?Chapter 864:


    He hesitated, and then his eyes darkened slightly, taking on a rare seriousness. “But that’s not the only reason I came.” His gaze locked onto mine. “Since you’re going to the Harrison family’s banquet with me, I need you to know—I won’t let anything happen to you two.”


    Before I could even react, he reached out, ruffling my hair like I was a child.


    By the time I snapped out of my daze, he had already turned away, striding toward the door.


    Watching his retreating figure, I scowled, muttering under my breath, “That kid has no manners.”


    Makenna’s POV:


    Twilight had surrendered to darkness by the time Jett finally returned. Weariness hung heavy on his shoulders, prompting me to quickly pour a ss of warm water and offer it to him.


    “Here, have some water.”


    Jett epted the ss with grateful eyes. “Thanks. Why aren’t you resting yet?”


    I paused, the weight of Alden’s earlier words lingering in my mind. “Alden came to see me earlier today,” I finally confessed.


    At this revtion, Jett set the ss down with deliberate care, a shadow of displeasure darkening his eyes. His voice took on a cutting edge. “Why did hee here?”


    With a resigned smile, I recounted my conversation with Alden in brief strokes.


    To my surprise, Jett’s expression clouded over further. He clenched his jaw and growled, “I think Alden has ulterior motives toward you.”


    “No, no, I think you’re reading too much into it,” I said, waving my hand dismissively. “Alden is just a kid in my eyes. He’s barely an adult—how could someone so young possibly have bad intentions toward me?”


    Irritation carved itself across Jett’s features. “Don’t let his innocent looks deceive you. Someone like him is definitely up to no good. You need to keep your distance from him.”


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    Finding his reaction strange, I changed the subject. “Don’t be so incredulous. Anyway, about the Harrison family’s uing banquet, what’s your n?”


    Without missing a beat, Jett replied, “I’ll apany Alden to the banquet myself. You can’t go. It’s too dangerous.”


    “No way!” I objected instantly, my voice rising. “Cody is bound to be far more difficult to deal with than his son Antoni. I’m worried you won’t be able to handle it alone. It’s too risky for you to go by yourself.”


    A sh of anger ignited in Jett’s eyes as he raised his voice. “Can you stop being so stubborn? This isn’t something you should get involved in. It’s too dangerous!”


    “Am I stubborn? You’re the one being unreasonable!” My voice quivered with frustration, my heart swelling with hurt.


    I was only worried about Jett’s safety. Why was he suddenlyshing out at me?


    Recognizing his red temper, Jett drew in a deep breath and ced a gentle hand on my shoulder, guilt softening his expression. “I’m sorry, Makenna. I… I’m just so worried about you. I don’t want you to get hurt.”


    Bone-tired, I brushed his hand away with a weary sigh. “Just leave. I want to rest.”


    With that, I guided him toward the door.


    Just as the door closed between us, I caught the soft sound of his regretful sigh from the other side.


    In his absence, I copsed onto the bed with a heavy thud, my empty gaze fixed on the ceiling as a long sigh escaped my lips.


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