《The divorced military queen awakens》 Military 1 Chapter 1 The Broken Promise Chapter 1 The Broken Promise s When Quinn Bridger delivered the project proposal to Trent Grafton¡¯s office, she happened to see Trent fastening a ruby ne around Sidonie Stonehurst¡¯s neck. She stared at the ruby ne, entranced. It was the same ne she had begged Trent to bid for after seeing it in the auction catalogue. In their three years of marriage, she had never once asked him for anything. The first thing she asked him to do was to purchase the ne, simply because it was a cherished heirloom from her mother. ¡°A mere ne has you so captivated. I always said you were a vain one,¡± Trent¡¯s friend, Yorick Lamont, said with a look of disdain. Ignoring Yorick¡¯s mockery, Quinn swiftly stepped forward, reaching out toward Sidonie¡¯s neck. In the next moment, her wrist was seized by Trent. ¡°I¡¯ve already given the ne to Sidonie.¡± you promised to give me that ne!¡± Quinn said, her usually beautiful face marred by a rare disy of anger. Trent frowned, a clear displeasure in his eyes. ¡°Stop messing around. This is my gift to celebrate Sidonie¡¯s promotion to co¨Cpilot.¡± Messing around? A chill ran through Quinn¡¯s heart. ¡°What if I insist on having that ne?¡± From the side, Yorick mocked, ¡°Trent, I¡¯ve always said that Quinn is not worthy of you. She¡¯s vain and ipetent. You should divorce a woman like her sooner rather thanter. Only a woman like Sidonie truly matches you.¡± The marriage between Trent and Quinn was a secret known only to a select few. However, it wasmon knowledge that Sidonie was Trent¡¯s first crush. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. I have no interest in being a homewrecker,¡± Sidonie dered disdainfully, then promptly removed her ne and nonchntly tossed it at Quinn¡¯s feet. A ne worth millions was casually discarded on the ground as if it were mere trash. Quinn¡¯s eyes welled up with tears as it was the ne her mother treasured immensely. Slowly, she crouched down, gradually drawing the ne into the palm of her hand. The cold edges of the ne bit into the palm of her hand. Condescendingly, Sidonie spat, ¡°What a woman should truly care about is knowledge and perspective. Instead of squabbling with me over a ne, you¡¯d be better off enriching yourself!¡± What kind of knowledge or perspective does she have? She went to some trash university, and if it weren¡¯t for Trent¡¯s kindness, letting her hang around in thepany, she¡¯d probably be sweeping the streets!¡± Yorick scoffed. All those insults, and Trent hadn¡¯t spoken a single word in Quinn¡¯s defense. As such, Quinn rose to her feet, ignoring Yorickpletely. She fixed her gaze on Sidonie. ¡°You keep saying 1:05 PM +5 Free Coins Chapter 1 The Broken Promise you don¡¯t want to be the homewrecker, yet why did you readily ept a ne worth millions from someone else¡¯s husband?¡± Sidonie scoffed, ¡°I merely regarded it as a casual gift from a friend. I didn¡¯t pay any attention to its value!¡± ¡°Really? So friends casually gift million¨Cdor nes now, do they? I assume Yorick is also your friend. Has he ever gifted you anything worth millions?¡± Quinn mocked. Sidonie was left speechless. Even Yorick, who was standing next to her, wore a somewhat stiff expression. ¡°Enough,¡± Trent said irritably. ¡°It¡¯s just a ne. Don¡¯t blow it out of proportion!¡± Quinn tightly clutched the ne in her hand. To Trent, it was just a ne, but her mother once used it in a war¨Ctorn foreignnd in exchange for medicine and food, thereby saving fifty orphans. For her, the ne was not just a mere piece of jewelry, but also a symbol of her mother¡¯s steadfast conviction! Taking a deep breath, Quinn recalled the phone call she had received before entering the office. It informed her that her parents¡® ashes were already on the ne, set to arrive in Jexburgh tomorrow. She lifted her gaze toward Trent, saying, ¡°All right, let¡¯s not discuss the ne anymore. Tomorrow, my parents¡® ashes are being transported back from abroad. I would like you to apany me to collect them.¡± What worried her parents the most, when they were still alive, was her marital affairs. They always hoped she would settle down and start a family. She wished for him to apany her to retrieve her parents¡® ashes, granting her and her parents a measure of dignity. Trent was momentarily taken aback. He remembered that during their wedding, Quinn had once mentioned that her parents had tragically died overseas due to an unforeseen ident. A glint flickered in Sidonie¡¯s eyes, while Yorick scornfully retorted, ¡°Quinn, you really have no shame, don¡¯t you? To think you¡¯d even resort to such an excuse to get Trent to apany you!¡± Quinn ignored Yorick and only focused on Trent. A flicker of hesitation shed across his handsome face. However, he still said, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll apany you tomorrow.¡± Without uttering another word, Quinn turned around and left the CEO¡¯s office. As she stepped out of the room, she heard Yorick questioning, ¡°Are you really going to apany this woman tomorrow?¡± ¡°No matter what, Quinn is my wife,¡± Trent said in a serious tone. ¡°It¡¯s my duty to apany her to retrieve her parents¡® ashes.¡± That woman was absolutely spouting nonsense. Who in their right mind would travel so far from abroad just to bring back the ashes of an orphan¡¯s parents?¡± Each mention of the word ¡°orphan¡± pierced Quinn¡¯s heart. She lowered her gaze, studying the ne in her hands. ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± she murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll !¡± 1:05 PM 0 J Chapter 1 The Broken Promise The following day, when the agreed¨Cupon time came, Trent was nowhere to be found. A flicker of unease subtly crossed Quinn¡¯s heart. +5 Free Coins She dialed Trent¡¯s number, only to be met with his impatient voice on the other end. ¡°Sidonie¡¯s mother twisted her ankle. I¡¯m apanying her to the hospital.¡± ¡°Trent, hurry over here and help my mom,¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice echoed from the phone. ¡°All right,¡± Trent responded, his voice ever so gentle. Before Quinn could say anything else, Trent had already hung up the phone. Quinn felt a chilling sensation enveloping her heart, as if her throat was being strangled. She wanted to cry out, to express her grievances, but in the end, she found herself unable to utter a single word. How ludicrous. My husband could apany his first crush¡¯s mother to the hospital for a sprained ankle, yet is unwilling to apany me, his wife, to collect my parents¡® ashes! Taking a deep breath, she firmly stood up, left the mansion, and drove to the entrance of the military camp. ??? ? The military camp was solemn and dignified. At the entrance, guards dressed in military uniforms stood, rifles in their hands. Quinn stepped out of the car, her back straight and her steps firm. Even though she had been discharged from the military three years ago, her stance still resembled that of a soldier. She made her way to the military camp step by step. Once she reached the front, she stood firm, raised her right hand, and executed a wless military salute. Even if she had to do it alone, she was determined to bring her parents¡® ashes back home! Then, Quinn shouted, ¡°Retired soldier Quinn Bridger from the original Falcon Special Forces, here to retrieve the ashes of former Peacekeeping Force members Montague Bridger and military doctor Arlene Gurney!¡± Her voice pierced through the military camp¡¯s skies as the gates slowly swung open. s Chapter 2 Bringing The Ashes Home Military 2 Chapter 2 Bringing The Ashes Home Whoosh! Two rows of soldiers marched out in perfect unison, taking their positions at the entrance of the camp. Raising their right hands, they saluted toward Quinn. Then, Quinn saw Dominic Zahn, an oldmander dressed in his military uniform, personally carrying an urn as he approached her. Atop the cremation urn was the national g.When she looked at it, her eyes stung. The g embodied her parents¡® steadfast conviction! Back then, when her parents epted their mission from the government to join the Peacekeeping Forces Jabroad, they were already prepared for the possibility of making the ultimate sacrifice. ¡°The remains of your parents were found intertwined, so they were cremated together overseas. Their ashes are all contained here,¡± Dominic conveyed with a hint of regret. ¡°It¡¯s better this way.¡± Quinn gazed at the urn under the national g. ¡°Mom and Dad loved each other deeply. They would have wanted to be together even in death.¡± Dominic nodded, suddenly standing up straight. He handed the urn to Quinn. ¡°The spirit of fallen heroes will never fade!¡± The soldiers standing behind Dominic echoed in unison, ¡°The spirits of fallen heroes will never fade!¡± Their deafening shout pierced through the clouds! Tears welled up in Quinn¡¯s eyes. She held her back straight and, once again, she gave a solemn salute to Dominic and the soldiers. ¡°I, Quinn Bridger, hereby wee my parents home!¡± She took the urn from Dominic. AFP F Though it was heavy, it inexplicably provided her with a sense of peace. Three years ago, her parents died in a foreignnd. Atst, she could bring them home! After handling the matter of the ashes, Dominic finally noticed that she came alone. ¡°Where¡¯s your husband? He didn¡¯te with you?¡± Dominic was aware of Quinn¡¯s marriage. With a faintly lowered gaze, Quinn softly said, ¡°Mhm. He¡¯s busy, so he didn¡¯te.¡± Dominic had watched Quinn grow up. She was once a child full of energy and ambition, but three marriage, her face was etched with fatigue. years after If you ever run into any trouble, just let me know. I should be able to help,¡± Dominic said, patting Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Zahn!¡± said Quinn. ¡°Also, if things don¡¯t go as nned out there, you can alwayse back. The doors of the barracks will forever be open to you!¡± Dominic added. s Chapter 2 Bringing The Ashes Home Quinn nodded. After bidding farewell to Dominic, she returned to the car, cradling her parents¡® urn. With utmost care, she ced the urn on the passenger seat and started the car. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯m taking you guys home!¡± When she returned to the mansion, Quinn could hear the voice of her mother¨Cinw emanating from the living room. ¡°Now that Sidonie is back, and she¡¯s even a female pilot, you should hurry up and divorce Quinn and marry Sidonie instead.¡± ¡°We¡¯re just friends, Sidonie and I,¡± came the deep voice of Trent. ¡°What friend? Everyone knows you like Sidonie. She has a good education, a great job, and she¡¯s Nimbus Air¡¯s first female pilot. Quinn has nothing. She¡¯s unworthy of you!¡± eximed Jacinda Grafton, Trent¡¯s younger sister. A chill ran through Quinn¡¯s heart. She had been married for three years, supporting Trent¡¯s business ventures. She had workedte into the night, pushing herself to the limit for the sake of thepany. There were even instances where she had gone to work with an IV drip attached to her. Yet, all her efforts were now met with a dismissive ¡°Unworthy.¡± Just then, Jacinda suddenly spotted Quinn. ¡°Quinn, you really have no shame, eavesdropping like that!¡± Quinn stepped forward. ¡°I wasn¡¯t hiding, so how could I have eavesdropped?¡± ¡°It¡¯s good that you heard me. If you know what¡¯s good for you, you should¡¯ve divorced my brother sooner. Don¡¯t hold him back from being with Sidonie.¡± Jacinda¡¯s tone was as dismissive as ever. ¡°Enough, Jacinda!¡± Trent warned sternly. Jacinda was not one to back down. ¡°I¡¯m not wrong. Quinn has nothing. She just took advantage of the fact that Sidonie was away from you, which is why you ended up marrying her!¡± Trent frowned. ¡°Jacinda, are you done talking?¡± Jacinda pursed her lips, not daring to say anything more. Penelope Hayes stepped forward,forting her daughter. Trent furrowed his brows, walking up to Quinn. His gaze fell on the urn adorned with the national g that she held in her hands. ¡°This is¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s my parents¡® ashes,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I¡¯ve brought them home.¡± A flicker of regret shed in Trent¡¯s eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I was supposed to apany you today, but Sidonie¡¯s mother sprained her ankle, so¡ª¡± Before Trent could finish his sentence, he was abruptly interrupted by a sharp voice. ¡°What, ashes?¡± Penelope red intensely at Quinn. ¡°How could you bring such an unlucky thing back home?¡± Unlucky? Quinn looked at Penelope in disbelief. ¡°These are my parents¡® ashes. They aren¡¯t unlucky!¡± They were valiant heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, deserving of the utmost respect! No matter whose ashes they are, they bring bad luck!¡± Penelope said irritably, ¡°Get out immediately. Don¡¯t allow this thing to enter this building!¡± Quinn held the urn tightly in her hands. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving. This is my home, a ce Lhew 128 PM J Chapter 2 Bringing The Ashes Home we got married!¡± s ¡°What do you mean you bought it with Trent? He paid for it,¡± Jacinda said. Then, she called out to Trent, ¡°Trent, Mom just had eye surgery. The doctor said she shouldn¡¯t get agitated. Quickly, send Quinn away!¡± A flicker of hesitation shed through Trent¡¯s eyes, but in the end, he said, ¡°You should leave for now and find a ce to keep the ashes.¡± Quinn could only feel her heart steadily sinking. How could he say such a thing? ¡°Do you also think my parents¡® ashes bring bad luck? Can¡¯t we temporarily keep them at home?¡± She stared intently at him, demanding an answer. Trent didn¡¯t utter a word, but his silence spoke volumes. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to?¡± she said. ¡°Trent, in the three years we¡¯ve been married, I¡¯ve never wronged you or your family! When you started your business, I was there by your side, sharing the hardships of entrepreneurship with you. When your mother was diagnosed with cataracts, many doctors said her eyesight couldn¡¯t be saved. It was I who apanied your mother, visiting every hospital in Jexburgh, leveraging all the connections I could, to secure an appointment with the best ophthalmologist in the city. That¡¯s how we managed to save her eyesight! I¡¯ve always treated you all as family, but have you ever shown respect to mine?¡± Her words caused the expressions of the Grafton family members to turn sour. Jacinda said indignantly, ¡°What do you mean you helped my mom? It was only because Trent is rich that the best ophthalmologist in Jexburgh was willing to meet her! Also, what¡¯s that about you helping Trent with his business? It¡¯s just that Trent was supporting you, that¡¯s all. Hispany went public because of his own abilities, not because of you. Don¡¯t make it sound like it was all your doing!¡± Quinn simply looked at Trent. ¡°We¡¯ve been married for three years. Is it really not okay for me to keep my parents¡® ashes at home for a few days?¡± Trent frowned. ¡°Quinn, stop messing around.¡± ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Quinn stepped forward. In a fit of rage, Penelope stormed up to Quinn, raising her hand swiftly to p thetter. ¡°As long as I¡¯m here, don¡¯t you dare think about putting any ashes here!¡± Stumbling slightly, Quinn endured the p to her face. As Quinn was still struggling to steady herself, Penelope seized the opportunity. She forcefully pushed the urn in Quinn¡¯s hands, and it almost slipped out¡­ Military 3 Chapter 3 A Divorce Quinn¡¯s pupils abruptly constricted. Almost instantaneously, she clutched the urn in her arms protectively, ensuring it was not harmed in the slightest. ¡°This contains my parents¡® ashes! How could you be so disrespectful?¡± Quinn eximed in anger. ¡°This is my son¡¯s home. If you dare to keep that terrible thing in my house, I¡¯ll smash it into pieces! Your parents need to see how hateful and rude you are to our family!¡± Penelope kept running her mouth, saying the nastiest crap. Quinn¡¯s eyes were filled with rage, her hands tightly clutching the urn. ¡°Even if you are my mother¨Cinw, you have no right to insult my parents like this!¡± Trent said, ¡°Quinn, please take it outside. Don¡¯t upset my mother anymore. She just had surgery not long ago and shouldn¡¯t get angry. If anything were to happen to her, I would never forgive you!¡± Quinn¡¯s hands were slightly trembling as she held the urn, her eyes filled with an even greater fury! They had been married for three years, yet he couldn¡¯t even show her parents the basic respect they deserved! Seeing that she hadn¡¯t left, Trent was displeased. ¡°You¡¯re still not leaving? Do I have to chase you away?¡± In a fit of rage, Quinnughed instead, lowering her gaze to the urn in her hands. Mom, Dad, I really have married the wrong man! Three years ago, Trent nervously looked at her, saying, ¡°I don¡¯t have a house or a car. Would you still marry me?¡± She said, ¡°I do.¡± Why? Because the day she got the news that her parents had died, he was there quietly by her side, wiping away her tears. That¡¯s what got to her. After her parents passing, Dominic once spoke to her sincerely. ¡°Quinn, while they were alive, your parents were most worried about your marriage. The special forces are too dangerous. I don¡¯t want you to end up like your mom, dad, and brother. I believe your parents will also wish for you to live a safe and peaceful life until old age.¡± Following the death of her parents and the disappearance of her brother, she was the only one surviving member of her family. As such, she retired from the military and married Trent. She believed, even if their rtionship wouldn¡¯t be as loving as her parents¡®, at the very least, they could treat each other with mutual respect. Yet, Trent was tearing away at thatst shred of dignity. In fact, when he had nothing at all at the beginning, his first capital for entrepreneurship was from her parents¡® death gratuity. As such, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what her parents would think if they were looking down from the heavens, knowing their ashes were denied entry by the son¨Cinw who used their death gratuity to start his business. ¡°Fine, I¡¯m leaving!¡± Quinn dered, her head held high and her back as straight as a rod, refusing to let her tears fall. 108 PM J Chapter 3 A Divorce She can bleed, she can sacrifice, but there¡¯s no way she should shed tears for someone so heartless! She decisively turned around and left without any hesitation. Jacinda didn¡¯t seem to realize what was going on. ¡°She just left like that?¡± s ¡°Hmph, this is Trent¡¯s house. She¡¯s got no say here! She¡¯s just an orphan. Who does she think she is?¡± Penelope grumbled. As Trent watched Quinn walk away, he felt kinda empty inside, like he¡¯d lost something. With the urn in tow, Quinn arrived at the funeral parlor to store it. She wanted to take her parents¡® ashes back to their hometown for burial. However, there were still a series of things to be done back home, like making a tombstone, so she could only temporarily keep the ashes there. ¡°Mom, Dad, wait a little longer. I¡¯ll take you back to our hometown soon.¡± Quinn looked at the urn. ¡°I will find Rowan in the future. Together, we will pay our respects to you both. I believe he is still alive.¡± Her elder brother, Rowan Bridger, was also a soldier. Five years ago, while on a mission, he vanished at the border. Back when she was in the military, she had also tried to locate her brother, but there were never any leads. Once she hadid her parents¡® ashes to rest, she was set to journey to the border in search of her brother¡¯s whereabouts! After arranging the ashes, Quinn nned to leave the funeral parlor. Outside, there was a gentle rainfall. She moved forward, umbre in hand, when she overheard some whispers. ¡°There are so many cars outside today, and I even saw a lot of government leaders. Did a big shot pass away?¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t you watched the news? Mr. Edward of the Whitethorn family has passed away. They¡¯re about to hold a memorial service for him!¡± ¡°Oh my, to think it¡¯s the Whitethorn family. Who will take charge of the Whitethorn family from now on?¡± ¡°Who else could it be if not that lunatic?¡± Only then did Quinn understand why there were so many police officers stationed outside the funeral parlor earlier. It turned out that it was the day of the funeral for Mr. Edward. In Jexburgh city, everyone knew the Whitethorn family, and nobody dared to mess with them. They¡¯ve got crazy power around here. As she stepped out of the funeral parlor, she noticed a long line of vehicles parked outside, all ck luxury cars, indicating the high esteem in which the deceased was held. Just then, the door of the luxury car nearest to her swung open, and someone arrived by the door¡¯s side, umbre in hand. A tall figure slowly emerged from the vehicle. +5 Free Coins Chapter 3 A Divorce The ck umbre obscured the upper half of the man¡¯s face, yet Quinn could still make out the distinct features of his lower face. His nose was straight, his lips thin with a hint of moisture, and his hands were long, veiny, and all angles. Way too hot and dangerous. Quinn just pictured him pulling a trigger. It fits him almost too well. Just then, her eyes locked with a pair of cold, unmoving eyes. His eyes were beautiful, but there was this scary calmness in them, like nothing in this world could really get through to him. Even though he was supposed to be an attendee at the funeral that day, his face didn¡¯t show a trace of sorrow. The person holding the umbre for the man respectfully said, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, pleasee this way.¡± Mr. Whitethorn? Quinn was taken aback. In just a fleeting moment, the man brushed past Quinn. It wasn¡¯t until Quinn entered the car that she realized, at some point, ayer of cold sweat had formed in the palm of her hand. Pulling out her phone, she saw a message from Trent waiting for her. Trent: My mom and Jacinda have already left. After you¡¯ve settled your parents¡® ashes, back. I need to talk to you. Quinn nced at the text message coldly, started the car, and headed toward the mansion. Inside the mansion, Trent was seated in the living room, lounging on the couch. As soon as he saw Quinn return, he promptly rose to greet her, asking, ¡°Have your parents¡® ashes been properly settled?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± she said nonchntly. ¡°Don¡¯t me my mom. She¡¯s just getting old and freaked out by anything death¨Crted, like urns. It¡¯s not that she¡¯s intentionally targeting you.¡± Trent raised his hand, gently wrapping his arms around Quinn. ¡°Baby, I¡¯m sorry. I know you had a tough day today. I promise, I¡¯ll make it up to you.¡± Make it up to me? A wave of sorrow surged from the depths of Quinn¡¯s heart. Trent¡¯s embrace was warm, yet it left her feeling a bone¨Cchilling cold. The ones who truly suffered an injustice were not her, but her parents, because even though they were fallen heroes, their ashes couldn¡¯t even enter their daughter¡¯s home. There¡¯s nothing he can do to make up for this! To think I once yearned for his embrace, but now, I don¡¯t need this fake warmth anymore! Quinn pushed away from Trent¡¯s embrace, her gaze falling on the man she once loved. ¡°Trent, let¡¯s get a divorce.¡± Military 4 Chapter 4 The Divorce Agreement Chapter 4 The Divorce Agreement Trent frowned. ¡°Divorce? Just because my mother didn¡¯t allow you to bring your parents¡® ashes into our home today?¡± His tone suggested that it was merely a trivial matter. Chilliness welled up in Quinn¡¯s heart. I really shouldn¡¯t hold any more hope for this man. ¡°It¡¯s not just that. There¡¯s also Sidonie. If we get a divorce, it presents a perfect chance for you to marry her,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before. Sidonie and I are just friends, nothing more. Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± he said, clearly displeased. Quinn found it all rather absurd. No one believed that he and Sidonie were just friends. Yet, he insisted on saying they were friends as a cover¨Cup for his infidelity. ¡°I¡¯m exhausted, and I don¡¯t want to keep up with this marriage anymore,¡± she said. There was no greater pain than a broken heart. She had already lost all feelings for Trent. Hisplexion shifted, and the feeling of losing Quinn intensified within him. It seemed as though the woman before him would truly depart from his life in the next moment. ¡°If you¡¯re still worried, then let¡¯s have a child together,¡± he suddenly suggested. ¡°What?¡± Quinn¡¯s face was filled with shock. They had been married for three years, yet he had neverid a hand on her. At first, he had been preupied with his career after their wedding, and he expressed a desire to go with the flow when it came to sex, so she didn¡¯t press the matter. Over time, it gradually became a habit. Even though they shared the same bed, he had neverid a finger on her. ¡°We¡¯ve been married for three years, so it¡¯s time we have a child together,¡± Trent said, all the while leaning down to nt a kiss on her cheek. Suddenly, Quinn found the situation bothical and deste at the same time. Once upon a time, she, too, had hoped that they would have a child together. However, at that time, he merely said, ¡°I¡¯m not ready yet. Can we wait a bit longer?¡± As a result, she waited. She thought he just wasn¡¯t ready to be a father yet. Unexpectedly, it was because he held someone dear in his heart. He was preserving himself for his first crush. She thought that her feelings for him and all her efforts would one day move him. In the end, however, she ended up feeling like nothing more than a joke. 06 PM J Chapter 4 The Divorce Agreement s However, the moment she had made up her mind to divorce, he surprisingly suggested they should have a child together. With a forceful shove, Quinn pushed Trent away, her hand brushing against the spot where his kiss had justnded. ¡°Trent, you¡¯re disgusting!¡± Trent¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Quinn, when we got married, I promised I wouldn¡¯t let you down. So, I¡¯m going to pretend I didn¡¯t hear whatever you just said. If you¡¯re not ready to have a child now, we can wait a bit longer.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to wait any longer. I will never have a child with you!¡± Quinn said coldly. Trent was about to say something else, but his phone suddenly rang. When he answered the call, Quinn heard Sidonic¡¯s voiceing from the phone. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll be right there,¡± Trent gently said to the person on the other end of the phone. After ending the call, he turned to Quinn and said, ¡°I have something to attend to right now. I need to step out. Take some time to calm down.¡± With that, he left in a hurry, leaving Quinn alone in the mansion. Through the mansion¡¯s window, Quinn watched as Trent departed in his car. He¡¯s off to see Sidonie again, isn¡¯t he? Does he realize that he¡¯s betraying me every time he leaves me for Sidonie? Back then, Quinn was in love with Trent. His promise of never letting her down was the reason she married him. At that moment, however, the feelings she once had for him had vanished. Hence, there was no reason for her to maintain the marriage. What Quinn hadn¡¯t expected, however, was that before she could even draft the divorce agreement, her mother¨Cinw had already called to arrange a meeting. Penelope¡¯s tone was aggressive when she said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a hundred million if you divorce my son!¡± ¡°All right!¡± Quinn agreed readily. At that moment, it was Penelope who was taken aback. She stared at Quinn: with a puzzled expression. ¡°Are you truly willing to divorce my son?¡± ¡°One hundred million, right? I¡¯ll divorce him immediately.¡± After all, Quinn had been nning to divorce anyway, so it was only natural that she would be happy to get a hundred million out of it. One hundred million could allow numerous school dropouts to return to their studies. It could also give many people suffering from illnesses a chance to keep on living. Upon seeing the situation, Penelope quickly produced a document and ced it in front of Quinn. It was a divorce agreement that had already been signed by Trent. Quinn stared at the signature. Indeed, it was Trent¡¯s handwriting. ¡°Did he send you to discuss the divorce with me?¡± she asked. A flicker of uncase crossed Penelope¡¯s face as she replied, ¡°Don¡¯t concern yourself with the details, All you need to know is that he¡¯s been considering a divorce. You¡¯d better sign your name qui 106 PM J. Chapter 4 The Divorce Agreement Quinn¡¯s gaze fell lightly. In other words, Trent was unaware of that divorce agreement. +5 Free Coms Although she had no idea how Penelope managed to get Trent¡¯s signature on the divorce agreement, it made no difference to her. Quinn picked up the pen and signed her name. ¡°After the required thirty¨Cday waiting period, your divorce will be finalized. During this time, it¡¯s best if you behave yourself and don¡¯t slip up in front of Trent!¡± Penelope warned. Quinn raised an eyebrow. Is she suggesting that I should keep Trent in the dark about the fact that I¡¯ve signed the divorce agreement? ¡°Sure.¡± Quinn responded. ¡°In fact, one hundred million is too much. For an orphan like you, twenty million should be more than Jenough.¡± Penelope tried to haggle. She even thought giving an orphan twenty million was too much. ¡°If we were to proceed with a typical divorce, I could walk away with half of Trent¡¯s marital property. If you think one hundred million is too much, then how does one and a half billion sound?¡± Quinn said sarcastically. Penelope nearly lost her breath when she heard those words. She could only grit her teeth in frustration and say, ¡°Fine. One hundred million it is. Don¡¯t go back on your word!¡± With a coldugh, Quinn knew she would definitely not back out. All she hoped for at that moment was to extricate herself from that marriage as soon as possible. In the afternoon, Quinn arranged to go shopping with her friend, Laura Wentworth, and they bought a few items. When Laura heard about Quinn¡¯s impending divorce, she was quick to express her approval, saying, ¡°You should have divorced him a long time ago. The tabloids are filled with stories about Trent and Sidonie¡¯s scandalous affairs. One¡¯s a cheater, the other one¡¯s a mistress, and they¡¯re doing it openly.¡± Quinn said in a nonchnt tone, ¡°After the divorce, whatever they choose to do is none of my business.¡± ¡°When do you n on taking your parents¡® ashes back to your hometown for burial?¡± asked Laura. ¡°Maybe a month from now. After my official divorce from Trent, I will take my parents¡® ashes back to our hometown.¡± When it was time for dinner, Laura brought Quinn to a high¨Cend restaurant. No sooner had the two of them settled into their seats whenughter from the adjacent table reached their ears. Among the chatter, a name familiar to Quinn was mentioned. ¡°Trent, when are you getting married to Sidonie? Make sure you invite us to the wedding reception when the timees.¡± ¡°I reckon it won¡¯t be long before we¡¯ll be attending the wedding reception. What¡¯s so special about Quinn, anyway? She¡¯s just a graduate from a diploma mill. If it weren¡¯t for Trent¡¯s kindness in giving her food, she would probably have starved to death. And yet, she has the audacity to im the position of Mrs. Grafton!¡± ¡°Sidonie is truly one of a kind. She graduated from Qudnard University, and she was the campus belle of 1.06 PM . s Chapter 4 The Divorce Agreement faculty! To top it off, she¡¯s Nimbus Air¡¯s first female pilot. That should go down in Nimbus Air¡¯s history, don¡¯t you think?¡± The people at the next table were engaged in an animated conversation. Due to the screens partitioning each table, they were oblivious to Quinn¡¯s presence. Laura was so infuriated that she nearly snapped the fork in her hand. Just as she was about to storm out and give those people a piece of her mind, Quinn stopped her and said, ¡°The person they¡¯re talking about is me. Let me handle it!¡± With that, Quinn rose to her feet, circumventing the screen. ¡°Why not now? You guys should hold a wedding reception now.¡± Suddenly, everyone at the table turned their attention to Quinn. Trent¡¯s brows furrowed. Military 5 Chapter 5 An Unwanted Man Chapter 5 An Unwanted Man s ¡°Stop it. They were just talking nonsense. They didn¡¯t mean to hurt your feelings!¡± Trent said. Disappointment flickered in Quinn¡¯s eyes. Even when she was ndered to that extent, Trent still wouldn¡¯t defend her in the slightest. ¡°What would it take for their words to be considered hurtful? Do I need to kneel, p myself, and say I shouldn¡¯t have married you?¡± Quinn sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t forget that it was you who proposed to me in the first ce, Trent!¡± Trent¡¯s buddies exchanged uneasy nces, and even Sidonie¡¯splexion seemed a bit off. A sh of displeasure crossed Trent¡¯s eyes as he grabbed Quinn¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s not do this here. Let¡¯s talk at home.¡± ¡°No. Let¡¯s just say everything right here.¡± Quinn shrugged off his hand. ¡°Frankly, you and Sidonie make a good pair. One¡¯s a cheater, and the other¡¯s a mistress. I wish the two you to live happily ever after.¡± The color drained from Trent¡¯s face, while Sidonie¡¯splexion turned deathly pale in an instant. One of Trent¡¯s buddies, Yorick, retorted, ¡°Quinn, what gives you the right to speak ill of Sidonie? In what way do you think you canpare to her? What makes you think Quinn should love you, an orphan and a graduate from a diploma mill, instead of Sidonie?¡± ¡°What a load of bullsh*t!¡± Laura stormed forward, fuming. ¡°What nonsense about a diploma mill? Quinn graduated from National Defense University!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Laughter erupted all around. ¡°Can you believe that a graduate from a diploma mill is actually saying that she graduated from National Defense University?¡± ¡°Quinn, you and your friend are truly two peas in a pod. You two are equally shameless!¡± Sidonie¡¯splexion had significantly improved as she stood up, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°If you¡¯re going to brag, you should back it up openly. Falsely iming your own qualifications will only make you a clown!¡± Laura was livid. ¡°Why would there be a need to lie? You can easily verify it on the academic website!¡± Quinn held her friend back, her cool gaze fixed on Sidonie. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to judge my educational background!¡± Sidonie frowned upon hearing that. Clearly, she¡¯s just been exposed for falsely iming her qualifications. She should be feeling guilty and embarrassed. Why does she seem so unabashedly calm about it? Her attitude is unsettling! Just then, Sidonie caught sight of a few figures approaching from not too far away, looking as though they were about to pass by their table. Among them, there was one individual she recognized. ¡°Professor Griffin!¡± Sidonic called out, a smile dancing on her lips. ¡°It¡¯s been a while. Are you also here for a meal? What a coincidence.¡± Gordon Griffin recognized Sidonie and said, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you. It¡¯s been a while.¡± Gordon had some connections with the Stonehurst family, and they interacted asionally. 174 Chapter 5 An Unwanted Man s J ¡°You¡¯re a professor at National Defense University. Interestingly, someone at our table ims to be a graduate from there. I wonder if you might know her,¡± Sidonie said. Meanwhile, the others, as if anticipating a spectacle, chimed in, ¡°Exactly! Quinn, didn¡¯t you say you graduated from National Defense University? You must surely recognize your own professors!¡± With a leisurely stride, Quinn moved forward. ¡°Professor Griffin, it¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°Wow! You really know how to put on a show!¡± ¡°You really see yourself as a graduate from National Defense University, huh?¡± ¡°How could Professor Griffin possibly know you?¡± The belittling and mocking words were echoing around, but they came to an abrupt halt when they saw Gordon gently patting Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect to see you here. It¡¯s been several years since west met,¡± Gordon said. ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s been quite a few years. How have you been keeping?¡± Quinn responded. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine! I¡¯ve heard about the matter regarding your parents. My condolences,¡± Gordon said with a soft sigh. ¡°Thanks,¡± Quinn responded softly. Those who had originally nned to enjoy the spectacle were all wearing faces of surprise at that moment. Sidonie¡¯s eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief. ¡°Professor Griffin, d¨Cdo you really know her?¡± ¡°Of course. I used to teach her. How could I not know her? Back then, she was the top science student in Jexburgh. Her arrival at the campus even caused quite a stir,¡± Gordon stated. Those who had been waiting to see a spectacle, at that moment, their faces couldn¡¯t be described as anything less than unsightly. Quinn was the top science student in Jexburgh. Anyone who studied knew just how difficult it was to achieve such a status. In fact, she could definitely be described as a genius. Moreover, it was said that getting into National Defense University was even more challenging than Qudnard University. Not only did one need excellent academic performance, but one also had to be physically fit. The color in Sidonie¡¯s face fluctuated between shades of red and white. Just a moment ago, she had been confidently dismissing Quinn as a mere clown. At that moment, it seemed as though she had be the clown. Trent was also full of surprise. He had never known about these things. Quinn had never mentioned her des to him before. At that moment, he suddenly felt a sense of unfamiliarity with the wife he had shared his life with for three years. ¡°Professor Griffin, is this your student?¡± A cool male voice suddenly rang out, snapping everyone back to reality. 274 Chapter 5 An Unwanted Man s ¡°Yes.¡± Gordon introduced the two to each other, ¡°This is my student, Quinn Bridger. Quinn, this is Julius Whitethorn, Mr. Whitethorn from Whitethorn Group.¡± As soon as Julius Whitethorn¡¯s name was mentioned, everyone¡¯s expressions immediately changed. The former head of the Whitethorn family, Edward, had passed away, and his sessor was none other than Julius. Eagerness shone in everyone¡¯s eyes. If they could establish even the slightest connection with Julius, they knew they would reap considerable benefits. ¡°Hello, Ms. Bridger.¡± Julius extended his hand politely. It was then that Quinn realized the man standing before her was the same one she had seen at the entrance of the funeral parlor. However, at that moment, without the shield of an umbre, the man¡¯s face was even more clearly etched in her eyes. His hair was slicked back, revealing a full forehead, a high¨Cbridged nose, and lips as delicate as water. Beneath his long eyebrows, a pair of profound ck eyes was as still and deep as the ocean itself. Although the man was speaking to her gently at that moment, it was impossible to discern what he was truly thinking. ¡°Hello, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± said Quinn as she extended her hand for a handshake. His hands were clean and pretty, with distinct knuckles. When Quinn shook his hand, she felt an instinctive sense of crisis. It felt as though those hands could turn into lethal weapons at any moment. It was a brief handshake. Others nearby were eager to engage in conversation with Julius as well. Julius seemed tock interest in anyone else, saying, ¡°Professor Griffin, let¡¯s head to the private room first.¡± Gordon nodded, giving Quinn a few pieces of advice before he continued walking ahead with Julius. Trent then walked up to Quinn, saying in a dissatisfied tone, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you were a top science student from National Defense University?¡± Quinn looked at Trent with a nonchnt expression, for he had never asked before. ¡°Does it matter?¡± she asked. Just as Trent was about to speak, a gunshot suddenly rang out in the restaurant. Someone in the restaurant pulled out a gun and fired in the direction of Julius. Immediately after, there were continuous shricks of terror. Just then, Quinn was abruptly shoved with a forceful push. She stumbled, nearly falling over. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Trent lifting Sidonie in his arms, seeking refuge beside the folding screen. 3/4 Chapter 5 An Unwanted Man The person who had pushed her moments prior was Trent. When the crisis hit, Trent chose to save Sidonie instead of Quinn, his wife. s How many more times is Trent going to let me down? A coldness enveloped Quinn¡¯s heart as she stared nkly at Trent, her face devoid of any expression. Didn¡¯t he think I could be hit by a stray bullet when he pushed me? As if he had sensed her gaze, Trent looked toward Quinn, a sh of guilt crossing his face. When he heard the gunshot, his only thought was to protect Sidonie. By the time he came to his senses, he had already pushed Quinn away. Upon reflection, he wanted to appease Quinn. He knew she was a woman who was easily pacified. In the past, even if he made mistakes, a few soothing words would always rectify the situation. Right when he wanted to appease Quinn, his eyes suddenly widened in shock. He saw Quinn¡¯s lips moving, Jopening and closing as she said, ¡°Trent, I don¡¯t want you anymore.¡± Military 6 Chapter 6 You Are More Interesting Than I Imagined Chapter 6 You Are More Interesting Than I Imagined In an instant, a sharp pain pierced his heart. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sidonie asked upon noticing his unusual reaction as he held her in his arms. ¡°It¡­ It¡¯s nothing.¡± Trent pursed his parched lips. How could Quinn possibly ditch me? I must have made a mistake earlier. s The gunshots, after ringing out a few times, ceased. The Whitethorn¡¯s security personnel swiftly stormed into the restaurant, surrounding the middle¨Caged man who had fired the shots. Right then, the middle¨Caged man had his gun aimed at Julius, resulting in a standoff. ¡°Julius¡­ My brother went bankrupt because of the Whitethorn family. He lost everything, including his life. I demand you pay for my brother¡¯s life with your own!¡± the middle¨Caged man shouted, his tone filled with hatred. ¡°Really?¡± Even with a gun pointed at him, there was not a trace of fear on Julius¡® face. He even walked calmly toward the middle¨Caged man. ¡°There are many who want me dead, but can you actually make it happen?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯te any closer!¡± The middle¨Caged man clearly hadn¡¯t expected Julius to approach him and was panicking. ¡°If you take another step, I¡¯ll shoot!¡± However, Julius didn¡¯t stop, quickening his pace with each passing moment instead Everyone around was practically holding their breath as they watched the scene unfold. As Julius was nearly upon him, the man finally sumbed to his panic, pulling the trigger. However, in the next moment, Julius had seized the gun in the man¡¯s hand, causing the bullet to miss its mark. ¡°You¡­ You¡­¡± The man stared in disbelief. In an instant, the gun that the man held had found its way into Julius¡® hand. The barrel was now pointed at his temple instead. ¡°What¡­ What are you nning to do?¡± The man¡¯s voice trembled.. ¡°Did you ever consider the consequences when you shot me?¡± Julius asked, his face calm. His slender fingers were slowly pulling the trigger. Crack! The gun cocked, triggering a collective gasp. The fear on the man¡¯s face intensified. ¡°You¡­ You wouldn¡¯t dare! That would be¡­ murder. You¡¯ll go to jail!¡± Well, you could wait to see if I end up in prison. However, it¡¯s a shame that you won¡¯t be able to witness it,¡± Julius replied in a condescending tone. ¡°Drop the gun!¡± The woman¡¯s voice suddenly rang out. At the same time, a gun was pressed against Julius Chapter 6 You Are More Interesting Than I Imagined s nape. In that moment, a flicker of emotion seemed to ripple through Julius¡® deathly gaze. The turn of events was unexpected. Even the security guards of the Whitethorn family failed to notice someone approaching Julius. Laura was taken aback, her mouth agape as she stared at the scene unfolding before her. ¡°Good heavens, when did Quinn get there? She even dares to point a gun at the back of Julius¡® head. Does she have a death wish? 44 Trent and hispanions were all equally shocked.. JA hint of mockery shed in Sidonie¡¯s eyes. Quinn is indeed more foolish than I imagined. Does she really think that acting this way would elevate her image? Offending Julius would only serve to make Trent despise her even more. ¡°Do you know this man?¡± Julius asked in a nonchnt manner, his cool voice echoing throughout the restaurant. ¡°No,¡± replied Quinn. ¡°Then why are you siding with an armed criminal? ¡°Hemitted a crime, and naturally, he¡¯ll face thew. As for you, you¡¯re now safe, and he no longer has the ability to hurt you. Therefore, it¡¯s not your ce to decide whether he lives or dies!¡± Quinn answered with an impassive expression. ¡°But aren¡¯t you doing the same with my life now by pointing the gun at me?¡± Julius retorted. Quinn pressed her lips together, remaining silent. The gun Julius was holding was pressed even closer to the man¡¯s temple. Thetter was already trembling with fear. ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Quinn shouted at Julius. ¡°I¡¯ve always disliked those who stick their nose where it doesn¡¯t belong. I thought you were a smart woman, Ms. Bridger, but it now seems that isn¡¯t the case.¡± As his words fell, a sense of danger overwhelmed Quinn. She saw Julius suddenly turn toward her, followed by a wave of murderous intent. Instinctively, Quinn assumed a defensive stance, Suddenly, a group of police officers burst in, each of them brandishing a gun. ¡°Nobody move!¡± the police shouted. Julius¡® actions came to a halt, and Julius let out a sigh of relief. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Who called the police just now?¡± the officer inquired. ¡°I did!¡± Quinn responded loudly. Chapter 6 You Are More Interesting Than I Imagined s The officer stepped forward and, upon spotting Julius, recognized him. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I hope you¡¯re not hurt.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. This man wanted to kill me. This is the gun he used for the crime,¡± Julius said, handing over the weapon to the officer. The police took it, then turned their gaze toward Quinn and the gun in her hand. ¡°What¡¯s the story with the gun you¡¯re holding? If it belongs to you, it would be a serious crime!¡± ¡°This one? It¡¯s just a toy gun. I bought it while shopping at the mall today. Surely, you¡¯re not going to confiscate a toy gun, are you?¡± Quinn readily showed off the realistic¨Clooking toy gun in her hand. Julius, who was wiping his hands with a handkerchief handed over by his subordinate, was taken aback upon hearing the remark. He looked toward Quinn with a hint of surprise. A toy gun? I was deceived by a mere toy gun? Julius¡® lips suddenly curled into a half¨Csmile. ¡°Ms. Bridger, I take back what I just said. You¡¯re far more interesting than I initially thought.¡± In an instant, Quinn felt a chill down her spine. This is an incredibly dangerous man. Her instinct warned her that it was best to keep her distance from him. Due to the incident, Quinn and the others all went to the police station to give their statements. After she left the interrogation room, she saw Trent and hispanions, together with Sidonie, in the police station¡¯s main lobby. Upon seeing Quinn emerge, Trent stepped forward to reprimand her, ¡°How could you behave so recklessly, pointing a toy gun at Julius¡® head? Don¡¯t forget, we¡¯re husband and wife. If you offend Julius, you¡¯ll drag Grafton Technologies down with you!¡± ¡°Husband and wife?¡± Quinn scoffed, ¡°If you truly considered me as your wife, then when the gunshot sounded, you wouldn¡¯t have pushed me away to protect Sidonie!¡± Trent momentarily froze, a sh of embarrassment crossing his face. From the side, Yorick mocked Quinn, ¡°Sidonie is weak; of course she needs protection! Are you expecting to be protected too? Don¡¯t tter yourself!¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you always say that Sidonie is strong and independent, someone who isn¡¯t inferior to any man? So why now, all of a sudden, she¡¯s weak and needs protection?¡± Quinn ¡®retorted sarcastically. Yorick was dumbfounded, his face immediately flushed a deep red. Sidonie¡¯s eyes flickered slightly. ¡°Quinn, Trent was just protecting me out of kindness. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being a little too petty? It¡¯s exactly this kind of behavior that makes people say women are narrow¨Cminded.¡± ¡°What a load of nonsense!¡± Upon hearing these words, Laura immediately stormed over, voicing her outrage. ¡°A husband pushes his wife away to protect his mistress, and you have the audacity to tell the wife not to be petty? Sidonie, I can¡¯t believe what a shameless mistress you are!¡± Laura had witnessed the earlier scene in the restaurant and was absolutely livid back then. When she raised her voice, it caught the attention of many in the police station who were there to give statements about the incident. Suddenly, all eyes were on her. Chapter 6 You Are More Interesting Than I Imagined s In response, Trent¡¯s face immediately turned sour. Sidonie indignantly retorted, ¡°Don¡¯t call me a mistress!¡± ¡°What are you if not a mistress? Trent is Quinn¡¯s husband. When the gunshot rang out, he pushed her aside to protect you. Was it because he was too kind, too noble, or was it because you did him a great favor? Did you save his entire family before?¡± Laura¡¯s barrage of words was unstoppable, firing off like a machine gun. Suddenly, everyone in the police station turned their gaze toward Sidonie. Military 7 Chapter 7 The Resignation 9 ×Ô s Sidonie¡¯s expression stiffened. She wanted to retort, but for a moment, she couldn¡¯t find a reasonable exnation. Visibly annoyed, Trent said, ¡°Quinn, does your friend really need to kick up such a big fuss in public?¡± Laura snapped, ¡°I¡¯m the one who can¡¯t stand it; what has it got to do with Quinnie?