carried me out of my vi with purposeful strides, and as we moved, I found myself growing moreposed, my thoughts sharpening with each step. From the moment I realized the examiner was Bryan’s man, I had crafted a n—one that involved using someone else’s hand to reach my own ends. And Bryan was that someone.


    I needed a force strong enough to stand up to Kristina’s influence, someone who could silence her with a single word. Bryan, with his reckless disregard for boundaries, was the perfect candidate.


    When the examiner peppered me with questions about Bryan, I quickly deduced that he was working for him. So, I answered each question with precision and detail, knowing that once Bryan heard my responses, he would bepelled to seek me out. For a man as arrogant as Bryan, my rejection must have stung. Learning that I knew so much about him would only drive him to confront me, to challenge my inconsistency, and unt his own appeal. The thought made me smirk inwardly.


    I had experienced love before; I knew the machinations of a man’s mind. Besides, Bryan had taken so much from me already—was it too much to use him to further my own goals?


    Avoiding confrontation with Flynn’s brother was futile. With my ne in Kristina’s hands, she would always have a hold over me. The only way to break free was to eliminate the threat entirely, to ensure that foolish man was no longer a problem. And even if Kristina had other ns, I would gain precious time to regroup.


    Perhaps sensing my vulnerability, Bryan’s voice softened, adopting an unexpected gentleness. “Are you hurt?”


    I touched the tender bruises on my neck, answering quietly, “I’m alright. He just strangled me.”


    Bryan’s gaze darkened as he looked at the marks on my skin. He pressed on, “What happened? Why was that man in your house?”


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    I shook my head, maintaining my fragile act, and replied with innocent confusion, “I don’t know. He just appeared tonight. I found it strange too, especially since he seemed so clueless. How could he have found my exact location?”


    My words were a clear insinuation—someone had led him to my ce. If Bryan chose to investigate, he would inevitably uncover the Harrison family’s involvement. Though they were powerful, Bryan was a prince, and his ruthless nature would ensure they faced consequences, even if he didn’t outright punish them.


    Reflecting on the earlier encounter, I was relieved that I’d had the presence of mind to provoke the fat man into scratching Bryan. If I had relied solely on myself, I wasn’t sure I could have incited Bryan enough to seek out the truth. But now, with that attack, Bryan’s vindictive side would ensure he wouldn’t let this go.


    As expected, my words only intensified Bryan’s resolve. His voice was as cold as ice. “I will get to the bottom of this.”


    I lowered my eyes, masking the flicker of satisfaction within them, and then looked up with a fearful expression, asking timidly, “What if hees after me again?”


    “He won’t.” Bryan’s eyes burned with a steely promise as he vowed, “I’ll make sure of it. You don’t need to worry.”


    With his assurance, a wave of relief washed over me. My n was in motion, and it was working perfectly.


    I shifted slightly in his arms, tapping his shoulder. “You can put me down now.”


    “Put you down?” Bryan’s expression soured, his toneced with irritation. With a coldugh, he tossed me into the back seat of his car. “You’re injured. Where do you think you’re going?”


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