?Chapter 716:


    “You can’t, Makenna!” she eximed, stepping forward and gripping my arm as though holding me back could halt my resolve. Her eyes bored into mine, pleading. “I think Antoni might just be trying to intimidate us. Martin will pull through—you don’t have to do this. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment!”


    I sighed, gently prying my arm free from her grasp. “Evie,” I began, my voice soft but resolute, “Martin isn’t just out of his depth here—he’s drowning. Antoni sees him as nothing more than a speck of dust on his shoes. If I don’t act, Martin will be crushed like a bug underfoot. I can’t let that happen.”


    Evie’s lips parted as though she wanted to argue, but she suddenly held back her words, as if recalling something.


    To lighten the heavy air, I gave her shoulder a reassuring pat, forcing a smile. “Don’t worry about me. I’lle back. I promise.”


    Finally, Evie gave a reluctant nod, her voice cracking as she whispered, “Just… be careful, okay? We’ll be waiting for you.”


    Alice, however, wasn’t ready to let go. She clung to me, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Then I’ming with you,” she choked out, her grip like iron.


    As I wiped away Alice’s tears, I smiled and reassured her, “I’lle back safely. You stay home and wait for me. I’ll count on you to have my back when I return.”


    “No!” she cried, her desperation spilling out like a dam broken. “I don’t care what you say. I’m going with you, no matter what!”


    Her resolve mirrored mine, and after what felt like an eternity of hesitation, I gave a reluctant nod. “Alright, you cane.”


    Her tear-streaked face lit up with a fragile smile, but even as she smiled, my heart was torn between relief and guilt.


    When dinner came, I made my decision. I carefully slipped a sleeping potion into Alice’s food.


    She ate without suspicion, and the potion worked quickly. As she drifted into a peaceful slumber, Iid her gently on the sofa, covering her with a soft nket.


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    Her serene face tugged at my heart. Kneeling by her side, I whispered, “I’m sorry, Alice. I can’t let you follow me into this storm.”


    Standing, I turned to Evie, my voice firm but tinged with sorrow. “Evie, please watch over her while I’m gone.”


    Evie bit her lip, uncertainty etched across her face. Just as I turned to head upstairs, she grabbed the hem of my shirt, her trembling hands betraying the brave front she tried to maintain. “Do you really have to go?” she asked, her voice fragile as ss. “It’s like walking into a lion’s den.”


    I met her gaze and nodded. “I do. But I’ll be careful—I promise.”


    Freeing myself from her grip, I climbed the stairs and changed into a ck outfit, practical and inconspicuous. After double-checking my equipment, I descended with a resolute heart. In the living room, Evie sat by the sofa, her eyes distant as though lost in a fog of worry.


    I approached her, cing a hand lightly on her head. “I’ll bring Martin back,” I said softly, my smile meant to reassure. “You can count on me.”


    Without giving her—or myself—another moment to waver, I walked out the door, leaving behind the warmth of the home and stepping into the unknown.


    Evie’s POV:


    I watched helplessly as Makenna’s silhouette shrank into the distance, finally vanishing altogether. Guilt gnawed at my soul, and a tidal wave of pain crashed over me, leaving me gasping for air.


    I opened my mouth, desperate to cry out, to stop her, to tell her everything—how it was all part of Jett’s cunning web of deceit. But the words refused toe. It felt like a boulder was lodged in my throat, rendering me mute.


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