¡± Trent was convinced that Quinn was intentionally trying to embarrass him. ¡°What exactly do you want for your friend to keep quiet? Do you want me topensate you? Fine, what do you want me topensate you with?¡± Quinn looked at the fuming man before her, and once again, she felt his indifference toward her. It was a stark contrast to the care he showed Sidonie. How could I have been so naive back then, thinking I could make him fall in love with me? ¡°I don¡¯t want any of yourpensation. I just want to resign!¡± she dered. ¡°What?¡± Trent was taken aback, and even Yorick was surprised. ¡°I¡¯ll hand in my resignation tomorrow,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I¡¯ll wrap up all my ongoing tasks and hand them over. After that, everything rted to Grafton Technologies will have nothing to do with me.¡± Since she was getting a divorce, she decided topletely sever all ties with Trent. If she was going to end things, a clean break was needed. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Trent frowned. ¡°Just because I didn¡¯t protect you when the gunshot sounded, you¡¯re using resignation as a threat?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m negotiating with you!¡± Quinn said, ¡°I¡¯m resigning. The future operation of Grafton Technologies has nothing to do with me. As for you and Sidonie, whatever you two do is none of my business!¡± As more and more people began to turn their attention toward them, Trent rubbed his temple. ¡°Fine. If you want to resign, so be it. This period of time could be a good opportunity for you to clear your mind.¡± Without uttering another word, Quinn took Laura¡¯s hand and left the police station. Inside the police station, Yorick wore an expression of disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. She¡¯s really quitting? Does she really think she can find a better job out there?¡± ¡°Since she wants to quit, let her. It won¡¯t be long before shees crawling back,¡± Trent said dismissively. ¡°I can¡¯t stand people who use their jobs as bargaining chips, constantly ready to quit over trivial matters. It¡¯s a total waste of what she learned at the National Defense University!¡± Sidonie said disdainfully. ¡°So what if she graduated from the National Defense University? Once she actually goes out and looks for a job, she¡¯ll probably end up just waiting tables or doing odd jobs!¡± Yorick mocked. Sidonieughed. Indeed, what did it matter if she had graduated from the National Defense University? She is still perceived as nothing more than a woman who is prone to jealousy and reliant on men. Once she has lost the man she depended on, she is incapable of doing anything. Having been married for three years, all she did was merely pass the time in Trent¡¯s . This is why I despise such women! 19 PM s Chapter 7 The Resignation The following day, Quinn arrived at the office and shared her decision to resign with the members of her project team. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re leaving? Why so sudden?¡± ¡°What will happen to the project once you leave?¡± The employees at thepany were unaware that Quinn was actually Trent¡¯s wife. Only Trent¡¯s secretary knew about the marriage. However, everyone in the project team knew about Quinn¡¯s exceptional abilities. Any project under Quinn¡¯s management would inevitably achieve sess. The prospect of changing the project leader at this point had everyone deeply worried. ¡°Mr. Grafton will soon have someone take over,¡± Quinn said. After grabbing the printed resignation report, she walked into Trent¡¯s office. In the office, aside from Trent, Jacinda was also present. As he stared at the resignation letter in front of him, Trent¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Are you really resigning?¡± ¡°I thought I made myself clear yesterday,¡± said Quinn nonchntly. ¡°If you¡¯re using resignation as a trick, I must say, you¡¯ve greatly disappointed me,¡± Trent remarked. Suddenly, Quinn felt an urge tough out of frustration. After all, she was the one who was truly disappointed. ¡°Trent, I have no interest in employing any tricks against you. I simply don¡¯t want to work with a husband who, in a moment of danger, could easily cast aside his wife.¡± As soon as these words were spoken, Trent¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Fine, just don¡¯t regret it!¡± After saying that, he signed his name on Quinn¡¯s resignation report. Then, he said coldly, ¡°From now on, the projects you were managing will be handled by Jacinda. Before you leave thepany, make sure to properly hand over to her.¡± Beside them, Jacinda lifted her chin in pride. She had just graduated from university, eager to show what she was capable of. ¡°Trent, I¡¯ll definitelyplete this project sessfully!¡± Whatever Quinn is capable of, I can certainly do better! Jacinda held nothing but contempt for Quinn. During the handover of duties, she even had the audacity to say, ¡°I thought your job was difficult, but it¡¯s actually quite simple. It seems you¡¯ve really been freeloading on Trent¡¯spany.¡± Quinn ignored Jacinda¡¯s sarcasm, but members of the project team understood it clearly. Simple? How is this simple at all? The content of Quinn¡¯s project proposal is filled withplex technical knowledge. It is incredibly difficult, alright? However, the fact that Jacinda could say such a thing only proves that she doesn¡¯t understand the drone project at all. How can such a person be in charge? However, no one present dared to voice these thoughts. After all, Jacinda was the beloved younger sister of the 10PM d Chapter 7 The Resignation C boss. Offending Jacinda was akin to asking to be fired. s Jacinda casually tossed aside the project proposal that Quinn had previously written. ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯ve already read it. Now get out, and don¡¯t even think abouting back. My brother¡¯spany doesn¡¯t do charity!¡± Upon hearing Jacinda¡¯s words, the project team members couldn¡¯t believe how foolish she was. Because of this, they found it even harder to let Quinn go. The reluctance in their eyes simply grew more pronounced. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t being back. I think you¡¯re the one who needs charity,¡± Quinn quipped. Jacinda¡¯s expression changed, realizing that Quinn was essentially calling her ipetent. She raised her hand to strike Quinn, but thetter swiftly caught Jacinda¡¯s wrist. ¡°Jacinda, I used to tolerate you out of respect for Trent. But now, I have no reason to do so!¡± Jacinda cried out in pain, ¡°Let go! Let go at once!¡± Quinn released her grip, and Jacinda, clutching her wrist, wanted to hurl more insults. However, when she met Quinn¡¯s icy gaze, the words got stuck in her throat as she felt a chill down her spine. It wasn¡¯t until Quinn had left thepany that she pouted in indignance. Why did I find Quinn intimidating just a moment ago? She is nothing more than a paper tiger! A few dayster, upon learning that Quinn had officially resigned, Laura pped her hands in delight. ¡°You should have quit a long time ago. You¡¯ve been working like a dog for Trent, yet he doesn¡¯t appreciate you at all. I can¡¯t believe he didn¡¯t realize that without you, there was no way he could have taken thepany public so quickly!¡± Quinn gave a faint smirk. Laura then asked, ¡°So, what are your ns for the future?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet, I might go back to the military,¡± said Quinn. ¡°How about giving mypany a shot first?¡± Laura suggested enthusiastically. ¡°I¡¯ve been wanting to bring you on board ever since you were discharged from the military. Your research on drones is really impressive. If it wasn¡¯t for you helping Trent in starting his own business, you would probably be a top expert in this field by now.¡± Quinn cast her gaze downward, lost in her thoughts. She had focused on drone research during her university years and had been involved in several rted projects after joining the military. After Trent¡¯spany went public, she had nned to develop drone applications in hertest project. However, now that she had resigned and severed ties with Trent, considering a position at Laura¡¯spany wasn¡¯t such a bad idea. ¡°Let me think about it,¡± said Quinn. No problem!¡± Laura readily agreed. If Quinn is considering it, chances are she¡¯ll ept. If I could really snag someone as talented as Quinn for thepany, it would be like a major achievement! Chapter 7 The Resignation s Just then, Quinn¡¯s phone began to ring. She answered the call and realized it was Jacinda, who was speaking like a spoiled child. ¡°Quinn, if you¡¯re not dead yet, hurry up and get over here. Have you forgotten that today is the day you¡¯re supposed to apany my mother to the hospital?¡± Military 8 Chapter 8 Appointment With Arthur Faulkner s ¡°I don¡¯t have time. If your mom needs to see the doctor, you and your brother can apany her,¡± Quinn said coldly. Without waiting for Jacinda¡¯s response, she ended the call and immediately blocked Jacinda¡¯s number. Throughout their three¨Cyear marriage, Quinn had always been there for her mother¨Cinw. Whenever Penelope fell ill, Quinn would apany her to the hospital, running around to register, fetch medications, and consult with doctors. Yet, all her efforts were taken for granted by her husband¡¯s family. Not one of her single deeds was recognized or appreciated. That day was originally the day for Penelope¡¯s eye check¨Cup. Who called? asked Laura. ¡°It¡¯s Trent¡¯s younger sister. Don¡¯t bother,¡± replied Quinn. However, half an hourter, Trent¡¯s call came through. ¡°Quinn, you better get yourself to the hospital right now. If anything happens to my mom, I won¡¯t forgive you!¡± Quinn frowned, ultimately deciding to make a trip to the hospital. After all, she and Trent were still married at the time, so there was no need for unnecessaryplications. Upon arriving at the hospital, Jacinda stormed over, visibly upset. ¡°Quinn, did you block my number or what? I couldn¡¯t get through to you at all afterwards!¡± ¡°Yes. I blocked your number,¡± Quinn admitted straightforwardly. ¡°How dare you!¡± Jacinda was absolutely livid. Particrly earlier, when she had escorted Penelope into the doctor¡¯s office, only to be ushered out by the staff because she didn¡¯t have an appointment. Moreover, in front of an onlooking crowd, she dialed Quinn¡¯s number over a dozen times, yet received no answer. Jacinda felt utterly humiliated. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I dare? Are you some sort of VIP that I must answer your calls?¡± Quinn retorted. Jacinda was left speechless. Trent stepped forward, saying, ¡°The issues between us are our own business. You shouldn¡¯t use my mom¡¯s illness to make things difficult for us.¡± ¡°What did I do?¡± Quinn asked with a chuckle. ¡°Every time in the past, you¡¯ve apanied my mom for her check¨Cups. Now, all of a sudden, you¡¯re not. If that¡¯s not making things difficult, then what is it?¡± Trent said, clearly displeased. ¡°It seems you¡¯re also aware that I¡¯ve always been the one apanying your mom to her medical appointments,¡± Quinn said coldly. ¡°Your mom raised you and your sister, not me. I didn¡¯t receive a dime from her. It¡¯s you and your sister who should be apanying her. My apanying her is out of goodwill, not obligation!¡± ¡°Fine. Even if you refuse to apany me now, what¡¯s the reason behind my mom not being able to get an appointment? Are you telling me you didn¡¯t have a hand in this?¡± Trent questioned, clearly irritated. ¡°Dr. Arthur Faulkner is a seasoned military doctor. Now, he¡¯s advanced in age and only sees a very limited number of patients each week. You¡¯d need to schedule weeks or even months in advance to secure an appointment with him. Of course, it¡¯s not guaranteed that you¡¯ll get one just because you¡¯ve tried,¡± Quinn responded. ¡°How were you able to secure a spot, then?¡± Trent asked. ¡°What do you think?¡± Quinn retorted. Trent didn¡¯t say anything further. Quinn knew he had misunderstood. He thought she had jumped the queue, but in reality, Arthur had reserved a spot for her to see him. In the past, she would always arrange this with Arthur in advance. However, Quinn couldn¡¯t be bothered to exin this to Trent. 1/3 Regardless, your mom¡¯s cataract surgery is already done. If you can¡¯t get an appointment with Dr. Faulkner, you can always consult with another doctor in the department,¡± Quinn said. Upon hearing this, Penelope rushed over, pointing usingly at Quinn. ¡°You want me to see an ordinary doctor? You¡¯re clearly trying to harm me and cause me to go blind!¡± After she finished speaking, she raised her hand, intending to strike Quinn. Quinn dodged with a frown, but Penelope was relentless in her pursuit. Themotion outside the clinic prompted Arthur to step out. Arthur stepped forward and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on¡­ Oh? Quinn?¡± ¡°Old Mr. Faulkner-¡± Before Quinn could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by Penelope. ¡°Dr. Faulkner, this Quinn is so malicious! She actually suggested I see a regr doctor for my eyes, but I¡¯ve set my heart on you, Dr. Faulkner. Thankfully, it won¡¯t be long before my son divorces her and marries someone who¡¯s truly worthy of him!¡± J¡°Mom.¡± Trent said, pulling his mother aside with a hint of embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯ve told you. Sidonie and I are just friends.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? Haven¡¯t you always had feelings for Sidonie? Now that she¡¯s back, it¡¯s only natural that you should be with her. How can Quinn, an orphan, evenpare to Sidonie, the first female pilot of Nimbus Air?¡± As Penelope spoke, her disdain for Quinn became increasingly apparent. Dr. Faulkner¡¯s expression grew serious as he addressed Penelope. ¡°It seems you should seek another doctor for your eye care in the future. I agreed to treat you out of respect for Quinn¡¯s parents. If you look down on her, then there¡¯s no need for you to visit my clinic anymore.¡± ¡°What?¡± The members of the Grafton family wore expressions of utter astonishment. ¡°Her parents are both dead. What favor could you possibly gain from this?¡± Penelope said, not mincing her words. Dr. Faulkner¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Hold your tongue! Do you think it¡¯s appropriate to talk about her parents like that?¡± After all, Quinn¡¯s parents were fallen heroes, martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the country. Immediately, Penelope fell silent, her words catching in her throat. However, her eyes revealed an even deeper disdain for Quinn. Trent stepped forward, ¡°Dr. Faulkner, my mom really hopes that you can continue to be her physician.¡± ¡°My brother is loaded, Just tell me how much you want,¡± Jacinda said arrogantly. Dr. Faulkner wore a look of distaste, but as a physician, he couldn¡¯t turn away patients. ¡°Go ahead and register yourselves. ¡°Whenever you manage to secure an appointment with me, I¡¯ll naturally see to your examination.¡± After he finished speaking, he had the hospital staff stop the Grafton family members. Then, he and Quinn entered the consultation room alone. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Are you getting a divorce?¡± Arthur asked with concern. ¡°Yes.¡± Quinn nodded in agreement. Arthur didn¡¯t probe any further. ¡°That¡¯s for the best. He was never good enough for you. You deserve a better man. Your parents certainly wouldn¡¯t want to see you treated so poorly. After all, you are their pride and joy.¡± After Quinn heard Arthur mention her parents, her eyes couldn¡¯t help but well up with tears. I heard you¡¯ve collected your parents¡® ashes. Have they been buried?¡± Arthur inquired. Quinn shook her head. ¡°I n to take my parents¡® ashes back to our hometown for burial in a few days.¡± Arthur said, ¡°Remember to inform me on the day of departure. I want to bid them farewell.¡± ¡°Okay Quinn agreed, a lump forming in her throat. 1:09 PM s Chapter 8 Appointment With Arthur Faulkner Once the mandatory thirty¨Cday waiting period for the divorce had passed, she nned to take her parents¡® ashes and immediately return to her hometown. When she returned to the mansion in the evening, Quinn found out that Trent was also back. Ever since Sidonie returned to the capital, Trent had rarely spent time at the mansion. ¡°My mom still hopes that Dr. Faulkner will be the one to treat her in the future,¡± Trent said. ¡°Inform Dr. Faulkner that he¡¯ll continue to care for my mom.¡± Quinn sneered, thinking that Trent was under the illusion that Arthur, a master physician of national treasure caliber, was readily avable to treat just anyone. There were countless crises and illnesses he was called upon to diagnose. Typically, his patients were influential figures of national importance. Because Quinn¡¯s mother was a military doctor and had a deep rtionship with Arthur, Quinn was able to persuade him to treat Penelope. ¡°You can handle the registration yourself,¡± Quinn suggested. ¡°Dr. Faulkner is a physician, and he won¡¯t turn away patients. As long as you can secure an appointment with him, he will naturally tend to your mom.¡± Trent.frowned. ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re quite wealthy, aren¡¯t you? You could easily hire someone to queue for you,¡± Quinn added. Just as Trent was about to say something, his phone suddenly rang. After listening for a moment, his expression turned incredibly grim. After ending the call, he turned to Quinn and uttered, ¡°The incident at the restaurant that day has been twisted into gossip news by some malicious people. The news suggested that I¡¯m married and thus used Sidonie of being the homewrecker. You need to rify with me immediately that nothing is going on between Sidonie and me. Everything was just a misunderstanding.¡± Military 9 Chapter 9 Have You No Shame s Quinn was momentarily taken aback. Then, she heard Trent continue. ¡°Also, you should make it clear that Sidonie is also your friend. You asked me to protect Sidonie at that time because you were concerned for her safety.¡± Quinn almost thought she had misheard. ¡°Trent, have you no shame? How could you even utter such words?¡± Did he realize that when he pushed me aside amidst the gunfire, and I turned only to see him protecting Sidonie, just how disappointed I felt? Quinn thought that after three years of marriage, even if Trent didn¡¯t love her, there would at least be some semnce of affection However, it was in that moment that she truly understood. When crisis struck, Trent could abandon her without a second thought. ¡°Sidonie finally bes a co¨Cpilot after much difficulty.¡± Trent said. ¡°If such an incident were to ur, it could damage her reputation and hinder her future promotions.¡± Quinn was tempted to apud him in praise. He¡¯s so considerate of Sidonie, yet he never thought about how she had abandoned him Jin his most desperate times. Meanwhile, 1. his wife, had apanied him through the establishment of our business and endured hardships together! ¡°I refuse, uttered Quinn bluntly. ¡°What?¡± Trent was taken aback, seemingly not expecting Quinn to reject him so outright. ¡°I won¡¯t lie to the public. We both know the truth. It wasn¡¯t a misunderstanding, and Sidonie is certainly not my friend!¡± Quinn said coldly. With a stern expression, Trent frowned. ¡°Quinn, are you trying to harm Sidonie?¡± ¡°It was your forgetfulness of your marital status and your affair with her that ruined her!¡± Quinn spoke bluntly. ¡°I didn¡¯t cheat, and I certainly didn¡¯t betray you. She and I are just friends!¡± ¡°Your friend sure is something, isn¡¯t she? You¡¯d stay out all night for her, and she can easily summon you with just a single phone call.¡± ¡°That¡¯s simply because Sidonie had just returned to the Jexburgh and became a female pilot. She had quite a few social engagements, and I was merely apanying her,¡± Trent exined. ¡°So, you mean to tell me that you could even stand me up when I was collecting my parents¡® ashes, just to keep herpany?¡± Quinn asked sharply. ¡°Are you trying to dredge up the past?¡± Trent was indignant. ¡°All you need to do is say a few words, and you can help Sidonie. What¡¯s so difficult about that for you?¡± With a cold gaze. Quinn observed the man before her. How could he speak so nonchntly? What¡¯s so difficult about that for me? Is this just a matter of a few words? ¡°If you care so much about Sidonie, why didn¡¯t you choose to divorce when she first came back?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°What?¡± Trent was taken aback. *Back then, if you wanted a divorce, all you had to do was tell me that you loved Sidonie. I would never have made things difficult for you,¡± Quinis said, ¡°Now, Sidonie¡¯s reputation would naturally be unscathed.¡± Trent was displeased and said, ¡°I won¡¯t divorce. I remember the vows I made when we got married, Quinn. I told you, after our marriage. I will never let you down!¡± To Quinn, the phrase ¡°I will never let you down¡± sounded like a mere joke. ¡°Trent, your refusal to divorce wasn¡¯t due to any vows, but because you couldn¡¯t bear the stigma of abandoning your wife, who stood by you during your rise to sess. You¡¯re greedy, wanting to be with your first crush and a good reputation: If you truly respected me, how could you let your friend belittle and humiliate me like that? Even on the day I was supposed to +5 Free Colbs Chapter 9 Have You No Shame bring home my parents¡® ashes, you could just stand me up, all because Sidonie¡¯s mom had a minor ailment like a twisted ankle Trent, those were my parents¡® I couldn¡¯t even bring them back to their own home!¡± This vehement protest gradually drained the color from Trent¡¯s face. It was as if he had been struck by something, and after a long while, he finally said, ¡°I understand. You¡¯ve been through a lot. Let¡¯s do this. This weekend. I¡¯ll apany you to pay our respects and apologize to them. I shouldn¡¯t have left you to retrieve their ashes alone.¡± Quinn knew that this was Trent¡¯s way of currying favor. She was set to officially divorce Trent in about twenty days, so she really didn¡¯t need him to apany her to pay respects to her parents. Nevertheless, Quinn felt that Trent indeed owed her parents an apology. ¡°All right, then,¡± she said. However, when the weekend arrived, Trent once again broke his promise. Trent said guiltily over the phone, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. A crucial meeting came up at work today, so I won¡¯t be able to apany you to pay respects to your parents. I promise I¡¯ll go with you next time.¡± ¡°Okay, I got it,¡± Quinn responded before quietly ending the call. She did not make a fuss. Even the disappointment she felt was almost non¨Cexistent this time. That was because Trent had let her down too many times already. Since he had allowed his friends to belittle and insult Quinn without a care, naturally, he wouldn¡¯t show any concern for her deceased parents. Looking at the phone in her hand, Quinn opened the photo gallery. In her phone gallery, the number of photos she had with Trent was pitifully few. There were just a handful of them, some even included otherpany employees. However, within Trent¡¯s phone, there existed an album brimming with photos of him and Sidonie. Quinn methodically deleted each photo of her and Trent from her phone. When they got married, they hadn¡¯t taken many wedding photos to save money. In retrospect, it was a blessing in disguise as it spared her the hassle of dealing with them now. She began to pack up everything rted to her in the house. Her wardrobe and jewelry collection were not extensive. Together with Trent, all they owned was a pair of inexpensive wedding rings. Due to Trent¡¯s desire to keep their marriage a secret, the couple didn¡¯t usually wear their wedding rings. Quinn gazed at the pair of wedding rings before cing them back into the drawer. Once, she didn¡¯t care whether the wedding ring was cheap. All that mattered was his sincerity. But now, she understood that in his heart, she was probably as insignificant as the cheap wedding ring. Suddenly, Quinn¡¯s phone began to ring. It was a call from Laura. As soon as Quinn picked up the phone, she heard her friend¡¯s voice on the other end. ¡°Are you free today? How about apanying me to the equestrian club?¡± ¡°Equestrian club?¡± Quinn was puzzled. heard that julius will be going to the equestrian club today, I want to seize the opportunity to show up in front 1:00 PM 0 s Chapter 9 Have You No Shame hoping to build a connection, but I don¡¯t have the courage to go alone,¡± Laura exined. An image of Julius¡® handsome face surfaced in Quinn¡¯s mind, along with his eyes that held a quiet stillness. That was a dangerous man. ¡°Have you taken a liking to him?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°Cough, cough¡­¡± The sound of Laura¡¯s coughing came over the phone. ¡°I¡¯m not tired of living. How could I possibly be interested in Julius? I heard a rumor that the Whitethorn family wants to invest in drones. You know mypany is also researching drone applications, so I thought I¡¯d join in on the action and see if there¡¯s an opportunity.¡± Quinn hesitated. After all, she didn¡¯t really want to see Julius again. An instinctual sense of danger was telling her it was best to stay away from that man. ¡°Quinnie,e with me,¡± Laura coaxed. In the end, Quinn let out a sigh. ¡°Fine.¡± However, when she arrived at the equestrian club, she unexpectedly saw Trent, who was supposed to be in an ¡°urgent important meeting,¡± was actually with Sidonie. Both of them were dressed in riding outfits, mounted on two horses and riding side by side. They appeared to be a couple deeply in love. + Military 10 ¡°What rotten luck! Why did I have to run into these two again?¡± Laurained. Quinn gave a nonchnt smirk. ¡°Just pretend they don¡¯t exist.¡± Yet, by some twist of fate, Trent and Sidonic had also spotted Quinn. Trent immediately rode his horse over, stopping in front of Quinn. He furrowed his brows and asked, ¡°How did you end up here?¡± Quinn scoffed. ¡°And what about you? Howe you¡¯re here? So this is your so¨Ccalled ¡®urgent important meeting, huh?¡± A hint of difort shed across Trent¡¯s face. Laura sarcastically remarked, ¡°So, we¡¯re holding impromptu meetings in the equestrian club now, are we? I wonder if next time it¡¯ll be in bed.¡± Trent¡¯s face darkened. ¡°If you continue to speak recklessly, I won¡¯t spare you, even if you¡¯re Quinn¡¯s friend.¡±¡± ¡°Fine! If you dare, then sue me! Laura dered, her chin held high. The expression on Trent¡¯s face grew even darker. With a swift stride, Quinn stepped forward, positioning herself between her friend and the impending threat. ¡°Trent, if you dare harm my friend in any way, I won¡¯t hesitate to publicly reveal your affair with Sidonie!¡± ¡°You dare?¡± Trent said angrily. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Quinn retorted. She knew that the previous rumors of his affair with Sidonie had only been suppressed after he had spent a considerable amount of money. Naturally, he wouldn¡¯t want those rumors to resurface now. Just then, Sidonie rode over on her horse, looking down at Quinn from her elevated position. ¡°Is this the only tactic you know? To cling onto men and use underhanded methods to sabotage other women? Do you honestly believe that Trent will return to you?¡± Upon hearing this, Laura felt a surge of anger, itching tosh out. But before she could, Quinn held her back. She turned to Sidonic and said, ¡°You crossed the line with a married man, yet you use others of being despicable. Don¡¯t you find thatughable?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with love? In three years, you couldn¡¯t make Trent fall for you. Isn¡¯t that a reflection of your inadequacy?¡± Sidonic responded. ¡°But I suppose a woman like you wouldn¡¯t understand what I¡¯m saying. Just as you¡¯ll neverprehend that it¡¯s the independent, confident woman who gallops freely on her own, who truly captivates a man!¡± After Sidonie finished speaking, she suddenly spurred her horse into a wild gallop. Seeing this, the others at the equestrian club broke into apuse for her. Trent waspletely mesmerized, his eyes fixed on Sidonie¡¯s striking figure. After a while, he finally turned to Quinn and said, ¡°A woman like Sidonie doesn¡¯t care about the things you obsess over. Quinn, I hope you stop being so narrow¨Cminded, and there¡¯s no need for you to follow me here!¡± After he finished speaking, Trent also spurred his horse to catch up with Sidonie. Quinn was instantly left speechless. Trent was actually under the impression that she came to the equestrian club to tail him. Laura was so infuriated that her meticulously made¨Cup face alinost contorted. ¡°How could these two be so shameless? Who in the world would want to follow him?¡± Don¡¯t mind them,¡± Quinn said indifferently. ¡°Once the divorce is final, whatever they choose to do won¡¯t concern me ?§á§å§ê§à§Ô§Ö¡± ¡°But I¡¯m just so frustrated!¡± Laura stated. ¡°So what if Sidonie can ride a horse or fly a ne? You were in the special forces s Chapter 10 Exposing The Truth back then. Is there anything you can¡¯t do? Moreover, you flew a fighter jet. What does she amount to in front of you? She even has the audacity to spout such nonsense in your presence!¡± A glint of nostalgia shed in Quinn¡¯s eyes, reminiscing about the days spent in the special forces, the day¨Cto¨Cday camaraderie with her teammates, and the exhrating sensation of piloting a fighter jet, soaring freely across the sky. ¡°Let¡¯s get going. Today, we¡¯re here to take care of business,¡± said Quinn. ¡°Right! We must hurry to meet Julius,¡± Laura urged. She knew if they missed this opportunity, there was no telling when the next one woulde. The equestrian club was vast, and after a fifteen¨Cminute walk, they finally caught sight of Julius. At that moment, Julius was surrounded by a few individuals. Among them was Henry Wagner, who had previously coborated with Laura¡¯spany. This time, Laura also found out from Henry that Julius would being to the equestrian club. Just as Quinn and Laura were about to get closer, Trent suddenly strode over from the side. He grabbed Quinn¡¯s arm. ¡°Why are you following me like this? What exactly are you trying to do?¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t following you.¡± Quinn shook off Trent¡¯s hand. ¡°You¡¯ve followed me all the way here. Now, you¡¯re saying you¡¯re not stalking me?¡± Trent retorted. ¡°I came here today for serious business!¡± Sidonie had told him that Julius would be at the equestrian club today. Recently, there had been rumors in the investmentmunity that Julius was interested in investing in the drone sector. Coincidentally, Trent¡¯spany¡¯s new project was also rted to drones. Thus, he wanted to seize the opportunity to get to know Julius and see if he could secure this investment. ¡°I came here today for serious business, too,¡± Quinn stated bluntly. ¡°What business could you possibly do here?¡± Trent clearly didn¡¯t believe Quinn¡¯s words. Sidonie walked over. ¡°Trent, don¡¯t dy meeting Mr. Whitethorn any longer.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Trent responded, cautioning Quinn, ¡°Today is very important to me. You¡¯d better not create any trouble for me!¡± Sidonie, arm in arm with Trent, passed by Quinn with a face full of disdain. ¡°A capable woman bes a man¡¯s support, while an incapable woman only bes ugly out of jealousy!¡± After speaking, she turned her gaze to Trent. ¡°Trent, I¡¯ll have my uncle introduce you to Mr. Whitethornter.¡± Sidonie was the heiress of Stonehurst Group. Her uncle, Hugh Stonehurst, had some connections with the Whitethorn family and was currently apanying Julius. Trent followed after Sidonie as they headed toward Julius. Hugh proceeded with the introductions. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, this is my niece, Sidonie Stonehurst, the first female pilot of Nimbus Air. And this gentleman next to her, is Trent Grafton, the head of Grafton Technologies.¡± ¡°Hello, Mr. Whitethorn. We¡¯ve met before at the restaurant. Professor Griffin was there, too,¡± Sidonie stated, hoping to establish a closer connection. 2 33 ? zz F * 2 * * * 3 Julius responded nonchntly, ¡°I don¡¯t remember.¡± Sidonie hit a snag, a sh of embarrassment crossing her face. Trent was quick to mediate. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is a busy man, so it¡¯s normal if he doesn¡¯t remember. But I was truly impressed that day at the restaurant. Despite facing a gunman, Mr. Whitethorn showed no fear and even fought back decisively.¡± Trent was deliberately ttering Julius, yet thetter seemed too uninterested to engage further, simply responding in a polite, nomittal manner. Quinn and Laura then went over. When Trent saw Quinn actually approaching, his brows furrowed immediately. s Chapter 10 Exposing The Truth ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, nice to meet you. I¡¯m Laura from Azure Technologies. Ourpany primarily deals with drones, and we¡¯ve made quite a name for ourselves in the industry. If you¡¯re interested, Mr. Whitethorn, we¡¯d be more than happy to wee you anytime,¡± Laura said, cutting straight to the chase. After all, when it came to someone like Julius, with his deep andplex thoughts, it was better to speak inly rather than beating around the bush.. Julius¡® gaze, however, fell upon Quinn standing next to Laura. ¡°Ms. Bridger, we meet again.¡± Quinn tugged at the corners of her mouth and responded, ¡°Yes. We meet again.¡± ¡°Ms. Bridger, what brings you here today?¡± Julius asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯m an employee at Azure Technologies. I came here with our CEO, Ms. Wentworth,¡± Quinn replied. Upon hearing these words, Laura felt a wave of joy wash over her. Her best friend saying such things was a clear indication that she had decided to join herpany. ¡°Indeed! Quinn is an expert in drones and will be a key pir in ourpany in the future,¡± Laura chimed in. Upon hearing this, Trent frowned immediately. ¡°Quinn, stop messing around. Can¡¯t you see where we are?¡± As he spoke, he turned to Julius and said, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I apologize. Quinn was previously an employee at mypany. She only resigned a few days ago. She is not an expert in drones. In mypany, she was just an ordinary employee.¡± Military 11 Chapter 11 The Fall s When he said this, it was partly to rify his rtionship with Quinn. After all, there had been an incident at the restaurant where Quinn had pointed a toy gun at the back of Julius¡® head, clearly offending him. On the other hand, Azure Technologies and hispany were clearly vying for the Whitethorn family¡¯s investment in the drone sector. They werepetitors, and his current actions were essentially implying that Azure Technologies was unreliable and fabricated stories. He was naturally aiming to eliminate hispetition. With a frosty gaze, Quinn looked at Trent, her husband of three years. She had poured her heart and soul into hispany, only to be dismissed as an ¡°ordinary employee.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Julius responded nonchntly, his face revealing no hint of emotion. At that moment, Sidonie spoke up. ¡°Ms. Wentworth, I know you and Quinn are friends. I understand you want her to leave a good impression on Mr. Whitethorn, but there¡¯s no need to fabricate such a nonsensical identity for her.¡± ¡°What do you mean by fabricating such a nonsensical identity? When Quinn was busy studying drones, you were probably still ying with model airnes!¡± Laura retorted, clearly annoyed. ¡°Does she have any patents rted to drones? Or has shepleted any projects?¡± Sidonie asked in return. Laura opened her mouth but found herself unable to say anything. After all, Quinn¡¯s drone research at the time was conducted within the military, involving confidential contracts. Therefore, it couldn¡¯t be directly spoken about. ¡°So, no?¡± Sidonie raised an eyebrow and retorted, ¡°You should know how to back up your deception, at least!¡± People who were on good terms with the Stonehurst family also began to join in theughter. Laura was livid, but Quinn simply responded with a nonchnt tone, ¡°Whether it¡¯s all smoke and mirrors, we¡¯ll find out eventually!¡± ¡°Stubbornness willnd you in hot water sooner orter,¡± Sidonie ridiculed. Just then, someone led in a steed, its coat as ck as ink, save for its four hooves, which were pure white. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, this is the horse the Stonehurst family has prepared for you,¡± Hugh said, trying to please the man. ¡°Though spirited, it has been tamed by a professional. If you like it, why not take it for a ride?¡± Julius merely cast a casual nce at the magnificent horse, showing no intention of mounting it for a test ride. The atmosphere suddenly turned somewhat awkward. ¡°How about I give this fine horse a test ride for Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Sidonie volunteered, also intending to show off a bit. Since Quinn¡¯s show¨Coff at the restaurantst time had made asting impression on Julius, she believed she could do the same now. She was determined to leave a mark on Julius¡® memory. Upon seeing the situation, Hugh quickly suggested, ¡°That sounds great. Let Sidonie take a fewps. Sidonie¡¯s equestrian skills are quite impressive. She even has an international horse riding certification!¡± Seeing that Julius did not object, Sidonie leaped up, mounting the back of the ck steed. Then, with a squeeze of her legs against the horse¡¯s belly, she galloped away. Those who had good rtions with the Stonehurst family began to sing praises of Sidonie. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst truly lives up to the Stonehurst family¡¯s reputation. Not only can she fly a ne, but she¡¯s also an excellent horse rider.¡± This level of horsemanship is good enough for apetition, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°With such a gant demeanor, she would have been a heroine if it were in tines of war.¡± 143 s Chapter 11 The Fall Laura muttered to Quinn. ¡°Ugh. Heroine? Sidonie is nothing more than a show¨Coff with some skills!¡± That was because Laura had witnessed what a truly gant woman looked like when she rode a horse. It seemed as though Trent had heard her words. He approached and said, ¡°Sidonie is a truly carefree, straightforward, and independent woman. She isn¡¯t like you all, who only focus on how to belittle others. Quinn, instead of using your friend to insult Sidonie, you should think about how to improve yourself.¡± J ¡°I only know this,¡± Quinn retorted bluntly, ¡°A truly carefree and independent woman would never entertain a married man.¡± Upon hearing the words, Trent was filled with irritation. However, given the situation at hand, he couldn¡¯t afford to lose his temper. At that moment, Sidonie felt she had shown off enough while on horseback, so she decided to ride back. As she neared her destination, she tightened the reins, intending to slow down the horse¡¯s pace gradually. However, the steed between her legs showed no signs of slowing down. Instead, it seemed to be running faster and faster. Seeing they were nearing the crowd, Sidonie became more anxious. Despite usingmands or pulling the reins tighter, she was unable to slow down the horse. In her panic, she even slipped her foot off the pedal, instantly turning into a picture of utter disarray. ¡°Ahh!¡± Sidonie shrieked, unable at this point to halt the wild gallop of her horse. As they watched the ck horse charge straight toward them, the individuals who had previously admired Sidonie¡¯s equestrian skills suddenly scattered and fled. Quickly, Quinn pulled Laura away, dodging the path of the oing horse. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Julius. To her surprise, he remained still, rooted to the spot. Meanwhile, Sidonie, astride an uncontroble ck horse, was rapidly closing in on him. If things continue this way, Julius will surely end up in a collision! If someone were to be struck by a horse charging at such speed, they¡¯d be lucky to stay alive, let alone without serious injury! In a sudden burst of energy, Quinn charged toward Julius, her body fueled by an unbelievable strength. She swiftly grabbed Julius in an embrace, and they tumbled together to the side. Amidst the screams of the crowd, the two managed to dodge the oing galloping hooves. Hugh breathed a sigh of relief. If Julius had really been injured by that horse, then the entire Stonehurst family would probably have been in a lot of trouble. Quinn was panting; the weight pressing on her served as a reminder of what she had just done. Julius, are you alright? Did you get hurt?¡± she asked. The man remained on top of her, yet he didn¡¯t utter a word. Could it be that when we were rolling away earlier, he was kicked by a horse¡¯s hoof? In her mind, Quinn was specting, wanting to stand up and check on Julius¡® injury. Suddenly, a strong force pressed down on her shoulder, preventing her from rising. Julius¡® cold voice echoed in her ears. ¡°Why did you save me?¡± There¡¯s no reason. It¡¯s just instinct!¡± she responded nonchntly. Her innate military instincts from the past didn¡¯t even allow her to think. She simply rushed over instinctively to save him. Instinct?¡± He slowly propped himself up, gazing down at her lying beneath him.¡± s Chapter 11 The Fall At that moment, a faint ripple stirred within his eyes, which had previously held an eerie stillness. Reflected in his pupils was the visage of Quinn a face that was both delicately charming and resolutely determined. ¨C ¡°Yes. If it were someone else, I would have saved them, too! Quinn dered without any hesitation. Julius was slightly taken aback. At that moment, Quinn had already grown impatient. ¡°If you¡¯re not injured, get up quickly.¡± His eyes glimmered slightly. No one had ever dared to show him impatience like this before. Seeing that he hadn¡¯t made a move, Quinn directly pushed Julius off her and stood up. Not far off, the ck horse was still charging around in circles uncontrobly. Sidonie, who was on the horse¡¯s back, was being jolted around, letting out continuous shrieks. ¡°Help¡­ Ah¡­ Ah! Help! Stop this horse! Quick!¡± At that moment, however, no one dared to step forward and stop this horse. Sidonie didn¡¯t hold out for long. The reins slipped from her grasp. The ck horse took another leap, and, losing her bnce, Sidonie tumbled off its back. Fortunately, thending spot was a softwn. Despite everything, her pain was so intense that she couldn¡¯t stop wailing. Worried, Trent rushed over to Sidonie¡¯s side, saying, ¡°Hang in there. The staff have already gone to get help. Soon, they¡¯ll carry you to the hospital for treatment.¡± Just then, Laura¡¯s voice suddenly rang out. ¡°Quinnie, watch out!¡± Startled, Trent suddenly looked up, his gaze darting toward Quinn. He saw the ck horse charging in her direction. Instinctively, he rose to his feet, intending to run toward Quinn¡¯s direction. However, Sidonie suddenly grabbed his hand. ¡°Trent, I¡¯m in so much pain!¡± Her cry of pain brought Trent¡¯s steps to a halt. In just a fleeting moment, the ck horse had already reached Quinn A glint of malice shed in Sidonie¡¯s eyes. If she were in such a disarray, she wouldn¡¯t let Quinn get off easily. She wanted Quinn to be even more disheveled than her. Everyone gasped in surprise, watching as Quinn stood frozen in ce. Everyone simply assumed that Quinn was paralyzed by fear. Just when everyone thought that Quinn was about to be trampled under the horse¡¯s hooves in the next moment, Quinn swiftly grabbed the reins and, with a swift leap, she was on the horse¡¯s back. + Military 12 Chapter 12 Nothing Extraordinary No one expected that Quinn would actually mount the horse. Everyone watched, dumbfounded by the scene unfolding before them. They saw Quinn expertly tighten the reins, lean forward, and firmly grip the horse¡¯s belly with her legs, urging the horse into a gallop. Judging by the way Quinn handled the horse, anyone could tell that her horsemanship was exceptional. J Trent waspletely taken aback. He had never imagined that Quinn could actually ride a horse. The sight of her on horseback filled him with a sense of unfamiliarity. Although she was his wife of three years, he was unaware of her horsemanship. Her raven hair was billowing in the wind, making her appear so fearless, just like a true warrior. Simrly, Sidonie, nestled in Trent¡¯s arms, couldn¡¯t believe it either. How could Quinn possibly know how to ride a horse? Moreover, she has even mounted such a fiery steed! In her heart, Sidonie was fervently hoping that Quinn would be thrown off the horse. To her disappointment, Quinn was not thrown off as she had expected. Instead, after a few rounds, the fiery horse seemed to have been tamed, unbelievably starting to heed Quinn¡¯smands. When Quinn safely returned on her ck horse, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief. Quinn had tamed the horse. The horse came to a halt, and Quinn dismounted. Trent was still reeling from shock. ¡°W¨CWhen did you learn to ride a horse?¡± ¡°Does it matter?¡± Quinn asked coldly. Trent was speechless. Sidonie was nestled in Trent¡¯s arms when Quinn¡¯s gazended on her. ¡°Galloping on a horse isn¡¯t that impressive. However, if your galloping is just to attract men¡¯s attention, then our aims are indeed quite different!¡± Quinn said. After she had finished speaking, she handed over the reins she was holding to a staff member nearby. The color of Sidonie¡¯s face fluctuated between red and white. Quinn¡¯s words felt like a harsh p to her face. She had shown contempt toward Quinn, but Quinn had returned the favor. Ironically, Quinn had tamed the horse, leaving her unable to utter a single word of rebuttal. At that moment, Laura rushed to Quinn¡¯s side, anxiously checking on her friend. ¡°How are you doing? Are you hurt?¡± she asked with concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Quinn said with a smile. Upon hearing that, Laura finally let out a sigh of relief. ¡°You really scared me to death earlier. Not only did you rush over to save Julius, but you also tamed the horse. Do you have any idea how dangerous it could¡¯ve been if something had gone wrong? You could have lost your life right here!¡± ¡°I certainly wouldn¡¯t die so easily,¡± Quinn reassured her friend. ¡°Besides, given the circumstances just now, if I hadn¡¯t done something, someone might have really ended up dead here.¡± Laura sighed after hearing those words. Even though Quinn had already retired from the military, the ingrained sense of duty she held as a soldier still made her unhesitatingly protect the safety of others. Meanwhile, Hugh arrived before Julius, drenched in sweat. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I sincerely apologize. I never anticipated that this horse wasn¡¯t fully tamed yet, causing such an incident. It¡¯s fortunate you¡¯re unharmed. Otherwise, the Stonehurst famil 320 PM Chapter 12 Nothing Extraordinary would be utterly doomed.¡± s ¡°The Stonehurst family deserves to perish,¡± said Julius indifferently. ¡°Had it not been for Ms. Bridger¡¯s unexpected intervention just now, the Stonehurst family would have disappeared without a trace from Jexburgh within three months.¡± A chill ran down Hugh¡¯s spine. ¡°In that case, shouldn¡¯t the Stonehurst family be expressing their gratitude to Ms. Bridger?¡± Julius asked. ¡°Oh, yes! The Stonehurst family will definitely express our gratitude to Ms. Bridger,¡± Hugh repeatedly assured. Ignoring Hugh, Julius headed straight toward Quinn. ¡°Ms. Bridger.¡± Julius stood before Quinn and said, ¡°Did you know? If you hadn¡¯t rushed to save me, this horse would have been shot and copsed on the ground within the next second.¡± Quinn was momentarily taken aback, but she quickly understood it. For someone like Julius, it was only natural to have bodyguards lurking in the shadows, ready to swiftly neutralize any threats that might arise. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, are you criticizing me for being a busybody?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°No, Ms. Bridger. You saved me, so I naturally owe you something in return. However, I¡¯m unsure what kind of repayment you would prefer, Ms. Bridger,¡± said Julius. As soon as those words were spoken, the people around looked at Quinn with a mix of envy and jealousy. ¡°I don¡¯t need that!¡± Quinn declined. ¡°Well, what if I insist on repaying you?¡± Julius took a step forward, closing the distance with Quinn. His towering figure exuded an overwhelming presence. Quinn pursed her lips. Not wanting to get entangled with Julius on that issue, she said, ¡°If you really want to repay, why not donate to build an Operation Hope Elementary School?¡± With that, Quinn took Laura¡¯s hand and left. Julius raised his eyebrows slightly. An Operation Hope Elementary School? The reward she wants is indeed unexpected! However, it¡¯s quite interesting. From Trent¡¯s embrace, Sidonie red resentfully at Quinn¡¯s retreating figure, fighting against the pain coursing through her body. ¡°She¡¯s just putting on airs. Quinn¡¯s only trying to leave a good impression on Julius. She never considered your feelings. If she truly cared about you, she would have used that opportunity to get the Whitethorn family to invest in yourpany.¡± The moment those words fell, a flicker of thought passed through Trent¡¯s eyes, as if he was contemting something. Trent only got back to his mansion past nine in the evening. He apanied Sidonie to the hospital for a thorough examination. Fortunately, despite falling off a horse and sustaining numerous scrapes and bruises, Sidonie had not suffered any broken bones. That was why he only returnedte into the night. Upon seeing Quinn, Trent took the initiative to exin, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to not apany you to pay respects to Dad and Mom today. It¡¯s just that Sidonie informed me at thest minute that Julius was at the equestrian club. I went there with Sidonic for the sake of thepany.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± said Quinn nonchntly. Regardless of the exnations Trent offered, she no longer cared. ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll apany you to pay respects to Dad and Mom tomorrow, okay?¡± Trent suggested. Quinn turned down the suggestion, saying, ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Chapter 12 Nothing Extraordinary *Bur- s ¡°There¡¯s really no need for that. I know you¡¯re busy with work,¡± said Quinn. She had decided not to let Trent disturb her parents¡® peace anymore. Upon hearing that, Trent did not persist any further. Indeed, he had been quite busy during that period. Especially when Sidonie needed to be hospitalized for a few days, he had to shuttle back and forth to the hospital to take care of her. ¡°All right, then. If the opportunity arises, I¡¯ll apany you to pay respects to Dad and Mom in the future,¡± Trent said. Quinn sneered inwardly when she heard that. What a pity, Trent. You¡¯ll never get the chance again! After a moment, Trent uttered, ¡°By the way, you mentioned at the equestrian club today that you¡¯re an employee of Azure Technologies. What¡¯s that about? ¡°Well, it means exactly that. I¡¯ve joined Azure Technologies,¡± said Quinn. ¡°You really didn¡¯t have to go out of your way to annoy me,¡± Trent said. ¡°You¡¯re always wee to return to thepany.¡± Feeling baffled, Quinn chuckled. ¡°I didn¡¯t join Azure Technologies to annoy you, and I certainly don¡¯t n on returning to thepany.¡± Trent frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve already said that you cane back anytime. What else do you want?¡± ¡°What do you want me to do back at thepany?¡± Quinn retorted. ¡°Continue pushing the project forward, of course,¡± Trent said. ¡°Whitethorn Group wants to invest in a techpany specializing in drones. You can take charge of the project we initiated before.¡± ¡°What about Jacinda? Isn¡¯t she in charge of that project?¡± Quinn questioned. ¡°I can arrange for Jacinda to do other work.¡± Quinn then looked at Trent with a cold gaze and asked, ¡°So, do you think Julius would feel obliged to invest in yourpany if I were in charge of the project because I saved him at the equestrian club today?¡± A flicker of embarrassment crossed Trent¡¯s face because he had just been figured out. Military 13 Chapter 13 The Beautiful Hands ¡°What¡¯s so wrong with that? I¡¯m simply hoping to maximize our profits. It¡¯s beneficial for both thepany and our family!¡± Trent replied. Family? That word once represented Quinn¡¯s deepest longing. When she initially married him, it was in the pursuit of having a family. However, in the end, she realized that he simply couldn¡¯t provide that to her. ¡°Would you still have asked me to return to thepany if I hadn¡¯t saved Julius today?¡± Quinn inquired. You¡¯re thedy boss of thepany, so you can return anytime,¡± Trent said. ¡°In that case, can I just announce at the office that I¡¯m thedy boss?¡± Quinn raised an eyebrow. Trent remained silent for a moment before he finally said, ¡°We agreed before to keep our marriage a secret for now, right? We¡¯ll announce it when the time is right.¡± ¡°Well, because if we announce it now, it would mean letting everyone in thepany know about your infidelity during our marriage, right? Everyone in thepany knows that Sidonie is your first crush, but no one knows about our marriage,¡± Quinn said straightforwardly. Visibly upset, Trent asked, ¡°Do you really have to make things difficult for me?¡± ¡°I have no intention of making things difficult for you, so I don¡¯t n on returning to thepany. Also, at the equestrian club, I told Julius that if he insists on repaying me, he should donate to build an Operation Hope Elementary School. Thus, don¡¯t expect me to help you persuade Julius to invest in Grafton Technologies!¡± Quinn responded. Trent flew into a rage out of humiliation and spent the entire night ignoring Quinn. The following day, Quinn visited Laura¡¯s office. They agreed that after Montague and Arlene¡¯s burial in their hometown, she would officially start working at thepany. During lunchtime, Quinn spotted a photo on Jacinda¡¯s Instagram. The picture showed a man¡¯s hands, one cradling a bowl of oatmeal, the other holding a spoon, dipped into the bowl. The caption read: The oatmeal lovingly made by Trent for my future sister¨Cin¨Csmells so good! Looking at the oatmeal in the photo, Quinn finally understood what Trent was busy with in the kitchen that morning. Back when she fell ill, her fever spiked to one hundred and four degrees Fahrenheit. She was so weak that she could barely get out of bed. All Trent said was that he was busy with work and asked her to take care of herself. Even before her fever had fully subsided, she was called back to work due topany matters. She went to the office while still on an IV drip, and he took it for granted. He didn¡¯t even order takeout, let alone make oatmeal for her. She had to do it herself. At that moment, however, he was willing to rise early in the morning to make oatmeal for Sidonie. The difference between love and theck of it was truly evident. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Laura asked curiously as she leaned in to take a closer look. After seeing that photograph, Laura was taken aback for a moment before returning to her senses. ¡°Could it be that Trent cooked oatmeal for Sidonie? That¡¯s too much. You guys aren¡¯t even divorced yet!¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Quinn put away her phone, standing up to leave. Where are you going? You¡¯re not nning to rush to the hospital, are you?¡± Laura asked curiously. Tim not that idle. I¡¯m going to the funeral parlor to see my mom and dad,¡± Quinn said. 148 +5 Free Coins Chapter 13 The Beautiful Hands No sooner had Quinn stepped out of Laura¡¯spany than a ck sedan pulled up in front of her. A man donned in a ck suit stepped out of the car and respectfully said to Quinn, ¡°Ms. Bridger, I am Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s secretary. Mr. Whitethorn would like to express his gratitude for saving his life and invites you to join him for a meal.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. I¡¯ve already made it clear before. If he wants to thank me for saving his life, he can donate to build an Operation Hope Elementary School.¡± With that, Quinn went straight to her car, opened the door, and got in. Half an hourter, she found herself in the funeral parlor, standing before the disy case that held the cremation urn containing her parents¡® ashes. On the urn, a national g was draped. ¡°Mom, Dad, I initially thought that Trent owed you an apology. I wanted him to pay his respects and say sorry to you. However, there¡¯s no need for that anymore, right?¡± Quinn murmured softly. The only response she received was the silence of the air. She brought her hands together in prayer, reverently paying her respects to Montague and Arlene. ¡°Just hold on a little longer. It won¡¯t be long before I can take you guys back to our hometown,¡± said Quinn. ¡°Are you leaving this ce?¡± Suddenly, a voice echoed from behind her. A jolt ran through Quinn. As she turned her head, the handsome face of Julius suddenly filled her vision. ¡°Why are you here?¡± Quinn asked in surprise. ¡°Ms. Bridger, you turned down my secretary, so I naturally had toe and extend the invitation myself,¡± said Julius. Quinn subtly pursed her lips. With Julius personally showing up, it seemed that turning down that day¡¯s meal was no longer an option. ¡°Are these your parents¡® ashes?¡± Julius¡® gaze flickered toward the names attached to the base of the cremation urn. The words read: Montague Bridger Arlene Gurney. ¡°Yes,¡± said Quinn. ¡°Since there¡¯s a national g draped over the urn, they weren¡¯t ordinary people, were they?¡± said Julius. ¡°They were ordinary people, but also fallen heroes,¡± said Quinn. Montague and Arlene served in the military for thirty years. From the moment they enlisted, they were prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice at any time. When Quinn was a child, she used to fear that Montague and Arlene might be sacrificed and that there mighte a day when she could no longer see them. Because of that, she had thrown tantrums, pleading with them not to be soldiers. Back then, Montague held her in his arms and said, ¡°Quinn, your mother and I chose to be soldiers out of steadfast conviction. What we want to protect is not just our home. We also want to protect our nation!¡± As she grew older, she gradually began toprehend Montague¡¯s words and understand the meaning of steadfast conviction. Hence, she chose to attend National Defense University for her university education. After graduation, just like Montague, Arlene, and Rowan, she decided to join the military. Had it not been for the news of her parents¡® passing, Quinn might still have been a soldier. *Since you¡¯ve personally extended an invitation, Mr. Whitethorn, let¡¯s go,¡± said Quinn. She then turned toward the cremation urre holding her parents¡® ashes and said, ¡°Mom, Dad, I¡¯ll visit you again next time.¡± After she finished speaking, she turned to leave, only to find Julius still standing there unmoved. Are you not leaving Quinn¡¯s voice abruptly halted as she watched Julius stride toward her parents¡® cremation urn, He s Chapter 13 The Beautiful Hands respectfully bowed three times in front of them. Quinn was stunned. Julius¡® expression was solemn, and every bow he made was earnest. It was only afterpleting the three bows that Julius approached Quinn. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said. Quinn opened her mouth to ask, ¡°Why did you-¡± ¡°Bow? They are fallen heroes. It¡¯s only right that I pay them my respects,¡± Julius said. A surge of indescribable emotion suddenly welled up in Quinn¡¯s heart. Everyone said that Julius was a temperamental lunatic. She had even seen his madness firsthand. After subduing a criminal who had intended to kill him, he had pointed a gun directly at the man¡¯s temple,pletely disregarding thew. However, just moments ago, he had shown nothing but respect for Montague and Arlene. The one who was supposed to do that was Trent, but it was Julius doing it instead at that moment. The two then left the funeral parlor, where a ck Maybach was waiting for them outside. As soon as they appeared, the bodyguard promptly opened the rear car door. The two of them got into the car, with Julius taking Quinn to a private club restaurant. ¡°Ms. Bridger, have you been here before?¡± he asked. ¡°No,¡± she replied. ¡°The food here is pretty good, Ms. Bridger. You should give it a try,¡± said Julius. The array of exquisite dishes was swiftly served, and Quinn simply dove in and started eating. She was indeed hungry, and the sooner she finished eating, the sooner they could part ways. Due to habits formed from her past military life, Quinn always ate rtively quickly. Once she was about eighty percent full, she unconsciously paused, her gaze falling on Julius¡® hand holding the fork. His hand, elegant and slender, held the fork in a way that exuded an unusual sense of beauty. His hand was elegant yet lethal. It was as if that fork in his hand could transform into a lethal weapon. ¡°Ms. Bridger, why do you keep looking at my hand? Is there something wrong with it?¡± Julius asked nonchntly. ¡°Oh, no. It¡¯s just that I find your hands very attractive,¡± Quinn replied truthfully, as if admiring a beautiful weapon. ¡°Really? Well, if I were to die before you do in the future, Ms. Bridger, I¡¯d have someone cut off my hands, preserve them, and give them to you,¡± said Julius, startlingly sincere. Military 14 Chapter 14 The Rejection ? ?????* Quinn choked on her own saliva and coughed, hastily grabbing a nearby lemonade to take a sip. Only then did she address Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you¡¯re quite the joker.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking,¡± said Julius. Quinn fell silent. Is he genuinely intending to sever his own hands after death as a gift to me? That¡¯s not what a normal person would say. No wonder other people call him crazy. ¡°No need,¡± she quickly said. ¡°I still prefer hands attached to a human body, not cold, lifeless specimens.¡± ¡°That¡¯s truly a pity,¡± he said. ¡°I initially thought this would be a better way to convey my gratitude to you for saving my life.¡± Once again, Quinn was left speechless, but she didn¡¯t feel the same. ¡°I¡¯ve already mentioned that if you truly wish to express your gratitude, you can donate to Operation Hope Elementary School.¡± With a casual lift of his hand, Julius signaled his bodyguard, who promptly handed a set of documents to Quinn. Upon ncing at the documents, Quinn realized with surprise that it was a donation certificate from Operation Hope Elementary School. In other words, within such a short span of time, Julius had alreadypleted all the donations for Operation Hope Elementary School. All that was left was for the local government to finish constructing the school. ¡°If you wish to rename the school, you can do so now. For instance, incorporating your name into it,¡± said Julius. ¡°No need,¡± Quinn said, looking at the document. Grinning, she added, ¡°Thank you.¡± Her heartfelt smile caught Julius off guard. The joy in her eyes was clear to see simply because he had donated money to Operation Hope Elementary School. He had seen countless individuals driven by ambition and greed around him. Those people would go to great lengths to curry favor with him, hoping to use him as a stepping stone to the fast track of life. However, Quinn didn¡¯t seek fame or wealth, so he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it was that she was truly after. ¡°Ms. Bridger, would you be interested in being my bodyguard?¡± Julius suddenly proposed. ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°You want me to be your bodyguard?¡± ¡°Ms. Bridger, you have impressive skills, and you¡¯ve saved me before. I think you would make an excellent bodyguard for me,¡± said Julius. ¡°If you¡¯re willing, you can name your price.¡± ¡°Apologies, but I¡¯ve already started working at Azure Technologies and currently, I have no ns of changing jobs,¡± Quinn declined. ¡°What a pity.¡± Julius said lightly, but he didn¡¯t continue on the topic. Quinn sighed in relief. As she finished her meal and was about to leave, Julius spoke up. ¡°Ms. Bridger, I¡¯m not someone who¡¯s easily saved. However, if someone were to save me, they must see it through to the end!¡± Quinn was taken aback, meeting Julius¡® deep gaze. What does he mean by that? He has so many bodyguards. Even if he¡¯s in danger, they¡¯ll save him! However, Quinn didn¡¯t ask, and Julius didn¡¯t offer any further exnation. Not long after parting ways with Julius, Quinn received a call from Jacinda. Since Jacinda¡¯s personal number had been blocked by Quinn, the former had to resort to using thepany¡¯s phone to call, ¡°Quinn, you know that project you were managing at thepany? I need you to draft a new project proposal for me,¡± Jacinda said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. s Chapter 14 The Rejection Quinn was on the verge ofughing out of frustration. ¡°Why should I write for you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re my brother¡¯s wife. If I tell you to write, you have to write!¡± Jacinda demanded arrogantly. From Jacinda¡¯s perspective, Quinn adored her brother and would do anything for him, obediently following his wishes. Naturally, Jacinda believed that Quinn would alsoply with that request. ¡°Your brother¡¯s wife?¡± Quinn chuckled, ¡°Didn¡¯t you regard Sidonie as your sister¨Cinw quite fondly? Why don¡¯t you have her write it for you?¡± ¡°Who I regard as my sister¨Cinw is my business, but if you don¡¯t immediately get that proposal written for me, I¡¯ll have Trent divorce you. He always listens to me. So, you better prepare yourself for the life of a damaged good!¡± Jacinda spat venomously. ¡°Fine then,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Hurry up and have your brother divorce me. I¡¯m waiting!¡± With that, she promptly ended the call. Jacinda stared at the phone in her hand in disbelief. How dare she refuse! She¡¯s looking down on me too much. I must make her suffer! JAfter some time, Trent read the project proposal submitted by Jacinda. The content was almost unbearable to look at because it was clearly cobbled together from who knows where. Even some of the content was contradictory! ¡°Is this what you¡¯ve managed to produce after taking over the project?¡± Trent angrily eximed. ¡°Did you actually believe that with this, you could sessfully negotiate a business deal?¡± He became even more frustrated when he thought about how he never had to worry about any project proposals submitted by Quinn. ¡°Trent, when Quinn was handing over her tasks, she didn¡¯t exin things properly. She left out a lot of details, which is why I couldn¡¯t write the proposal well,¡± Jacinda defended herself. ¡°Shut up!¡± Trent warned, ¡°It was you who said you wanted to take charge of the project, and that¡¯s why I handed this important task over to you. But look at the mess you¡¯ve made. How do you expect me to entrust you with the rest of the work?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all Quinn¡¯s fault. She deliberately set me up. Trent, you should have divorced a woman like her a long time ago!¡± Jacinda persuaded. ¡°Enough, I don¡¯t want to hear such words again! Quinn married me when I was at my lowest, so I won¡¯t divorce her!¡± Trent dered. He then spent a while chastising Jacinda before finally letting her leave the CEO¡¯s office. In the night, Trent was summoned back by a phone call from his mother. ¡°How could you scold your sister like that?¡± Penelope reprimanded, clearly annoyed. ¡°Your sister just graduated from university, so it¡¯s only natural that shecks experience. So what if she didn¡¯t do well at work? It¡¯s not the end of the world. Moreover, all of this was caused by Quinn. She not only harmed your sister, but me as well. if it weren¡¯t for her meddling, I wouldn¡¯t be in this situation, unable to see Dr. Faulkner. She¡¯s practically trying to ruin my eyesight!¡± Regarding the matter of appointment, Trent was also left feeling helpless. He had already paid someone to secure an appointment with Arthur, but s, Arthur¡¯s appointments were few and far between. He spent money to snatch an appointment, but so did others, which meant that he hadn¡¯t managed to get any. All he could do was let his mother see other doctors for her follow¨Cup visits. Listening to his mother¡¯s incessantints about her eyes, Trent was inevitably reminded of the times when Quinn used to take care of his mother¡¯s health issues. Back then, all he had to worry about were matters rted to his job. Quinn was the one shouldering all the responsibilities. She took care of Jacinda¡¯s education and apanied Penelope to the doctor¡¯s appointment Mom, I¡¯ll figure out another way to secure an appointment with Dr. Faulkner.¡± Trent said. ¡°Your sister was right today. You should divorce Quinn. She¡¯s a wicked woman!¡± repeated Penelope. Chapter 14 The Rejection s Trent got up in displeasure. ¡°Stop saying that. Quinn hasn¡¯t done anything to wrong me! So, I won¡¯t do anything to wrong her either!¡± Upon exchanging nces, both Penelope and Jacinda saw disappointment mirrored in each other¡¯s eyes. Penelope was even more discontented, wondering if that one billion would really be going to Quinn. The following day. Trent received news that only served to further sour his mood. ¡°What did you say? The bank didn¡¯t approve the loan?¡± Trent asked his secretary. ¡°Yes,¡± Ashley replied. ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡± Trent asked. ¡°Word has it that they¡¯ve received some news that Harvest Capital, which originally intended to coborate with us, has withdrawn their interest in investment!¡± Ashley reported. Trent was taken aback, having no time to ponder why the bank was privy to information he was still unaware of, and immediately called the number of the manager who was in charge of Harvest Capital¡¯s investment project. ¡°Mr. Fuller, I want to inquire about the verbal investment agreement that was previously discussed between ourpanies¡­¡± ¡°I was actually nning to call you, Mr. Grafton. Ourpany has decided to terminate our investment intentions. After all, it was due to Ms. Bridger¡¯s involvement that we nned to invest. However, now that Ms. Bridger has left, the original verbal agreement naturally bes null and void!¡± said Kevin Fuller. Trent was taken aback. In disbelief, he asked, ¡°Because of Quinn?¡± M Military 15 Chapter 15 You Apologize ¡°Indeed. As such, unfortunately, we can¡¯t establish a partnership with yourpany this time,¡± Kevin said. Trent was utterly baffled. ¡°But Quinn is just an ordinary employee at thepany. Why would yourpany decide to terminate its investment ns just because she left?¡± Kevin scoffed, ¡°It seems like you truly have no understanding of Ms. Bridger¡¯s worth, Mr. Grafton.¡± Gazing at the phone in his hand, Trent was utterly baffled by thest words of Kevin. Quinn? What value did she possess? Then, Trent called Quinn, asking her to return to the office. Though Quinn was reluctant, she decided to return to the office. She didn¡¯t want toplicate things further until she had separated entirely from Trent. The moment Trent saw her, he immediately said, ¡°You quit, and Harvest Capital immediately ceased their funding. Did you collude with them to take revenge on me?¡± ¡°Revenge?¡± Quinn chuckled. ¡°I don¡¯t have such great capabilities to conspire with Harvest Capital. If they decided to withdraw their investment, it simply means they don¡¯t see potential in this project!¡± ¡°In that case, why did Mr. Fuller say that the investment was terminated because you resigned?¡± Quinn was taken aback, but she understood the reason. Harvest Capital¡¯s initial interest in investing likely meant they had investigated her, being aware of her past achievements in the field of drones. Since she had left and been reced by Jacinda, it was only natural that there were no aspects that the investors found appealing anymore. ¡°It seems like the investors don¡¯t see value in Jacinda¡¯s abilities,¡± said Quinn. Jacinda, who had been eavesdropping at the office door, immediately pushed it open, ring at Quinn in outrage. ¡°What do you mean by that? I bet it¡¯s because you and the investors have some shady deal going on!¡± As she spoke, a sh of malice suddenly crossed her eyes. ¡°Maybe you slept with one of the investors to get them to agree.¡± Quinn scowled. Trent frowned, ¡°Jacinda, don¡¯t spout nonsense!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Jacinda protested, ¡°Trent, the investors withdrew their funding because Quinn resigned. It¡¯s clear there¡¯s something fishy. I bet Quinn slept with the investors and cheated on you!¡± Trent was silent, his gaze toward Quinn filled with uncertainty and surprise. Facing Trent¡¯s scrutinizing gaze, Quinn asked, ¡°Do you believe her?¡± Trent slowly began to speak. ¡°Then you tell me, why would the investors pull out just because you resigned? Is it really because of you¡­¡± He left the rest of his words unspoken, yet the meaning behind them was already crystal clear. Quinn couldn¡¯t help butugh bitterly. They spent a year together before marriage, then three years after, so a total of four years, and yet he didn¡¯t trust her at all. A few casual words from his sister were enough to make him question her innocence! ¡°Trent, look at her. She¡¯s clearly feeling guilty!¡± Jacinda continued to add insult to injury. Quinn stifled herughter, her gaze icy as she stared at Jacinda. ¡°Are you certain that I actually slept with someone from the investors? WO 0 s Chapter 15 You Apologize ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m sure!¡± Jacinda said, her chin held high in triumph. ¡°All right, don¡¯t forget what you¡¯ve just said!¡± Quinn dered, pulling out her phone and immediately dialing the police. ¡°Hello, I need to report a crime. I was sexually assaulted without my knowledge¡­ Yes, there¡¯s a witness, my husband¡¯s sister. She said she was certain¡­¡± Trent¡¯s and Jacinda¡¯s expressions changed drastically when they heard that. In a rush, Trent snatched Quinn¡¯s phone and quickly rified to the person on the other end that it was a misunderstanding, and Jacinda had made a mistake. After finally ending that phone call, Trent was exasperated and yelled at Quinn, ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± Quinn retorted, ¡°If your sister is so sure, shouldn¡¯t I have called the police?¡± Seeing Quinn about to make a big fuss, Trent argued, ¡°She was just saying it casually. There¡¯s no need to take it seriously.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not the one taking it seriously. You are!¡± Quinn sneered. ¡°Do you think you can just nder someone without any evidence? Ruin their reputation at your whim? Be aware, such actions couldnd you in jail!¡± Trent was left with no choice but to say, ¡°Jacinda, aren¡¯t you going to apologize?¡± Jacinda was indignant. ¡°Why should I have to apologize to her?¡± Quinn swiftly unlocked her phone and hit y. The recording of Jacinda confirming that Quinn had slept with the investor filled the room. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to apologize, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll see you in court!¡± Jacinda was flushed with embarrassment, ring resentfully at Quinn. In the end, all she could do was lower her head and utter, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡­ I was just talking nonsense. I really don¡¯t know anything!¡± ¡°If I hear any more rumors about this matter, we¡¯ll be seeing each other in court,¡± Quinn warned, ncing at Trent. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll be leaving now. I hope you won¡¯t summon me to yourpany over trivial matters like this in the future, especially since I¡¯ve already resigned!¡± After Quinn departed, Jacinda was so upset that she stomped her foot in frustration. All of that only served to make Trent¡¯s headache even worse. In the evening, when Trent was handling the discharge procedures for Sidonie, she noticed his troubled expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did something happen?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just somepany matters bothering me,¡± he said. ¡°I wanted to introduce you to Julius to help yourpany secure some investments, but I didn¡¯t anticipate that my clever n would backfire.¡± ¡°This wasn¡¯t your fault at all,¡± Trent expressed guiltily. ¡°Thankfully, you weren¡¯t seriously hurt. Otherwise, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life!¡± Sidonie was pleased to see his care for her. ¡°By the way, in a few days, several major aviationpanies are hosting a civilian aviation expo. Manypanies rted to aviation will be attending. You should go too. There might be some new opportunities for coboration.¡± Trent was aware of the aviation expo, and he had originally intended to go. ¡°I have to support Nimbus Air that day and won¡¯t be able to apany you throughout the whole journey.¡± Sidonie said. As the first female pilot of Nimbus Air, naturally, she had to represent thepany at the expo. ¡°You¡¯ve already done so much for me. I don¡¯t even know how I could repay you,¡± Trent said. You don¡¯t owe me anything. Had I not left the country back then, you wouldn¡¯t have married Quinn. Perhaps we could bave..¡± ¡°All right, let¡¯s not talk about her anymore!¡± Trent interrupted Sidonie¡¯s words. ¡°I¡¯ll go sort out your discharge procedures first Wait here for me¡± ¡°Allright,¡± Sidonie replied with a smile. Military 16 When she saw Trent walking away, the smile at the corners of her lips faded. Initially, she had dismissed Trent as nothing more than a penniless guy, so she turned her back on him. However, things had changed, and Trent was a rising star in the tech industry, with a promising future ahead. As her family was merely the second branch of the Stonehurst family, the majority of the family¡¯s wealth was controlled by the main branch. It was why she had to hold on to Trent. Her destiny was something she was determined to control herself. Just as she had be the first female pilot at Nimbus Air, she was equally capable of making Trent fall for her once again! Chapter 16 Step In Chapter 16 Step In s Laura took Quinn to the aviation expo. When Quinn was in the special forces, she had originally been in the air force, so she naturally had an interest in the aviation expo. Several of the country¡¯s major aviationpanies attended the exhibition. The event drew not only representatives from variousrge and small businesses, but also attracted a significant number of aviation enthusiasts. Even many parents would bring their children along to visit the aviation expo. Upon her arrival at the scene, Laura immediately sought out some of the upstream suppliers to explore potential business opportunities. Quinn was delighted to have the opportunity to explore on her own. When she noticed the family of four in the distance, tears welled up in her eyes. Back when she was a child, her parents would also hold her and her brother¡¯s hands as they visited exhibitions together. During those times, their family of four was truly filled with happiness. And now¡­ only she and her brother were left. Where is Kowan? Regardless, she was determined to find him. She believed he was still alive. ¡°Ms. Bridger, do you like children?¡± A familiar voice unexpectedly rang out beside Quinn¡¯s ear. When she turned her head, she saw Julius, who had somehow appeared by her side. ¡°Mr. White:horn?¡± She paused, turning to look at Julius again. There were no bodyguards or the like by his side. It seemed as though he hade to the exhibition alone. ¡°What are you looking at?¡± he asked. ¡°Where are your bodyguards?¡± she asked curiously. ¡°If they were to follow me around, it would draw too much attention. So, I had them stay in the shadows,¡± said Julius. Quinn nced around, unsure of how many of Julius¡® bodyguards were mingled within the crowd. ¡°Are you alone, Ms. Bridger?¡± asked Julius. ¡°I came here with a friend, but she¡¯s off attending to other matters now,¡± Quinn responded. ¡°How about we take a stroll together?¡± Julius suggested. Although it was phrased as a request, the tone was more like a a trivial matter. As the two explored the exhibition together, Quinn discovered just how extensive Julius¡® knowledge in aviation was. It far surpassed the knowledge of an average person. He could even articte professional terminologies and principles. Their conversation ranged from airnes to drones, and even extended to some out¨Cof¨Cprint books. Quinn discovered that no matter the topic of conversation, Julius could always keep up with her. The discussions she had with Julius were intriguing and could even spark some of her inspirations. Had it not been for Julius¡® secretary, who arrived to remind him that it was time for his meeting with the government otherals, the two probably would have continued their conversation. s Chapter 16 Step In After parting ways with Julius, Quinn was nning to continue exploring the exhibition alone. Unexpectedly, she saw Trent and a few of his friends walking in her direction. With a frown, Quinn decided to act as if she hadn¡¯t noticed the group and sidestepped them. Ironically, Yorick spotted her first among the crowd. He walked over, a teasing smirk on his face. ¡°Quinn, I didn¡¯t expect to see you at the aviation expo. Do you even understand what you¡¯re looking at?¡± Others followed along, their expressions suggesting they were anticipating a spectacle. Quinn said icily, ¡°Just because I don¡¯t understand, does that mean I can¡¯te? Or is there some sort of prerequisite for this aviation expo, like needing a certain certificate to attend? I wonder, Mr. Lamont, do you have any aviation¨Crted certificates?¡± Yorick¡¯s expression stiffened, and he immediately retorted sarcastically, ¡°Well¡­ Look at you, all eloquent and articte now! What¡¯s this? Are you trying to emte Sidonie,ing to this aviation expo to broaden your horizons, thinking this will make Trent see you in a new light? Do you realize you¡¯re just the ugly duckling trying to ape the white swan? Sidonie is a woman who can fly a ne! What about you? Can you even drive a tractor?¡± Trent¡¯s buddies burst intoughter. Everyone wore an expression of disdain toward Quinn. With a nonchnt demeanor, Quinn retorted, ¡°What¡¯s so impressive about being able to fly a ne?¡± ¡°Hahahahaha!¡± Yorick¡¯sughter boomed even louder. ¡°Quinn, you really don¡¯t understand anything, do you? To utter such foolish words, do you think flying a ne is as easy as driving a tractor?¡± ¡°Exactly, Quinn. You really shouldn¡¯tpare yourself to Sidonie. It just makes you aughingstock.¡± With a cool demeanor, Quinn asserted, ¡°I don¡¯t find Sidonie that impressive, nor do I think flying a ne is a big deal.¡± Trent¡¯s face hardened. ¡°Quinn, everyone is merely stating the facts. Sidonie is Nimbus Air¡¯s first female pilot. There¡¯s no need to speak ill of her out of jealousy.¡± LE B HOP 3 F 9 9 22 Jealous? Quin found itughable that Trent would actually think she was jealous. Presently, she had no reason to be jealous of Sidonie, for she hadpletely stopped caring about Trent. Just then, Quinn¡¯s phone rang. Seeing that the iing call was from Laura, she stepped aside to answer it. Behind her, the jeeringughter from Trent¡¯s buddies continued to echo. ¡°Quinnie, we¡¯re in a bit of a bind. One of the pilots from thepany we¡¯re coborating with is suddenly unwell and can¡¯t perform in the uing aerial performance. We¡¯re struggling to find a recement on such short notice. Would you be willing to step in and help?¡± Laura asked anxiously over the phone. Military 17 Chapter 17 She Knows This performance was essentially a joint promotion between her ownpany and the partnerpany, so naturally, she was anxious Quinn asked. ¡°What aircraft model?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a Zivko Edge 540,¡± replied Laura. ¡°Sure.¡± Quinn responded. She was rather familiar with this model, so giving a demonstration shouldn¡¯t pose any problems. ¡°Great!¡± Lana breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°You should hurry over here, then.¡± After she finished speaking, she sent the location of the aerial performance to her friend. It was on arge open space behind the exhibition hall. When Quinn walked by, she noticed quite a few airnes parked on the open ground. Upon seeing Quinn approaching, Laura quickly moved forward to greet her. ¡°Why don¡¯t you board the ne first, to familiarize yourself?¡± ¡°All right, Quinn agreed. Just as she was about to board the ne, Trent suddenly rushed over, grabbing her arm. ¡°Quinn,¡± he eximed, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? nes aren¡¯t for just anyone to board!¡± After observing Quinn silently depart following a phone call, he decided to trail behind her. However, he hadn¡¯t anticipated that Quinn was nning to board a ne. ¡°It was I who let Quinnie board the ne!¡± eximed Laura, ¡°But what about you, Trent? What are you trying to do?¡± Trent frowned. ¡°Quinn, are you nning to fly a ne out of jealousy toward Sidonie? Do you really think you can handle a ne? I suggest you disembark immediately!¡± Trent, let go. I¡¯ve never thought that there was anything about Sidonie worth my envy!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was cold. Seeing that Trent was still holding her hand tightly, she forcefully shook off his hand and closed the canopy. Laura pulled Trent aside. ¡°Do you really think Sidonie is the only woman who can fly a ne? And you¡¯re even saying that Quinnie is jealous of Sidonie. All Sidonie can do is fly a ne. What¡¯s there to be jealous of?¡± Trent was ring at Laura. ¡°What are you trying to say? Quinn can fly a ne? Does she even understand what those buttons in the cockpit mean?¡± ¡°Whether she understand it or not, you¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Laura shot Trent a look as if he were an idiot. In just a fleeting moment, the ne had already started its engines. Trent¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He was staring at the transparent canopy. Quinn was sitting in the pilot¡¯s seat. She was wearing protective goggles, and her gaze was fixed straight ahead, calm yet resolute. And truly, under her guidance, the ne taxied along the runway, and then¡­ soared into the blue sky. Trent¡¯s pupils constricted as he tilted his head back to watch the ne in the sky. Quinn¡­ can really fly a ne! Watching the performance aircraft soaring in the azure sky. Trent felt somewhat dazed. Is Is Quinn really piloting that ne? The airne even performed several stunts in the air, maneuvers so challenging that even ayman like him could recognize their difficulty. s Chapter 17 She Knows The onlookers below were frequently gasping in awe. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you stunned?¡± Laura mocked, ¡°It¡¯s trulyughable that you would think Quinnie would be jealous of Sidonie just because she can fly a ne. You¡¯ve truly underestimated Quinnie!¡± Trent¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help but flush a deep shade of red. The words felt like a harsh p across his face, leaving him utterly embarrassed for a moment. After a while, Quinn¡¯s ne slowly descended. Her upright figure disembarked from the aircraft. Trent approached. ¡°You really¡­ can fly a ne.¡± ¡°So what if I can? Is knowing how to fly a ne such a big deal?¡± Quinn said nonchntly. Trent was burning with embarrassment. Before she boarded the ne, he had merely thought that she was jealous of Sidonie, which was why he said those words. He believed she was overestimating her abilities, unaware of her own foolishness. But now, he finally understood that she truly didn¡¯t care. It was like when a person already had mountains of gold and silver, they naturally wouldn¡¯t care about the wealth of others. ¡°When did you¡­ learn to fly a ne?¡± Trent¡¯s voice faltered as he asked. Initially, he was only aware that she had retired from the military, but he had no idea that she could actually pilot a ne. ? ? ???? ?? ?? ?? With a sarcastic nce, Quinn looked at Trent. ¡°What¡¯s this? You¡¯re interested in my past now?¡± Back when he had proposed to her, she had considered revealing her past to him. However, he had simply responded, ¡°Your past doesn¡¯t matter to me. What I care about is the future.¡± She thought he genuinely cared about their future. However, sheter realized that he simply didn¡¯t care about her, hence he had no interest in knowing about her past. Trent was visibly embarrassed. Just then, a few people approached; they were his buddies. ¡°Trent, Sidonie is looking for you over at the exhibition hall. Why are you here?¡± Yorick and a few other guys came over. Upon seeing Quinn there, those people immediately sneered, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Quinn is bothering you again.¡± ¡°No¡­ No,¡± Trent replied somewhat awkwardly. However, his buddies simply wouldn¡¯t believe him. One of them even sarcastically said to Quinn, ¡°Quinn, didn¡¯t you im that flying a ne was no big deal? Very well! Why don¡¯t you show us and fly a ne now?¡± Military 18 Chapter 18 How Insulting s ¡°Haha! She wouldn¡¯t stand a chance! If only Sidonie hadn¡¯t been recovering from her horse riding identst time, Quinn would have truly understood the gap between them today!¡± A mocking voice, filled with malice, echoed in Quinn¡¯s ears. Laura rushed forward, her voiceced with anger. ¡°Trent, are you even a man? How could you let your friends insult your wife like this?¡± Trent¡¯s expression stiffened. Quinn stopped Laura, her expression icy as she stared at Trent and his buddies. ¡°The gap between individuals isn¡¯t shown by whether or not they can fly a ne,¡± she said, her tone biting. ¡°Who do you think you are? Just because I married Trent, you believe you have the right to insult and belittle me?¡± The group fell silent. Without waiting for any reactions, Quinn immediately led Laura away. It took a while for Yorick to respond, ¡°How dare that woman speak like that? Trent, you must show her what¡¯s what. Who does she think she is?¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Trent¡¯s face darkened as he reprimanded, ¡°Quinn is my wife. Regardless of anything, you have no right to look down on her!¡± Especially earlier, the disy of Quinn¡¯s flying skills in front of him had left his face with a burning sensation. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? aren¡¯t you the one who despise Quinn the most?¡± Yorick said irritably, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who said that Quinn has no real talents? If it weren¡¯t for Sidonie leaving you, causing you to be momentarily disheartened, you wouldn¡¯t have married her in the first ce!¡± Trent was left speechless. Indeed, these were the words he had vented out to his buddies after getting drunk. However, was Quinn really without any skills? At the very least, the projects that Quinn had once been in charge of at thepany never gave him any cause for concern. Moreover, Quinn had the ability to tame unruly stallions and could even pilot an aircraft, performingplex maneuvers in the sky. These series of events weighed heavily on his heart, as if something was pressing down on it, leaving him somewhat breathless. Even though she had been his wife for three years, he started to feel like she was a stranger to him. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s not let Quinn ruin our brotherhood,¡± someone advised. ¡°Trent, you should head to the exhibition hall up front. Sidonie has been looking for you for quite a while now.¡± Trent nodded, heading toward the exhibition hall. At that moment, his mind was in utter chaos, filled with nothing but the image of Quinn piloting the ne earlier. As he passed by Nimbus Air¡¯s exhibit, Sidonie stepped forward to meet him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t look too well.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Perhaps I ve just been a bit busier withpany matters recently,¡± Trent said. ¡°Take a seat and rest for a while,¡± Sidonie suggested. Trent was finally able to catch his breath after taking a seat and sipping some water. It seemed as though he was finally regaining hisposure. In the heart of Nimbus Air¡¯s exhibition area, there was an electronic screen. This screen disyed the scene unfolding on the vacant lot behind the exhibition zone. s Chapter 18 How Insulting ¡°There¡¯s going to be an aerial performance soon. It¡¯s a shame that my injury hasn¡¯t fully healed; otherwise, I would have participated in this performance,¡± said Sidonic. Trent was hesitant for a moment. ¡°Is the aerial performance really that difficult?¡± ¡°Of course it¡¯s difficult,¡± Sidonie said with a hint of pride in her voice. ¡°To perform well, it¡¯s not something any ordinary pilot could achieve.¡± Under normal circumstances, Trent would certainly have praised Sidonie. However, when he recalled the aerial stunts performed by Quinn just now, the words of praise for Sidonie seemed to be stuck in his throat. In no time, the aerial performance began. Trent saw the ne that Quinn had once piloted, astonishingly part of the performance lineup. Since the camera was positioned quite a distance from the airne, it was impossible to make out anyone inside the ne. However, Trent had this inexplicable intuition. The person on the ne at this moment must be Quinn! Sidonic watched the aerial performance, and she suddenly said, ¡°Oh, right. When Yorick and the others came over previously, they told me about Quinn. She actually dared to say that flying a ne was nothing special. Such arrogance.¡± Trent frowned slightly, his voiceced with a hint of difficulty. ¡°What if she wasn¡¯t being arrogant?¡± Sidonie furrowed her brows, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°For someone who¡¯s never flown a ne to speak like this¡­ If that¡¯s not arrogance, what is it, Trent? Are you really going to defend her?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not trying to defend her, but what if she could fly a ne?¡± Trent responded. The hint of mockery on Sidonie¡¯s face deepened. ¡°Ha! If this isn¡¯t you defending her, then what is it?¡± She scoffed. ¡°She can fly a ne? You¡¯re not just insulting me with this. You¡¯re also insulting all the professional pilots out there!¡± Trent was choked up, finding it hard to believe if he hadn¡¯t seen it with his own eyes. ¡°I was just¡­¡± ¡°Enough, stop talking!¡± Sidonie wore a stern expression, not wanting to hear the person in front of her continue to speak up in Quinns defense. Trent pursed his lips, choosing not to continue on this topic any further. On the screen, the Zivko Edge 540 ne piloted by Quinn continuously performed high¨Cdifficulty aerial stunts, eliciting frequent gasps of astonishment from the livementator. * Military 19 Chapter 19 An Impressive Performance Whoever was flying that ne had to be a seasoned pilot to pull off such a stunning performance. Sidonie nced over at Trent, who waspletely absorbed in the screen. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face. If she hadn¡¯t been injured, she would¡¯ve been the one up there today, soaking in all the awe and admiration of the crowd. After all, she was the first female pilot at Nimbus Air. If it hadn¡¯t been for that horse¨Criding ident¡­. Just thinking about how she fell, while Quinn managed to tame the wild horse and steal the spotlight, made her feel uneasy. That day, it felt like Quinn had used her as a stepping stone. But that woman is so full of herself. Did she really think that just because she could handle a horse, she could fly a ne just as easily? How ridiculously foolish! Sooner or , I¡¯ll make her realize the vast gap between us. Once the aerial performance wrapped up, Quinn headed out early since Laura still had business to take care of. But as she walked out of the exhibition hall, a sleek ck Maybach pulled up in front of her. She recognized the car immediately. It was Julius¡®. The driver stepped out and opened the door for her. ¡°My boss said he¡¯d like to give you a ride, Ms. Bridger,¡± the driver said. ¡°No need, I can just grab a taxi,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°What¡¯s wrong. Ms. Bridger? You don¡¯t think I¡¯m capable of giving you a ride?¡± a cool male voice chimed in from inside the car. As Quinn bent down slightly, she saw Julius¡® striking face in the backseat. She rubbed her nose, realizing there was really no point in getting into an argument with someone like Julius. Since he was offering, she figured she might as well save the taxi fare. ¡°Then I¡¯ll trouble you, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± she said, and gave the driver her address. As Quinn got into the car, Trent stepped out of the exhibition hall. He froze for a moment, watching the Maybach slowly pull away into the distance. Did I¡­ see that right? How could Quinn possibly have gotten into Julius¡® car? During the rida, Julius said, ¡°Ms. Bridger, your leadership as the former captain of the Falcon Special Forces is impressive. Today¡¯s aerial performance was remarkable.¡± Hearing that, Quinn quickly caught on. Julius must¡¯ve looked into her background. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Silence followed. Julius was focused on the book in his hands, while Quinn¡¯s gaze, without realizing it, drifted toward his fingers again. Those hands were elegant and clean, like an artist¡¯s. But they also looked like they¡¯d seen countless battles. She remembered clearly how, back at the restaurant, he¡¯d handled that gun with absolute confidence. The man definitely knew how to shoot. Lost in thought, she was suddenly pulled back by Julius¡® voice. ¡°Ms. Bridger, you keep staring at my hands. If you like them so much, do you want me to offer them to you in the future?¡± ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Quinn choked on her own saliva. ¡°No need, I¡­ I was just curious about what book you¡¯re reading, Mr. Whitethorn.¡± Mo¡¯s Manuscript of Birds,¡± he said, showing her the cover, Quinn¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That book¡¯s incredibly rare. You can¡¯t even find it at the library anymore. It¡¯s out of print!¡± It was a detailed illustrated book on birds. She had a soft spot for them, and she¡¯d thought about borrowing it before only s Chapter 19 An Impressive Performance find out it was no longer in cirction. And now here it was, right in julius¡® hands. ¡°The content¡¯s quite good. Would you like to take a look?¡± he asked. ¡°No need, we¡¯re almost at my ce,¡± said Quinn. Soon, the car stopped in front of the mansion Quinn shared with Trent. She got out and had only taken a few steps when Julius¡® driver came jogging over to her. ¡°Ms. Bridger, my boss asked me to give you this book,¡± he said, handing her the rare edition of Mo¡¯s Manuscript of Birds. She hesitated, then quickly said, ¡°There¡¯s really no need. Please thank Mr. Whitethorn for me. That book is incredibly valuable¡ªit¡¯s not right for me to ept it.¡± ¡°The boss said, if you don¡¯t want it, just toss it somewhere,¡± the driver replied. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away. Quinn started after him, but was suddenly cut off by Jacinda, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. ¡°Wow, Quinn. I always knew you weren¡¯t just some average girl. A mystery man dropping you off in a fancy car and giving you a book? I got it all on camera. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s something scandalous?¡± Jacinda tried to snatch the book from her. Quinn swatted her hand away sharply and said in a cold voice, ¡°Jacinda, don¡¯t push your luck.¡± Jacinda yelped and pulled her reddening hand back. ¡°You actually hit me? Fine! I saw you get out of that man¡¯s car, and I have pictures. Just wait till my brother gets back. I¡¯d love to hear how you n to exin this.¡± With that, she angrily dialed Trent¡¯s number. By the time Trent arrived, not only was Jacinda there, but Penelope was sitting in the living room as well. As soon as she saw her son, Penelope stormed over. ¡°Trent, you won¡¯t believe this. Quinn was caught flirting with some random guy right outside! If Jacinda hadn¡¯t seen it, we¡¯d all still be clueless!¡± + Chapter 19 An Impressive Performance Whoever was flying that ne had to be a seasoned pilot to pull off such a stunning performance. Sidonie nced over at Trent, who waspletely absorbed in the screen. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face. If she hadn¡¯t been injured, she would¡¯ve been the one up there today, soaking in all the awe and admiration of the crowd. After all, she was the first female pilot at Nimbus Air. If it hadn¡¯t been for that horse¨Criding ident¡­. Just thinking about how she fell, while Quinn managed to tame the wild horse and steal the spotlight, made her feel uneasy. That day, it felt like Quinn had used her as a stepping stone. But that woman is so full of herself. Did she really think that just because she could handle a horse, she could fly a ne just as easily? How ridiculously foolish! Sooner or , I¡¯ll make her realize the vast gap between us. Once the aerial performance wrapped up, Quinn headed out early since Laura still had business to take care of. But as she walked out of the exhibition hall, a sleek ck Maybach pulled up in front of her. She recognized the car immediately. It was Julius¡®. The driver stepped out and opened the door for her. ¡°My boss said he¡¯d like to give you a ride, Ms. Bridger,¡± the driver said. ¡°No need, I can just grab a taxi,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°What¡¯s wrong. Ms. Bridger? You don¡¯t think I¡¯m capable of giving you a ride?¡± a cool male voice chimed in from inside the car. As Quinn bent down slightly, she saw Julius¡® striking face in the backseat. She rubbed her nose, realizing there was really no point in getting into an argument with someone like Julius. Since he was offering, she figured she might as well save the taxi fare. ¡°Then I¡¯ll trouble you, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± she said, and gave the driver her address. As Quinn got into the car, Trent stepped out of the exhibition hall. He froze for a moment, watching the Maybach slowly pull away into the distance. Did I¡­ see that right? How could Quinn possibly have gotten into Julius¡® car? During the rida, Julius said, ¡°Ms. Bridger, your leadership as the former captain of the Falcon Special Forces is impressive. Today¡¯s aerial performance was remarkable.¡± Hearing that, Quinn quickly caught on. Julius must¡¯ve looked into her background. ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Silence followed. Julius was focused on the book in his hands, while Quinn¡¯s gaze, without realizing it, drifted toward his fingers again. Those hands were elegant and clean, like an artist¡¯s. But they also looked like they¡¯d seen countless battles. She remembered clearly how, back at the restaurant, he¡¯d handled that gun with absolute confidence. The man definitely knew how to shoot. Lost in thought, she was suddenly pulled back by Julius¡® voice. ¡°Ms. Bridger, you keep staring at my hands. If you like them so much, do you want me to offer them to you in the future?¡± ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Quinn choked on her own saliva. ¡°No need, I¡­ I was just curious about what book you¡¯re reading, Mr. Whitethorn.¡± Mo¡¯s Manuscript of Birds,¡± he said, showing her the cover, Quinn¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°That book¡¯s incredibly rare. You can¡¯t even find it at the library anymore. It¡¯s out of print!¡± It was a detailed illustrated book on birds. She had a soft spot for them, and she¡¯d thought about borrowing it before only s Chapter 19 An Impressive Performance find out it was no longer in cirction. And now here it was, right in julius¡® hands. ¡°The content¡¯s quite good. Would you like to take a look?¡± he asked. ¡°No need, we¡¯re almost at my ce,¡± said Quinn. Soon, the car stopped in front of the mansion Quinn shared with Trent. She got out and had only taken a few steps when Julius¡® driver came jogging over to her. ¡°Ms. Bridger, my boss asked me to give you this book,¡± he said, handing her the rare edition of Mo¡¯s Manuscript of Birds. She hesitated, then quickly said, ¡°There¡¯s really no need. Please thank Mr. Whitethorn for me. That book is incredibly valuable¡ªit¡¯s not right for me to ept it.¡± ¡°The boss said, if you don¡¯t want it, just toss it somewhere,¡± the driver replied. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away. Quinn started after him, but was suddenly cut off by Jacinda, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. ¡°Wow, Quinn. I always knew you weren¡¯t just some average girl. A mystery man dropping you off in a fancy car and giving you a book? I got it all on camera. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s something scandalous?¡± Jacinda tried to snatch the book from her. Quinn swatted her hand away sharply and said in a cold voice, ¡°Jacinda, don¡¯t push your luck.¡± Jacinda yelped and pulled her reddening hand back. ¡°You actually hit me? Fine! I saw you get out of that man¡¯s car, and I have pictures. Just wait till my brother gets back. I¡¯d love to hear how you n to exin this.¡± With that, she angrily dialed Trent¡¯s number. By the time Trent arrived, not only was Jacinda there, but Penelope was sitting in the living room as well. As soon as she saw her son, Penelope stormed over. ¡°Trent, you won¡¯t believe this. Quinn was caught flirting with some random guy right outside! If Jacinda hadn¡¯t seen it, we¡¯d all still be clueless!¡± + Military 20 Chapter 20 You Cheated ¡°Trent, I¡¯ve been saying for a while that she must be up to something,¡± Jacinda said. ¡°How else could the project, which was finally nearingpletion, fall apart just because she quit?¡± As she spoke, she pulled up the video on her phone and handed it to Trent. The moment he saw the license te, Trent¡¯s expression changed. It was Julius¡® car. Then, he saw Quinn getting out. After that, the driver handed her a book. So he hadn¡¯t imagined it earlier. She really did get into Julius¡® car. A storm of questions filled his mind. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, turning to look at Quinn with a stern face. ¡°I ran into him after the aviation expo. He offered me a ride,¡± Quinn answered casually. ¡°How nice,¡± Jacinda scoffed. ¡°Seriously, Quinn? You¡¯re a married woman, yet you¡¯re getting into another guy¡¯s car. What were your intentions, huh?¡± ¡°You should say that to your brother,¡± Quinn shot back. ¡°He¡¯s married too, but that hasn¡¯t stopped him from giving Sidonie rides.¡± Jacinda froze, but before she could say anything, Penelope rushed over and pped Quinn across the face. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, this divorce with my son? It¡¯s set in stone!¡± she snapped. But before her hand couldnd a second time, Quinn had already caught her wrist. Penelope gasped in disbelief. ¡°Trent, are you seeing this? I just wanted to give her a little advice, and she reacts like this? What kind of woman treats her husband¡¯s mother this way? Why are you even still with her?¡± Quinn looked her straight in the eye, her voice icy. ¡°If we¡¯re getting divorced, Trent¡¯s giving me half of everything. Are you ready for that?¡± ¡°What a load of crap! If you cheated, you walk away with nothing!¡± Penelope snapped. At that moment, Quinn finally figured it out. This was why, even after Penelope had secretly signed the divorce papers with her, things had still spiraled into chaos. So that was the n from the beginning. He didn¡¯t even want to pay her the agreed sum of a hundred million. Trent¡¯s face was tight with frustration as he stepped toward Quinn. ¡°You need to let go of my mom right now. She¡¯s your elder, and you¡¯re younger. Even if she says a few harsh things, it¡¯s her ce. You can¡¯t treat her like this!¡± Quinn scoffed. ¡°A few harsh things? That¡¯s what you call it?¡± ¡°So what if she did hit you a few times? My mom¡¯s done so much for me. As her daughter¨Cinw, can¡¯t you just deal with it?¡± Trent said, clearly annoyed. Quinn¡¯s smile turned cold. She¡¯d heard that line far too many times¨CTrent going on about how hard his mother had it. He used to tell her how his dad passed away early, how his mom raised both him and his sister all on her own. That was why Quinn had tolerated so much from Penelope before. She¡¯d bit her tongue and stayed quiet, out of love for Trent. ¡°Trent, your mom might¡¯ve done everything for you, but she¡¯s never done a thing for me. I put up with her because I loved you. But now, I¡¯m done,¡± Quinn said tly. Trent¡¯s expression grew darker. Why won¡¯t she put up with this anymore? Is it because she doesn¡¯t love me anymore? Is it because someone else is in the picture now My Juliust s Chapter 20 You Cheated ¡°What kind of attitude is that? Is this how your parents taught you to behave as a daughter¨Cinw?¡± Penelope snapped. Parents? The memory of her mom and dad shed through Quinn¡¯s mind. She remembered their voices, their warm smiles, and the night before they left for their mission. The love they gave her was still so vivid. Without even ncing at Penelope, Quinn turned her eyes to Trent. ¡°My parents raised me with love and respect. Not so I could marry you and take abuse from your mother.¡± With that, she let go of Penelope¡¯s hand. ¡°Divorce? Fine by me. I¡¯ll take what¡¯s rightfully mine and we¡¯ll end it right now.¡± ¡°You cheated, Quinn,¡± Jacinda said smugly. ¡°Let me tell you something. The Grafton family¡¯s got more than enough money to hire the bestwyers. We¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t walk away with anything! ¡°Cheated?¡± Quinn shot back. ¡°If you¡¯re talking about the man who gave me a ride home, that was Julius Whitethorn from the Whitethorn family. So, Jacinda, are you saying I¡¯m having an affair with him?¡± ¡°What?¡± Jacinda froze,pletely stunned. She might not have been the sharpest, but even she knew who Julius was. He was legendary in Jexburgh¨Cno one dared to mess with him. ¡°Jacinda, take Mom inside. And don¡¯t let her say a word about what happened today,¡± Trent said quickly. Jacinda gave a tense nod, her face pale. If anyone started spreading rumors that Quinn was involved with Julius, it wouldn¡¯t just ruin Quinn¨Cit would bring down the whole Grafton family. Once Penelope and Jacinda were gone, the living room was quiet, leaving only Quinn and Trent inside. ¡°What exactly is going on between you and Julius?¡± Trent asked. ¡°There¡¯s nothing between us,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Then why did Julius have his driver hand you a book?¡± Trent asked, still not understanding. ¡°He loaned it to me,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°It¡¯s an out¨Cof¨Cprint title. Mr. Whitethorn heard I liked reading and offered to lend it.¡± Even though Julius had given it to her, she never actually intended to ept it. Before Trent had returned, she¡¯d looked up the book¡¯stest auction price on her phone. It was a whopping twelve million in Azanian currency. Military 21 Chapter 21 A Bomb Threat This book was practically worth more than gold. Trent narrowed his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re into reading books?¡± Quinn paused for a second, then suddenly let out a dryugh. ¡°So, you really don¡¯t know me at all.¡± Hence, he didn¡¯t care about her interests. Herughter made something tighten in Trent¡¯s chest, like something that once belonged to him was quietly slipping away. ¡°This whole thing today was a misunderstanding. I¡¯ll talk to my mom and Jacinda, clear everything up. And about the divorce, don¡¯t take what my mom said seriously. I¡¯m not divorcing you,¡± Trent said. His voice softened a bit. ¡°I know I¡¯ve been neglecting you. From now on, I¡¯ll do better.¡± Quinn studied him in silence. But it was already toote for them. She was going to divorce him. This marriage was over. The next day, Quinn went to Julius¡®pany to return the copy of Mo¡¯s Manuscript of Birds. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I finished the bookst night. Thank you for letting me borrow it.¡± ¡°I remember asking my driver to tell you¨Cit was a gift,¡± Julius said. ¡°This book is way too valuable. We¡¯re not at a point where we should be giving each other gifts,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°If it doesn¡¯t bring you joy, then even the rarest book is just a bunch of paper,¡± Julius said calmly. ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, throw it away.¡± Quinn was speechless. The book cost twelve million in Azanian currency. There was no way she could just toss it in the trash. Besides, she really did love the book. That made it even harder to part with. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, what exactly do you want?¡± she asked, brows furrowed in frustration. ¡°I just wanted to thank you for saving my life.¡± Is he talking about that day at the racetrack, when I pulled him out of the way of the rampaging horse? But honestly, even without my help. he probably could¡¯ve handled the situation himself. Moreover¡­ ¡°Haven¡¯t you already made a donation to Operation Hope Elementary School to show your gratitude?¡± ¡°Do you think my life¡¯s only worth a mere school donation?¡± Julius shot back. Quinn was taken aback. ¡°But if you really don¡¯t want to ept this book, then I¡¯ll take it back,¡± said Julius. ¡°On one condition¨Capany me to the book market.¡± ¡°Book market?¡± There are usually some rare finds there,¡± Julius continued. ¡°Sometimes youe across something really interesting. You like reading too, don¡¯t you, Ms. Bridger? Why don¡¯t we go take a look together?¡± Quinn didn¡¯t respond right away. Unless she was prepared to watch a rare book worth twelve million get tossed asid. like trash, she didn¡¯t have much of a choice. On top of that, julius had clearly figured out her tastes. She really was curious about the book market. Allnigh, she said. 112 PM d Chapter 21 A Bomb Threat s Two dayster, Julius and Quinn arrived at the book market together. Just as Julius had said, the ce had a wide selection of rare books. Some were even out¨Cof¨Cprint editions. Quinn genuinely found herself enjoying the visit, and she ended up buying two books that caught her interest. During a break, the two of them grabbed a bite at a restaurant on the top floor of the shopping mall. ¡°I¡¯m going to the restroom,¡± Quinn said. But when she got there, she saw a sign saying the restroom was out of order, so she had to head down to the one below. While she was in the stall, she suddenly overheard a conversationing from the next one. The speakers were talking in Ferundian. ¡°Yes, everything¡¯s in ce. When the timees, it¡¯ll go off. That Whitethorn guy¡¯s definitely going to die here today.¡± J Quinn¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Whitethorn? Are they talking about Julius? She stepped out of the stall right away, just in time to catch a glimpse of someone slipping out the door. Quinn hurried out after them but found herself staring at the crowd swarming through the mall. In that instant, she couldn¡¯t tell who the person on the phone had been. That call she just heard mentioned something would explode when the time was up. Did they set up a bomb? If Julius is the target, then the bomb has to be somewhere close to him. I have to get back to him immediately and evacuate the ma!l! She dialed a nurnber she hadn¡¯t called in years. ¡°Quinn?¡® a voice answered, one she used to know better than her own. ¡°It¡¯s me. I¡¯m at Silverwave Mall,¡± Quinn said, quickly exining the call she¡¯d overheard in the restroom. ¡°Even if it¡¯s fake, we can¡¯t risk it. The mall needs to be evacuated now before anyone gets hurt.¡± ¡°Just based on one phone call? If we get this wrong, people could panic,¡± the voice replied. ¡°I know you can handle this the right way. Please!¡± Quinn said, her voice tight. ¡°If none of this had happened today, would you have ever called me?¡± the person asked. ¡°I¡¯m: sorry¡­ ¡°No need to be,¡± the person said. ¡°I told you before¨Cwhatever you need, I¡¯ll do it. No questions.¡± When the cali ended, Quinn finally exhaled, the tension slowly leaving her chest. Military 22 Chapter 22 I Really Do Still Want You All that mattered was that he was willing to help. As long as he was willing, evacuating the mall wouldn¡¯t be an issue at all. Which meant the only thing left was to head back to the top floor and find Julius! Quinn rushed to the elevator, but it seemed to have malfunctioned and wouldn¡¯t respond at all. Damn it! Could this have been done by that same group of people? s She turned and sprinted toward the emergency stairwell. She was currently on the 6th floor, while the top floor was the tenth floor. The seventh, eighth, and ninth floors were the mall¡¯s office levels. That meant she¡¯d have to climb four floors as quickly as possible! By the time she reached the eighth floor, she heard the mall¡¯s public announcement system informing guests to evacuate due to an emergency earthquake and fire safety drill. She understood the man had already started the evacuation. The biggest issue at hand was, she had no clue where the bomb was, let alone when it was set to explode. Soon, Quinn reached the top floor. But the entire ce was dim. Every light had gone out. The sounds of a fierce brawl echoed in her ears, apanied by wails of distress. Her heart skipped a beat as she moved quickly toward the source of the noise. ¡°julius, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± a furious voice shouted. Immediately after, another muffled grunt was heard. Quinn picked up her pace. ¡°Jul¡­¡± However, the scene that unfolded before her eyes made her halt abruptly. Bodies were scattered across the floor, limbs askew, with no sign of whether they were dead or alive. And at the center of it all stood a tall, lean figure, sttered with blood. His slender fingers were still dripping with it. However, it seemed¡­ the blood belonged to someone else. Sensing her gaze, Julius lifted his eyes and looked toward her. Those dark, deep eyes met hers with a lifeless calm. Yet his lips curved slightly into a faint smile. ¡°You¡¯rete. Otherwise, you might¡¯ve caught a much more entertaining show.¡± It was clearly a blood¨Csoaked scene, but on him, it somehow felt light and effortless, like she¡¯d just missed the climax of a movie. Quinn rushed forward. ¡°Are you hurt?¡± He raised an eyebrow slightly. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought Ms. Bridger would be more concerned about these poor souls on the floor.¡± I¡¯m not that much of a saint,¡± Quinn replied. Since he could still talk to her that way, he probably wasn¡¯t seriously hurt. ¡°This ce isn¡¯t safe. We need to leave!¡± With that, she grabbed Julius¡¯s hand and started pulling him toward the emergency exit. Just as they were nearing the emergency exit, Quinn suddenly heard a sound. Tick, tick 172 133 PM s Chapter 221 Really Do Still Want You She hadn¡¯t noticed it earlier, probably because the sound of fighting had masked it. Now that it was quiet, the ticking was loud and clear. Could it be the bomb? A chill ran down her spine. And just then, the ticking turned into the static buzz of an electrical surge. Quinn reacted on instinct, spinning around and throwing herself at Julius. ¡°Get down!¡± But the explosion never came. Instead, the man beneath her spoke in a cool, calm voice. ¡°There won¡¯t be an explosion like you¡¯re thinking.¡± ¡°What?¡± She froze and looked down, meeting those deep, unreadable eyes once more. ¡°The bomb¡¯s been modified. Even if the timer runs out, it won¡¯t go off,¡± Julius said. ¡°You knew there was a bomb this whole time?¡± Quinn was stunned. ¡°Yes, I knew.¡± Julius admitted honestly. ¡°But this is the second time.¡± She frowned. ¡°Second time what?¡± ¡°The second time you¡¯ve risked your life to save me,¡± he said, looking at her intently. ¡°Why? Is it because you were in the military? Would you save anyone in danger the same way?¡± ¡°Is that not reason enough?¡± She stood up. Now that she knew the bomb wouldn¡¯t explode, she finally felt a sense of relief. Soon, Julius¡¯s subordinates arrived quickly at the restaurant, beginning to remove the bomb and hauling away the fallen assassins. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn,¡± one of them said, handing him a clean, damp towel and a change of clothes. Julius took the towel and wiped the blood from his hands, then casually began unbuttoning his bloodstained shirt, revealing his lean, muscr chest. Caught off guard by the sight, Quinn quickly turned around. ¡°Since you¡¯re fine, Mr. Whitethorn, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± ¡°You might want to change first, Ms. Bridger. You¡¯re quite a sight as you are,¡± His voice drifted over from behind her. Only then did she realize she was also sttered with blood from when she¡¯d tackled him. Soon, one of Julius¡¯s subordinates brought over a set of women¡¯s clothes. Quinn didn¡¯t refuse. She went to the staff changing room in the restaurant and changed, knowing full well that walking around in a bloodstained outfit would only attract unwanted attention. While they were in the elevator going down, Julius suddenly said, ¡°I really do still want you.¡± Military 23 Chapter 23 My Bodyguard Chapter 23 My Bodyguard Quinn was surprised. ?? ¡°Are you really not considering bing my bodyguard?¡± Julius asked. s So that was what he meant. She replied, ¡°I already told youst time, I¡¯m not nning to work as a bodyguard right now. Besides, you already have so many bodyguards. They¡¯re more than enough to keep you safe.¡± ¡°But if it were you, then no matter what danger we encountered, you definitely wouldn¡¯t leave me behind, right?¡± He stared straight at her. He had his head lowered, and they were standing very close. ely w And those beautiful eyes, which were originally filled with a lifeless stillness, now seemed to carry a faint ripple of emotion as if he were yearning for something. Yearning? Quinn nearlyughed at the word that shed through her mind. What am I thinking? No matter what, Julius won¡¯t be yearning for a bodyguard! ¡°There are plenty of people in this world who wouldn¡¯t abandon you, Mr. Whitethorn. You don¡¯t need me for that.¡± Ding! The elevator reached the ground floor, and the doors opened. Quinn quickly stepped out. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you should still go to the hospital and get checked out, just to be safe. I¡¯m heading back.¡± With that, she turned and left. A man like Julius exuded danger from every pore. Her intuition warned her that it was best to steer clear of such a man. Julius quietly watched her figure disappear into the distance, then slowly turned to his secretary and said, ¡°What do you think I should do to get Quinn?¡± Fabian Wooley was stunned. As Julius¡¯s personal secretary, he knew very well that his boss was a man who practically had no desires. After all, getting what he wanted was far too easy. He didn¡¯t even have to lift a finger. Things would just present themselves before him. But now Mr. Whitethorn actually wanted to get Quinn? ¡°Well, judging by Ms. Bridger¡¯s background, she doesn¡¯t seem like someone easily swayed by money. Even though she¡¯s already retired from the military, she still carries that deep¨Crooted pride of a soldier,¡± Fabian said carefully. He had been the one to investigate Quinn¡¯s background, so he knew her story well. ¡°Exactly. She¡¯s not someone who can be bought. So¡­ what if it were an order? Would she follow it?¡± Julius murmured thoughtfully. Fabian was stunned. It seems Mr. Whitethorn really did want Quinn. I¡¯m not sure if this is a curse or a blessing for her. Back at the mansion, Quinn ced the bloodstained clothes she had changed out of at the mall into theundry room. She nned to clean the blood offter. The outfit Julius had given her was from a luxury brand. On the way home, she¡¯d looked up the price. It was more than seventy grand for the full set. Rich people really didn¡¯t treat money like it mattered. Once the clothes are dry¨Ccleaned, I¡¯ll return them, she thought to herself. Just then, her phone rang. It was a call from Laura. 133 PM C s Chapter 23 My Bodyguard As soon as she picked up, her friend¡¯s loud voice came through the speaker. ¡°You ran into that bomb threat at the mall today? Are you hurt?¡± ¡°No,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°You¡¯re well¨Cinformed. How did you find out?¡± ¡°You called Han, of course I had ways of finding out! You got into trouble, and the first person you thought of was him. You didn¡¯t even think to call me, huh?¡± Hearing the jealousy in her friend¡¯s voice, Quinn chuckled. ¡°Han had the means to evacuate the mall quickly. Could you have done that?¡± Laura went silent. Han was the son of the Ingram family, after all. His father was a military districtmander, his mother an academician¨Chis connections spread far and wide. ¡°But seriously, back when you suddenly married Trent without telling anyone, Han was furious. And now you just call him out of the blue and he helps you? He¡¯s not mad at you anymore?¡± Laura asked. ¡°Even if he¡¯s still mad, he knows how to prioritize when it matters,¡± Quinn said. ¡°True. He was in the military too,¡± Laura muttered. Back when Quinn served in special forces, Han had been on her team. The two of them had literally fought side by side. ¡°Was?¡± Quinn blinked. ¡°He left the military?¡± ¡°Yeah, not long after you got married, he resigned and went abroad for three years. Just got back recently,¡± Laura said. That caught Quinn off guard. She¡¯d always assumed the Ingram family wanted Han to rise through the military ranks and climb higher and higher. ¡°When you¡¯re free, let¡¯s ask Han out for a get¨Ctogether,¡± Laura suggested. ¡°He¡¯s been sulking for three years. It¡¯s about time he got over it.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Quinn said with a soft smile, thinking of the young soldier who used to beam at her and call her ¡°Queenie.¡± Looking back, it had been wrong of her to get married without telling anyone. Just then, Trent walked into theundry room, and Quinn¡¯s smile faded. She quickly put away her phone. Military 24 Chapter 24 I Can Sue You s Trent had originallye to theundry room after hearing Quinn¡¯s voice, but when he saw the bloodstained clothes in the sink, he froze in shock. ¡°What happened? Are you hurt?¡± He looked at her with concern, reaching for her hand as if to check her condition. ¡°Where are you hurt? Have you been to the hospital?¡± Quinn looked at the man in front of her with some surprise. In that moment, his expression reminded her of the way he used to be three years ago. Back then, he¡¯d worried about her the same way. For this reason, she thought of her parents¡® regrets, which ultimately led her to choose to marry him. After their marriage, however, his attention and care for her gradually faded away. Instead, his thoughts were constantly consumed by his first love. Perhaps for some men, the things they couldn¡¯t attain were always the best, while they would never truly cherish the things they got easily. ¡°I¡¯m fine. The blood on the clothes isn¡¯t mine,¡± Quinn said coolly, pulling her hand back. ¡°Someone else¡¯s blood? What happened?¡± Trent asked, puzzled. ¡°I was at the mall. Someone got hurt, and a bit of blood identally got on me.¡± She had no intention of telling him what really happened, so she downyed it with a simple exnation. ¡°As long as you¡¯re okay,¡± Trent said with a breath of relief. ¡°And you? Why are you home so early? Didn¡¯t you have ns with Sidonie?¡± Quinn asked casually. Trent¡¯s expression shifted slightly. ¡°Sidonie and I are just friends. You¡¯re my wife. I know you¡¯ve been through a lottely. I¡¯ll make it up to you and spend more time with you in the future.¡± The future? Quinn scoffed inwardly. There was no future between them anymore. If he had really seen her as his wife, he wouldn¡¯t have left her again and again for Sidonie. ¡°So? You came home early today just to spend time with me?¡± she asked, meeting his gaze. For a second. Trent looked like he¡¯d been caught red¨Chanded. ¡°I¡­ of course I¡¯m here to spend time with you. And also to talk about thepany. I want you toe back to work.¡± Quinn gave a knowing smile. So that¡¯s the real reason he¡¯d home early. ¡°I¡¯m already working at a friend¡¯spany. I have no intention of going back to yours.¡± ¡°I know you¡¯ve joined Azure Technologies. But you¡¯re my wife. Don¡¯t you think your husband shoulde before a friend?¡± he said. ¡°But to you, as your wife, I¡¯ve alwayse after your friend Sidonie, haven¡¯t I?¡± Quinn replied with a sharp edge. Trent froze. A whileter, he finally said, ¡°Enough about that. I just want you back at the ?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not mad,¡± Quinn said seriously. ¡°When I resigned, I never intended to go back.¡± Trent¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Do you realize that joining Azure Technologies is a vition of your nonpete agreement? I can sue you. If I do, not only will you have topensate thepany for its losses, but the Azure Technologies¡® projects you re involved in will also be affected!¡± s Chapter 24 I Can Sue You Quinn froze, staring at him in disbelief. She couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d actually say something like that. Trent was somewhat evasive, avoiding her gaze. ¡°If you don¡¯t want your friend¡¯spany to get dragged into this, you¡¯d better leave as soon as possible and return to your position at thepany.¡± Quinn gave a scornfulugh. ¡°Trent, I used to think that even if your love life was a mess, you were still a man of integrity in business. Turns out I gave you too much credit.¡± His face paled. ¡°I just want thepany to get through this crisis. Since the project partner is threatening to pull out because of your resignation, the fastest solution is for you to return.¡± In the past few days, he¡¯d hired professionals to revise the proposal, but no matter what he did, the client insisted they wouldn¡¯t proceed unless Quinn was leading the project. In fact, they had even learned that Quinn had gone to Azure Technologies and hinted at wanting to work with them instead. So no matter what, Trent needed Quinn back at thepany. J¡°I¡¯m not going back to Grafton Technologies,¡± Quinn said again, cold and firm. Trent snapped, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of being sued?¡± ¡°You¡¯d have to prove I actually signed a nonpete agreement first. Trent, the only contract I ever had with thepany was a standard employment contract!¡± Quinn shot back. Trent¡¯s face turned ghastly. She was right. When they¡¯d first started thepany, he¡¯d treated Quinn like a clueless regr employee, so of course the contract she signed was just a basic one. There had never been any need for a nonpete. agreement. And now, he had no grounds to sue her at all. Over the next few days. Trent was busy trying to raise funds. Since the bank wouldn¡¯t approve the loan, thepany¡¯s capital flow was at risk. Military 25 After getting yet another rejection over the phone, Trent angrily mmed his phone down. G s Chapter 25 Financial Troubles Chapter 25 Financial Troubles Thepany had flourished for three years since it was founded. But the moment Quinn left, problems began surfacing with both the projects and the finances. Even the other projects were thrown intoplete disarray. ¡°Why can¡¯t you handle even such small issues properly? There have never been problems like this before, have there?¡± During a heated meeting, when he finally lost his temper, a few of the executives responded, ¡°Ms. Bridger used to handle all these things.¡± Quinn was already gone from thepany, yet her presence seemed to linger like a shadow. Trent thought back to what the project manager had said to him, ¡°You clearly have no idea how valuable Ms. Bridger really was!¡± Quinn¡¯s value? What¡¯s so special about her anyway? As far as I¡¯m concerned, she¡¯s just another retired soldier. Her academic background isn¡¯t anything special, which is why I simply assigned her a role in the without much thought. Sure, she graduated from the National Defense University, and was once the top science student in Jexburgh, and knew how to ride a horse and fly a ne¨Cbut beyond that, what else is there that I don¡¯t already know? ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Something bothering you?¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice snapped Trent out of his thoughts. He returned to the moment, focusing on the woman sitting across from him. Once upon a time, she had been the center of his youthful admiration. She was the dignified daughter of the Stonehurst family, while he had been nothing more than a penniless guy. Back then, he couldn¡¯t have imagined that one day, they¡¯d be able to sit together and share a meal like this, as friends. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a small issue,¡± Trent replied casually. Sidonieughed lightly. ¡°Oh, by the way, I went to see that mansion you mentioned. I really liked it. The realtor said if I paid the full amount upfront, they¡¯d knock five million off the price.¡± Trent¡¯s expression shifted the moment he heard that. The mansion had originally been intended as a gift for Sidonie. If thepany¡¯s affairs had gone smoothly, he wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to pay the thirty million. But right now, he simply couldn¡¯t afford it. ¡°Maybe we should hold off on buying it,¡± Trent suggested. ¡°There might be a better one that pops upter.¡± Sidonie raised her chin slightly, a touch of pride in her voice. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to give it to me, you can just say so. I¡¯m not forcing you.¡± Trent hurried to exin. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to. Compared to what you did for me back then, a mansion¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s just that thepany¡¯s running into some cash flow issues, so¡­ It¡¯s just a shame the Stonehurst family¡¯s businesses are all handled by the main branch on my oldest uncle¡¯s side. Our branch doesn¡¯t have any real authority. If we did, I could¡¯ve helped you sort things out financially.¡± Her considerate attitude took the weight off Trent¡¯s shoulders. ¡°I really appreciate that,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of thepany¡¯s problems. And in the future, I¡¯ll repay you even more than I already have.¡± Back then, he had been attacked by a thug. In an attempt to protect his tuition money, he¡¯d been stabbed eight times and ended up in the river. In that moment between life and death, what he remembered most was someone holding onto him tightly, dragging him up from the water with everything they had. delete home 600 1.13 PM J. Chapter 25 Financial Troubles A voice had kept repeating in his ear, ¡°Hang in there, just hang in there! I will save you!¡± That voice had felt like it gave him the strength to survive. s So, when he woke up in the hospital and saw that his rescuer was Sidonie, he made a vow deep in his heart. One day, he would repay her. Watching his serious expression, Sidonie smiled faintly. ¡°I don¡¯t need repayment. I just wanted you to live. That was all.¡± In truth, saving him hadn¡¯t taken much effort. She¡¯d only happened upon him, badly injured, by the riverside. By coincidence, the paramedics had shown up just then, assumed she was the one who¡¯d called, and brought her along to the hospital. At first, she¡¯d seen it as a hassle. But now, it seemed the rewards had far outweighed what she ever imagined. Who would¡¯ve guessed that the penniless guy I saved would grow up to be the boss of a public ? The only catch is¡­ he¡¯s still married. JAfter parting ways with Trent, Sidonie chose to apany Penelope and Jacinda on a shopping trip. If she were serious about marrying Trent in the future, it made sense to build a good rtionship with her potential mother¨Cinw and sister- inw. She deliberately brought them to a beauty chain store owned by the Stonehurst family. ¡°If you see anything you like, ahead and take it. I¡¯ll cover it.¡± Compared to what she had gained from Trent, a few beauty products didn¡¯t cost her anything. Military 26 Chapter 26 Running Into Trent And Sidonie ¡°You¡¯re incredibly generous, Sidonie,¡± Jacinda said right away. s ¡°You¡¯re definitely better than Quinn. I really wish you were my daughter¨Cinw,¡± Penelope added, conveniently forgetting the three years Quinn had spent taking her to medical appointments and caring for her. A hint of disappointment crossed Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°I truly hoped that my future mother¨Cinw would be someone just like you. But when I came back and reunited with Trent, he was already married.¡± ¡°Just one more week,¡± Jacinda said excitedly. ¡°Once my brother divorces Quinn, you can be my sister¨Cinw!¡± Sidonie blinked. ¡°Trent¡¯s divorcing Quinn?¡± ¡°Exactly, and we have to give her a hundred million. She doesn¡¯t even deserve it!¡± Jacinda¡¯s tone was filled with frustration. ¡°My brother¡¯spany is struggling right now, and he¡¯s been pulling every string to raise money. If we give her the money, we¡¯d have to sell off all the shares my brother gave our mom!¡± With a dramatic ir, Jacinda pulled out the divorce agreement that Penelope and Quinn had signed behind Trent¡¯s back. Sidonie paused, thoughtful. Even though Trent didn¡¯t know about the divorce, if it went through, then his marriage with Quinn really would be over. It was just a hundred million, after all. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a small pang of regret, as if the money belonged to her. ¡°It¡¯s just too bad we couldn¡¯t catch her cheating. If we had, she¡¯d be the one at fault, and we wouldn¡¯t have to pay her anything,¡± Jacinda muttered. ¡°Exactly! That money was all earned by my son. Why should she walk away with so much just because they¡¯re getting a divorce?¡± Penelope snapped. ¡°Well¡­ maybe we don¡¯t have to pay her after all,¡± Sidonie said softly, her eyelids dropping just slightly. At that, both Jacinda and Penelope¡¯s eyes lit up. Quinn nned to return the outfit Julius had given her at the mall that day, the one meant to rece her bloodstained clothes. Originally, she only intended to drop it off at the doorstep of the Whitethorn residence, hand it to one of the housekeepers, and have them pass it along. Instead, the butler stepped forward and said, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn isn¡¯t in Jexburgh right now. He mentioned that if you insist on returning something, he¡¯d prefer you do it in person.¡± Quinn frowned. ¡°When will he be back?¡± ¡°Might be a few more days,¡± the butler guessed. After leaving the Whitethorn residence, Quinn went straight to Azure Technologies. Seeing the clothes in her hands, Laura lit up. ¡°Wow, this one¡¯s a VIP limited edition! Not easy to get your hands on! But I thought you never cared for these fancy brands?¡± As her best friend, Laura knew Quinn¡¯s taste in clothes well¨Csimple, practical, and easy to move around in. I need to return it to Julius,¡± said Quinn. ¡°But he insists I have to give it back in person.¡± She exined how the butler had turned her away. Laura¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°Tell me the truth. Do you think Julius might be into you? Asking you to return clothes in person? Sounds like an excuse to see you again.¡± Quinn gave her a pointed look. ¡°And you think that would be a good thing?¡± Remembering the gossip surrounding Julius, Laura gave a small shudder. ¡°Okay, fair point. I value my life too much!¡± 172 1:13 PM J Chapter 26 Running Into Trent And Sidonie s After all, Julius¡¯s reputation for being unpredictable was well known. Provoking him, even identally, could have deadly consequences. ¡°By the way, there¡¯s a banquet in three days,¡± Laura said. ¡°Julius will be there, and I¡¯m invited too. Why don¡¯t youe with me? Good chance to give back the clothes.¡± Quinn nodded. ¡°That works.¡± She wanted to settle this quickly. The sooner she returned the clothes, the sooner she could cut ties. Something about that man set off her internal rms. Three dayster, it was time for the banquet. Laura wouldn¡¯t take no for an answer and insisted on helping Quinn change into a gown. ¡°I¡¯m just returning clothes. No need to dress up,¡± said Quinn. ¡°Of course, there¡¯s a need! You don¡¯t even know how gorgeous you look when you make an effort. Trent must be blind to ignore a wife like you and always hang around Sidonie instead,¡± Laura argued. It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration. In that dark blue gown, Quinn looked stunning. Her fairplexion glowed, and with her usually tidy hair now loose and flowing, she looked like a different person altogether. She¡¯d always been a bold, handsome kind of beauty. But dressed like this, that sharpness softened just enough to draw the eye even more. ¡°My God, I¡¯m falling for you. If you were a man, I¡¯d marry you!¡± Laura teased. Quinnughed. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get going!¡± When they arrived at the hotel hosting the banquet, Quinn suddenly froze. Not far away, two people were getting out of another car¨CTrent and Sidonie. The invitation in their hands made it clear they were here for the same event. Trent saw Quinn right away. She was in a formal dress, light makeup bringing out the elegance in her features. For a moment, his mind went nk. Military 27 Chapter 27 You Are Not Getting The Money Trent had never realized his wife could look this breathtaking. That spark of amazement in his eyes didn¡¯t escape Sidonie. Her expression darkened. ¡°Trent!¡± That pulled Trent back to reality. He walked over to Quinn, his tone full of disbelief. ¡°You followed me here?¡± he asked. ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Caught off guard, Quinn quickly retorted, ¡°I have zero interest in following you!¡± ¡°Then why are you here?¡± Trent was convinced that she disapproved of him bringing Sidonie and hade to make a scene. ¡°Quinn is an executive at Azure Technologies now. She came with me to the banquet,¡± Laura interjected, ring at him. ¡°You think everything¡¯s about you, don¡¯t you? She¡¯s got better things to do than follow you around!¡± Trent¡¯s expression shifted slightly, but he still warned, ¡°I hope you¡¯re really just here for the banquet. If you stir up trouble, don¡¯t me me for what happens.¡± The event was important for him. He needed to use it to find business partners and secure investment. He turned and led Sidonie toward the banquet hall. Just then, Quinn¡¯s phone rang¨Cit was Penelope. ¡°Get to the Royal Court Hotel right now, Room 1205. We need to go over the divorce agreement. If you don¡¯t show expect to see that hundred million!¡± Quinn raised an eyebrow and looked up at the hotel¡¯s sign. Sure enough, it was the Royal Court. What a coincidence. Penelope picked the same hotel, too. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Laura. ¡°I¡¯ve got something to handle. I¡¯m meeting Trent¡¯s mom here. You go on in. I¡¯ll join you soon,¡± said Quinn. up, don¡¯t ¡°Fine, but be careful. That woman isn¡¯t exactly known for being sweet. Asking you to meet in a hotel sounds shady,¡± Laura warned. ¡°I know,¡± Quinn replied with a small smile. She looked down at her phone. Penelope had already sent her instructions to collect a keycard at the front desk. Inside the banquet hall, when Sidonie saw Laura arrive alone, a smile tugged at her lips. It looked like Penelope and the others had sessfully drawn Quinn away. Quinn might want that hundred million, but whether she got it depended entirely on her ability to survive what came next. By then, she wouldn¡¯t just lose the money. Her reputation would be trashed. And at that point, even if Trent didn¡¯t want a divorce, he¡¯d have no choice. Up on the twelfth floor, Penelope and Jacinda were growing impatient. ¡°Why isn¡¯t she here yet? It¡¯s been over half an hour. You think she backed out?¡± Jacinda asked nervously. They had everything ready. ¡°No, if she still wants the money, she¡¯lle,¡± said Penelope confidently. In her mind, Quinn didn¡¯t have any real ability. There was no way she could resist the lure of that kind of money. Just then, Quinn appeared at the door. Both Penelope and Jacinda lit up with glee. But when Jacinda saw Quinn in that elegant gown, her heart twisted with envy again. At this moment, Quinn truly looked like a high¨Csocietydy. Luxury, my foot! Let¡¯s see how miserable you are in a few minutes. Jacinda sneered to herself. She smiled coldly as she watched Quinn unlock the door and walk in. 114 PM J. Chapter 27 You Are Not Getting The Money All right, mission aplished! s What came next was what Jacinda had been waiting for. She was ready to see Quinn fall apart, to erase the humiliation she had felt at work. Even though she was the boss¡® biological sister and a top university graduate, she had still been made project supervisor. But no matter how hard she tried, her subordinates kept praising Quinn. They always said things went smoother when Quinn was in charge. The way they looked at her, she could see the judgment in their eyes. What¡¯s so special about Quinn, anyway? I¡¯d like to see how those employees would feel when they see her miserable and pathetic state! Then a message popped up on her phone. Her grin widened. She turned to Penelope. ¡°Mom, it¡¯s all set. Let¡¯s go.¡± The mother and daughter walked into Room 1205. Quinn was copsed near the bed, clearly too weak to even sit up. Two burly men stood beside her and greeted Penelope and Jacinda with ttery. ¡°The moment she stepped in, the drugged mist hit her hard. She doesn¡¯t even have the strength to fight back,¡± one of them exined. Jacinda gave a triumphant smirk and sauntered over to Quinn. ¡°Ha! You didn¡¯t expect this, did you?¡± she scoffed. ¡°You really thought divorcing my brother would get you a hundred million? Keep dreaming!¡± Quinn was gasping for breath. Her cold gaze locked onto Penelope and Jacinda. ¡°So this is what you meant by wanting to talk?¡± Penelope red at her. ¡°Who do you think you are, asking for a hundred million? That money was earned by my son. You¡¯re not getting a cent!¡± Military 28 Chapter 28 All Exposed s Quinn found it utterly ridiculous. After three years of marriage, all she had sacrificed for Trent and his family seemedpletely unappreciated. She mocked herself for once, thinking of them as family and pouring her heart and soul into caring for them. ¡°Alright, you can do whatever you want with this woman. The more miserable you make her, the better!¡± Jacinda ordered the two burly men. Two men approached Quinn, their faces breaking into lewd smirks. Quinn red at Penelope and Jacinda. ¡°Have you ever considered Trent¡¯s feelings? No matter what, I am his wife! He would never allow this!¡± As she spoke, her right hand, hidden beneath her gown, was firmly clutching her phone. Her fingers danced across the screen, which was faced downward. Even without looking at the screen, she could type urately, a skill she had honed from her time in the special forces. Trent was right there in the hotel at the time. If only he had answered that call, he could have rushed over and prevented everything that was about to unfold. ¡°Haha, my brother already has Sidonie, why would he care about you? Even if he did find out, he wouldn¡¯t mind!¡± Jacinda mocked. Quinn pursed her lips, having already dialed the number. She had set her phone¡¯s volume so low that only she could hear it. Trent looked at the cellphone in his hand; the iing call disyed Quinn¡¯s name. Just as he was about to answer the call, Sidonie spoke up from beside him. ¡°It¡¯s Quinn calling, isn¡¯t it? If she¡¯s upset because I¡¯m the one apanying you to the banquet today, I might as well leave and let her be by your side instead.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother about her,¡± Trent said, nonchntly ending the call. After all, when Quinn called, it was only ever toin or fuss over trivial matters. He had more pressing issues to attend to. Once the banquet was over, he would have a proper chat with her. Just then, amotion arose at the entrance of the banquet. Sidonie¡¯s voice echoed out next. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is here today as well. Why don¡¯t we go and greet him?¡± Trent looked up, only to see the distinguished Julius, surrounded by a crowd, entering the hotel. His strikingly handsome features, coupled with the icy demeanor he exuded, gave him an air of superiority. Anyone who made eye contact with him would feel as if he was looking down on them. Such a person was truly exceptional. How could I possibly think that someone like that would be attracted to Quinn? Trent was amused by his past thoughts. Julius must be acting out of kindness when he took Quinn back to the mansion. After all, both of them are from two different worlds! Inside Room 1205, a sudden heaviness settled in Quinn¡¯s heart the moment Trent hung up. It¡¯s cold¡­ It feels so cold. She had given him many opportunities to prove himself, but with each chance she gave, it only resulted in more disappointment. Quinn looked up at Jacinda and Penelope. ¡°We¡¯ve been family for three years. If you stop here, I¡¯m willing to let it slide 12 1:14 PM J Chapter 28 All Exposed s ¡°Haha, you still think you can do something to us? Even if I agreed, these two gentlemen wouldn¡¯t!¡± Jacindaughed maliciously. ¡°It¡¯s precisely because we used to be family that I specifically chose these two burly men for you.¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze lowered subtly. Her fingers continued to fiddle with the phone concealed by her skirt, unnoticed by everyone. In a corner of the room, a minuscule camera was capturing everything that unfolded before it. This miniature camera was something that Quinn had hastily prepared after receiving a call from Penelope. As she stepped into the room and was struck by the drugged mist. She immediately held her breath, subtly cing the camera in a corner. Little did she expect such a distasteful situation to ur. At that moment, she had already hacked into the hotel¡¯swork system using her cellphone. Since Trent was at the hotel banquet, it was time for him to see the true colors of his mother and sister. Quinn¡¯s fingers were swiftly tapping away on her phone screen, while within the banquet hall of the hotel, Trent and Sidonie Japproached Julius. ¡°Hello, Mr. Whitethorn. I¡¯m Trent Grafton of Grafton Technologies. We didn¡¯t get a chance to chat properly at the equestrian clubst time, so this time-¡± Before Trent could finish his sentence, someone suddenly cried out, ¡°What¡¯s going on with the screen. Is there a problem?¡± Following that, a voice that Trent was all too familiar with rang out. ¡°Hurry up, I want her ruined. Make sure she gets nothing in the divorce!¡± Trent¡¯s body suddenly stiffened. That¡¯s my mother¡¯s voice! Trent turned around, his gaze falling on therge screen at the front of the banquet hall. Initially, the screen only disyed the name of the banquet and a weing message. But now, the image on the screen had dramatically changed. It was showing his mother, his sister, Quinn, and two unfamiliar men. Quinn stumbled back onto the edge of the bed, and the two unfamiliar men were closing in on her with malicious intent. Military 29 Chapter 29 Everyone Now Knows He Is Married Meanwhile, Penelope mother was speaking with a spiteful look etched across her face. For a moment, Trent waspletely at a loss, his mind going nk. He had no idea what was going on. The color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face as she stood beside Trent. What on earth is happening? s Although she was aware that Penelope and Jacinda were nning to harm Quinn, she couldn¡¯tprehend why such a scene would be broadcasted on the banquet¡¯s big screen. Who did this? Just as Sidonie was anxiously specting in her mind, Quinn on the screen was panting heavily. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of facing thew for your actions?¡± ¡°Haha, thew? Who¡¯s going to see it?¡± Jacindaughed. ¡°You¡¯re the one who took the room key and entered this room. All the reservation details are under your name. In the end, people will only assume that you invited these two men here for a tryst!¡± Trent was taken aback, his eyes wide with disbelief. He stared at his sister, who was someone sweet and innocent in his mind. Yet there she was, smiling as she spoke of such sinister matters. How could this be? There¡¯s no way Jacinda would do something like this. ¡°Everyone in the Grafton family is evil!¡± Laura stormed up to Trent, seizing him by the cor. Her eyes were zing red as she red at him. ¡°Which hotel room did your mother and sister take Quinnie to? If they let those two meny a finger on her, I¡¯ll make them pay with their lives!¡± ¡°What? They¡¯re in a room at this hotel?¡± Trent was taken aback. ¡°Your mom: invited Quinnie to meet here!¡± Laura was filled with self¨Creproach. Why did I merely warn her to be careful? I shouldn¡¯t have let her go alone! If something were to happen to Quinnie¡­ ¡°Quick, find out which room this is!¡± Upon noticing Trent¡¯s confused expression, Laura immediately called out to the hotel staff nearby. ¡°Yes, yes!¡± the staff member quickly responded. Using his walkie¨Ctalkie, he contacted other hotel personnel to start searching for the room where Quinn was staying. Trent was still defending himself, ¡°This¡­ might just be a misunderstanding, or perhaps there¡¯s another reason-¡± Yet before he could finish, Jacinda¡¯s malicious voice, transmitted through the speakers connected to the screen, continued to reach the ears of everyone in the hall. ¡°Right, I¡¯m going to take somepromising photos. If you dare to call the police, then all these pictures will end up on the inte, seen by thousands of men!¡± Laura became livid, hurling insults at Trent. ¡°Misunderstanding? What a load of crap! Trent, ever since Quinnie married you, your family has brought her nothing but trouble!¡± A hot flush spread across Trent¡¯s face, leaving him utterly speechless. ¡°Do you really think that Trent will forgive you for doing something like that?¡± Quinn spoke up on the screen. ¡°Haha, I bet my brother would be grateful to me. If you cheated, he¡¯d finally have a reason to divorce you and be with Sidonie¡± Jacindaughed heartily. ¡°Besides, my brother has always loved Sidonie. To him, you¡¯re nothing but a useless piece of trash, a wife he can¡¯t wait to abandon!¡± At the banquet held that day, quite a few people were acquainted with Trent and Sidonic. At that moment, numerous gazes were directed toward the two of them. s 4PM 0 J Chapter 29 Everyone Now Knows He Is Married Originally, in the eyes of everyone, the pair was seen as the rising star of the tech industry. Sidonie was the Stonehurst family and would be a perfect match for Trent. But now¡­ ¡°Trent¡¯s already married?¡± ¡°Now, he¡¯s actually abandoning his wife for Ms. Stonehurst?¡± ¡°I heard that he was once incredibly poor, too broke to start a business. Moreover, he kept his marriage from everyone.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t this mean that Ms. Stonehurst is the third party?¡± The surrounding whispers caused the faces of Trent and Sidonie to alternate between anger and embarrassment. Sidonie frantically eximed, ¡°This must be someone¡¯s idea of a sick joke. Where are the staff? Hurry and turn off this screen!¡± Meanwhile, Trent was frantically calling his mother and sister on their phones. However, at that moment, there was absolutely no way to get through! The color drained further from Trent¡¯s face. He turned to a nearby staff member and eximed, ¡°Have you not found the room yet?¡± ¡°We¡­ we¡¯re still searching!¡± the staff hastily said. Gritting his teeth, Trent was watching the screen intently. If Quinn were to be vited by those two men, then I¡­ For a moment, it felt as if something was tugging at his heart, suffocating him. On the screen, Penelope was watching with an icy expression, while Jacinda was giggling, raising her phone, ready to capture the moment. The two burly men had grabbed onto Quinn¡¯s arm, attempting to drag her onto the bed. The scene that unfolded left Trent feeling anxious yet powerless. Inside the room, Quinn looked up, her gaze fixed on Penelope and Jacinda. ¡°Don¡¯t you have any regrets about what you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°I should have done this sooner, then my son could have divorced you long ago!¡± Penelope sneered before spitting at Quinn. Jac?nda, brimming with malice, ordered the two burly men. ¡°Take your time with her. Let me get a clear shot. I need to take some close¨Cups too. Otherwise, once it¡¯s online, no one could tell it¡¯s her.¡± Military 30 Chapter 30 Showing Off Her Skills Such vulgar wordsing from Jacinda¡¯s mouth deepened the displeasure on Trent¡¯s face. ¡°Fine, since none of you have regrets. I won¡¯t harbor any either,¡± Quinn dered softly. ¡°Ha, no regrets, huh? What exactly can you do?¡± Jacinda sniggered before addressing the two men. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you going to undress her?¡± As Quinn was about to be stripped by the men, many at the party couldn¡¯t bear to watch and closed their eyes. In the next moment, the burly man who was originally about to attack Quinn was suddenly knocked to the ground. Many of the guests didn¡¯t even see how Quinn made her move. This scene not only left the attendees at the banquet taken aback, but Penelope and Jacinda were also utterly stunned. ¡°Hurry¡­ hurry up and restrain her,¡± Jacinda eximed. ¡°She¡¯s been affected by the drugged mist. She won¡¯t be strong enough to fight back!¡± Only then did the other burly man react. The man who had originally fallen to the ground was now in agony, angrily ring at Quinn as he struggled to his feet. ¡°Well now, you¡¯ve pissed me off. I¡¯m going to teach you a lesson for that!¡± The two robust men lunged at Quinn. Thump! Thump! Thump! The sound of a fist mming into flesh echoed in the air. Her movements were decisive and lethal, knocking her opponent down with precision. However, due to the gown she was wearing, every move Quinn made caused her skirt to flutter, creating beautiful arcs. The fight, surprisingly, didn¡¯t resemble one at all. Instead, it was more akin to a graceful dance. The two men were quickly sprawled on the ground, wailing in distress. In contrast to them, Quinn, dressed in a deep blue gown, had her iong hair billowing in the air. At that moment, she resembled a warrior goddess. Her beautiful eyes, usually gentle, now wore a sharp gaze that invoked both fear and awe in others. It was a sight to behold, both terrifying and mesmerizing. Inside the banquet hall, many couldn¡¯t believe what they were witnessing on the screen. Trent was utterly taken aback, his eyes wide open in disbelief, confusion, and astonishment. Although he knew she was a former soldier, trained to fight, he had always assumed that those were merely shy moves for show. However, just a moment ago, she had managed to knock down two burly men in front of everyone. Unlike everyone else at that moment, Julius was watching the big screen thoughtfully. ¡°Indeed, this woman is quite intriguing! She must be the one broadcasting the scene in the room through the big screen. The idea of counterattacking in such a manner is quite unexpected. However, if she can¡¯t even handle a situation like this, then she doesn¡¯t deserve to be the former captain of the Falcon Special Forces! The corner of Julius¡¯s lips curved into a smile. Fabian, who was standing next to him, knew that his boss was in an exceptionally good mood. It seems the boss¡® interest in Ms. Bridger has intensified! At that moment, the hotel staff had located the room. ¡°It¡¯s Room 1205. They¡¯re in Room 1205!¡± Upon hearing those words, Trent abruptly left the banquet hall, while Laura followed closely behind. 19 W E deleta home 1:14 PM . Chapter 30 Showing Off Her Skills Sidonie looked up at Quinn on the screen, a sh of resentment in her eyes. s Despite her dire situation. Quinn has actually managed to turn the tables! Now, the Grafton family has ended up putting me at a disadvantage. With news of Trent¡¯s marriage to Quinn revealed, I will be seen as the other woman! At that thought, Sidonie couldn¡¯t help but grit her teeth in anger. ¡°You¡­ you aren¡¯t drugged?¡± Jacinda¡¯s panicked voice echoed in the hotel room. Quinn stared at her coldly. ¡°What you should be worried about isn¡¯t this, but everything that just happened in this room has already been broadcast on the banquet screen of the hotel through the camera in this room.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± Penelope and Jacinda eximed in surprise. ¡°I said, everyone who is attending the banquet at this hotel today has seen and heard everything just now!¡± Quinn repeated. She had entered the room half an hourte because she was making some preparations. Originally, she did it as a precaution. Little did she expect it toe in handy. ¡°By the way, Trent is also attending the banquet here today,¡± Quinn added. The color drained from Jacinda¡¯s face in an instant. So, everything we had said in the room just now, including the details of our ns, has been revealed to the public? If what Quinn said is true, then how¡­ how am I going to show my face to anyone in the future? To make matters worse, this banquet, attended by Trent, is also attended by many prominent figures of Jexburgh. What Quinn has done is ruining my reputation in their eyes! ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re just trying to scare me. You¡¯re lying!¡± Jacinda said in a panic. ¡°Whether or not I¡¯m lying, you¡¯ll find out when Trent arrives!¡± Based on my estimation, Trent should be able to find the room number through the staff by now. Military 31 Chapter 31 Just Drop It Jacinda trembled, her body frozen in ce. Across the room, Penelope¡¯s face twisted with fury as she stormed toward Quinn. ¡°You wretch!¡± she screamed. ¡°I swear I¡¯ll tear you apart!¡± Quinn sidestepped with practiced ease. Penelope lunged, only to misspletely and crash shoulder-first into a nearby cab. She let out a sharp cry of pain. At that moment, the door mmed open. Trent burst in, nked by startled hotel staff. Jacinda¡¯s breath caught. He really came¡­ Could everyone outside have seen what happened in here just like Quinn said? The moment Penelope saw her son, she scrambled to her feet and rushed over, clutching his arm. ¡°Trent, thank goodness you¡¯re here! This vile woman was caught cheating by me and Jacinda! I only gave her a few harsh words, but she turned around and hit me! If you don¡¯t divorce this shameless woman, then don¡¯t call me your mother anymore!¡± ¡°Mom!¡± Trent cut her off sharply, his face flushed with embarrassment. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Everyone outside saw what happened in this room!¡± Penelope froze. ¡°W-what? How could anyone have seen?¡± Her eyes darted wildly. ¡°No, no! This must be a setup! It¡¯s Quinn¡¯s doing, isn¡¯t it? Trent, you can¡¯t trust her!¡± Bitterness welled up in Trent¡¯s chest. It wasn¡¯t that he believed in Quinn, but he trusted what he had just seen and heard with his own eyes and ears. The figures of his mother and sister on the screen felt like strangers, twisted reflections of the people he thought he knew. He had never imagined that they, his own family, would stoop so low, scheming to drive Quinn out of the marriage empty-handed. He lifted his gaze to look at his wife. d in a dark blue gown, Quinn looked utterlyposed, untouched by the chaos that had just unfolded. The intensity in her eyes and the quiet strength she exuded were overwhelming. Regal. Untouchable. They were only a few steps apart, yet the distance between them felt immeasurable. They had shared the same bed, the same nights, but now, he couldn¡¯t even bring himself to close the space between them. ¡°Yes, Trent, it¡¯s all Quinn¡¯s doing!¡± Jacinda blurted out, voice shrill with panic. ¡°She lured Mom and me here. It was a setup! She tricked us! You have to believe me, she nned everything!¡± Quinn didn¡¯t flinch. A slow, sardonic smile curled on her lips as she met Trent¡¯s eyes. Her gaze seemed to ask, Well?Now that the truth¡¯s in front of you¡­ what will you do? ¡°Trent, you¡¯re not seriously taking Quinn¡¯s side over me and Mom, are you? We¡¯re your family!¡± Jacinda cried, watching his silence with growing unease. Panicked, Penelope jumped in. ¡°You¡¯re my son! How could you possibly trust a stranger over your own mother? You need to call someone and have Quinn arrested right now! Sheid hands on me! I¡¯m calling the police! I¡¯ll sue her for assault!¡± Fueled by anger and emboldened by Trent¡¯s presence, Penelope stepped toward Quinn, arm raised as if to strike. But she didn¡¯t get far. Trent seized her wrist in a firm, unflinching grip. ¡°Enough!¡± he snapped, his voice ringing with fury. ¡°Mom! Jacinda! How much more disgrace do you want to bring me?¡± Quinn¡¯s icy gaze pierced him, and for a split second, he felt utterly stripped bare; ashamed, exposed. But what drained him most was the realization that his mother and sister showed not a shred of guilt. Even now, they twisted the truth, piling every ounce of me onto Quinn as if nothing they¡¯d done mattered. ¡°Fine! You want to call the police? No need for that. I already did!¡± Laura stormed into the room, eyes zing as she pointed at Penelope. She rushed straight to Quinn¡¯s side. ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Quinn replied calmly, cing a reassuring hand on her friend¡¯s arm. In truth, Quinn wasn¡¯t entirely unscathed. Earlier, the two men had released some kind of drugced mist into the room. Despite her vignce, she¡¯d identally inhaled a few breaths of it. Fortunately, her prior training in chemical resistance kicked in. The dose had been minimal, and she remained in control, alert enough to handle the situation. ¡°You called the cops?¡± Jacinda¡¯s face went pale the moment Laura¡¯s words registered. She whipped around, staring at her in disbelief. Penelope didn¡¯t get it, but Jacinda knew exactly what this meant. If the police really showed up, there¡¯d be proof that she and her mother had orchestrated the whole setup. And once that happened, there would be no talking their way out of it. ¡°You actually called the police?¡± Jacinda burst out, her voice rising in panic. ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± ¡°You think I wouldn¡¯t?¡± Laura shot back, eyes zing. ¡°You harmed my friend. After everything Quinn¡¯s been through, why shouldn¡¯t I call the police?¡± ¡°I think¡­ maybe we should tell the police it was all a misunderstanding,¡± Sidonie interjected, stepping quickly to Trent¡¯s side. ¡°Really, this is a private matter, something the Grafton family should settle internally. Don¡¯t you agree, Trent?¡± Instantly, all eyes turned to Trent. He pressed his dry lips together, hesitant. Of course, he, too, wished things could be smoothed over. But then, his gaze met Quinn¡¯s. ¡°Quinnie, how about we just-¡± ¡°Just drop it and call it a misunderstanding?¡± Quinn arched a brow. ¡°Is that what you¡¯re hoping I¡¯ll say, Trent?¡± 32 Effects Of The Drug Military 32 Chapter 32 Effects Of The Drug s Her mocking stare hit him like a blow. The words caught in his throat, stuck fast, leaving him unable to finish. Laura¡¯s fury ignited. ¡°Trent, how can you call this a misunderstanding? Your mother and sister treated Quinnie like trash. If she hadn¡¯t reacted in time, do you even know what could¡¯ve happened to her?¡± Trent¡¯s face turned crimson under the weight of her words. Momentster, the police arrived. Jacinda froze, terror etched across her face, her body trembling violently. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to the police station! I don¡¯t want to! Trent, help me! I don¡¯t want to be locked up!¡± Only now did fear finally creep onto Penelope¡¯s face. Clutching Trent¡¯s arm, she pleaded, ¡°Son, don¡¯t let the police take me and Jacinda away!¡± Trent turned to Quinn, his expression conflicted. ¡°Quinn, Mom¡¯s getting older, and Jacinda is still so young. Maybe we could just¡­¡± Laura scoffed from the side. ¡°Still young? How old is your sister now-twelve? And as for your mom, she didn¡¯t look the least bit frail when she was about to strike Quinn a moment ago!¡± Trent ignored Laura¡¯s biting remark and continued, eyes fixed on Quinn. ¡°This is really just a Grafton family matter. Can we handle it privately? What do you think?¡± ¡°Family matter?¡± Quinn repeated, her voice t as she looked at the man standing before her. A bitter chill settled in her chest. What was I even hoping for? Have I really expected that, after everything that had just unfolded, Trent would finally stand beside me just once? That he¡¯d fight for me, speak up for me? But he didn¡¯t. He never did. And oddly, this time¡­ it didn¡¯t even hurt. No sharp sting, no heartbreak. Of course it would turn out like this. I should¡¯ve known. ¡°You¡¯ve never treated me like family-so how can this possibly be a family matter?¡± Quinn said coldly. Trent¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°You¡¯re my wife. How could you not be considered family?¡± ¡°Wife?¡± Quinn let out a short, humorlessugh. ¡°Trent, if it were Sidonie who¡¯d been treated like this today, would you still be saying the same thing?¡± Trent froze, words caught in his throat. Sidonie quickly stepped in. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d never put Trent in such a difficult position. Quinn, you weren¡¯t seriously hurt, so why are you being so aggressive?¡± Quinn turned to her with a chilling smile. ¡°Well, Ms. Stonehurst, I sincerely hope that if you ever find yourself in my shoes, you¡¯ll be able to walk the talk.¡± ¡°You-¡± Sidonie snapped, eyes shing as she red at Quinn. Chapter 42 Effects Of The Drug 15 Free Coins Enugly Save it for the police station The two men groaning on the ground were hauled away first. Then, the oilta jurned to excuri Penelope and Jacinda As the handcuits neared her wrists, Jacinda panicked. Tu tonovem? I won¡¯t me! It wasn¡¯t me!¡± she sobbed, wide eyes darting to Trent, who stood silent, moving Desperate, she suddenly lunged toward Sidonie, grabbing her arm. ¡°Sidonie, please, you have in help me! My mother and I did everything for you! You knew what was happening today, You knew! Tent was stunned the moment he heard it. ¡°Sidonic¡­ you.¡± Sidonie¡¯s face turned pale, herposure slipping ¡°H1-How is this rted to me? I don¡¯t know anything!¡± ¡°You do know?¡± Jacinda snapped, her voice rising. ¡°You¡¯re the one who said we didn¡¯t need to give Quinn the money if not for you, why would Mom and I have gone this far?¡± The two women immediately began pointing fingers, each cager to shift the me onto the other, ¡°Sidonie,¡± Laura cut in with a mocking smile, ¡°didn¡¯t you just say you¡¯d never put Trent in a difficult position? Well, why not admit you were in on it from the start? That way, your precious sweetheart won¡¯t be stuck in the middle anyn Sidonie¡¯s face flushed crimson, Laura¡¯s wordsnding like a p. Her lips trembled with rage. ¡°Trent, please, you have to believe me. It had nothing to do with me!¡± she begged, turning to him with wide, pleading eyes. But Penelope snapped, ¡°Sidonic, how can you stand there and act innocent? If it weren¡¯t for you, for the sake of helping you marry Trent, would we have ever done something like this?¡± Watching the chaos unfold, Trent felt troubled. ¡°Take all of them away!¡± the officer ordered. At this point, the police decided to take Sidonie in as well. Then, one of them turned to Quinn. ¡°I¡¯ll ride with my friend to the station to give my statement,¡± Quinn said calmly, The officer nodded. Their patrol car couldn¡¯t fit everyone anyway, and Quinn¡¯s suggestion was reasonable. Before leaving. Trent cast a long, unreadable look at Quinn but said nothing. Once the others were escorted out, Quinn and Laura took the elevator, heading down to the parking lot. Quinn¡¯s breath was slightly uneven, and she could feel her body growing warmer with each passing moment. Laura nced over, concerned. ¡°Your face is flushed. Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Let¡¯s just get to the station and give our statements first.¡± She was confident she could hold on. ¡°I¡¯ll bring the car around. Wait for me at the hotel entrance,¡± Laura said. Quinn nodded. When the elevator doors opened on the first floor, Laura initially intended to apany stopped her gently. ¡°You go ahead to the underground lot. The entrance is just a short wa can get there on my own.¡± Military 33 Chapter 33 Julius Appears ¡°All right then,¡± Laura replied, before heading off toward the parking lot. Quinn stepped out to the hotel entrance. A wave of heat surged through her body, far more intense than she had expected. Clearly, the effects of the drugged mist were stronger than she¡¯d anticipated. Just then, a cold, familiar voice sounded behind her. ¡°Ms. Bridger. What a coincidence. We meet again.¡± Quinn turned to see Julius¡¯ handsome face. But this was no coincidence. She hade today specifically to return the clothes he¡¯d lent her. Unfortunately, they were still in Laura¡¯s car. ¡°Waiting for someone?¡± Julius asked. ¡°Yes. A friend¡¯s giving me a ride to the police station.¡± Since Julius had attended the party too, he¡¯d likely heard what had happened. ¡°Why not let me take you?¡± he offered. Before she could respond, a silver-grey Maybach rolled smoothly to a stop in front of them. Without giving her a chance to protest, Julius took her wrist and guided her into the car. ¡°Wait!¡± Quinn protested, reaching for the door to get out. But the door was locked. The car had already begun to move, and her left wrist was still held tightly in Julius¡¯s grip. For a moment, she couldn¡¯t break free. Not far off, Laura had just arrived near the hotel entrance when her eyes widened in disbelief. No way¡­ Quinn just got dragged into Julius¡¯s car? Where is he taking her? Inside the car, Quinn shot Julius a sharp re. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°I¡¯m giving you a ride,¡± Julius replied smoothly. ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Quinn said coldly. ¡°Please ask your driver to stop. My friend is picking me up.¡± ¡°But what if I insist on giving it?¡± Julius didn¡¯t budge. A faint smile yed on his lips, teasing yet unreadable. His slender fingers remained wrapped firmly around her wrist. The coolness of his touch shed with the rising heat of her skin, triggering a strange, almost dizzying sensation. She frowned. ¡°Let go of me.¡± Julius¡¯ gaze flickered, the amusement in his eyes darkening into something unreadable. His fingers grazed lightly across her wrist. ¡°Are you sure you want me to let go?¡± A shiver rippled through Quinn¡¯s body as a tingling sensation radiated from her wrist, spreading like wildfire. The heat inside her surged, burning hotter with every passing second. ¡°You¡¯re not doing too well, are you?¡± Julius¡¯ low voice drifted into her car. ¡°Are you sure you still want to go to the police station?¡± Quinn bit her lip, her gaze drawn-unwillingly-to his mouth, watching the slow, deliberate movement as he spoke. Her throat tightened, suddenly parched. She needed water. Or something else. The searing heat pulsing through her veins was no longer something she could ignore. It screamed at her, warning her of the chemical influence overtaking her senses. The mist¡¯s effects were far stronger than she¡¯d anticipated. She needed to cool her body down, and fast, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn,¡± she managed, slightly out of breath, eyes pointedly avoiding his face, ¡°if it¡¯s not too much trouble¡­ could you take me to the hospital?¡± Even as she spoke, she could feel an almost primal pull. Under the drug¡¯s influence, he had be dangerously alluring, like honey to a starved bear. The urge to get closer, to touch, and to taste him, was almost overwhelming. Stop! You can¡¯t keep thinking like this! she screamed internally. ¡°Instead of going to the hospital, wouldn¡¯t it be quicker to just use the antidote?¡± Julius asked. ¡°Antidote?¡± Quinn blinked, caught off guard. ¡°How about I be your antidote, Ms. Bridger?¡± he added, tone light and unbothered, as if he were offering her a cup of tea, not himself. Quinn choked on her own breath, coughing violently. Wait¡­ by ¡®antidote,¡¯ does he mean what I think he means? Up in the front seat, the driver and Fabian were frozen in disbelief. Did we just hear that right? Mr. Whitethorn actually said he¡¯d be her antidote? Since when has he ever said anything like that to a woman? Julius had never been one to show interest in women. There was once a well-known socialite in Jexburgh who had boldly confessed her love for him. Desperate, she even climbed to the edge of a rooftop, threatening to jump if he refused to give her a chance. ¡°If I don¡¯t even have the chance to win your heart, then I might as well be dead.¡± She sobbed. Julius, unfazed, lit a cigarette and nced at her with cool indifference. ¡°Then you might as well go ahead,¡± he said tly. ¡°Because I could never love you.¡± To the horror of everyone present, he suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her, guiding her right to the ledge. ¡°If you¡¯re too scared to jump, would you like me to help?¡± The socialite¡¯s face went ghostly white. She stumbled back in terror, nearly tripping over herself as she fled. hapter 33 us Appears After that, no woman dared to pull dramatic stunts around Julius again. Rumors spread like wildfire, whispers that Julius Whitethorn was the kind of man who could never fall in love with anyone. But now, for Quinn¡¯s sake, Julius was actually offering himself. No matter how anyone looked at it, it was utterly shocking. Quinn, too, was momentarily stunned. ¡°You¡¯re not suggesting using¡­ physical means to counteract the drug, are you?¡± she asked, incredulous. Chapter 84 Feel Free To Make Use Military 34 Chapter 34 Feel Free To Make Use Exactly,¡± Julius said without hesitation. He leaned in closer, his tone light, teasing. ¡°I happen to be quite confident in my physique, Ms. Bridger. Feel free to make use of it anytime.¡± Quinn had never met a man who could say something so outrageous with such perfectposure. ¡°No need,¡± she replied sharply. ¡°I don¡¯t require it.¡± ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t?¡± he murmured, his breath cool against her skin as his fingers slowly trailed up her arm. The chill of his touch shed with the feverish heat pulsing through her, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine, igniting something dangerously tempting within her. Quinn gritted her teeth and forced the desire down. In one swift motion, she caught his wrist and red at him. ¡°All I need from you,¡± she said firmly, ¡°is a ride to the hospital.¡± The medication was clearly taking effect. Her body was flushed and hypersensitive, trembling at even the lightest touch. But her eyes remained clear, sharp, unwavering. Not even for a moment did she waver to desire. She wouldn¡¯t yield. And in that instant, Julius couldn¡¯t look away. His heart pounded, harder than it had in a long time, as if something deep within him had begun to shift. Then, after a long, weighted silence, he finally smiled. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital.¡± Trent never imagined he¡¯d one day walk into a police station under circumstances like this. The two men had already confessed, admitting they¡¯d been bribed by Penelope and Jacinda to carry out their dirty work. On their phones, records of Penelope¡¯s money transfers were still clearly visible. During her statement, Penelope repeatedly insisted on her innocence, iming she had merely given them money, never actually instructing them to do anything. Jacinda, for her part, shifted the me to Sidonie, insisting she had only acted under her influence, and that everything she did was to help her. Sidonie, however, denied everything. She yed dumb, pretending she had no knowledge of the scheme.. But inside, she was seething. Useless fools. Typical country bumpkins. Can¡¯t even manage something this simple. All the subtle hints I gave them,pletely wasted. Trent sat in the lobby of the police station, his mind a storm of chaos. He had originally intended to use the banquet that night to explore new business partnerships. But now, after everything that had unfolded,unching a new project was the least of his concerns. Even the stability of his current ventures was at risk. Worse still, this scandal could send shockwaves through thepany, possibly even affecting the stock price. ¡°Where¡¯s Quinn? Why hasn¡¯t she arrived yet?¡± he asked a nearby officer. ¡°Ms. Bridger wasn¡¯t feeling well,¡± the officer replied. ¡°She¡¯s gone to the hospital. We¡¯ll be sending someone there shortly to take her statement.¡± Trent froze, a flicker of worry shing across his face. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. The call connected after a few rings, but it wasn¡¯t Quinn who answered. It was a man¡¯s voice. ¡°Trent Grafton? Are you looking for Quinn?¡± ¡°And you are¡­¡± The voice was vaguely familiar, and for some reason, it set him on edge. ¡°I¡¯m Julius,¡± the cool voice replied. Trent¡¯s unease deepened. ¡°Where¡¯s Quinn? Why do you have her phone?¡± ¡°Oh, she¡¯s asleep,¡± Julius said casually. ¡°Do you need something? I can pass on the message when she wakes up.¡± Trent¡¯s grip on the phone tightened instinctively. A sharp pang twisted in his chest; bitter, unexpected, and hard to ignore. He had always believed that a man like Julius wouldn¡¯t spare Quinn a second nce. But now, Quinn was with him. What does this mean? He couldn¡¯t even recall how he managed to end the call-his mind was reeling, his thoughts tangled in a blur of jealousy, regret, and dread. Just then, Sidonie stepped out of the interrogation room. ¡°Trent, please, you have to believe me,¡± she said, rushing over. ¡°This wasn¡¯t my doing. I overheard your mother and Jacinda talking about making Quinn leave you, but I had no idea they¡¯d go that far. I never expected any of this!¡± Trent stared at the woman in front of him in silence. Sidonie¡¯s expression shifted. Anger sparked in her eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t trust me?¡± she snapped. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯d stoop so low, resort to something so disgraceful, just to make you divorce her? If that¡¯s what you believe, then don¡¯t bother looking for me again. At least I won¡¯t have to be humiliated anymore.¡± With that, she turned sharply, ready to walk away. Trent hurried forward, stepping in front of her to block her path. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sidonie,¡± he said quickly. ¡°My mind¡¯s a mess after everything that happened today.¡± Sidonie¡¯s eyes glinted faintly. ¡°Trent, I hope you know the kind of person I am. I¡¯m not someone who ys dirty. If I truly wanted you to get a divorce, I¡¯d say it to your face, not plot behind your back.¡± The remorse in Trent¡¯s gaze deepened. She¡¯s right. Sidonie has always been direct, decisive, never one to hide behind schemes. There¡¯s no way someone like her would get involved in this mess. Jacinda must¡¯ve panicked. She probably dragged Sidonie into it, hoping to reduce the me on herself. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have doubted you,¡± Trent said, his expression clouded with regret. Military 35 Chapter 35 The Debt He Owed Her Sidonie softened slightly. ¡°It¡¯s all right. So long as you truly believe me.¡± ¡°Of course I do,¡± he replied without hesitation. ¡°You saved my life. How could I not trust you?¡± ¡°At his words, a faint smile touched her lips. She lifted a hand and gently brushed a few stray strands of hair from his slightly tousled forehead. ¡°¡°Exactly,¡± she said softly. ¡°¡±I saved your life¡­ so how could you possibly not trust me? Trent, all I¡¯ve ever wanted is for you to believe in me.¡±¡±¡± She wanted him to believe in her innocence and to remember the debt he owed her. Meanwhile, in the VIP ward of the hospital, Julius set Quinn¡¯s phone on the bedside table. He stood quietly by her side, watching as she slept under the effects of sedation. Though she had fallen into a deep sleep, it was far from restful. Her usually fair skin was now flushed with fever, a soft sheen of sweat glistening along her brow. asionally, faint, involuntary moans slipped from her lips. The drug was simply working its way through her system. As long as her body metabolized it properly, there was no real danger. ¡°Fabian, why do you think she turned me down? She could¡¯ve easily eased her difort, couldn¡¯t she?¡± Julius¡¯ voice echoed through the ward, low and unhurried. Fabian, standing silently behind him, straightened at once. ¡°Ms. Bridger is still married, sir,¡± he answered cautiously. ¡°She might have¡­ certain reservations.¡± If she¡¯d epted Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s suggestion, it would¡¯ve been cheating. Of course, he also knew that for Julius, things like morality and social convention had never meant much. ¡°So,¡± Julius mused, ¡°if she gets divorced and returns to being single, would she say yes then?¡± Fabian was momentarily speechless, unsure how to answer. But Julius didn¡¯t seem to be waiting for a reply. He raised a hand and gently wiped the fine sheen of sweat from Quinn¡¯s forehead, his fingers uncharacteristically tender. ¡°What should I do? The more time I spend around you, the more I want to keep you close.¡± He couldn¡¯t help but wonder just how many more surprises this woman had in store for him and how many more moments would make him feel like this. Behind him, Fabian nced at the sleeping Quinn with faint sympathy. In Julius¡¯ world, people fell into two categories: useful, or irrelevant. But now¡­ it seemed a third category was emerging-those he desired. And for Quinn Bridger, that might not be a good thing at all. When Quinn awoke, a wave of exhaustion washed over her. Her body felt ufortably sticky, damp with the remnants of sweat. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± A voice suddenly broke the silence. She sat up quickly and looked in the direction of the voice. Julius sat casually on a nearby couch. ¡°How are you here?¡± she asked, blinking in disbelief. ¡°I brought you to the hospital,¡± he replied matter-of-factly. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t wake up, so naturally, I stayed.¡± Memories from earlier trickled back-how she¡¯d copsed in the car, how Julius had taken her to the hospital, and how everything faded into a haze after the sedation. ¡°How long was I out?¡± she asked, rubbing her temples. The feverish heat had subsided. Aside from the sticky difort, her body felt mostly normal now. The drug¡¯s effects must¡¯ve passed. ¡°Eighteen hours,¡± Julius answered. ¡°What?¡± She stared at him, stunned. ¡°Then you¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been here with you for eighteen hours,¡± he said, raising a brow. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that at least deserves a thank you?¡± Quinn opened her mouth but couldn¡¯t find the words. They weren¡¯t even friends; barely acquaintances, really, and yet he had stayed by her side the entire time. No wonder people called Julius a madman. He really is impossible to figure out. ¡°Well?¡± Julius raised an eyebrow, still clearly waiting for his overdue thanks. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said, a little awkwardly. Shortly after, the doctor came in to perform a follow-up check. Once he confirmed that she was in stable condition, Quinn was finally cleared for discharge. Her phone, which had long run out of battery, left her no choice but to rent a power bank from the hospital just to get it powered back on. The moment the screen lit up, a flood of notifications greeted her. There were over a hundred missed calls and unread messages. Laura. The police station. Trent. They had all tried to reach her. Before she even had the chance to open a single message, her phone started ringing again. When Quinn answered the call, Laura¡¯s voice burst through the line, fraught with concern. ¡°You finally picked up! I was so worried about you! That jerk Julius wouldn¡¯t even let me visit you in the hospital. He didn¡¯t do anything to you, did he?¡± No, he just had the doctor treat me,¡± Quinn exined calmly. ¡°I identally inhaled some kind of drugged mist back at the hotel. It affected my body for a while, but I¡¯m fine now.¡± Laura finally exhaled, clearly relieved. ¡°Then what are you-¡± ¡°I¡¯m just about to finish the discharge paperwork,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I¡¯ll be out soon.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you at the hospital entrance,¡± Laura said quickly. ¡°You¡¯ll see me the second you step out!¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn replied. After ending the call, Quinn turned to Julius. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. Those clothes you gave me at the mall? I¡¯ve already had them dry-cleaned. I was nning to return them to you at the banquet yesterday. Would it be all right if I courier them to your ce once I¡¯m back?¡± Military 36 Chapter 36 Han Is Here ¡°You dislike my gift that much?¡± Julius asked, his gaze darkening slightly. ¡°The clothes are far too expensive,¡± Quinn replied honestly. ¡°They¡¯re not appropriate for me to keep.¡± He studied her in silence for a moment before speaking again. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t send them by courier. I gave them to you in person, so you should return them the same way.¡± ¡°All right, then once I¡¯m back, I¡¯ll-¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have someone notify you when it¡¯s time,¡± he cut in calmly, leaving no room for negotiation. Quinn blinked, momentarily stunned. So I even need his permission just to return a set of clothes? Afterpleting the discharge procedures, Quinn made a quick stop at the hospital¡¯s convenience store. Since she had arrived in a gown, she picked out a simple, inexpensive T-shirt and a pair of long pants to change into. When she finally stepped out of the hospital, she immediately spotted Laura waiting by the entrance. But someone else stood beside her. Before Quinn could get a good look, the figure rushed forward and pulled her into a tight embrace. ¡°Quinnie, did you get married just to end up like this?¡± Quinn froze. It was Han, her loyal sidekick from military camp. Outside of formal asions where he respectfully addressed her as ¡°captain,¡± he was the only one who ever called her ¡°Quinnie.¡± She looked up, taking in the young man¡¯s familiar features. Once, that face had still held traces of boyish youth in her memory, but now, three yearster, it had matured. The rebellious spark of his younger days had settled into something quieter, moreposed, yet no less striking. There was a calm strength in him now. Before the mall explosion, she had called Han. It was he who helped coordinate the evacuation. That had been their first phone call in three years. She hadn¡¯t expected to see him again so soon, certainly not like this. ¡°What are you doing here with Laura?¡± she asked, genuinely surprised. Laura threw her hands up with a look of exasperation. ¡°What¡¯s he doing here? The moment he found out what happened and couldn¡¯t get through to your phone, he came charging to me like a man possessed!¡± Honestly, if she hadn¡¯t finally answered her phone after getting discharged, I swear this guy would¡¯ve stormed the military district and rallied a rescue squad to drag her out of the hospital himself. Quinn pressed her lips together, thinking back to everything that had happened the day before. It wasn¡¯t surprising that Han knew, even if he hadn¡¯t been at the banquet. After all, the incident had already spread far and wide. ¡°I¡¯m fine now,¡± she said, gently patting his shoulder in reassurance. But Han didn¡¯t let go. His arms remained wrapped tightly around her. ¡°I¡¯m all sweaty and haven¡¯t even showered,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I probably smell awful. Come on, let go already.¡± ¡°You have no idea how worried I wasst night,¡± he murmured, his voice low and thick with emotion. ¡°And how much I hated myself for not realizing earlier¡­ that you were going to marry Trent. If I¡¯d stopped you back then¡­ maybe you wouldn¡¯t have had to go through all this. And I wouldn¡¯t have-¡± He trailed off, unable to finish. Quinn gave a faint, bitter smile. If only. If she could go back and undo that marriage, she would. Just then, Quinn¡¯s stomach let out a loud growl. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Han finally loosened his hold, stepping back. ¡°Yeah,¡± she admitted, a little sheepishly. She hadn¡¯t eaten much since yesterday afternoon, and now the hunger was starting to catch up with her. ¡°All right then, since you¡¯re okay now, let¡¯s grab something to eat,¡± Laura suggested. ¡°We all need it.¡± The three of them got into the car, which slowly pulled away from the hospital entrance. Not far off, in a silver Maybach parked discreetly by the curb, Julius sat in silence. His gaze remained fixed in the direction Quinn¡¯s car had gone. A few minutes ago, he¡¯d watched her being wrapped in another man¡¯s arms, and for reasons he couldn¡¯t fully exin, it unsettled him. It was as if a toy he wanted was about to be taken away. His eyes dropped to his right hand, the same hand that had held Quinn¡¯s wrist tightly just the day before. His fingers slowly curled into a fist. I don¡¯t let go of the things I want. Quinn and the other two arrived at a restaurant in the heart of the city. Once they were seated, she made a quick call to the police station to inform them she woulde inter to give her statement. At the mention of Trent, Laura¡¯s expression immediately soured. She gritted her teeth. ¡°That despicable man. I heard he¡¯s running around trying to hire the bestwyers in the city for his mother and sister, trying to get them off the hook. But did he ever stop to consider if what they did was even remotely humane?¡± ¡°He won¡¯t be able to find a decentwyer,¡± Han said coldly, his voiceced with quiet authority. ¡°None of the fourrgestw firms in Jexburgh are willing to take his case.¡± Quinn paused, then quickly recalled that Han¡¯s maternal grandfather¡¯s side of the family was steeped in the legal profession. His grandfather and uncle were both highly respected figures in the legal world. If not for Han¡¯s mother, who had inherited a passion for engineering instead ofw, she likely would¡¯ve followed the same path. ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Laura broke into a delightedugh. ¡°Not bad at all, kid. You¡¯ve done justice to Quinnie, who used to dote on you like a mama hen back at military camp!¡± Han lowered his gaze slightly. ¡°If Quinnie hadn¡¯t looked after me back at the military camp, I probably wouldn¡¯t havested more than a few months before getting discharged. She was good to me, so of course I¡¯d repay that kindness.¡± Military 37 Chapter 37 Be My Brother ¡°Ugh, I wish I had a younger brother like you.¡± Laura sighed dramatically, then her eyes lit up. ¡°Wait, Quinn and I are the same age. Why don¡¯t you just consider me your sister too? Let me experience what it¡¯s like to be an older sister for once!¡± Han gave her a deadpan look, as if questioning her sanity. ¡°You want to be my sister? Could you carry me on your back for nearly three kilometers through a blizzard to get me to a hospital? Or knock me t and beat me into obedience?¡± Laura touched her nose in defeat. Okay, fair. I couldn¡¯t do any of that. ¡°Exactly. Not just anyone qualifies to be my sister,¡± he said coolly. That offhandment sent an unexpected chill down Laura¡¯s spine. It was easy to forget sometimes. When he was by Quinn¡¯s side, Han seemed gentle, almost like a loyal, oversized puppy. But that was only with her. Outside of Quinn¡¯s presence, Han was a force to be reckoned with, a notorious little tyrant back in Jexburgh. No one dared cross him. And if someone did, they would definitely pay the price. ¡°All right, Laura was just joking,¡± Quinn said. Han looked at her seriously. ¡°Joke or not, you¡¯re the only older sister I¡¯ve ever had, and the only one I recognize.¡± Soon, the food arrived. Quinn began eating in earnest. She was genuinely hungry, and her pace reflected that. ¡°Slow down, or you¡¯ll choke,¡± Han said gently as hedled some soup into her bowl. He carefully moved all her favorite dishes closer to her, making sure everything was within Watching his every action, Laura couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes. easy reach. This is the so-called ¡°tyrant of Jexburgh¡±? Right now, he looks more like a golden retriever, tail wagging, eyes sparkling, doting shamelessly on his beloved human. Once Quinn had nearly finished her meal, Han suddenly asked, ¡°So¡­ when are you nning to get a divorce?¡± The questionnded like a dropped ss. Quinn paused mid-bite. Laura¡¯s head whipped toward Han in surprise. No one had ever told him about Quinn¡¯s decision to divorce. Han narrowed his eyes, jaw clenched. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­ after everything that¡¯s happened, you¡¯re still not nning to get a divorce. Do you really love Trent that much? So much that, even with him messing around with another woman, even after the way his family treated you, you¡¯re still willing to endure it all?¡± Quinn said nothing. Her silence only fueled his frustration. ¡°What is it about him that makes you hold on so tightly? He¡¯s not the center of the universe, Quinn. For a woman like you, he¡¯s not even close to being worthy. Do I need to go find him myself and force the divorce papers into his hands?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to divorce him,¡± Quinn said, cutting him off. Han froze, the anger on his face abruptly giving way to surprise. ¡°Yes,¡± she repeated, quieter but firmer this time. ¡°I¡¯ll divorce him.¡± Her gaze dropped to her ring finger. The wedding ring had long been taken off. ¡°Just like you said, there¡¯s nothing good about Trent,¡± Quinn murmured. ¡°So naturally, there¡¯s nothing left to miss.¡± Once, he had been the man who offered her warmth andfort in the hollow days after her parents passed away. But that man had disappeared somewhere over the past three years. And her feelings for him were worn down by disappointment after disappointment. They had long since faded into nothing. Now, there truly was nothing left between them. Suddenly, Han¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Good. It¡¯s settled then. I¡¯ll help you find the best legal team for your divorce.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Quinn replied calmly. ¡°I can handle it myself.¡± Han frowned. ¡°What are you still hesitating for?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not hesitating. I just don¡¯t want to drag this out longer than it needs to be,¡± she said. If they went to court, it would be a drawn-out battle. After a pause, she added, ¡°If I run into trouble, I¡¯lle to you.¡± Only then did Han rx, the crease in his brow smoothing out. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll be waiting for your good news.¡± After finishing their meal, Quinn headed to the police station to give her statement. Laura and Han insisted on going with her. As a witness to the events at the banquet, Laura also provided a detailed ount. From the officers, Quinn learned that Jacinda and Penelope were currently in custody. If they wanted to be released on bail, it would require a significant sum. The two men who had attempted to assault her had already confessed that everything had been orchestrated by Jacinda and Penelope. As for Sidonie, since there was no concrete evidence linking her to the incident, she was allowed to leave after giving her statement. Once they exited the police station, Quinn was about to hail a taxi. I¡¯ll take you home.¡± Han offered immediately. ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I can just grab a cab. I¡¯ve already taken up a lot of your time today.¡± ¡°I said, I¡¯ll take you home,¡± Han repeated firmly. Then, narrowing his eyes a bit, he added, ¡°Or¡­ do you just not want me to? Do you not like me anymore?¡± Quinn looked at the man standing before her. At twenty-two, he had once been a hot-headed young recruit thrown into the military camp by themander for training. Back then, the smallest provocation would set him off. But now, that impulsive boy had grown into aposed, grounded man. Just standing beside him, she could feel the weight of the years that had passed. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that,¡± she said gently. ¡°From the day you joined the camp, I never once disliked you.¡± A faint smile curved Han¡¯s lips. ¡°Then let me take you home.¡± With a soft sigh, Quinn turned to Laura. ¡°You should head back first. Han will drive me.¡± Military 38 Chapter 38 Trent Demands Answers Laura gave a small nod. Watching the tall man open the car door for Quinn like a dutiful chauffeur, she couldn¡¯t help but raise an eyebrow and shrug. If those scions back in Jexburgh saw their infamous ¡®little tyrant¡¯ acting like a loyal puppy in front of a woman, they¡¯d probably lose their minds. Han pulled up in front of the mansion and brought the car to a stop. ¡°So, this is where you live?¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s actually not far from my ce.¡± Despite the short distance, they hadn¡¯t crossed paths once in thest three years. ¡°Jexburgh isn¡¯t exactly huge,¡± Quinn replied with a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯ll drop by and visit you sometime,¡± Han offered casually. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Quinn said. His expression faltered, but then, her next words lit up his face. ¡°I¡¯m nning to move out. I won¡¯t be living here much longer.¡± ¡°Then let me know when you do,¡± Han said brightly. ¡°I¡¯lle help you move.¡± After saying goodbye, Quinn stepped out of the car and walked up to the door of the mansion. But the moment she entered, she froze. Trent stood just inside the foyer, arms crossed, his eyes dark and cold. ¡°Who dropped you off just now? Was it Julius?¡± Quinn frowned. ¡°No. He¡¯s a colleague from military camp.¡± ¡°A colleague?¡± Trent¡¯s voice dripped with disbelief. ¡°Since when did your army buddies start driving cars worth millions?¡± Quinn had no patience for this. All she wanted was a shower and some peace. She turned to head upstairs, ignoring him. But before she could take another step, Trent suddenly grabbed her arm. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Nothing to say? You keep using me of being involved with Sidonie, but look at you, slinking around with Julius. When did that start?¡± Quinn froze for a moment, stunned. Of all people, he¡¯s pairing me with Julius? ¡°I have nothing to do with Julius,¡± she said coldly. ¡°Just because you¡¯re shameless doesn¡¯t mean everyone else is.¡± Color rose to Trent¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Then exin this,¡± he barked. ¡°Why did Julius answer your phone? He said you were asleep. Were you sleeping next to him?¡± Quinn yanked her arm free from Trent¡¯s grip. ¡°I don¡¯t owe you an exnation. If you¡¯re so curious why Julius answered my call, go ask your mother and sister. If it hadn¡¯t been for their disgusting setup, he wouldn¡¯t have had to take me to the hospital to be sedated.¡± ¡°What?¡± Trent froze, clearly caught off guard. But Quinn didn¡¯t waste another word. She turned and headed upstairs, shutting the bathroom door behind her. Under the warm spray of the shower, she scrubbed away the sweat, exhaustion, and the lingering disgust from everything she had endured. By the time she emerged, changed into fresh clothes, she found Trent waiting for her, standing at the edge of the bed. ¡°Quinnie,¡± he said softly, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have doubted you. I was just¡­ too worried about you.¡± ¡°Worried?¡± Quinn let out a coldugh. ¡°You really think I still believe anything thates out of your mouth?¡± A flicker of embarrassment crossed Trent¡¯s face. ¡°I know what my mother and sister did was terrible. But¡­ we¡¯re still family. If you could just write a letter of forgiveness, we might be able to put all this behind us.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Quinn said tly. ¡°I can¡¯t forgive this.¡± Trent¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°They¡¯re my mother and sister.¡± ¡°And that¡¯s supposed to excuse everything?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice rose, trembling with fury. ¡°Just because they¡¯re your family, I should forgive them no matter how cruel they were to me? Do you even understand what they did? If their n had worked yesterday, do you have any idea what would¡¯ve happened to me? Twoplete strangers would vite me, and I would be left humiliated and helpless. Your mother would watch it unfold with a smirk. Your sister would record it. And then they would spread it all online, just so I¡¯d walk away from this marriage with nothing. And you¡¯re still asking me to forgive them? You still want me to pretend it never happened?¡± The quiet, piercing edge in Quinn¡¯s voice rendered Trent speechless. Her eyes, filled with disappointment and frost, struck his chest like a sledgehammer, leaving a deep ache behind. After a long pause, his voice emerged hoarse. ¡°I swear, this won¡¯t ever happen again. Just this once¡­ forgive them. My mom¡­ she¡¯s getting old, she wouldn¡¯t survive the shock. And Jacinda, she¡¯s still young¡­ a criminal record would ruin her life.¡± A cold smile curled on Quinn¡¯s lips. ¡°So I¡¯m the one who¡¯s supposed to be sacrificed?¡± Panic stirred in Trent¡¯s chest. Her apathy, her distance-it felt like she was already slipping away from him. ¡°Quinnie, I promise¡­ from now on, I¡¯ll treat you right.¡± He stepped forward, pulling her into his arms as if clinging to thest thread between them. She let him hold her. And yet, in that moment, she remembered-when he proposed, he said the very same thing. That he¡¯d treat her well. Exceptionally well. But promises meant nothing when no one ever followed through. She had once been moved by him-foolishly, without reason. Now, she gently pushed him away, her voice calm but resolute. ¡°Trent, I¡¯ll be moving out. Until the divorce is finalized, let¡¯s not see each other again.¡± 2 Military 39 Chapter 39 I Called In an instant, his arms felt empty. The warmth he had just embraced was gone, leaving behind only a chilling void. ¡°You¡¯re moving out?¡± he echoed, stunned. ¡°What, did you really think I¡¯d stay here after everything that¡¯s happened?¡± she asked, her toneced with disbelief. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s just a few days early. We¡¯ll be divorced soon enough.¡± ¡°Divorced in a few days?¡± Trent¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re talking about that ridiculous contract my mother made you sign. That signature¡­ she tricked me into signing it. I¡¯ve told you before, I never agreed to a divorce.¡± While at the police station, he had finally learned about the so-called agreement and Quinn¡¯s demand for a billion settlement. ¡°Whether you knew or not doesn¡¯t matter anymore. What matters is-I want a divorce,¡± Quinn said firmly. Trent¡¯s eyes darkened, jealousy shing within them. ¡°Is it because of Julius? Because you¡¯ve found someone better than me?¡± Quinn let out augh. ¡°Trent, when I married you, you had nothing. Not a single cent to your name. The startup funds for yourpany came from me. If I had really wanted to marry rich, do you think I would¡¯ve chosen you?¡± His face went pale. Her words struck deep, dragging him back to those days when he had nothing, just a broke, overlooked man with barely a future to his name. Most people avoided him or looked down on him. But she hadn¡¯t. She gave him respect when no one else did. She treated him like he mattered. Back then, when he got down on one knee, it wasn¡¯t just a proposal; it was him clinging to the one light in his life, the one hand he thought would never let go. ¡°So if it¡¯s not because of Julius, then what is it? The one billion my mother promised you¡ªis that what you¡¯re after?¡± Trent pressed, eyes fixed on her. Quinn said quietly, ¡°I¡¯m tired, Trent. This three-year marriage has drained me until there¡¯s nothing left. My feelings for you have been worn down bit by bit. That¡¯s why I want a divorce.¡±
Her voice was steady, almost gentle. Her expression held no anger, no resentment, only a calm, quiet finality. Even the way she looked at him was soft, as if she had already let go. But Trent¡¯s heart began to pound in his chest, a rising panic tightening in his throat. That tranquility on her face terrified him more than any outburst ever could. Cold sweat dampened his palms as unease crept through every inch of him. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t have any feelings for me anymore?¡± he asked, barely above a whisper. Even he hadn¡¯t expected the tremble in his voice. Quinn met his gaze and answered simply, ¡°No. Not anymore.¡± Trent¡¯s face darkened in an instant. ¡°All this¡­ because of what my mother and sister did?¡± he snapped. ¡°Yes, they schemed against you, but you weren¡¯t innocent either! You set them up, didn¡¯t you? How else could you have secretly recorded everything and broadcast it to a room full of people? You deliberately humiliated them! You didn¡¯t have to go that far. You could¡¯ve just told me. If you hade to me first, maybe it wouldn¡¯t have turned into such a mess!¡± ¡°I did call you,¡± Quinn said quietly. ¡°What?¡± He froze. ¡°I tried,¡± she continued. ¡°When I first found out what your mother and sister were nning¡­ I called you. I gave you a chance to stop this. If you had picked up that call, maybe I wouldn¡¯t have gone this far. Maybe things would¡¯ve ended the way you wanted. But you didn¡¯t answer, Trent.¡± Trent¡¯s body froze. In that moment, the memory came rushing back. Just before the footage had aired on the banquet hall¡¯s screen, his phone had buzzed with a call from Quinn. He had seen her name. He had hesitated. But with Sidonie standing beside him, he¡¯d assumed Quinn was about to start another scene, so he¡¯d silenced the call without a second thought. Now, regret twisted in his chest like a de. If only I answered that call¡­ ¡°Quinnie, I didn¡¯t know it was you¡­ I mean, I was busy at the time, and-¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t answer because you didn¡¯t care,¡± Quinn interrupted, her voice steady but cold. ¡°You¡¯ve never really valued me. That¡¯s why my calls didn¡¯t matter. That¡¯s why your family felt entitled to treat me like I was nothing.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I really am¡­¡± He kept apologizing. Yet Quinn¡¯s expression remained calm,posed. ¡°Even if yesterday hadn¡¯t happened, I still would¡¯ve said the same, Trent. I don¡¯t have feelings for you anymore. Let¡¯s part on good terms.¡± Her tone was light, as if they were merely discussing something trivial, like the weather or a change of schedule. But that nonchnce only made Trent feel worse. So that¡¯s it? She can talk about divorce so effortlessly like three years of marriage meant nothing? ¡°No way we¡¯re parting on good terms,¡± he snapped, voiceced with frustration. ¡°Or maybe¡­ this is all about the billion? That¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it? You want the divorce for the money.¡± Quinn let out a soft, scoffingugh. ¡°Fine,¡± she said. ¡°Forget the billion. Let¡¯s still get divorced.¡± Her response hit him like a p. He had expected a protest, or at least a moment¡¯s hesitation. But she agreed just like that. She didn¡¯t care about the money; she genuinely wanted to leave him. And somehow, that truth stung. Military 40 Chapter 40 The Little Tyrant ¡°If you really go through with this divorce, you¡¯ll walk away with nothing. You¡¯d better think carefully.¡± With those parting words, he all but fled the mansion as if terrified of hearing a truth he couldn¡¯t bear. Silence settled in his wake. Quinn stood still, ncing around the room. It was time to leave. Yet, she was struck by how little she actually owned here. Over the next two days, Trent was consumed by two pressing matters. First, scraping together enough money to post bail for his mother and sister. Second, finding awyer-someone, anyone-who might be willing to take their case and help prove their innocence. If Quinn refused to write a formal letter of apology, his mother and sister could end up facing charges. Even if the court issued a suspended sentence, the stain of a criminal record would remain. That was something Trent couldn¡¯t allow. Unfortunately, none of the four majorw firms in Jexburgh would touch the case. Their refusals left him increasingly desperate, so much so that he hadn¡¯t slept properly in days. At a dimly lit club, Trent sat at the bar, sipping his drink with irritation etched into every movement. Sidonie, seated beside him, said, ¡°Don¡¯t drink so much. We¡¯ll find another way to deal with Mrs. Grafton and Jacinda¡¯s situation. I can ask my uncle if he knows anywyers willing to step in.¡± Trent looked at her with gratitude. ¡°Sidonie, thank you. Even after the way Jacinda treated you, you¡¯re still willing to help her.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m not that petty,¡± Sidonie replied, her tone light, her expression serene. ¡°Jacinda¡¯s your sister. I¡¯m not going to hold it against her.¡± From the side, Yorick chimed in with a smug grin. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I always say, Sidonie¡¯s generosity puts her miles ahead of someone like Quinn. Quinn holds onto grudges like a lifeline. If she hadn¡¯t made such a scene, Mrs. Grafton and Jacinda wouldn¡¯t still be locked up.¡± Trent¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Enough. Let¡¯s not talk about Quinn.¡± Just then, Sidonie¡¯s gaze flicked toward the entrance. Her eyes lit up. ¡°My uncle just walked in, and look who¡¯s with him,¡± she said, leaning closer to Trent. ¡°Let¡¯s go say hi. That man beside him has serious clout. If he¡¯s willing to help, you won¡¯t need to worry about finding awyer.¡± Trent followed her gaze, his brows lifting in surprise. ¡°That guy is¡­¡± Sidonie exined, ¡°His name¡¯s Han Ingram. People call him the ¡®little tyrant¡¯ of Jexburgh. He just got back in the country a few days ago. He¡¯s got influence, connections, you name it. Everyone in the legal world here respects him. If you can win him over, you can move mountains in this city.¡± Trent¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement at her words. ¡°Aren¡¯t you short on funds for thepany right now?¡± Sidonie said with a knowing smile. ¡°If Han agrees to help, getting a bank loan would be as easy as him making a phone call.¡± Trent¡¯s eagerness surged. The possibility was too tempting to ignore. From the sidelines, Yorick couldn¡¯t help but voice his admiration. ¡°He¡¯s so young, yet already so powerful!¡± ¡°Born lucky,¡± Sidonic muttered, a hint of envy and bitterness threading her voice. Han was the only heir of the Ingram family. His father served as a militarymander in Jexburgh, while his mother was a distinguished academician. The Ingrams had deep roots in the military, with generations of decorated officers. On his mother¡¯s side, the family boasted a long lineage of celebratedwyers. It was a union of two powerful bloodlines. With such a background, it was no surprise Han stood apart from the rest. Sidonie, by contrast, was technically a daughter of the Stonehurst family, but her position was far from secure. The family¡¯s wealth and influence rested in the hands of her eldest uncle. As part of the second branch, her immediate family lived in the shadow of the main household, surviving on whatever scraps remained. She had fought tooth and nail to climb the socialdder. Earning her wings as a female pilot had finally earned her some recognition, and a seat at the Stonehurst table, however fragile it still felt. But it still wasn¡¯t enough. Being a female pilot had earned Sidonie fame, yes, but not real power, notsting wealth. That was why she had to hold on to Trent. Grafton Technologies was already a rising star in the tech world. From a modest startup to a publicly listedpany in just three years, it was nothing short of legendary. Its future was limitless. If its momentum continued, it was entirely possible that Grafton Technologies would one day surpass even the Stonehurst Group. That thought filled her with hope. If she could win Trent over, then one day, no one in the Stonehurst family would dare look down on her again. With that goal burning in her mind, Sidonie slipped her arm through Trent¡¯s and guided him toward her uncle Hugh. Yorick trailed behind with a lopsided grin. ¡°Who knows? Maybe Mr. Ingram will take a shine to me. We could even be friends!¡± Sidonie offered a small, polite smile, but inwardly, she scoffed in disdain. Yorick was nothing more than Trent¡¯s freeloading sidekick. If not for the asional crumbs Trent tossed his way-some business connections here, a few deals there-he¡¯d probably still be stuck fixing cars in a greasy auto shop. A man like him, bing friends with Han Ingram? How utterlyughable. Before long, the trio arrived at the private room where Hugh and Han had gone earlier. ¡°Uncle Hugh,¡± Sidonie greeted with a radiant smile, ¡°I saw you and Mr. Ingraming here, so I thought I¡¯d bring Trent and his friend over to say hello.¡± Hugh looked up with a warm chuckle. ¡°Ah, Sidonie. Just in time. Mr. Ingram, this is my niece I mentioned carlier, Nimbus Air¡¯s first female pilot. Who knows? One day, you might find yourself on a flight with her at the helm.¡± The others in the room chimed in with cheerful admiration. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, that¡¯s an incredible achievement. Bing Nimbus Air¡¯s first female pilot-truly inspiring.¡± Military 41 ¡°Well, she is a Stonehurst. It¡¯s no surprise she stands out from the crowd.¡± Sidonie soaked in the praise, their words like balm for the many years of struggle and ambition that had brought her here. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re all too kind,¡± she said with practiced modesty, her smile gracious. ¡°I just happened to be in the right ce at the right time.¡± ¡°You really are lucky,¡± anguid voice drawled. Han stared directly at Sidonie. ¡°I heard that back when you were just a regr pilot, you were sent abroad on a relief mission. The co¨Cpilot died overseas, and you, along with the captain, managed to bring back a group of strandedpatriots. That was considered a major contribution, and conveniently fast¨Ctracked your promotion to co¨Cpilot. Otherwise, based on your original record, there¡¯s no way you would¡¯ve advanced so quickly.¡± The smile froze on Sidonie¡¯s lips. Her heart skipped a beat. He looked into my background¡­ That much is clear. But why? I¡¯ve never even met him before today. A guest, trying to smooth over the sudden tension, interjected, ¡°Well, not everyone has the guts to fly into a war¨Ctorn country for humanitarian work. Ms. Stonehurst¡¯s courage is admirable. Most women wouldn¡¯t dare attempt that.¡± Han let out a low, mocking chuckle. ¡°Sounds like you haven¡¯t met many women.¡± The room went quiet. Those who had been quick to sing Sidonie¡¯s praises suddenly found themselves at a loss for words. Sidonie lifted her chin, her irritation barely concealed. She knew Han was not someone to cross lightly, but she wasn¡¯t about to let him casually belittle the achievements she had fought so hard to earn. ¡°Mr. Ingram,¡± she said evenly, ¡°while it¡¯s true I/was fortunate to be promoted, co¨Cpilot isn¡¯t a role just any woman can take on. Even with luck, most wouldn¡¯t have the skill, stamina, or resolve to handle the responsibility.¡± Han let out a quietugh, the corners of his mouth curving with mild amusement. ¡°So being a co¨Cpilot is supposed to be impressive? In the military, I¡¯ve met plenty of women who can fly, some better than most men. When I heard about you, I thought you were someone who never stopped pushing forward. But now¡­ it sounds like you think you¡¯ve reached the summit just because you can fly amercial ne.¡± In his mind, a truly impressive woman wasn¡¯t one who basked in des. He had seen one. She had piloted a fighter jet straight through a sky riddled with gunfire, fearless and unwavering. She wasn¡¯t thinking of glory, only of saving lives, never eyes before vanishing. Sidonie¡¯s face fluctuated between pale and flushed. 15:53 Sun, Ju Han¡¯s words had struck her like a p. The atmosphere in the private room grew noticeably tenser and the others fell silent, none daring to speak further. Fortunately, Trent stepped in to case the tension. ¡°Mr. Ingram, I¡¯m Trent Grafton of Grafton Technologies. It¡¯s a pleasure to finally meet you.¡± Sensing the shift, Hugh quickl.. followed up. ¡°Mr. Ingram, you¡¯ve only just returned to the country, so you may not have heard. Trent¡¯s something of a rising star in the tech world. Hispany grew from a modest startup to going public in just three years.¡± Trent gave a respectful nod. ¡°I hope we¡¯ll have the chance to interact more in the future. Perhaps even explore opportunities for coboration.¡± ¡°Mr. Grafton is young and talented. No doubt you¡¯ll cross paths again. A partnership could be mutually beneficial,¡± Hugh said with a smile. For Hugh, the equation was simple: the closer Trent moved to power, the more the Stonehurst family stood to gain, especially with his niece¡¯s growing connection to him. ¡°Young and talented?¡± Han scoffed, his toneced with mockery. ¡°Mr. Stonehurst, are you joking with me? You¡¯re seriously calling a man who cheated on his wife promising?¡± A heavy silence fell over the room. Everyone¡¯s expressions shifted uneasily as all eyes turned toward Sidonie and Trent. After all, the scandal from that infamous banquet, where Trent¡¯s mother and sister had schemed against. his wife, attempting to force a divorce so he could be with Sidonie, had long since be fodder for high society gossip. Trent and Sidonie flushed crimson, their confidence evaporating in an instant. ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding, Mr. Ingram. Just a simple misunderstanding,¡± Hugh said quickly. ¡°Yeah,¡± Trent added, forcing a smile. ¡°Sidonie and I are just¡­ friends.¡± Han raised an eyebrow, his tone turning dry and cutting. ¡°Quite a close friendship, I hear. I heard that justst month, while your wife was overseas collecting the ashes of her parents, who¡¯d died in a tragic ident, you were here¡­ keeping this ¡®friend¡®pany.¡± Trent stiffened, blindsided. How does he know that? ¡°At the time, Sidonie¡¯s mother was unexpectedly injured,¡± Trent offered, trying to salvage the situation, ¡°It happened so suddenly. I had to rush her to the hospital. That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t apany my wife to collect her parents¡® ashes.¡± ¡°Injured?¡± Han echoed, his tone ice¨Ccold. ¡°A sprained ankle qualifies as a medical emergency no Sounds like your friend¡¯s mother mattered more to you than your wife¡¯s dead parents.¡± The air turned razor¨Csharp. Most of the people in the room were seasoned yers in high society. They weren¡¯t so naive as to believe in convenientbels like just friends, especially not when it came from someone who had once hidden his marriage to maintain an illusion of being single. And everyone knew the Ingram family¡¯s stanee. Loyalty in marriage was non¨Cnegotiable. Infidelity wasn¡¯t just frowned upon; it was a stain, a disqualifier. And Han, raised in that tradition, had nothing but contempt for men who broke their vows. That contempt now hung heavy in the air, directed squarely at Trent. Sympathetic nces were exchanged around the room for Trent and Sidonie. ?? ?? Military 42 62% s Everyone had understood their purpose tonight. They came to curry favor and forge ties with Han Ingram. Instead, it was painfully clear that what they¡¯d earned was his disdain. Sweat gathered on Trent¡¯s brow. Though Han was younger, the weight of his gaze carried an oppressive force that made Trent¡¯s spine stiffen. Suddenly, Yorick¡¯s voice rang out, loud and indignant. ¡°It¡¯s ridiculous topare the dead to the living! One person collecting the ashes is enough. Sidonic¡¯s mother twisted her ankle. It could¡¯ve been serious! Trent was just trying to do the right thing!¡± A sh of fury flickered in Han¡¯s eyes. He stood and crossed the room until he was face¨Cto¨Cface with Yorick. His voice was low, sharp as a de. ¡°Repeat what you just said.¡± Still oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, Yorick shrugged casually. ¡°I¡¯m just saying,e on, it¡¯s been three years since Quinn¡¯s parents passed. You can¡¯t expect Trent to drop everything for that. He was helping someone who was actually hurt.¡± p! The sound of a p cut through the room like a gunshot. Yorick reeled from the force of it, stumbling backward and nearly crashing into the tea table behind him. ¡°Mr. Ingram, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going too far?¡± Trent finally stepped in. After all, Yorick was his friend. Han turned, his expression twisted with fury. ¡°Too far?¡± he snapped. ¡°Hell, I haven¡¯t even hit him enough!¡± Without warning, he drove a swift, brutal kick into Yorick¡¯s side, sending him crashing to the ground. Yorick groaned, trying to scramble upright, but Han stepped forward and nted a boot squarely on his chest, pinning him in ce. Trent rushed forward, rmed. ¡°Mr. Ingram, what are you doing?¡± ¡°What am I doing?¡± Han¡¯s voice was low and venomous. ¡°Putting down a beast. Only animals say things like that. He has no right to speak about Quinn¡¯s parents. None.¡± Yorick gasped beneath the weight, still defiant. ¡°What¡¯s so wrong with what I said? I can¡¯t even talk about Quinn¡¯s parents now? What¡¯s so great about her anyway? She¡¯s been married to Trent for three years, and what has she done? She lives off him and contributes nothing. Anyone with eyes can see Sidonie¡¯s the better choice. Mr. Ingram, surely you¡¯re not getting swept up in rumors and pitying that woman? Quinn¡¯s- not worth your sympathy!¡± His voice shook, but he pushed on, trying to salvage pride or perhaps curry favor with Trent. After all, his small business only stayed afloat because of the contracts and projects funneled to him through Trent¡¯spany. ¡°¡°¡°Haha¡­ Hahaha¡­¡± Hanughed bitterly, the soundced with fury. In Yorick¡¯s mouth, Quinn, the woman Han held in the highest regard, had been reduced to nothing.¡± ||| O s What made it even more absurd was Trent¡¯s silence. Her own husband hadn¡¯t uttered a single word in her defense. ¡°Do you also think your wife doesn¡¯t measure up to Sidonie?¡± Han asked coldly, his gaze like ice boring into Trent. Trent hesitated. ¡°In terms of temperament and ability, Quinn does fall shortpared to Sidonie. But regardless, she¡¯s my wife. Even if shecks certain strengths, I don¡¯t mind.¡± Han removed his foot from Yorick¡¯s chest and turned to Trent, his expression frigid. ¡°What do you even know about her abilities? Without her help, do you really think your littlepany could¡¯ve gone public in just three years?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because Trent has sharp instincts and excellent judgment. His ability speaks for itself,¡± Sidonie interjected smoothly. Han¡¯s eyes remained fixed on Trent. Trent didn¡¯t respond. His silence spoke volumes. It was clear he agreed. After all, he believed he had built his sess entirely on his own. Han sneered. ¡°Trent, without Quinn, you¡¯d be nothing. The vision and skills you¡¯re so proud of? All made possible because of her support.¡± ¡°What?¡± Trent blinked, visibly caught off guard. Sidonie¡¯s expression tightened. ¡°Mr. Ingram, even if you¡¯re trying to defend Quinn, that doesn¡¯t give you the right to insult Trent like this.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Yorick added, his voice weaker than before as he gingerly straightened up. ¡°What could Quinn have possibly done to help Trent?¡± Han¡¯s eyes narrowed as he swept a cold, contemptuous nce across the room. ¡°What could she have done? Back when she served in the military, her researchpletely overhauled and upgraded the security systems. And when it came to drone technology, she wasn¡¯t just skilled; she was the leading expert. If she hadn¡¯t retired, there¡¯s no telling how many awards she¡¯d have racked up by now.¡± As soon as Han finished speaking, the room fell into stunned silence. -Yorick¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s impossible¡­ How could Quinn have that kind of capability?¡± Han shot him a look, his voiceced with disdain. ¡°Do I look like someone who needs to lie?¡± No one dared respond. Everyone in the room knew that Han, heir to one of the most powerful f in the country, wouldn¡¯t fabricate a story just to defend Quinn. Trent¡¯s expression darkened with embarrassment. Han¡¯s words had, in front of everyone, exposed the unspoken truth: that much of Grafton Technologies¡® sess was rooted in Quinn¡¯s unseen contributions. It was because of her that he had be the rising star everyone admired. es He wanted to argue, to deny it, but the words got lodged in his throat. Unbidden, memories flickered in his mind: Quinn beside him during long work nights, calmly analyzing problems he couldn¡¯t solve. The way she would offer quiet, thoughtful suggestions when he was stuck, How O 13:53 Sun, 6 Jul so many of their key contracts hade through herworking and negotiation. 020 45 Free Coins 3/3 Military 43 s At first, he had simply chalked it up to luck. Quinn just happened to secure those projects at the right time, But¡­ what if it wasn¡¯t luck at all? What if everything had been because of her? A cold sweat broke out along his spine, a creeping chill settling over him like a shadow that refused to lift. ¡°Rising star in the tech world? What a joke,¡± Han said with a sharp sneer. ¡°Trent, you should be down on your knees thanking Quinn. She stood by you for three years. But clearly, her judgment¡¯s a little questionable, wasting herself on someone like you. The worst part? You, the one who gained the most, have no clue. You actually believe it was all your own doing.¡± Each sentencended like a p, every word a calcted insult. And yet, Trent couldn¡¯t bring himself to fight back. He had no argument. Han turned to Hugh, his expression indifferent. ¡°Looks like we won¡¯t be having that drink after all. I¡¯m going back.¡± ¡°Yes, of course,¡± Hugh replied quickly, his smile stiff. At that moment, all he could hope was that the Stonehurst family hadn¡¯t offended Han. Just as Han reached the door, he paused and looked back at Trent. ¡°Oh, and one more thing. The fourrgestw firms will not be taking your mother and sister¡¯s case. You can count on that.¡± Trent¡¯s pupils contracted sharply. Could it be¡­ the reason I haven¡¯t been able to find legal support is because of Mr. Ingram? But why? Is he doing this for Quinn? Out of sympathy? Out of anger? Or something else entirely? Mr. Ingram seems to know an awful lot about Quinn¨Cher military background, her research, her expertise with drone systems¡­ And yet, I, her husband, knew none of it. Suddenly, a memory surfaced in Trent¡¯s mind, something a project manager had once said after abruptly terminating a partnership. ¡°Mr. Grafton, you really don¡¯t understand your wife at all.¡± Only now did those words finally hit home. After Han left, the others quickly found polite excuses to take their leave. The once¨Cbustling private room emptied in a matter of minutes. inn Hugh lingered briefly, casting a displeased nce at his niece and Trent. His voice was low,ced with meaning. ¡°You know, Mr. Ingram was in the military. And from what he just said¡­ it sounds lik served too. Maybe the two of them share a past.¡± Sidonie¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°You¡¯re suggesting Mr. Ingram and Quinn might actually know each other? And they might be¡­ close?¡± Hugh said, ¡°The Ingram heir isn¡¯t the kind of man who stands up for just anyone. If I were you, I¡¯d keep my distance from him from now on.¡± Trent¡¯s face drained of color. 1/2 The once¨Clively private room was now quiet, leaving only Trent, Sidonic, and Yorick behind. 3623 **5 Free Coine Still rubbing his sore chest, Yorick muttered bitterly, ¡°That Quinn¡¯s really something, huh? Even managed- to get another man to defend her like that. They¡¯ve gotta be pretty close. Probably more than just close in bed, if you ask me.¡± ¡°Yorick!¡± Trent snapped. ¡°She¡¯s my wife. Watch your mouth.¡± Yorick froze for a beat, then scowled. ¡°What¡¯s with you all of a sudden? I¡¯ve talked about Quinn before, and you never said a word! Don¡¯t tell me you actually believe that crap Han was spewing, that yourpany only made it because of her? If Quinn¡¯s really that brilliant, I¡¯ll cat dirt.¡± As always, Yorick¡¯s disdain for Quinn was tant. But Trent and Sidonie exchanged a look. Neither of them spoke, but it was clear that they didn¡¯t share Yorick¡¯s disbelief. Because they both understood one thing Han had made painfully clear: A man like him wouldn¡¯t lie. Especially not about someone like Quinn. Trent exhaled, voice t. ¡°Enough. I¡¯ll call a cab. Go get your injuries looked at.¡± After the three of them left the club, Trent watched as Yorick drove off. Only once the car disappeared down the road did he turn to Sidonie, his expression weary and bitter. ¡°I¡¯ve really let you down, haven¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Sidonie replied smoothly. ¡°But I do find it strange¨CQuinn¡¯s already married to you, yet she deliberately hid her military achievements. If she¡¯s truly an expert in drone technology, shouldn¡¯t she have some patents? If it were me, I¡¯d definitely use those patents to help grow yourpany.¡± Trent froze. Patents? If Quinn really did have proprietary research¡­ If those technologies could be integrated into Grafton Technologies¡­ His eyes lit up with sudden realization. Sidonie, watching him carefully, continued in a gentle tone. ¡°As for the legal situation, I¡¯ll keep thinking of options for you. Even if the four major firms refuse, there are still otherwyers out there. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll do everything I can to help.¡± Trent looked at her with genuine gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Sidonie.¡± ¡°All I want is for you to be okay,¡± she said softly. After all, he was the man she had chosen. If he thrived, then so would she.. Quinn packed thest of her belongings from the mansion, neatly arranging them in the trunk er car After three years of marriage, it was startling how little she truly owned. Laura pulled up to the driveway and got out to help. ¡°Honestly, I thought you¡¯d ask Han to help you move.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to bother him for this,¡± Quinn replied calmly. He did offer to help. 2/2 Military 44 45 Free Coins However, it was just one suitcase, which was hardly worth calling someone over. Laura rolled her eyes. ¡°Still, that guy might think you ditched him again and start bawling.¡± ¡°Bawling?¡± Quinn raised an eyebrow. ¡°How old is he again?¡± Laura huffed. ¡°Remember when you and Trent got your marriage license? He absolutely lost it at a dinner gathering after he found out. Full¨Cblown meltdown. Crying his eyes out, ranting about your horrible taste in men, asking how someone like you could ever fall for someone like Trent.¡± Quinn was stunned. Back at the military camp, no matter how grueling the conditions or how badly injured he was, Han had never shed a single tear. And yet, ording to Laura, he had cried over her marriage. ¡°But honestly,¡± Laura added, ¡°he wasn¡¯t wrong when he said you had terrible taste in men. Trent really wasn¡¯t worth it.¡± Quinn sighed and sank into the passenger seat. ¡°Enough. Just drive.¡± After moving out of the mansion, she nned to stay with Laura for a few days. Once she returned to her hometown toy her parents¡® ashes to rest, she¡¯de back to Jexburgh and slowly start searching for a new ce. 1 ¡°All righty,¡± Laura said cheerfully, starting the car. ¡°Oh, and one more thing. About what I said earlier, Han crying and all¡­ You can¡¯t let him know I told you. He practically bribed me back then just to keep my mouth shut.¡± ¡°What did he bribe you with?¡± Quinn asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°He gave me a photo of his uncle sleeping. Shirtless,¡± Laura said casually. Quinn choked on her own saliva, coughing before managing to speak. ¡°You¡¯re still interested in Han¡¯s uncle?¡± Laura let out a lightugh. ¡°I was, for a while. But I got bored. He¡¯s too stiff, too serious. There are plenty of men out there. No need to cling to just one.¡± Despite the smile on her lips, Quinn caught a fleeting trace of mncholy in Laura¡¯s eyes. She chose not to press further. She remembered that before her marriage, Laura had fallen hard and fast for Han¡¯s uncle, a wi a cold, distant personality. It had always been Laura who made the effort, who reached out. But over time, Quinn had heard her mention him less and less. Especially in thest two years, it was as if he¡¯d vanished from Laura¡¯s world entirely. Just then, Quinn¡¯s phone rang, The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number, but the voice on the other end was unmistakably Julius. ¡°Ms/Bridger, if you¡¯re nning to return the clothes, you can by the shooting range now.¡± 13 ¡°Shooting range?¡± Quinn blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m free at the moment. But if you¡¯re busy, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m free. I¡¯ll head over now,¡± she replied quickly. She didn¡¯t want to drag things out any longer. The sooner she returned his clothes, the sooner they could go their separate ways. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll send you the address,¡± Julius said before ending the call. A momentter, a text popped up with the location. ¡°Laura, could you pull over and drop me off here?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°I need to meet Julius. Would you mind taking my luggage back to your ce for me?¡± Laura was caught off guard. ¡°Was that Julius on the phone just now? What does he want from you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just returning his clothes,¡± Quinn said curtly. 1 Shortly after, she arrived at the location Julius had mentioned, a high¨Cend, members¨Conly shooting range, the kind of ce not open to just anyone. Waiting outside was Julius¡® personal secretary, Fabian. As soon as he spotted Quinn, he stepped forward with swift efficiency. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn sent me to receive you,¡± he said politely. ¡°Thanks for your help,¡± Quinn replied, equally courteous. ¡°Not at all,¡± Fabian said, his tone touched with an unexpected hint of respect. As Julius Whitethorn¡¯s long¨Ctime assistant, Fabian had never shown such courtesy to the many heirs and heiresses who flocked around Jexburgh¡¯s elite. Quinn might not be a well¨Cknown socialite, but the difference was clear. She was someone Julius personally valued. In fact, in all the years Fabian had been by his side, this was the first time he¡¯d seen his boss take a genuine interest in a woman. Even if that woman was already married. -Then again, for Julius, marital status likely meant nothing. If he set his sights on someone¨Cqueen or her his. 1 ¡°This way, Ms. Bridger,¡± Fabian said, leading Quinn forward. The distant pop of gunfire echoed through the open¨Cair range. Quinn didn¡¯t so much as flinch. She was no stranger to the sound of bullets. During her days in the military camp, target practice had been a part of her daily routine. When she finally spotted Julius, he was dressed in a sleek ck outfit, ear protectors snug over his head, and a pistol steady in his grip, Bang! Bang! Bang! C This una time tasty clean Minin no offient starsngly 11:11 Mon, 7 Jul He stood poised, focused, firing shot after shot with unerring precision. The gunfire rang out in clean, crisp bursts; his body perfectly still, his aim unwavering. It was immediately clear: Julius wasn¡¯t just ying around. He was an expert marksman. His stance wasposed, efficient, and strangely elegant, like a living portrait caught mid¨Cmotion. Military 45 Chapter 45 Meeting Julius Again Judging by the tight grouping of bullets on the target, his score was nothing short of remarkable. As he finished his round of shooting, Julius set the gun down and removed his ear protection. He turned toward Quinn, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°You¡¯re here already? That was quicker than 1 expected.¡± ¡°This is the outfit you lent me, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± Quinn said, stepping forward and handing over the neatly folded, freshly dry¨Ccleaned clothes. Julius gave the bundle a cursory nce. Fabian stepped forward wordlessly to take it from her hands. ¡°I¡¯ll be on my way, then. I wouldn¡¯t want to take up more of your time,¡± Quinn said, already turning to leave. But Julius¡® voice stopped her. ¡°Since you¡¯re here, how about a few rounds? Consider it your way of repaying the favor.¡± Quinn hesitated, then gave a small nod. ¡°All right. How many rounds are we talking?¡± ¡°Five rounds. Ten shots each,¡± he said. A staff member approached, cing a gun, a box of bullets, and a pair of earmuffs neatly in front of Quinn. She lowered her gaze to the weapon. The sight of it stirred something in her, a familiar, almost instinctive sensation. With practiced ease, she inspected the handgun, loaded the magazine, and slipped on the earmuffs. Though she hadn¡¯t touched a firearm since leaving the military, her movements were fluid, precise, engrained in muscle memory. There wasn¡¯t the slightest hesitation. Quinn raised the gun, eyes locking onto the distant target. She steadied her breathing, took aim, and fired. Bang! Bang! Bang! The sharp crack of the shot echoed across the range. Her expression remainedposed and focused, yet beneath that calm exterior was a cold, razor¨Cedged intensity. It was the sharp, disciplined, and deadly mark of a soldier. Though her uniform was gone, that edge within her hadn¡¯t dulled. Julius found himself momentarily captivated as he watched the woman beside him. For a split second, it felt like he¡¯d been transported back to that war¨Ctornnd, where the sky thundered with artillery fire and chaos reigned. He had been just a boy then, separated from his parents, bined under rubble, certain he wouldn¡¯t survive. Until a small, determined hand pushed aside the debris, pulling him from the ruins. Back then, too, he had seen that same brilliance; blinding, unforgettable. The first round ended. Then the second. Then the third. 173 11:11 Mon, 7 Jul Chapter 45 Meeting Julius Again Quinn and Julius took turns, shot after shot, their scores surprisingly close with each round. 82% +5 Free Coins By the end of the fifth round, Quinn set the gun down and released a long, steady breath. She hadn¡¯t touched a weapon in years, and though this had merely been a game, it left her unexpectedly exhrated. As if, for a brief moment, she had returned to a version of herself she¡¯d almost forgotten. ¡°Out of all the women I¡¯ve met, your shooting skills are the best,¡± Julius remarked. ¡°Thank you,¡± Quinn replied politely. ¡°But back in the military camp, there were many female soldiers better than me. I wouldn¡¯t call myself the best.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve always wondered,¡± he said, studying her. ¡°Why did you choose someone like Trent, given the kind of person you are?¡± Her expression dimmed slightly. ¡°That¡¯s personal. I don¡¯t think I owe you an exnation.¡± ¡°What if I can¡¯t stand Trent and decide to take action against him? What would you do?¡± She shrugged lightly, her tone indifferent. ¡°Who you go after is your business. I won¡¯t interfere.¡± ¡°So¡­ you really don¡¯t care about him anymore?¡± he asked, eyes fixed on her. Quinn didn¡¯t respond. She simply turned and walked away. She had barely taken two steps when Julius¡¯s voice rang out behind her, calm and deliberate. ¡°You say you don¡¯t care about Trent, but what about Han?¡± Quinn froze. How does he know about Han? ¡°What would you do,¡± Julius continued, his tone smooth, almost teasing, ¡°if I decided to make a move on him? I¡¯m genuinely curious.¡± Her hands curled into fists. The next moment, she spun around and stormed toward him, gripping his cor in one swift, furious motion. Her eyes zed. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch Han,¡± she hissed. The warning in her voice was unmistakable andced with threat. Fabian, watching from the side, turned ghostly pale. No one in Jexburghid a hand on Julius Whitethorn. Not unless they had a death wish. Just as Fabian stepped forward, Julius shot him a sharp, silencing look. He stopped cold. That single nce said everything. Don¡¯t interfere. He fixed his gaze on the woman before him. In her wide, furious eyes burned a fire¨Cfierce, unwavering, scorching like the midday sun. But that fire wasn¡¯t for him. It was for another man. And somehow, that made it all the more blinding. ¡°Did you hear me?¡± Quinn snapped, her voice trembling with indignation. ¡°Don¡¯t drag Han into your games. He¡¯s not your toy!¡± 11:11 Mon, 7 July Chapter 45 Meeting Julius Again 82% s Julius¡® eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation passing over his otherwiseposed face. ¡°Then what about you?¡± he asked, voice low and steady. ¡°Can you stay by my side?¡± Quinn froze. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I mean exactly what I said. If I promise not to touch Han¡­ will you stay with me?¡± he asked. Maybe then, he¡¯d finally lose interest in her. Despite the provocation in his words, he said them with disturbing calm, like he was bargaining over something inconsequential. Quinn¡¯s fury only deepened. Her fists clenched at her sides. What does this man take me for? Military 46 Chapter 46 Han Confronts Julius Chapter 46 Han Confronts Julius. s Just as Quinn opened her mouth to respond, a voice called out from behind her. ¡°Looks like I showed up just in time. If you want to take a shot at me, be my guest. But if you¡¯re dreaming of keeping Quinnie by your side¡­ forget it.¡± The voice froze Quinn in ce. Slowly, she turned, and there he was, Han, standing calmly in the center of the shooting range. She widened her eyes. What¡¯s he doing here? Within moments, he had already crossed over to her side. ¡°Quinnie, Laura told me you were here, so I came to see you. Did you return the clothes?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ I did,¡± Quinn replied softly, already piecing together that Laura must¡¯ve tipped him off. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Han said, reaching out to gently unsp Quinn¡¯s hand from Julius¡® cor. His gaze locked onto Julius¡¯s, sharp and unflinching. ¡°If you really think you can mess with me, Mr. Whitethorn, and treat me like some toy to pass the time, then go ahead. Give it your best shot.¡± Julius¡¯s brow furrowed, but it wasn¡¯t the words that unsettled him; it was the sight of their joined hands. It struck him with the same force as that day at the hospital entrance when he saw Han holding Quinn tightly in his arms, as if he¡¯d never let go. ¡°In this world, nothing stays certain. One moment you¡¯re the hunter, and the next, you¡¯re the prey.¡± With that, he took Quinn¡¯s hand and walked away without so much as a backward nce. In Jexburgh, few dared to challenge Julius Whitethorn. Julius¡¯s voice rang out suddenly. ¡°Mr. Wooley, do you think I could ever be prey?¡± Fabian froze for a beat before replying, ¡°Impossible, sir.¡± No one has guts to think of Mr. Whitethorn as prey. Even if Mr. Ingram is known as Jexburgh¡¯s little tyrant, he¡¯s still not on Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s level. ¡°But in this world, there¡¯s always an exception,¡± Julius murmured, his eyes drifting to the gun Quinn had used earlier. ¡°If one day I really do be the prey¡­ who do you think the hunter would be?¡± Fabian hesitated. Who could, and who would dare hunt Mr. Whitethorn? Meanwhile, outside the shooting range, Quinn walked alongside Han. A light breeze brushed past as she nced at him and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried Julius might actuallye after you after what vou said?¡± Han¡¯s expression remainedposed. ¡°I said what I meant. Why would I be afraid?¡± ¡°But Julius isn¡¯t like most people,¡± she said quietly. ¡°No matter how capable you are, he¡­¡± ¡°Quinnie, do you really think I¡¯m that incapable?¡± Han asked, his voice calm but firm. ¡°I¡¯m not the same reckless kid who used to charge around the military camp anymore. If Julius really wants toe after me, he¡¯d better be ready for mutual destruction.¡± Po¡¯? JU?? ?]E Chapter 46 Han Confronts Julius Seeing the quiet confidence in Han¡¯s eyes, Quinn didn¡¯t respond right away. 182% s After all, what had already happened couldn¡¯t be changed. When the time came, they would just have to¨C face it one step at a time. Han added, ¡°Besides, you stood up for me just now. You grabbed Julius by the cor and all. That was pretty fierce. Weren¡¯t you scared?¡± ¡°Me?¡± Quinn let out a dryugh. ¡°This whole mess started because of me anyway. And besides¡­ Han, you and I are different. You have your parents, a big family who loves and worries about you. If something happened to you, a lot of people would be devastated. But me? I¡¯m alone. If something were to happen to me¡­ well¡­¡± Before she could finish, he cut her off. ¡°What, Quinnie, do you really think no one would care if something happened to you?¡± Han tightened his grip on her hand. ¡°If anything ever did, I can¡¯t speak for anyone else, but I¡¯d tear through hell and high water, even stake my life, to avenge you.¡± She looked at the man who used to be just a boy following her around in the military camp, someone who once needed her protection like a little brother. But now, the innocence of youth had faded from his face, reced by calm conviction and unwavering strength. And in that moment, as she looked into his eyes, she knew that he meant every word. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not that easy to take down,¡± she said, her voice low and slightly hoarse. ¡°Have you forgotten what I¡¯m capable of?¡± Han let out a softugh. ¡°That¡¯s true. And don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡± Once they got into the car, Han asked, ¡°Would it be all right if I visited your parents¡® resting ce?¡± Quinn was momentarily taken aback, only to hear him add, ¡°If I had known you were going to collect their ashes, I would¡¯ve gone with you. No matter what.¡± Her eyes grew red, touched by his sincerity. ¡°Just hearing you say that is more than enough. They haven¡¯t been buried yet. I¡¯ve ced their ashes at the funeral parlor for now.¡± Without another word, Han started the car and headed straight to the funeral parlor. When they arrived, Quinn led him to the ce where her parents¡® ashes were stored. She stood silently before the sandalwood box. Draped across the top was the national g. That g was what her parents had vowed to protect, even at the cost of their lives. Quinn pressed her palms together/bowing her head in silent respect. In just a few days, she would return to her hometown, where she nned toy them to rest in the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden. Dad, Mom¡­ just give me a few more days, Quinn silently said in her heart. When she opened her eyes, she turned to see Han bowing deeply before her parents¡® ashes. His posture was solemn, his voice steady as he spoke. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Bridger, please rest assured. I will take care of Quinn. I won¡¯t let her be hurt again.¡± Military 47 Chapter 47 Discuss The Divorce Chapter 47 Discuss The Divorce In that moment, he addressed her as ¡°Quinn,¡± not the usual, affectionate ¡°Quinnie.¡± 82% s She let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I don¡¯t need your care, you know. I¡¯m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.¡± ¡°Even if you are strong, I still want to be the one to protect you,¡± Han said, gazing at her. ¡°If I¡¯d known what that b*stard Trent was putting you through, I would have¨C¡± Just then, Quinn¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. The screen lit up with Trent¡¯s name. A faint frown tugged at Quinn¡¯s brow as she answered the call. Trent¡¯s irritated voice came through immediately. ¡°Why did you clear out all your things from the mansion?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve moved out,¡± Quinn replied calmly. ¡°If there¡¯s anything of mine left behind, feel free to throw it out. There¡¯s no need to call me about it.¡± ¡°Moved out? What are you trying to do, make a statement? Is this your way of protesting? Trent snapped. ¡°It¡¯s not a protest,¡± she said, her tone cool and even. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to live there anymore. Also, about the divorce, I don¡¯t want to drag this out. I¡¯m willing to waive the hundred million stated in the agreement, but I need you to finalize the paperwork with me as soon as the cooling¨Coff period ends.¡± In three days, the mandatory thirty¨Cday waiting period would be over. As long as Trent agreed, they could file for divorce without issue. All she wanted now was to sever ties and walk away for good. ¡°All right. So you want to talk divorce? Thene back to the mansion right now. We¡¯ll settle it,¡± Trent said before he hung up. Quinn slipped her phone back into her pocket and turned to Han. ¡°I need to go to the mansion.¡± ¡°To talk about the divorce with Trent? Then I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Having overheard part of the call, he wasn¡¯t about to let her face Trent alone. But Quinn shook her head. ¡°No. This is between him and me. I¡¯ll handle it myself.¡± Han looked at her, his gaze steady and serious. ¡°You¡¯re really going through with it?¡± Quinn nced at the urns of her parents before her. If they were watching from above, surely they wouldn¡¯t want her to stay bound to a marriage that had long lost its meaning. She drew in a quiet breath. ¡°Yes,¡± she said, firm and unwavering. When Quinn returned to the mansion, she found Trent already seated on the living room co expression clouded. ¡°Quinn, are you really in that much of a rush to divorce me?¡± he asked. She replied, ¡°There¡¯s no reason to keep our marriage going any longer.¡± 111 his < 82% Chapter 47 Discuss The Divorce s Trent¡¯s brows drew together in frustration. ¡°You¡¯re ending our marriage over a few trivial matters? Do you even understand what marriage means?¡± Quinn let out a coldugh. ¡°Trivial matters? Is that what you call your mother and sister treating me like garbage? Or the fact that you were having an affair with Sidonie behind my back?¡± Trent shifted ufortably. ¡°Fine. I admit what my mom and sister did was wrong. But they¡¯ve been detained. They¡¯ve paid the price. Isn¡¯t that enough for you?¡± Quinn stared at him, incredulous. So in his mind, as long as the perpetrators pay a price, the victim is supposed to let it go? ¡°Also, Sidonic and I are just friends. Nothing more. We never even slept together, so stop using me of cheating!¡± Trent said, his voice tinged with frustration. Quinn shot back coldly, ¡°Do you really think infidelity only counts when it¡¯s physical? When everyone around you thought you and Sidonie were a couple, when they praised you both as the perfect match, did you ever correct them? Did you once mention you were already married?¡± Trent hesitated. ¡°It was a business setting. I couldn¡¯t ruin the atmosphere. If I¡¯d contradicted her in public, wouldn¡¯t that have embarrassed Sidonie?¡± ¡°No,¡± Quinn snapped, ¡°You weren¡¯t trying to protect the mood or Sidonie¡¯s pride. You were ashamed of me, your wife. But you just can¡¯t bring yourself to admit it.¡± A flicker of embarrassment crossed Trent¡¯s face, but he quickly shot back, ¡°And what about you? Are you saying you¡¯ve never done anything wrong? You had all those patents. You were even a drone specialist in the military, yet you never once told me!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t hide it,¡± Quinn replied sharply. ¡°You just never cared enough to ask about my past. I did mention I had experience in the field of drones. Do you remember what you said back then? Youughed. You thought I was bragging. You thought I was jealous of Sidonie, trying topete with her.¡± Trent opened his mouth but found no words. Only then did the memory resurface. She was right. When thepany was first exploring drone technology, she did tell him, but he hadn¡¯t believed her then. ¡°Trent, the truth is, you were the one who looked down on me first,¡± Quinn said, her voice cold and unwavering. ¡°That¡¯s why your mother, your friends, even Sidonie, all felt they had the right to do the same.¡± Trent¡¯s face turned red, then drained of color. He opened his mouth, then closed it again. After a long silence, he finally stammered, ¡°I didn¡¯t look down on you, I just¡­ I just-¡± He faltered. No defense came to mind. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore,¡± Quinn said tly. ¡°I came here to talk about the divorce.¡± Trent¡¯s jaw tensed. ¡°Are you divorcing me because of Han?¡± Quinn blinked, caught off guard. Why is he mentioning Han again? Military 48 Chapter 48 Giving Him The Patent Chapter 48 Giving Him The Patent ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect this from you,¡± Trent snapped, his voiceced with jealousy. ¡°First Julius, now Han. Quinn, you really have a talent for attracting men, don¡¯t you?¡± Quinn¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Trent, just because youck integrity doesn¡¯t mean everyone else does. Han is myrade.¡± ¡°Comrade?¡± Trent scoffed. ¡°Arade will stand up for you, who has been out of the military for years? And he¡¯s not known for standing up for just anyone. He¡¯s the little tyrant of Jexburgh! Do you really expect me to believe he¡¯d go that far for a mere rade¡®? Or were the two of you already involved back at camp Smack! A sharp p cracked through the silence, cutting him off. Trent staggered slightly, one side of his face stinging with heat. The tension in the room coiled like a drawn bowstring. Ever since his startup took off, no one had dared to treat him like this. ¡°Quinn, are you out of your mind?¡± he shouted, face flushed with anger. But Quinn¡¯s eyes were like ice. ¡°What you just said¡­ if I wanted to, I could have you charged for insulting a soldier. Do you even understand what that word means? The bond betweenrades isn¡¯t some joke. It¡¯s built on life¨Cand¨Cdeath trust, on pulling each other out of danger without hesitation!¡± Her voice rang clear and steady, cutting through the stillness like a de. Her eyes, unwavering and bright, held a dignity that left no room for doubt. Trent said nothing. Have I really misunderstood her? Under her fierce gaze, for the first time, he felt small, like a fool ying a part he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°People like you probably never will understand,¡± Quinn said coldly, Trent sneered. ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t. You want a divorce? Fine. I¡¯ll give it to you. But I¡¯ve looked into the patents under your name. We can set the rest aside, but there¡¯s one. Your drone control program. After our divorce, Grafton Technologies will need full rights to it for development and application.¡± Quinn¡¯s expression darkened in an instant. ¡°You want my patent?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Trent said, voice level ¡°You filed it after we got married, which makes it a marital asset. Once it starts generating profit, I¡¯m willing to share a portion with you.¡± Her gaze turned ice¨Ccold. He wasn¡¯t negotiating. He was trying to rob her under the guise of leg That patent wasn¡¯t just a document; it was the culmination of years of effort. Though she filed it after their wedding, the research had been nearlyplete before she ever walked down the aisle. It was only after her parents¡® sudden deaths that she faltered. And it was only after picking herself back up that she found the strength to finish the work and file the patent. III O 1/2 Chapter 48 Giving Him The Patent What Trent didn¡¯t know was that she had once intended to gift that patent to Grafton Technologies. If she had stayed, it would have be the key to thepany¡¯s sess. But now, she had changed her mind. ¡°What if I refuse to hand it over?¡± she asked. ¡°Then I¡¯ll sue,¡± Trent replied without hesitation. ¡°I know you want to hand that patent to your friend¡¯s Azure Technologies. But don¡¯t forget. It was filed after our marriage. It¡¯s a shared asset. If you want to drag your friend¡¯spany into a legal mess, go right ahead. Disappointment flickered in Quinn¡¯s eyes. ¡°I thought there was still a shred of integrity left in you. But it turns out you¡¯re willing to stoop to anything.¡± ¡°I¡¯m doing this for thepany!¡± Trent snapped. ¡°You want a divorce? Fine. But the drone patent goes to Grafton Technologies. Non¨Cnegotiable.¡± Thepany was in trouble. And this patent was his lifeline. ¡°For the sake of thepany?¡± Quinn echoed coldly. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll give you the patent. But on one condition. Hold a press conference and publicly announce our divorce. Then finalize it with me at City Hall.¡± Trent blinked, clearly caught off guard. ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± ¡°Dead serious.¡± He studied her face for a long moment before nodding. ¡°Three days. I¡¯ll hold the press conference. I hope you¡¯ll keep your word.¡± Suddenly, Quinn let out augh¨Csharp, cold, and filled with disbelief. How could this be the man I had once cared for? She had endured disappointment after disappointment, yet she had once given her heart to this marriage. And now, he was using the divorce as leverage, trying to extract benefits from her like it was some kind of transaction. ¡°Trent,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve lived my whole life without regrets. But marrying you¡­ is my one exception.¡± When Laura heard about the divorce terms, she was stunned. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re really giving him the patent?¡± ¨C Quinn¡¯s lips curled into a faint, unreadable smile. ¡°Whether or not he can actually make use of it¡­ that¡¯s his problem. My work isn¡¯t exactly plug¨Cand¨Cy.¡± Laura quickly caught the deeper meaning and rxed. Quinn had a contingency n. She exhaled in relief and asked, ¡°And what aboutpensation? Is he giving you anything in the settlement?¡± ¡°I asked for one million five, hundred and thirty thousand,¡± Quinn said simply. O Military 49 Chapter 49 Giving Suggestions Chapter 49 Giving Suggestions. That was the request she made to Trent before leaving the mansion. s ¡°What? Only one million five hundred thirty thousand?¡± Laura was taken aback. ¡°You helped Trent get hispany listed, after all. By right, if you guys get a divorce, he should split half of his assets with you, shouldn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°He has put up all his real estate as coteral at the bank, and the finances at Grafton Technologies are tight. Even if I wanted more, he couldn¡¯t afford it,¡± said Quinn. ¡°Besides, all I want now is to get the divorce over with. I don¡¯t want to be associated with him anymore.¡± ¡°Why do you need this exact amount of one million five hundred thirty thousand?¡± Laura asked in confusion. After all, it was an odd number. With a bitter taste in her mouth, Quinn pursed her lips. ¡°The death gratuity for my parents was one million five hundred thirty thousand. I used it to help Trent start his business. Now, since we¡¯re parting ways, I at least need that money back.¡± Upon hearing that, Laura clenched her teeth in anger. ¡°Trent is such a jerk. He used his inws¡® death gratuity to start his business, but he couldn¡¯t even bother to collect their ashes. If Rowan were here and found out you¡¯re with this kind of guy, he¡¯d definitely give you a good scolding!¡± Quinn gave a bitter smile. ¡°That¡¯s right. If Rowan found out, he¡¯d definitely give me an earful, wouldn¡¯t he?¡± Rowan, who loved her the most, could be quite sharp¨Ctongued. However, he was incredibly responsible. In the past, she always dreaded being scolded by Rowan. Not only did he avoid using profanity, but he could also lecture for an extended period of time, to the point where she would get sick of it. At that moment, however, she found herself missing Rowan¡¯s scolding. ¡°Be patient. It won¡¯t be long before you get a good scolding,¡± Laura said, sounding rather irritated. Quinn smiled and understood that Laura wasforting her, assuring her that she would find Rowan soon. ¡°After the divorce, I n to take my parents back to our hometown for burial. After that, I intend to go to the border to search for Rowan. Perhaps my start date at your ce might be dyed, but rest assured, I¡¯ll find time to arrange the drone development project.¡± ¡°All right. You can focus on finding Rowan now. You¡¯re wee to start working here whenever you¡¯re ready.¡± Laura patted Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I hope you find Rowan soon.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze. She was absolutely certain that she would find Rowan. In Nimbus Air¡¯s restaurant, Sidonie looked at Trent and asked, ¡°Did she really agree to give you the patent?¡± ¡°Yes. As long as I hold a press conference and announce the divorce, she¡¯ll hand over the patent to me,¡± ||| Chapter 49 Giving Suggestions Trent said. Even he himself felt it was a low move. He never thought that one day, he would resort to divorce as a tactic. +5 Free Coins At that moment, however, that patent had be absolutely crucial for thepany to ovee its difficulties. ¡°What about her? Did she not make any requests?¡± Sidonic asked with concern. After all, the more Quinn took, the less she would have left once she ended up with Trent in the future. ¡°She didn¡¯t ask for much,¡± Trent said. ¡°She just wanted me to pay one million five hundred thirty thousand in cash as a settlement for the divorce.¡± ¡°One million five hundred thirty thousand?¡± Sidonie was puzzled. ¡°Why would she suggest that number?¡± ¡°Who knows? Maybe it was just something she said offhandedly.¡± By then, Trent had long forgotten the exact amount of the initial investment he received from Quinn years ago. ¡°In that case, are you going to give it to her?¡± Sidonie asked. It was a mere one million five hundred thirty thousand, which actually made her breathe a sigh of relief. After all, the amount wasn¡¯t thatrge, and if it could make Trent single again, it would be worth it. Trent was hesitant for a moment. ¡°Sidonie, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you. You know mypany¡¯s finances are a bit tight right now, right? It might be a bit of a stretch toe up with this amount of cash all at once, so could you possibly¡­¡± He wore an expression of embarrassment. After all, in the past two years, with the sess of his startup, he had be quite generous. He was always the one giving to others instead of asking others for anything, especially money. ¡°Well¡­¡± Sidonie looked troubled. ¡°I haven¡¯t been a co¨Cpilot for long, and I don¡¯t have much money. My parents only appear affluent. Most of their wealth is tied up in antiques, jewelry, and real estate. They don¡¯t have much cash.¡± A sh of disappointment crossed Trent¡¯s face. ¡°I have around a hundred thousand in cash, and I¡¯ll lend it to you first,¡± said Sidonie. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll think of another way,¡± Trent said. After all, the total he had to pay Quinn was one million five hundred thirty thousand. One hundred thousand couldn¡¯t help him much. Sidonie¡¯s face showed a hint of guilt. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Trent. I can¡¯t be of much help,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s all right.¡± ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t necessarily have to give her cash. You could use your shares to cover th e million five hundred thirty thousand. That way, you wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the cash issue,¡± Snie suggested. ¡°However, the shares I currently hold in thepany are still in a lock¨Cup period. I can¡¯t trade them,¡± Trent said. ||| O < 82% Chapter 49 Giving Suggestions s Given that thepany had only recently gone public, he held a significant number of shares. However, he wasn¡¯t able to trade them. ¡°She could just wait until you¡¯re able to trade. Don¡¯t worry. If she truly wants a divorce, she¡¯ll definitely agree,¡± Sidonic suggested. ||| Military 50 Chapter 50 A bbermouth Chapter 50 A bbermouth After a moment of contemtion, Trent replied, ¡°That works. I¡¯ll do just that.¡± After all, he really couldn¡¯t bring himself to swallow his pride and borrow money from others. After they had finished their meal, Trent apanied Sidonie to the flight duty room. That day, Sidonie was ted to work in the duty room. As the two of them reached the hallway, they saw Quinn stepping out of the aviationpany¡¯s executive¡¯s office. The three of them locked eyes with each other. With a nonchnt expression, Quinn nned to sidestep the two and leave, but Sidonie swiftly blocked her path and said, ¡°Quinn, what brings you here?¡± ¡°It has nothing to do with you,¡± Quinn responded coldly. ¡°Don¡¯t lie. You came here to tattle on me to my leader, right?¡± Sidonie stated confidently, ¡°I never thought you¡¯d be so petty. Your marriage with Trent hase to an end, yet instead of reflecting on your own issues, you¡¯re shifting the me onto others.¡± Upon hearing that, Trent frowned, his gaze fixed on Quinn. ¡°Did you reallye here to file a back to Yarburn. She also went there to exin the situation and make a record. hometown, Upon learning that the ashes she intended to bring back were those of fallen heroes, the senior executives of Nimbus Air made a speci¨¢l effort to meet with her. III O 173 Chapter 50 A bbermouth However, she didn¡¯t feel the need to exin any of that to Sidonic. ¡°If you despise me, I¡¯d rather you say it to my face than resort to underhanded tactics behind my back Sidonic said, lifting her chin with an air of arrogance. She then swept a disdainful gaze over Quinn! ¡°Sidonic, I don¡¯t hate you,¡± Quinn stated nonchntly. Hatred was too intense an emotion, and Sidonie simply wasn¡¯t worth Quinn¡¯s disdain. Sidonie was taken aback, and even Trent looked at Quinn with a hint of surprise. Does she really not harbor any resentment? ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m on the verge of divorcing Trent. You two can be together however you like. You guys don¡¯t need to use friendship as a pretense anymore,¡± said Quinn. Just then, some of Nimbus Air¡¯s workers, who were Sidonie¡¯s colleagues, were passing by the corridor. Upon hearing Quinn¡¯s words, they all turned their gazes toward Trent and Sidonie. Sidonie¡¯s face was a mix of blush and pallor. Trent red at Quinn in anger. ¡°How could you talk to Sidonie like this? Our divorce has nothing to do with her.¡± ¡°Right¡­ It has nothing to do with her,¡± Quinn uttered casually. Trent¡¯s words had caused no damage, leaving him with a sense of powerl¨¦ssness. That evening, Quinn stayed over at Laura¡¯s ce. Han also dropped by with a bottle of wine, iming he wanted to join them in celebrating the uing joyous asion of Quinn¡¯s divorce. Hence, the trio simply settled on the terrace, enjoying skewers and sipping wine. ¡°Han, why are you so thrilled about Quinnie¡¯s divorce?¡± Laura mumbled after a few rounds of drinks. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I be happy Quinnie is leaving that sc*mbag?¡± Han said. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Laura chuckled, a wave of tipsiness washing over her. ¡°Back then, when Quinnie secretly got married, you were all teary¨Ceyed. Now, there¡¯s no need for tears anymore.¡± Suddenly, Han¡¯s face flushed a deep red, and he quickly tried to cover Laura¡¯s mouth. Yet, Laura blurted out, ¡°What are you embarrassed about? I¡¯ve already told Quinnie about it, and she¡¯s known for a while now.¡± The embarrassment on Han¡¯s face deepened. He looked at Quinn sheepishly and asked, ¡°I¨CIs that true?¡± ¡°Laura had mentioned it before, and she even asked me to act like I didn¡¯t know. Now, however, she¡¯s her loose spilled the beans herself.¡± Quinn chuckled. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Laura would rep lips once she sobered up. When Laura got drunk, she became incredibly loud. At that moment, she continued, ¡°Quinnie, you have no idea how hard Han was crying at the time. His tears were flowing like they were free! Haha! Anyone who didn¡¯t know better would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d suffered some great heartbreak!¡± III 273 11:12 Mon, 7 Ju on, / run ?)¡± G D) Chapter 50 A bbermouth 82% 15 Free Coins Han was so irritated that he wished he could just sew Laura¡¯s mouth shut. However, with Quinn present, he couldn¡¯t do anything. All he could do was feel his face getting redder and redder. Military 51 11112 MUN Chapter 51 Distort The Truth Chapter 51 Distort The Truth ¡°You¡­¡± Han opened his mouth, but he didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°It was my fault, Quinn admitted. ¡°I should have informed you when I got married. I¡¯m sorry for causing you distress back then.¡± Han felt a slight sting in his nose. ¡°Well, I was really upset back then.¡± That was because the moment he realized his feelings for her, she had already gotten married. ¡°But now, I¡¯m really happy!¡± Han said. ¡°Happy?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°Because of my divorce?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m overjoyed because of your divorce!¡± he said, raising his ss and taking a big gulp. The red wine trickled once more from the corner of his mouth, flowing down his neck and disappearing into his cor. His bright and beautiful eyes held a hint of intoxication at that moment. ¡°Once you¡¯re divorced, I have something to tell you,¡± he said. With augh, Quinn asked, ¡°Can¡¯t you say it now?¡± He shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you afterward.¡± That was because he wanted that when he spoke those words, there would be no moral shackles or societal constraints between them. ¡°All right,¡± responded Quinn. Perhaps because he had drunk too much, Han found himself sprawled out on the table,pletely intoxicated. Looking at Han and Laura, who were already drunk, Quinn massaged her temples, feeling a slight headache. She knew she¡¯d have to muster up quite a bit of strength to help both of them to their rooms soon. Just then, a text message popped up on her phone. She opened the text message, which was from Trent and informed her about the exact time of the divorce press conference. She looked at the text message. All that was left between her and Trent was chilling indifference. The day for the press conference/came around quickly. Even though Quinn had initially nned to go alone, Laura was adamant about apany ..g her. ¡°You¡¯re getting a divorce, and I¡¯m like family to you, right? Of course, I¡¯ll go with you,¡± said Laura. Quinn felt a surge of warmth enveloping her body. Ever since Montague and Arlene passed away and ||| O Chapter 51 Distort The Truth s Rowan disappeared, she had been left all alone. Even after getting married, she still felt like she had no family. However, no matter what happened, Laura always stood by her side. ¡°Yes. You¡¯re like my family!¡± Quinn said. When the two of them arrived at the hotel where the press conference was to be held, the ce was already set up, though it wasn¡¯t time yet. To her surprise, the first people Quinn encountered were Jacinda and Penelope. As soon as the two of them caught sight of Quinn, their faces instantly took on a menacing expression. Penelope stormed over, swinging a p in Quinn¡¯s direction. ¡°How dare you show up here? You refused to write an apology letter! Will you only be satisfied when you¡¯ve gotten me and Jacinda into jail?¡± She attempted to p Quinn, but before her hand could even reach Quinn¡¯s face, Quinn had already caught her wrist. ¡°It¡¯s not that I want you behind bars. It¡¯s the consequences of your own wrongdoings!¡± Quinn said coldly, shrugging off Penelope¡¯s hand. However, Penelope immediately started shouting, ¡°Gosh! Thisdy is hitting her mother¨Cinw!¡± Quinn furrowed her brows, and just then, Trent¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Quinn, did you hit my mom?¡± When Quinn nced back, she saw Trent and Sidonie approaching. Jacinda quickly helped Penelope over to Trent and said, ¡°Trent, earlier, when Mom scolded Quinn for refusing to write an apology letter, she got upset and hit Mom!¡± With a cool gaze, Quinn watched Penelope and ¡®Jacinda distort the truth. After that, she looked at Trent and asked, ¡°Do you believe those words?¡± ¡°She¡¯s my mom. Naturally, I believe them. There¡¯s a press conferenceing up, and I don¡¯t want things to get awkward. You¡¯d better apologize to my mom right away,¡± Trent said. Quinn suddenly burst intoughter. Oh, Trent¡­ Despite having previously witnessed his mother¡¯s deceitful and malicious side, he still keeps professing his belief in her. Therefore, he has never truly considered me as family, not in the past and certainly not in the future! Trent frowned slightly in discontent. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± he asked, sounding slightly annoyed. ¡°Divorcing you is truly the best decision I¡¯ve ever made!¡± said Quinn. Trent¡¯s expression shifted. Even though their divorce was to be announced that day, when he heard such words from her lips, he still felt ufortable. That feeling was slowly morphing into a piercing pain, as if it was reminding him that he was on the brink of losing something truly significant. Trent ignored the sting in his heart and said, ¡°If you refuse to apologize, don¡¯t me me for not giving you a single penny of the one million five hundred thirty thousand you asked for!¡± C 11:12 Mon, 7 Jul Chapter 51 Distort The Truth s As soon as those words were spoken, Laura was so infuriated that she blurted out, ¡°Trent, are you even human? That one million five hundred thirty thousand was Quinnie¡¯s parents¡¯-¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Quinn interrupted her, ¡°Laura, let me handle this.¡± Once she finished speaking, Quinn immediately picked up her phone and yed a video she had just recorded. The video clearly showed Quinn¡¯s entrance, followed by Penelope¡¯s failed attempt to hit her, and the subsequent staged scene of being hit. Military 52 Chapter 52 Dog Fight # Free Cains ¡°Trent, you trusted your mother, didn¡¯t you? What about now? Do you still trust her?¡± Quinn asked sarcastically. Trent paused, a sh of embarrassment crossing his face. He turned to look at Penelope and Jacinda in surprise. ¡°When I bailed you two out, didn¡¯t you promise me you wouldn¡¯t do this again?¡± Penelope and Jacinda instinctively shrank back. Sidonie backed the duo up by saying, ¡°Mrs. Grafton and Jacinda are just upset because Quinn has refused to write an apology letter, right? After all, you all were practically family before. Isn¡¯t that a bit too much?¡± With that, Sidonie turned her gaze toward Quinn and said, ¡°If I were in your shoes, I would never kick someone when they¡¯re down.¡± With a face full of gratitude, Jacinda looked at Sidonie and said, ¡°Sidonie, you¡¯re so kind. You¡¯re not holding my past mistakes against me. Once Trent and Quinn get divorced, I¡¯ll make sure he marries you right away!¡± With a chuckle, Quinn watched as Sidonie and Jacinda acted like sisters, seemingly forgetting their previous squabbles. It was as if they hadpletely forgotten how they had been in a dog fight with each other, even shifting me onto each other at the police station. Before long, it was time for the press conference. The attendees weren¡¯t just numerous reporters, but also included some of the top brass from Grafton Technologies and representatives frompanies that had business dealings with Grafton Technologies. Quinn and Trent were seated at the center of the stage. Trent opened his mouth to say, ¡°I¡¯ve called this press conference today to announce that Ms. Quinn Bridger and I have decided to officially divorce.¡± As soon as those words were spoken, the scene instantly erupted into a flurry of whispers. However, Trent continued, ¡°The drone application patent that Ms. Quinn Bridger applied for during the marriage will, after the divorce is finalized, belong to Grafton Technologies. It will be specifically developed by Grafton Technologies.¡± The buzz of conversation at the scene grew even louder. ¡°Due to the divorce, I willpensate Ms. Quinn Bridger financially. Thispensation will not drain the resources of Grafton Technologies, as I will mortgage a portion of my shares to Ms. Quinn Bridger.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. The shares Trent held were still in their lock¨Cup period, making them impossible to sell. Moreover, the transfer of shares involved a series of procedures, and subsequent approval from other shareholders was also needed. Moreover, the shares were in a lock¨Cup period, so it was absolutely impossible for them to be truly transferred just because of a divorce. ||| O 1/3 Chapter 52 Dog Fight +3 Free Coins In other words, Trent was merely tossing out a casualment, with absolutely no intention of parting with any of his money. ¡°This isn¡¯t what we agreed on before!¡± Quinn abruptly stood up, staring at Trent with a cold gaze. Trent said. ¡°Yes. I did promise to give you cash, but I never intended to use thepany¡¯s funds to pay for our divorce. All the money in my personal ount has been invested in thepany¡¯s operations. It¡¯s a critical time for thepany¡¯s growth. Are you really willing to jeopardize thepany¡¯s future just for the sake of money?¡± With his statement, Trent established his image as someone wholly dedicated to thepany and painted Quinn as an unreasonable person. Immediately, the higher¨Cups in thepany looked at Quinn, their gazes filled with disbelief. Penelope was even more upset, berating, ¡°Trent has given his all for thepany, yet all you think about is taking the money and leaving. Since marrying my son, you¡¯ve only ever sat back and enjoyed the fruits of hisbor. Now, you¡¯ve bepletely money¨Cminded!¡± Jacinda was even more indignant as she used, ¡°Quinn, are you really willing to sacrifice the interests of everyone in thepany for your own gain? Thispany was built by many colleagues and Trent together. It¡¯s not your personal piggy bank!¡± Once those words were spoken, Jacinda seemed to have positioned herself on a moral high ground, while Quinn was painted as a selfish and despicable person. Even though the higher¨Cups in thepany were well aware of how much effort Quinn had put into thepany¡¯s development over the years, they all kept their mouths shut when it came to their personal interests. With a cool gaze, Quinn observed Penelope and Jacinda pointing their fingers and hurling usations. Yet, Trent remained silent throughout. A personal piggy bank? Who exactly is treating the earnings like their personal piggy bank? ¡°Ha! What a joke! Someone is actually trying to mooch off their ex¡¯s hard¨Cearned patent after a divorce, scheming to leave them with nothing. That¡¯s a move that¡¯s more ruthless than a vampire sucking someone¡¯s marrow out of their bones!¡± With those words, Han made his entrance into the press conference. Suddenly, all eyes turned toward him. A few reporters who recognized Han were taken aback, surprise shing in their eyes. Unexpectedly, the little tyrant from Jexburgh had appeared, and it was clear he was there to stand up for Quinn. Trent¡¯s expression shifted slightly as he stood up. Exuding a firm aura, he said, ¡°Mr. Ingram, your words are a bit harsh. That patent was applied for after Quinn and I got married. It¡¯s a shared asset between a husband and wife, owned by thepany. There¡¯s nothing wrong with what¡¯s happeni ¡°A patent applied after marriage doesn¡¯t automatically make it a shared marital asset.¡± Han scoffed coldly. ¡°The patent was developed solely by Quinn. What does it have to do with you?¡± ¡°How can you be so sure it has nothing to do with Trent?¡± Jacinda argued loudly, ¡°Trent graduated from Qudnard University. What¡¯s so great about Quinn? She just applied for the patent using something Trent 2/3 ||| O < Chapter 52 Dog Fight researched!¡± Military 53 Chapter 53 Hot Potato Chapter 53 Hot Potato s Jacinda was oblivious to the fact that her words would only amuse those who knew the truth. ¡°Your brother graduated with a finance major, didn¡¯t he? Does he know how to code? Or is he adept at making drones? How on earth did he manage to apply for a patent in drone technology?¡± Han questioned. Jacinda¡¯s face stiffened, and she retorted irritably, ¡°Well, what about Quinn? What makes her so capable of applying for the patent?¡± Laura, infuriated, stood up and said to Jacinda, ¡°Quinnie is a graduate from National Defense University and the top science student in Jexburgh. Is that not qualified enough? If your brother truly had anypetence, he wouldn¡¯t be trying to seize Quinnie¡¯s patent, let alone trying to dodge the one million five hundred thirty thousand he owes in divorce settlement!¡± Jacinda wore a look of utter disbelief. Quinn? A graduate from National Defense University? The top science student in Jexburgh? That¡¯s impossible! How could Quinn, a good¨Cfor¨Cnothing, be so capable? ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re just spouting nonsense!¡± Jacinda eximed in disbelief. ¡°You could always ask Trent. He knows it all too well!¡± Laura sneered. Jacinda turned to look at her brother. Seeing Trent¡¯s silent face, she instantly understood that what Laura had said must be true. Compared to Jacinda¡¯s astonishment at Quinn¡¯s educational background, many others were shocked to learn that Quinn¡¯s divorce settlement would only cost one million five hundred thirty thousand. Before, Trent hadn¡¯t mentioned a specific amount, so everyone simply assumed that Quinn¡¯s divorce was going tond her a substantial sum of money. At first, people thought Quinn was greedy. At that moment, however, they all felt sorry for her. After all, if it were to be a normal divorce settlement, Quinn would be entitled to at least half of Trent¡¯s wealth. ¡°Trent, you can take the patent. All I want is the agreed¨Cupon one million five hundred thirty thousand!¡± Quinn said, staring at him.¡± Trent flew into a rage out of humiliation. The stares of the people around him made him feel like a despicable person in their eyes. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m still giving you that. Once the shares are out of the lock¨Cin period, you can naturally get your money. Why are you so relentlessly pressing me?¡± ¡°Huh? Am I pressing you?¡± Quinn scoffed, suddenly producing a stack of documents. ¡°These are the statements from your personal bank ount over the past two years. Just the jewelry you bought for Sidonie alone amounts to over twenty pieces, with a total value of over fifty million. Are you telling me you can¡¯t afford to pay one million five hundred thirty thousand?¡± Trent¡¯s face changed instantly, but before he could intercept, Quinn flicked her hand, documents over the stage. ering the The documents contained bills and photos of every piece of jewelry Trent had given to Sidonie. Each photo was marked with the price of the respective piece of jewelry. O < ??? ??? ??? Chapter 53 Hot Potato 80% s The ne and earrings that Sidonic wore that day were unmistakably featured in those jewelry photos. Just those two items alone were worth over ten million. The crowd¡¯s gaze toward Sidonie had changed, and there were even some who criticized her. Sidonie¡¯s face turned pale as she hurriedly removed her earrings and ne. That day, she deliberately chose to wear the expensive jewelry Trent had given her. She wanted to use her elegance to highlight Quinn¡¯s inadequacy. However, the earrings and ne had be like a hot potato at that moment. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, is it true, as these documents suggest, that Mr. Grafton has gifted you so many expensive pieces of jewelry?¡± ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, are the pieces of jewelry on you today also gifted by Mr. Grafton?¡± ¡°May I ask if these jewelry pieces hold any special significance?¡± Several reporters who were close to Sidonie then promptly raised their microphones to ask her questions. When faced with the reporters¡® cameras, all Sidonie could do was awkwardly respond, ¡°These are just presents Mr. Grafton gave me as a friend. They don¡¯t hold any special significance.¡± ¡°As friends, huh?¡± Han utterednguidly, ¡°This friend of yours, Trent, sure treats you well. He can¡¯t bear to pay his wife one million five hundred thirty thousand in divorcepensation, yet he has willingly given you jewelry worth fifty million.¡± Sidonie¡¯s face transitioned from pale to a rosy flush. She wanted to defend herself, but she was at a loss for words. A reporter then asked Trent, ¡°Regarding the fifty million spent on jewelry, did you use the investors¡® money? Earlier, you mentioned that all your money is invested in thepany. Could that be considered a lie?¡± Trent¡¯s expression turned unpleasant. ¡°This money has nothing to do with thepany. I¡¯ve never used a single penny of the investors¡® funds for personal expenses!¡± After all, if it were indeed confirmed that he had used investors¡® money to buy jewelry for Sidonie, it would probably deter any future investments in thepany. ¡°You were willing to buy fifty million worth of jewelry for Ms. Stonehurst, but you¡¯re now unwilling to pay one million five hundred thirty thousand for the divorce. Why is that?¡± the reporter continued to probe. Trent was at a loss for words. Just then, Jacinda, who was standing nearby, suddenly uttered, ¡°That¡¯s because Quin Trent is refusing to pay!¡± As soon as those words were spoken, there was a collective gasp among the crowd. Jacinda continued, ¡°I have proof! The one she cheated with is him!¡± ated! That¡¯s why ¤¯ 11:12 Mon, Chapter 53 Hot Potato She pointed at Han. 80% +5 Free Coins The photos that Jacinda presented were of Han and Quinn enjoying drinks and barbecued skewers. together. Military 54 Chapter 54 Backing Quinn Up 4:80% s Quinn was looking at the photos. They were taken the previous night on Laura¡¯s terrace. However, those photos were cleverly captured to only show her with Han, conveniently omitting Laura¡¯s presence. Among them, a particr photo stood out. It showed Han leaning on her shoulder, and she, in turn, held him around his waist. Quinn¡¯s eyes slightly narrowed. At that time, I was just about to help the heavily intoxicated Han into the room. ¡°See? Quinn has cheated with this toy boy, so she¡¯s the one at fault!¡± Jacinda arrogantly dered. ¡°Trent is actually pretty decent, willing to give somepany shares to Quinn. If you ask me, women like her should be left with nothing!¡± ¡°You¡¯re full of it! What are you talking about? Cheating? I was there as well!¡± Laura retorted. ¡°Even if you¡¯re trying to defend Quinn, there¡¯s no need to resort to such flimsy lies.¡± Jacinda scoffed. ¡°They were at my ce! If you want to frame someone, at least use your brain. Last night, the three of us were drinking together. Quinn was merely helping Han into the room. Besides, Han¡¯s uncle came to pick him up shortly after!¡± Laura said, clearly annoyed. ¡°You¡¯re her friend, so naturally, you¡¯d say that. Quinn and this toy boy are having an affair, and you¡¯re clearly covering up for them!¡± Jacinda said. Laura red at Jacinda, her eyes zing with fury. She was just about to charge over and give her a good beating, but Han, who was standing nearby, stopped her. ¡°A toy boy, huh? That¡¯s a first. Never heard someone describe me like that before,¡± sneered Han, his anger turning intoughter. His piercing, narrow eyes, as dark as the night, stared at Jacinda as if she were nothing more than an object. A sudden chill ran up Jacinda¡¯s spine. At the scene, those who knew Han all looked at Jacinda with sympathy. It seems like this woman is in trouble for upsetting the little tyrant. ¡°Can you stand by what you¡¯re saying right now?¡± Han asked, staring intently at Jacinda. Jacinda defiantly retorted, ¡°Why not? This photo clearly shows you cheating with Quinn!¡± ¡°nder can be punishable by up to three years in prison,¡± Han said with a coldugh. ¡°The person who came to pick me up yesterday was my uncle, Mr. Yannick Xiberras. He can vouch that Laura was there as well. Are you suggesting that Mr. Xiberras would also lie?¡± Yannick Xiberras was a renowned fop¨Ctierwyer in Jexburgh. Jacinda had also learned of the renownedwyer, Yannick, during her detainment a fe ys prior. She initially hoped to have Yannick help her and Penelope clear their names. Unfortunately, Yannick simply refused to take on their case. ¡°You¡¯re making baseless usations and ndering someone¡¯s fidelity based on these few iplete 11:13 Mon, 7 Jul G Chapter 54 Backing Quinn Up 800 s photos. What¡¯s this? Do I look like a homewrecker to you?¡± Han slowly approached Jacinda, looking down at her condescendingly. Goosebumps broke out all over Jacinda¡¯s body. The man before her gave off a terrifying vibe. She felt as though he could squash her like an ant at any moment. As for the others around, they couldn¡¯t help but shiver when they saw Han¡¯s icy expression. How could Mr. Ingram, the favored one, possibly be a homewrecker? Trent wanted to say a few words to ease the tense atmosphere. After all, he hadn¡¯t expected Jacinda to drag Han into the matter. At that time, Trent knew he couldn¡¯t afford to offend Han because he could not contend with Han¡¯s influence in Jexburgh.. ¡°Mr. Ingram, Jacinda was just- Before Trent could even finish his sentence, another voice rang out. ¡°Who¡¯s trying to nder Quinn?¡± Upon hearing the sound, Quinn abruptly turned her head, only to see Dominic making his way into the press conference. To her surprise, Julius was actually apanying Dominic. Quickly, Quinn approached Dominic and asked, ¡°Mr. Zahn, what brings you here?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about your divorce today? It¡¯s a big deal!¡± Dominic gazed at Quinn, his criticism. seeminglyyered with underlying concern. His heart ached, especially after he heard people ndering her and making usations of infidelity, which added to his sorrow. If Montague and Arlene could see the injustice Quinn is suffering, they would be utterly heartbroken! ¡°Montague and Arlene are no longer with us, so I¡¯m your elder. I had toe over when I heard about something as significant as your divorce,¡± Dominic said. Quinn¡¯s eyes reddened. Dominic had been a great friend to Montague and Arlene, and he had watched her grow up. Back then, Dominic was the one who handed her her parents¡® ashes. To her, Dominic was like family. ¡°Who are you?¡± Trent asked Dominic. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard Quinn mention anything about an elder!¡± Dominic wasn¡¯t in his military uniform when he went over that day. Instead, he was just dressed in regr casual clothes. ¡°Are you Quinnie¡¯s husband?¡± Dominic peered sharply at Trent. Dominic had served in the military for over thirty years. The intense and stern aura he acquired from his years of military immersion weighed heavily on Trent¡¯s spirits. Before Trent could respond, Penelope from the side was already impatiently dering. Not for long! Trent does not need a woman like Quinn!¡± Military 55 Chapter 55 Shocking Words ¡°Your son is simply unworthy of Quinnic. He wouldn¡¯t even let her bring back her parents¡® ashes! How could he ever be worthy of being Quinnie¡¯s husband?¡± Dominic eximed indignantly. ¡°Pfft! Expecting my son to bring back such an unlucky thing as ashes? In her dreams!¡± Penelope spat out. ¡°That day, Quinn came back with a cremation urn, wanting to keep it at home for a few days. I had to p her to make her stop. If she really dared to keep the cremation urn at home, I would have smashed it. She was trying to bring bad luck to the Grafton family! How vicious¡­¡± Dominic was shaking with rage. Only then did he understand the extent of the humiliation hisrade¡¯s daughter had endured. Han and Laura were visibly upset, and thetter was on the verge of tears. Finally, Laura understood that there was so much more behind Quinn¡¯s desire for a divorce. How could Trent treat Quinnie like this? Penelope was growing more and more pleased with herself as she spoke. Suddenly, a chilling male voice rang out. ¡°p her!¡± Immediately after, a harsh pnded on Penelope¡¯s face, abruptly silencing her venomous words. Everyone was taken aback. The p that had just been dealt was from one of Julius¡® subordinates. However, the person who had given the order was none other than Julius himself. Penelope was left stunned by the p. It took her a moment to regain her senses. She then burst out angrily, ¡°How dare you? Quinn, you¡¯re siding with strangers against me. No wonder your parents died young, having a daughter like you!¡± ¡°Keep pping her!¡± Julius ordered. The subordinate raised his hand and pped Penelope repeatedly. Before long, Penelope¡¯s cheeks had swelled up. The people around didn¡¯t dare to step forward and intervene. After all, that was Julius, the man who practically ruled half of Jexburgh. Trent was about to rush forward, but he was stopped by Julius¡® subordinates. He didn¡¯t dare tosh out at Julius, so he redirected his anger toward Quinn instead. ¡°Quinn, aren¡¯t you going to make them stop? Is this really what you want?¡± Quinn kept her lips tightly sealed, remainingpletely silent. If Penelope had only insulted her, she could have shrugged it off. However, the fact that she disrespected Montague and Arlene was absolutely uneptable. d Montague and Arlene were honorable soldiers, fallen heroes who had sacrificed their lives for their country. The chilling pping sound continued to echo in the air. Chapter 55 Shocking Words. ¡°If something happens to my mom, can you bear the responsibility, Quinn?¡± Trent roared ¡°I¡¯ll take responsibility for this!¡± dered Julius. ¡°If anyone gets hurt or injured, the Whitehorn family will cover all medical andpensation costs!¡± With those words spoken, the scene fell into silence once again. Hearing those words, Penelope grew even more terrified, pleading for Trent¡¯s help. ¡°Quinn, is this really necessary?¡± Trent¡¯s voice was tinged with frustration. ¡°Is it all about the money? Fine! I¡¯ll give you what you want. Will that be enough for you to leave my mother alone?¡± The pping sound temporarily ceased. Julius then looked Quinn, seemingly waiting for her decision. He would have his subordinates continue if she said she wasn¡¯t forgiving Penelope. Quinn looked at Trent and answered, ¡°Yes. I want the money, but you¡¯re not gifting me one million five hundred thirty thousand. You¡¯re merely paying me back! Back then, when you were starting your business and had no money, I handed you one million five hundred thirty thousand in cash to kick¨Cstart your venture! Trent, I¡¯m divorcing you and asking for only one million five hundred thirty thousand. It¡¯s simply because I want to end this marriage once and for all. I can¡¯t stand your family¡¯s nonsense any longer!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice resonated, each word and sentence ringing out clearly. The crowd¡¯s gaze shifted as they looked at Trent, a well¨Cknown figure in the tech industry. Everyone knew that he, a nouveau riche, had built his empire from scratch, but they didn¡¯t know that Quinn, surprisingly, was the one who provided the initial funding for his startup. At that moment, with divorce on the table, Trent was even unwilling to give up that sum of money straightaway. ¡°You could say whatever you want now. I could even say that the startup fund was from my mom to Trent!¡± Jacinda retorted. Laura red at Jacinda. ¡°If the Grafton family could¡¯ve really coughed up the money for Trent back then, he wouldn¡¯t have ended up so poor that the wedding ring he gave Quinnie was nothing more than a cheap trinket worth two hundred from a street stall!¡± ¡°How could Quinn, an orphan, possibly have that much money?¡± Jacinda eximed. ¡°That was Quinn¡¯s parents¡® death gratuity!¡± Laura¡¯s words were shocking. Suddenly, the entire scene fell into a deafening silence. Trent, who had been silent all along, looked at Quinn in disbelief with his contracted pupils. Could it be? Was my initial funding a death gratuity? How could that be possible? However, if it wasn¡¯t a death gratuity, how else could she have up with such a sum of money so suddenly? Trent remembered how she looked when Montague and Arlene passed away. She was heartbroken and in deep pain. He also remembered how uneasy and restless he was when he had no money back then. 2/3 11:13 Mon, 7 Jul II ?? Chapter 55 Shocking Words 80%E s At the height of his desperate yearning for sess, she presented him with a sum of money, saying, ¡°Use this to fulfill your ambitions!¡± ¡°How did youe to have so much money?¡± he asked in shock back then. Military 56 Chapter 56 A Job Offer Chapter 56 A Job Offer ¡°My parents left me the money,¡± she said softly, her gaze on the money filled with sadness. However, at that time, he was so overwhelmed with joy that he didn¡¯t even notice her sadness. 80% $5 Free Coins Step by step, Trent walked up to Quinn, his voice hoarse as he asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me back then that it was your parents¡® death gratuity?¡± At that moment, the heavy feeling in his chest was so intense that it was almost suffocating him. ¡°Back then, I didn¡¯t want you to feel burdened by the amount of money. I didn¡¯t want to add to your worries,¡± Quinn said calmly. Back then, when she entrusted him with her parents¡® death gratuity, she was also cing her hopes for their future marriage into his hands. She thought they could grow old together. Yet, things turned out differently. ¡°Trent, no one knows if she¡¯s telling the truth or not! Don¡¯t believe her!¡± Jacinda protested. ¡°She¡¯s just after the money, and she¡¯ll say anything-¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Trent cut Jacinda off sharply, his eyes filled with frustration, pain, and regret. Had he known back then that his startup fund came from Quinn¡¯s parents¡® death gratuity, he would have treated her better. He would¡¯ve apanied her to collect her parents¡® ashes, and most importantly, he would¡¯ve given her all of that money back during the divorce. The ache in his chest transformed into a profound pain, gradually spreading throughout his entire body. It left him disoriented and consumed by agony., ¡°I¡¯ll find a way to get you the money by tomorrow!¡± he said, his voiceced with bitterness. The next day was the day they had agreed to go to the City Hall to officially process their divorce. At that moment, he found himself utterly unable to suggest recing the money with shares. After all, the money was rightfully hers to begin with, and he owed her. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll wait until tomorrow, then,¡± Quinn said, her gaze icy as she looked at the person before her. If he still wants to deny this debt, then no matter how troublesome it will be, I¡¯ll take him to court and fight it out. Trent was staring nkly at the person in front of him. Once upon a time, the way she looked at him was gentle yet steadfast. It was as if no matter what hardships they encountered, she would always be there by his side, weathering through it all with him. At that moment, however, all that was left was coldness. From then on, she probably wouldn¡¯t be by his side anymore. Right then, Trent was suddenly overwhelmed by an inexplicable sense of loss. O 11:13 Mon, 7 Jul GO Chapter 56 A Job Offer The press conference ended up filled with drama. 80% +5 Free Cons Once the press conference was over, Quinn asked Han and Laura to head back first, as she needed to stay behind to chat with Dominic for a bit. ¡°Are you getting a divorce tomorrow? I could go with you to the City Hall if you want,¡± Han said, still seeming a bit uneasy. ¡°There¡¯s no need for that,¡± said Quinn. ¡°If there¡¯s any more trouble, then I¡¯ll just take it to court. By then, I¡¯ll be demanding more than just one million five hundred thirty thousand!¡± Laura was still grumbling about the despicable behavior of the Grafton family members. Once the two had left, Quinn approached Dominic and said, ¡°Mr. Zahn, I¡¯m sorry you had to witness that today.¡± Dominic looked at Quinn with a pained expression. ¡°My dear, if I had known earlier about all the hardships you¡¯ve been through, I would¡¯ve stepped in sooner! Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m always here to back you up!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Quinn responded, her voice slightly nasal. ¡°By the way, when are you nning to take your parents¡® ashes back to your hometown for burial?¡± Dominic asked. ¡°Once the divorce paperwork is done tomorrow, I¡¯ll head to the airport,¡± said Quinn. Dominic gave a nod. ¡°I¡¯lle by tomorrow to see you off.¡± At that moment, Julius approached and positioned himself beside Dominic, clearing his throat softly. It was as though something had just urred to Dominic. He said, ¡°Oh, right! Quinn, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you.¡± Quinn was puzzled. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Well, you see¡­¡± Dominic seemed a bit embarrassed. ¡°The Whitehorn family¡¯s business has been working in coboration with the military. The head of the Whitethorn family passed away recently, and the session of the family¡­ Well, it¡¯s a bit unstable. Mr. Julius Whitethorn has also experienced numerous assassination attempts in a short span of time. Hence, he was hoping that we could send someone over to ensure his safety and prevent any disruptions to our coboration.¡± It finally clicked for Quinn. It was clear that the military didn¡¯t want anything to happen to Julius. After all, if something were to happen to Julius, what the sessor would do next was anyone¡¯s guess. Thus, ying it safe was the best option. ¡°However, when ites to choosing a person, Mr. Whitehorn has expressed his wish 1 his bodyguard,¡± Dominic said. ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ou to serve as ¡°Ms. Bridger, you¡¯ve saved me from peril a number of times,¡± Julius said. ¡°I¡¯m confident that you can 111 11:13 Mon, 7 Jul Chapter 56 A Job Offer handle this task exceptionally well.¡± Quinn was speechless, finally understanding why Dominic was there with Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitehorn, if you¡¯re seeking protection, there are many in the military far more skilled than I am. and they¡¯d be better equipped to ensure your safety,¡± said Quinn. ¡°However, the only person I trust is you,¡± Julius said. Military 57 Chapter 57 Forgetting His Promise *5 Free Coins ¡°However, I¡¯m headed to Yarburn tomorrow toy my parents to rest, and afterward, I¡¯ll have to sort out their estate there. I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t have the time to take on your bodyguard job.¡± ¡°What a coincidence! I¡¯m also heading to Yarburn. Ms. Bridger, you could handle your parents¡® estate matters while also looking out for me. I don¡¯t need you to be with me around the clock, just whenever you¡¯re free. That¡¯s all the protection I need.¡± Quinn frowned in response. Julius isn¡¯t in bodyguards, so why does he insist on my protection? Is it really just because he¡¯s interested in her? Is there something else? Dominic pulled Quinn aside, saying in a hushed tone, ¡°You¡¯ve already been discharged, and I didn¡¯t really want to drag you into this mess. However, some people in the military said we should at least ask for your opinion. That¡¯s why I brought it up. Feel free to decline. I¡¯ll figure out the rest? Quinn knew that Dominic was genuinely concerned about her. However, if she were to decline, that would only put pressure on Dominic. With hesitation, Quinn cast her gaze toward Julius. Julius then said in a casual tone, ¡°All I need is for you to guard me for just three months, Ms. Bridger. Within that time, I can assure you that I¡¯ll secure my position as the head of the Whitehorn family and expose the mastermind plotting the assassination attempts.¡± Quinn looked up and met Julius¡® gaze. ¡°What if you can¡¯t manage all that within three months?¡± ¡°If that happens, I¡¯ll ept the bodyguard assigned by the military. Ms. Bridger, in three months, whether you want to stay or leave, it¡¯s entirely up to you,¡± he said. In the end, Quinn agreed. She didn¡¯t want Dominic to shoulder any stress for her sake. Besides, three months didn¡¯t seem like a long time to her. She knew it would pass quickly. Before leaving, Dominic quietly advised, ¡°Regardless of anything else, you¡¯re a civilian now. No matter what, your top priority should be your own life. If you ever find yourself in extreme danger, remember that staying alive is what matters most. Understand?¡± Quinn understood that Dominic was genuinely worried about her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I know what I¡¯m doing, she said. Dominic let out a sigh, understanding that even though she had been discharged, her inherent soldier¡¯s instinct would drive her to prioritizepleting her mission. Well, she¡¯s indeed the daughter of Montague and Arlene! That inherent nature of hers, fingrained into her very bones and blood, is something that simply can¡¯t be changed! ¡°Quinn, no matter what, you must keep going and living. It¡¯s not only my wish but also the hope of your parents,¡± Dominic said solemnly. Quinn¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. After a while, she finally managed to utter a soft hum in response. ||| O 80%1 Chapter 57 Forgetting His Promise +5 Free Coms After Dominic had left, Julius turned to Quinn and said, ¡°You¡¯re heading to Yarburn tomorrow, right?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you want me to take you back to your ce?¡± Julius asked. ¡°No. I drove here myself.¡± Quinn turned the offer down gently. Upon hearing that, he merely quirked a small smile at the corner of his lips. ¡°All right. We should be seeing each other again soon anyway.¡± Quinn pursed her red lips. All right, then. It¡¯s just a stint as a bodyguard for three months. The task will be in no time! As soon as Trent returned to the mansion, he secluded himself in his bedroom. The bedroom, once filled with warmth, felt eerily empty to him at that moment, sending chills down his spine. All traces of Quinn in the wardrobe, on the bed, and inside the drawers had vanished. Before he even knew what was happening, she had already moved all her belongings out. It felt as though she waspletely stepping out of his world. Outside the door, there came a series of knocks. The voices of Penelope and Jacinda could be heard. Trent was unfazed, simply continuing his search for any items Quinn might have left behind in the room. When he opened the drawer of the bedside table, he was suddenly taken aback.. Within the drawer, two ringsy quietly. Back when they were gearing up to get married, he¡¯d bought a ring at the night market. He¡¯d only spent two hundred on it. Back then, he had promised Quinn, ¡°Once I start making money, I¡¯ll definitely buy you a beautiful diamond ring!¡± She nced at the ring, her face lighting up with a gentle smile. Without a hint of distaste, she slipped the ring onto her finger. Trent picked up the two rings. Once upon a time, his promises had echoed in her ears. Even though he had eventually made a fortune and had long been capable of buying her a splendid diamond ring, when it came to announcing their divorce, he had still not given her a decent diamond ring. A profound sense of guilt surged within him when he thought about that. After a while, aside from discovering those two wedding rings in the room, Trent couldn¡¯t find anything else rted to Quinn. It was only at that moment that he realized, since their marriage, they had never even taken a wedding VIOLI U Chapter 57 Forgetting His Promise photo. 80% s At first, the n was merely to save some money, with the idea of taking the wedding photos when they had enough money. However, as time passed, he gradually forgot about it, feeling it was no longer necessary. The knocking on the bedroom door grew louder. Eventually, Trent arrived at the door and opened it. Jacinda asked worriedly, ¡°Trent, are you okay?¡± Trent, with a pained expression on his face, clutched the wedding rings in his hand tightly. Military 58 Chapter 58 Nauseated To The Core +3 Free Coins E ¡°It¡¯s all because of Quinn! That b*tch! I always said we shouldn¡¯t have weed her into our family, Penelope grumbled, all the while nursing her pain. Her cheeks were flushed and swollen, and every word she spoke triggered a pang of pain. ¡°Mom! That¡¯s enough! Stop bad¨Cmouthing Quinn. We¡¯ve been married for three years, and she¡¯s never wronged me!¡± Trent shouted. In reality, it was he who had wronged her. ¡°Without her, would I even be living the life I have now?¡± ¡°Trent, are you really siding with Quinn? Just because of that one million five hundred thirty thousand?¡± Jacindained discontentedly. ¡°She only gave you that small amount of money to start your business. The sess of your venture is your achievement, and she has nothing to do with it!¡± Trent was silent. He had once thought the same, but at that moment, he wasn¡¯t so sure anymore. ¡°We¡¯re not officially divorced yet, so I¡¯m still her husband now. Shouldn¡¯t I side with her?¡± Trent said. Jacinda was taken aback. ¡°Trent, what¡¯s gotten into you? You¡¯ve never sided with Quinn before!¡± Trent was taken aback, a sh of surprise crossing his face. He realized then that, ever since they got married, he had never truly sided with her. Whenever she had a conflict with others, he would habitually me her. The feelings of self¨Creproach and regret grew stronger within him. Suddenly, he blurted out, ¡°How much money do you guys still have? Give me some.¡± ¡°Trent, you¡¯re not seriously thinking of giving Quinn one million five hundred thirty thousand, are you?¡± Jacinda asked. ¡°I¡¯m not giving it to her. I¡¯m returning it. Whatever you have, give me all of it,¡± he said. ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t have any money!¡± Jacinda evasively avoided Trent¡¯s gaze, a hint of guilt in her eyes. Penelope also said, ¡°You mentioned earlier that thepany was short on funds and asked me to give you some money. Naturally, I don¡¯t have much left to spare¡± In reality, she did have some money. However, she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Trent giving her money to Quinn. Trent was filled with disappointment. ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ll think of another way.¡± After speaking, he left the mansion immediately and found Sidonie. ¡°Sidonie, c¨Ccould you borrow me some money?¡± Trent asked hesitantly. ¡°Thepany¡¯s funds were tight before, and all my money is tied up there. I don¡¯t have one million five hundred thirty thousand in cash.¡± A look of dilemma crossed Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°I told you before. I can lend you up to one hundred thousand from my savings, but that¡¯s all I have. After all, I¡¯ve only just be a co¨Cpilot, and my ie isn¡¯t that high.¡± 1/3 111 C Chapter 58 Nauscated To The Core Trent gritted his teeth and asked, ¡°What about the jewelry, then?¡± ¡°Jewelry?¡± Sidonic paused in surprise. ¡°Could you pawn a piece or two of the jewelry I gave you before, just enough to gather up one million five hundred thirty thousand? Once mypany¡¯s financial issues are resolved, I¡¯ll buy them back for you,¡± Trent urgently suggested. That was the only way he could think of to raise one million five hundred thirty thousand in the shortest time. A glint flickered in Sidonie¡¯s eyes. Needless to say, she was reluctant. However, she understood that it was a critical moment. After all, using one million five hundred thirty thousand to get rid of Quinn seemed like a good deal. She would only have a chance once Quinn and Trent were divorced. Given Trent¡¯s regard for her, she thought it wouldn¡¯t be long before she became thedy of the Grafton family. ¡°Of course. No problem. I¡¯ll fetch them for you right away,¡± Sidonie said. She even made a point to bring out all the jewelry pieces Trent had given her,ying them out in front of him. The jewelry piecesid on the ck velvet cloth momentarily left Trent stunned, especially when the pair of wedding rings that cost two hundred were still in his pocket. 1 His lips were tightly pressed together, his gazeplex as he looked at the extravagant jewelry in front of him. He had bought so many pieces of jewelry for Sidonie, but he had never bought any for Quinn. Even when Quinn asked him to bid on her mother¡¯s ruby ne at the auction, he gave it to Sidoni. That ne was the one that had been left behind in a foreign country. 1 Had Sidonie not tossed the ne onto the ground back then, there would probably be one more ruby ne added to the jewelry collection there. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Trent?¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice echoed in his ears. Suddenly snapping back to reality, he hastily picked up a ruby ring. ¡°I¨CI¡¯ll pawn this ring first. Once thepany starts making money, I¡¯ll buy it back for you. I¡¯ll even buy you a better one,¡± he said. As he spoke those words, his hand, clutching the ring, was burning. The ring felt like a red¨Chot branding iron, searing his palm. He hadn¡¯t kept his promise to rece Quinn¡¯s ring with a better one, yet he had given Sidonie quite a few rings. Even though Sidonie had saved his life, Quinn was his wife. She was the woman who had stood by his side through the tough times, working hard together to build their business. 2/3 11-13 IVI Chapter 58 Nauseated To The Core However, what he had given to Quinn was far too little. s ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Though Sidonie felt nauseated to the core, she managed to maintain an air of indifference. ¡°You know I¡¯ve never been one to ce much importance on these jewels.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. You¡¯re a woman in a high position. These jewels are merely embellishments to you,¡± said Trent. Military 59 Chapter 59 Keeping His Promise Chapter 59 Keeping His Promise 480% +5 Free Coins However, he couldn¡¯t help but picture someone else in his mind. That person was seated in the cockpit, piloting the ne high into the sky and performing intricate maneuvers. For some reason, the image of Quinn piloting the ne left a more profound impression on him than that of Sidonic. ¡°Don¡¯t stress too much about thepany,¡± Sidonie reassured. ¡°My mother¡¯s family is one of the prominent families in the area. Right now, they¡¯re looking to develop an ind and need a techpany, especially one skilled in drone technology, to get involved. You could give it a shot. I¡¯ll be there to support you.¡± Trent¡¯s eyes lit up. Techpanies were a dime a dozen in Jexburgh, and thepetition was incredibly fierce. If one were to venture into a first¨Ctier city, there would be significantly lesspetition. Moreover, it offered the opportunity to dominate the local market. That could very well be a clever and unconventional strategy. ¡°Sidonic, thank you!¡± Trent uttered gratefully. ¡°Not only did you save me back then, but you¡¯ve also been helping me all along.¡± Sidonic chuckled. ¡°Why should we be so formal with each other? I just want the best for you!¡± She was determined to make a name for herself in the Stonehurst family. She wanted to prove that the second branch of the Stonehurst family was more capable than the main branch. She sought to make those who had once looked down on her bow their heads in her presence. That was why she wasmitted to helping Trent. She wanted to ensure his sess. That way, she could finally attain everything she desired. The next day, at the City Hall, Quinn and Trent collected their waiting number and sat in the waiting area. ¡°I¡¯ll transfer one million five hundred thirty thousand to you,¡± Trent said. ¡°What¡¯s your bank ount number?¡± Quinn provided her bank details, and Trent transferred the funds. A total of one million five hundred thirty thousand was swiftly deposited into Quinn¡¯s ount. She looked at the notification on her phone, which showed a deposit of one million five hundred thirty thousand. A hint of nostalgia flickered in her eyes. For her, it wasn¡¯t just about the money. It was the final expression of love from Montague and Arlene. Trent then murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t realize how much you¡¯ve sacrificed. If I had known earlier-¡± ¡°Had you known earlier, would you have severed ties with Sidonie? Or perhaps, refrained from showering her with suchvish jewels? Or maybe, after your mother and sister did such outrageous things to in that hotel room, you would have acted impartially, had them arrested, and ensured they received e punishment they deserved?¡± O Mon, ?????? Chapter 59 Keeping His Promise Trent was left speechless. g Quinn smiled and said with a hint of sarcasm, ¡°Well, what¡¯s the point of your apology? It¡¯s just empty words! Besides, I don¡¯t need such an apology!¡± At that moment, Trent seemed somewhat hesitant to meet Quinn¡¯s gaze. When it was their turn, the two of them approached and sat down in front of the staff member. The paperwork wasn¡¯tplicated and was finished quite quickly. The two divorce certificates symbolized that they had no connection whatsoever from then on. Quinn gazed at the certificate in her hand and let out a relieved smile. From that moment on, she was no longer Trent¡¯s wife. She was simply Quinn. Just as Quinn was about to leave, Trent suddenly called out, ¡°Wait!¡± ¡°Yes, Mr. Grafton?¡± She turned her head to look at him. Trent felt incredibly gratified by that form of address. ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance to pay my respects to your parents yet. I know it¡¯s a bitte, but could you take me to visit their graves?¡± Quinn suddenly broke intoughter, finding the situation utterly ridiculous. Back when they were still married, he had never once paid respects to Montague and Arlene. He stood her up continuously and left her disappointed time and time again. However, once they were divorced, he offered to pay his respects. Quinn couldn¡¯t help finding the ideaughable. ¡°Trent, my parents don¡¯t need you to pay your respects!¡± Quinn uttered and didn¡¯t spare nce, walking straight out of the City Hall. Outside the City Hall, Laura¡¯s car was already waiting. him another Quinn got into the car, picked up the cremation urn ced on the passenger seat, and gently set it on herp. ¡°Have you divorced him?¡± asked Laura. ¡°Yes!¡± Quinn pulled out her divorce certificate to show Laura. ¡°From now on, I no longer have anything to do with Trent.¡± Quinn figured she should consider herself lucky. In the three years they were married, Trent had never really touched her, and they hadn¡¯t had any children together. Otherwise, if they had a child, even if they got divorced, they¡¯d probably still be entangled with each other because of the child. ¡°Has he given you that one million five hundred thirty thousand?¡± Laura asked again. ¡°Yes.¡± ||| O 11:14 Mon, 7 Jul Chapter 59 Keeping His Promise 80% s ¡°At least he kept his word for once,¡± Laura was clearly still upset with Trent. ¡°When you return from Yarburn in the future, I¡¯ll take you to pray and ward off the bad luck! You are extremely unlucky to have been married to a man like that!¡± With a smile, Quinn gently ran her fingers over the national g draped over the cremation urn. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the airport!¡± That day, she was set to journey to Yarburn, carrying with her the ashes of Montague and Arlene. That was the hometown of Montague and Arlene. Arlene was an orphan, taken in by the Bridger family when she was just a child. Later, she married her adoptive parents¡® son. Quinn remembered Montague and Arlene once saying that if the day came when they passed away, they wished to be buried back in their hometown and return to where they belonged. Hence, she nned toy Montague and Arlene to rest in Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden back in their hometown. When Laura dropped Quinn off at the airport, thetter said, ¡°Go on ahead. I can board the ne by myself.¡± Military 60 Chapter 60 Illegal Substance ¡°We still have some time before your flight, so I¡¯ll keep youpany. Once you¡¯re at the boarding gate, I¡¯ll head back,¡± said Laura. ¡°Surely, you wouldn¡¯t deny me the chance to send Mr. and Mrs. Bridger off!¡± ¡°All right, then,¡± said Quinn. The two of them were already at the airport, but it wasn¡¯t yet time to board the ne. Thus, they settled down to wait in the departure lounge. Quinn gazed down at the cremation urn in her arms. Soon, she would be able to bring Montague and Arlene home. Just then, a voice suddenly rang out. ¡°Quinn, what brings you here?¡± Quinn looked up, only to see Sidonic, d in a co¨Cpilot¡¯s uniform, standing right in front of her. Quinn was slightly taken aback because she didn¡¯t expect to run into Sidonie. Before Quinn could respond, Laura, who was standing nearby, answered on Quinn¡¯s behalf, ¡°Obviously, she¡¯s here to board a ne! What¡¯s the matter? Does one need your approval to be in the departure lounge?¡± Sidonie¡¯s expression shifted slightly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to divorce Trent today? Quinn, could it be that you¡¯ve changed your mind again and are finding it hard to part ways with Trent?¡± Quinn said icily, ¡°I¡¯m already divorced from Trent, so do whatever you want with him from now on!¡± Sidonie breathed a sigh of relief. All she needed was for Quinn and Trent to divorce. After that, she could openly be with Trent. However, as Sidonie looked at Quinn¡¯s cold expression, a sense of displeasure naturally welled up in her heart. ¡°By the way, you¡¯ve already received the one million five hundred thirty thousand, right?¡± Sidonie suddenly said. ¡°That one million five hundred thirty thousand came from me pawning a ring. That¡¯s how Trent could afford to give it to you. Quinn, don¡¯t you think you should thank me?¡± Off to the side, Laura fumed, ¡°My *ss! How dare you, the mistress, act so righteous? Why don¡¯t you tell us how much you¡¯ve taken from Trent these past two years?¡± ¡°Who are you calling a mistress? Show some respect when you speak!¡± Sidonie snapped. ¡°Do you have any proof? If you don¡¯t, I can sue you for defamation!¡± Quinn rose to her feet and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t the documents I presented at the press conference yesterday the best evidence? They show that during my marriage to Trent, he gifted you jewelry worth over fifty million without my knowledge. I can sue for that, right? At least half of those jewels should be mine!¡± ¡°What?¡± Sidonie was abruptly taken aback. Quinn then mocked, ¡°In other words, it¡¯s not me who should be thanking you, but you who should thanking me, for not making a fuss about Trent giving you all those jewels behind my back! However, you¡¯ve reminded me of something. I¡¯ll be taking this to court, and who knows? You might have to give me O < Chapter 60 Illegal Substance back half of those jewels!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Sidonic¡¯s expression changed instantly. The ones beside her were her fellow crew members. They too, began to whisper among themselves. After all, within Nimbus Air, everyone knew that Sidonie had a close rtionship with Trent of Grafton Technologies. Many people had even assumed they were a couple, expressing their envy toward Sidonie fornding a boyfriend who was both wealthy and handsome, Only then did they find out that Trent was actually a married man. That would make Sidonie a mistress. The disdainful nces from the colleagues around her made Sidonie¡¯s face involuntarily flush with embarrassment. Suddenly, she saw the cremation urn Quinn held in her hands, sparking a sh of malice in her eyes. ¡°What are you holding there? I¡¯m suspicious it might not be safe. As the co¨Cpilot, I¡¯m now insisting on inspecting the box in your hands!¡± At the moment, Quinn was situated in the waiting area for the flight that Sidonie was about to pilot. Therefore, Sidonie directly used her co¨Cpilot status to make things difficult for Quinn. The color drained from Quinn¡¯s face. Laura was fuming as she said, ¡°Sidonie, you¡¯re crossing the line!¡± Sidonie lifted her chin defiantly. ¡°How am I crossing the line? I¡¯m doing this for the safety of all the passengers and crew on the ne! Quinn, if you¡¯ve got nothing to hide, let the airport staff do their job and check thoroughly!¡± Quinn held the cremation urn in both hands, her gaze icy as she stared at Sidonie. ¡°This cremation urn contains my parents¡® ashes. I¡¯ve already reported it to Nimbus Air, so there¡¯s no need for an inspection!¡± ¡°Ha! Just because you say it¡¯s ashes, does it really mean it¡¯s ashes? I could say it¡¯s illegal drugs!¡± Sidonie scoffed. ¡°As for your so¨Ccalled report, I didn¡¯t receive anything. Hence, I¡¯m ordering you to give me the box right now!¡± ¡°What if I refuse?¡± The chill in Quinn¡¯s gaze intensified. ¡°Well, I¡¯m now suspecting you of bringing dangerous items into the airport. We¡¯ll have to confiscate the box for a thorough inspection!¡± Sidonie picked up the walkie¨Ctalkie and called the airport security staff. Before long, the security personnel arrived. ¡°I suspect she¡¯s carrying an illegal substance in that box of hers. It needs to be confiscated!¡± Sidonie said to the security personnel. The security personnel stepped forward. ¡°Please hand over the box for inspection. If everything out, it will naturally be returned to you.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already gone through the proper procedures,¡± Quinn responded. ¡°What¡¯s in the box is my parents¡® ||| O 11-14 ?DV? Ju? ?? ? J Chapter 60 Illegal Substance ashes. There¡¯s no need for further inspection.¡± L Military 61 11:14 Mon, 7 Jul Chapter 61 Break Her Bones Chapter 61 Break Her Bones 80% FTM s ¡°Ms. Stonchurst wants to perform an inspection, and we¡¯re just here to help. If you¡¯re not willing to cooperate, we¡¯ll have no choice but to detain you!¡± said the other party. The atmosphere was tense, on the verge of erupting. Just then, someone stepped forward and said, ¡°Quinn, why don¡¯t you let them inspect the cremation urn?¡± Quinn paused, looking at that person with surprise. Trent? What is he doing here? Sidonic walked up to Trent. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Trent¡¯s lips tightened slightly, and he felt a bit shy to admit that he had followed Quinn¡¯s car. He had seen Quinn carrying a cremation urn into the airport and guessed that she was nning to take the ashes back to her hometown to bury Montague and Arlene. That was why he followed her in, to see her off on her journey. ¡°Could it be that you knew about my flight today and came to see me off?¡± Sidonie asked. ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Trent responded, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. He then turned to Quinn and said, ¡°Sidonie is just concerned about safety. She merely wants it inspected!¡± ¡°Inspect?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was stern. ¡°Trent, are you trying to disturb my parents even in their death?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­ I just thought that if there¡¯s no issue-¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already followed the proper procedures!¡± Quinn interjected. ¡°If Sidonie didn¡¯t receive the application, that¡¯s her failing, not mine. You¡¯re not holding Sidonie ountable for her job, but instead you want me to hand over my parents¡® cremation urn to her for inspection! Trent, don¡¯t you find that ridiculous?¡± Trent froze there and then. Quinn¡¯s gaze was on him, chilling and piercing, to the point where he didn¡¯t even have the courage to meet her eyes. Sidonie was urging the security personnel impatiently, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you seized the box from her yet? If there¡¯s a bomb inside, who will take responsibility?¡± As soon as those words were spoken, the security personnel didn¡¯t dare to ignore them. They immediately surrounded Quinn. Laura wanted to help Quinn, but the security personnel immediately stopped her. Quinn held the cremation urn tightly. When the military had initially asked her how she wanted the cremation urn to be handled, she had chosen to personally carry her parents¡® ashes back to their hometown. She wanted toy them to rest in Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden. For that reason, she went to Nimbus Air to apply for the transportation of a cremation urn on a flight and exined her situation as well. Yet, she had never imagined that she would face such a tough situation at that moment. She looked at the people before her, her voice stern as she warned, ¡°I dare you to touch this box!¡± MULT, TU Chapter 61 Break Her Bones 45 Free Coing At that moment, she radiated a deadly aura that came from having weathered the storms of battle. The security personnel who had originally surrounded her felt an instinctive surge of fear, and for a moment, they didn¡¯t dare to approach. ¡°Go on!¡± Sidonie urged. The security personnel had no choice but to bite the bullet and charge forward. With the box cradled in her hands, Quinn lifted her foot and sent the person flying with a swift kick. Subsequently, a few more individuals were knocked down. People kept falling around her, but even when Quinn was hit, she didn¡¯t back down. Instead, her aura became even more astonishing. At that moment, she was like a grim reaper, fighting solely to protect what mattered most in her heart. ¡°How useless can you all be?¡± scolded Sidonie. ¡°There are so many of you, and you can¡¯t handle one woman! Hurry up and snatch the box!¡± ¡°Stop! The ashes belong to fallen heroes!¡± Laura cried out. ¡°Sidonie, have you lost your humanity?¡± ¡°Haha! You should at least make sure your lies are believable,¡± Sidonie mocked. ¡°Sidonie!¡± Quinn looked at Sidonie with a chilling re. Her eyes were like sharp swords filled with malice, aimed directly at her. In the next moment, she suddenly rushed toward Sidonie. The color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face as she turned toward the security personnel, urgently instructing, ¡°Quick! Stop her!¡± Yet, no one dared to intervene. No one dared to approach Quinn, who was clutching the cremation urn tightly. If it really contained the ashes of fallen heroes, no one would dare to intervene. Without any obstacles, Quinn rushed straight toward Sidonie. In one swift move, she kicked Sidonie to the ground, her foot pressing down on Sidonie¡¯s chest. If Quinn kept pressing her foot downward, several of Sidonie¡¯s bones would surely break. Sidonie was both embarrassed and furious. ¡°Quinn, how dare you do this to me? We¡¯re at an airport!¡± ¡°Well, you dared to pull such a stunt, so why wouldn¡¯t I dare to return the favor?¡± Quinn said coldly. ¡°Quinn, Sidonie is just concerned about the airport¡¯s safety. How could you do this-¡°Trent¡¯s words in defense of Sidonie were abruptly cut off as Quinn kicked him away. He flew a distance before crashing heavily into a nearby chair. D Trent was in disbelief as he looked at Quinn. In Quinn¡¯s eyes, there was nothing but coldness. ¡°Trent, you have no right to speak such words to me!¡± ||| 11:14 Mon, 7 JulGO Chapter 61 Break Her Bones +3 Free Coins After she finished speaking. Quinn turned her gaze back to Sidonie, who was still struggling under her foot. ¡°My parents sacrificed their lives for the country. You mustn¡¯t disrespect them at will!¡± ¡°D¨CDo you believe I can stop you from boarding that ne today?¡± Sidonic yelled. ¡°Do you believe me if I say I can stop you from boarding your flight right now?¡± Quinn threatened, lifting her foot, ready to kick toward Sidonie¡¯s chest. Just then, the rhythmic sound of footsteps suddenly echoed throughout the departure lounge of the airport. Following that, a stern voice rang out. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Military 62 Chapter 62 Safety Measures Chapter 62 Safety Measures s Suddenly, Quinn was taken aback. She turned her head and instantly saw a group of people in military uniforms. Mr. Zahn is here! Quinn stared nkly at the figure not far away. Behind Dominic, trailed Arthur, therades Montague and Arlene once fought alongside, and two rows of soldiers d in military uniforms. The soldiers moved in perfect unison, their faces etched with solemnity. In the departure lounge, the hustle and bustle suddenly subsided. Everyone turned their surprised gazes toward the individuals donned in military uniforms. Quinn¡¯s eyes suddenly welled up with tears. Just earlier, she had been put through a tough time, even getting hit by an electric baton, yet she hadn¡¯t thought about crying. However, at that moment, she felt like crying. She knew Dominic and the soldiers from the military camp had arrived to bid Montague and Arlene farewell. The security personnel at the airport had all set down their electric batons, not daring to make any further moves. Looking at the military uniforms before her, Quinn was reminded of her own past as a soldier. She had once dered that she would never engage in uwful activities. Biting back the bitterness in her heart, she lifted her foot off Sidonie. She had broken several of Sidonie¡¯s ribs, even inflicting more severe injuries. It was a way to vent her temporary anger, but she knew it wasn¡¯t worthmitting a crime over someone like that. Struggling to her feet, Sidonie roared, ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m going to sue you!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to sue you first!¡± Laura burst out from the side. ¡°You¡¯re the reason Quinn was surrounded by airport security and hit with an electric baton!¡± ¡°Electric baton?¡± Dominic¡¯s face fell, his gazending on the electric batons in the hands of the security personnel. ¡°H¨CHow dare you hit her with an electric baton? She¡¯s the offspring of fallen heroes! Her parents sacrificed their lives for the country, and she herself is a discharged soldier who risked her life for the nation! How could you dare do such a thing in broad daylight?¡± Dominic¡¯s voice wasmanding and resonant, like a thunderp on a clear day, startling all the airport staff into exchanging bewildered nces. An offspring of fallen heroes? Could it be that the cremation urn actually contains the ashes of fallen heroes? This woman is astonishingly a discharged soldier who went through life and death for the country! Immediately, all the security personnel who hadid a hand on Quinn found themselves excha uneasy nces, their faces a picture of confusion and uncertainty. g Sidonie was in disbelief. How could Quinn¡¯s parents be fallen heroes? Trent never mentioned it before! ? O 11:14 Mon, 7 Jul on, 7 Jul G Chapter 62 Safety Measures µçÆø80%•þ: 15 Fies Comms ¡°Trent¡­¡± She turned to look at Trent, who was standing beside her, only to find him staring nkly ahead. He was looking at Quinn. It seemed as though, in that moment, his eyes only saw Quinn, to the point where he hadn¡¯t even heard her call his name earlier. A sh of jealousy flickered in Sidonie¡¯s eyes. At that moment, Trent was more shocked than anyone else. Only then did he realize that what Quinn had said earlier was actually true. Her parents were indeed fallen heroes who had sacrificed themselves for the country. Back then, what emotions must have been stirring within Quinn when she hoped for me to apany her to collect her parents¡® ashes? I¡­ Thinking back on his past actions, Trent felt an increasing sense of regret. He also remembered Quinn returning to the mansion, cradling the cremation urn. Penelope had scorned Quinn, pointing at the cremation urn and repeatedly calling it bad luck. Her parents, fallen heroes who sacrificed themselves for the country, were shunned when their daughter got married! Trent regretted it so much that he wanted to p himself across the face. Just then, several top executives from Nimbus Air hurried over. ¡°Commander Zahn, you¡¯re here. Oh¡­ Ms. Bridger, this is¡­¡± Seeing Dominic¡¯s angry expression and Quinn¡¯s state at that moment, the top executives were instantly taken aback. ¡°Just a moment ago, Quinn was surrounded and attacked by a group of you from Nimbus Air, even while she was holding the ashes of our fallen heroes. Give me an exnation. Why on earth would you do such a thing?¡± Dominic questioned sternly. The executives exchanged nces. Finally, it was the director of the Public Rtions Department at Nimbus Air who broke the silence by saying, ¡°Can someone please exin to me what on earth is going on?¡± Everyone exchanged nces before turning their attention to Sidonie. At that moment, all Sidonie could do was to steel herself and exin, ¡°I found the cremation urn she was carrying suspicious, so I asked for it to be inspected. However, Quinn refused to cooperate, so I had to call security!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t believe you came up with that!¡± Dominic said, seething with frustration. The soldiers trailing behind Dominic all wore expressions of anger on their faces. ¡°I was just looking out for the safety of everyone on board!¡± Sidonie defended herself. ¡°If by any chance the cremation urn contained some explosive or toxic substance instead of ashes, the whole ne would be in jeopardy!¡± ¡°However, I had already reported it. All Ms. Stonehurst had to do was check, and it would¡¯ve been clear. Instead, she refused to check and insisted on detaining the cremation urn for inspection. What¡¯s the reasoning behind that?¡± Quinn stared at Sidonie, her face cold with frustration. ||| O 80% Chapter 62 Safety Measures ¡°I¨CI just wanted to be on the safe side!¡± Sidonic continued to defend herself. +5 Free Coins ¡°Oh? Did a co¨Cpilot like you have the right to inspect the cremation urn of fallen heroes just because you- wanted to? Did you have the right to seize it?¡± Dominic questioned coldly. Military 63 Chapter 63 The Real Savior Chapter 63 The Real Savior ¡°I had no clue the cremation urn contained the ashes of our fallen heroes!¡± Sidonie hastily eximed. Laura pushed past the security personnel blocking her, stepped forward, and raised her voice to say, ¡°I shouted to tell them the cremation urn contained the ashes of our fallen heroes! Why did you urge them to snatch the cremation urn away?¡± The color drained from Sidonic¡¯s face instantly, and once those words fell, the soldiers¡® res at her intensified with anger. Upon seeing the situation, the executives at Nimbus Air were so infuriated that they felt like swearing at Sidonie. The woman who usually prided herself on being a strong, independent individual had actually pulled an idiotic move. The vice president decisively stated, ¡°I believe Ms. Stonehurst is not fit for flight duties right now. We need to immediately assign another co¨Cpilot to take over her responsibilities!¡± ¡°Understood!¡± someone nearby responded, hurriedly dialing a number to contact the potential co¨Cpilot. Sidonie¡¯s face was deathly pale, her body swaying unsteadily. She might have tumbled to the ground if it hadn¡¯t been for Trent¡¯s support. No! This can¡¯t be happening! If I get suspended, it¡¯ll affect my chances of promotion in the future. ¡°What should I do? I can¡¯t lose my job, Trent. Please help me out!¡± Sidonie clung to Trent as if grasping at her lifeline. He gazed at Sidonie, who, once radiant and proud, had a pale face at that moment, her eyes filled with resentment. Trent was filled with sympathy and couldn¡¯t help but step forward. He then said to Quinn, ¡°Maybe you could forgive Sidonie just this once. If she really gets grounded, it will have a huge impact on her. Besides, you¡¯ve already injured her and vented your frustrations¡­¡± Dominic looked at Trent with displeasure. ¡°What more do you have to say? Quinn has already divorced you!¡± ¡°I-¡± Before Trent could finish his sentence, Quinn had already cut him off by saying, ¡°Trent, I was cornered and harassed just now, and you didn¡¯t utter a single word to defend me. Yet, now that Sidonie is in trouble, you¡¯re standing up for her. I¡¯ve said it before. You have no right to say such words to me!¡± ¡°Quinn, for the sake of the three years we¡¯ve spent as husband and wife, I beg you to forgive Sidonie just this once!¡± Trent uttered through gritted teeth. He knew that Sidonie was in the wrong, but no matter what, Sidonie was his savior. Regardless of the circumstances, he was indebted to her and would stand by her side. ¡°Haha!¡± Quinn suddenly burst intoughter, a hint of tears shimmering in her eyes. Her lingering regrets for Trent were finally put to rest there and then. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t saved you from the river after you¡¯d been ||| O L Chapter 63 The Real Savior 45 Free Coins stabbed eight times, would you even be alive to say these things to me now? Trent, you¡¯re such a jerk!¡± 1 ¡°What? What did you just say? What do you mean you saved me from the river after I was stabbed eight times?¡± Trent¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply as he stared nkly at Quinn. Sidonie was clearly the one who saved me! However, Quinn didn¡¯t seem interested in paying him any attention. Just as Trent was about to close in on Quinn, Sidonie suddenly grabbed hold of him, preventing him from taking another step forward. Trent paused in his steps, turning to look at Sidonie. He saw her head bowed, making it impossible to discern her expression. However, her hands were constantly trembling. The time hade for boarding. Dominic patted Quinn on the shoulder and said, ¡°All right. It¡¯s time to get on the ne. Once you reach Yarburn, don¡¯t forget to have your injuries checked at the hospital. Don¡¯t underestimate minor injuries just because you¡¯re in good shape.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± said Quinn. Dominic suddenly stood tall and gave Quinn a military salute. ¡°Thank you for escorting our fallen heroes, Montague Bridger and Arlene Gurney, home!¡± Following behind Dominic, other military officers and soldiers who went to see Quinn off also gave her a salute in unison. Together, they shouted, ¡°Our fallen heroes are heading home!¡± A solemn and serious voice echoed throughout the departure lounge. Everyone else in the departure lounge was also quietly observing that solemn scene at that moment. Quinn¡¯s eyes were red and misty, clouded with unshed tears. Are Mom and Dad seeing this? Their haven¡¯t forgotten them! They¡¯ve to bid them farewell! Cradling her parents¡® cremation urn in her arms, she bowed deeply three times toward Dominic and the soldiers who had gone there to bid her farewell. Only then did she turn around and walk toward the boarding gate. She was bringing Montague and Arlene home. As for Trent, he was staring intensely at Quinn¡¯s retreating figure, his mind in utter disarray. He had so many questions he wanted to ask Quinn. Why did she im to be my savior? I never told her about the time I was stabbed eight times and fell into the river. How could she possibly know about that? Trent wanted answers. Watching as Quinn disappeared into the boarding gate, all Trent could do was press his lips together tightly. He was determined to figure it out and uncover everything. As Sidonie watched Quinn¡¯s retreating figure, a wave of fear swept over her. What¡¯s going on? Could Quinn O 11:14 Mon, 7 Jul Chapter 63 The Real Savior really be Trent¡¯s savior? How could that be? Back then, she didn¡¯t actually save Trent. She merely witnessed him being rescued and brought to the riverside. It was Trent who believed she was his savior, and she simply went along with it. Military 64 Chapter 64 Return The Favor Chapter 64 Return The Favor 43.73%1 s Initially, she merely thought that adding a heroic deed of saving someone to her life story wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea. After all, Trent was nothing more than a penniless guy back then, and she didn¡¯t mind it. However, things had changed. At that moment, Trent was a person she couldn¡¯t let go of. She was determined to find a way to trick and convince Trent that she was indeed his savior. Quinn cradled the cremation urn as she boarded the ne. Because of the cremation urn, she had made sure to book a seat in business ss. However, when she entered the business ss cabin, she noticed it was almost empty, except for the staff and one other person, Julius. For a moment, she was taken aback. She didn¡¯t expect to be on the same flight as Julius. ¡°I told you we¡¯d see each other again soon,¡± he said. Quinn didn¡¯t know what to say in response. Well, this is rather soon. She then sat down, cradling the cremation urn. Her seat was right next to Julius! In the entire business ss cabin, aside from the two of them, there were no other passengers. After the ne had taken off, Julius¡® voice suddenly sounded in her ear. ¡°Ms. Bridger, you¡¯ve certainly surprised me today.¡± She paused momentarily, then quickly grasped what he was referring to. ¡°You saw what happened in the departure lounge, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I did,¡± he replied casually. He saw how she was surrounded by a dozen security guards, recklessly fighting to protect the cremation urn she was clutching. He noticed that even when she was hit with an electric baton, she refused to let go of the cremation urn. Just as he was about to step in and help her, she suddenly clutched the cremation urn and rushed toward Sidonie, trampling her underfoot. She even managed to send Trent flying with a swift kick. At that moment, her face was filled with anger, her gaze sharp and piercing. It contrasted against her handsome features, creating a dazzling image that made it almost impossible for him to look away. However, Julius was puzzled. Why, though? Even if he had a bit of admiration for Quinn, it was supposed to be merely admiration. Just as he was intrigued by Quinn and wanted her to be his bodyguard, he believed that if she stayed by his side for a while, his interest in her would naturally fade. Beyond that, there would be nothing else. Even if she were to copse in front of him and die, he wouldn¡¯t O §¤ 13:24 Mon, 7 Jul og ? Chapter 64 Return The Favor feel a thing. For him, he never cared about life, whether it was his own or others¡®. s That day, however, his emotions seemed to ebb and flow with hers. Seeing the electric baton hit her body, watching her grit her teeth, and witnessing her stumble, he found himself consumed by an anger so intense that it surprised even him. In the end, seeing her astonishing strength, he seemed entranced as he stared at her. ¡°Did you risk your life to protect the ashes because they belong to our fallen heroes?¡± Julius asked. Quinn lowered her gaze, looking at the cremation urn ced on the table nearby. ¡°Apart from being fallen heroes, they were also my parents. Parents protect their children for half their lives, so shouldn¡¯t children protect their parents¡® ashes?¡± Julius pursed his lips slightly, his toneced with a hint of sarcasm as he said, ¡°Not all parents protect their children.¡± Taken aback, Quinn quickly responded, ¡°Yes. There are parents who aren¡¯t kind to their children. However, my parents were wonderful to me. Thus, no matter how much pain I was in, I¡¯d never let anyone disrespect their ashes!¡± ¡°In other words, you always reciprocate when someone treats you well, right?¡± he abruptly asked. She looked at him, somewhat bewildered. How did the conversation end up here? ¡°When others treat me well, it¡¯s only right that I return the favor,¡± she said, looking up with a serious expression. ¡°So, what if it were me? If I treated you well, would you protect my ashes with the same intensity after I¡¯m gone, not letting anyone disturb them?¡± he asked, staring intently at her. In an instant, Quinn felt as though a wild beast was watching her. Even though his eyes were clearly cold and silent, they gave her a burning sensation. Many people tended to avoid the concept of death. Those with wealth and power feared it the most. Julius was a man of wealth and power,cking nothing in his life. Yet, he spoke of death with such nonchnce. ¡°I¡¯m sure many others will safeguard your ashes in the future, Mr. Whitethorn. There won¡¯t be any need. for me to do so.¡± ¡°So, are you not nning to return me the favor?¡± he queried. The issue is that he hasn¡¯t been particrly nice to me. Quinn inwardly scoffed at the thought. However, considering she still had to act as his bodyguard for three months, she decided it was unnecessary to make their rtionship overly tense. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you¡¯re in great health, so I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll live a long, fruitful life. Who knows what the future holds? Maybe I¡¯ll be the one to die first,¡± she said. ||| O < 13:24 Mon Chapter 64 Return The Favor 3073% +5 Free Coins He slightly furrowed his brows, finding her words about dying carlier than him somewhat grating to his cars. ¡°If such a day everes, I promise to safeguard your ashes, not letting anyone even slightly disturb them!¡± he said. Quinn almost choked on her own saliva when she heard those words. She hadn¡¯t nned on having him look after her ashes in the future. Military 65 Chapter 65 Rich Husband s Meanwhile, Sidonie had to face questions from Nimbus Air¡¯s senior management, while Trent left the airport alone. His mind was still in a fog, his thoughts filled only with the final words Quinn had said to him before leaving the airport. Who saved me? Was it Quinn or Sidonic? When I opened my eyes, the first person I saw was Sidonic. The hospital staff also confirmed that it was Sidonic who had apanied me to the hospital. However, why would Quinn say such a thing? Was it a lie? Was it¡­ He felt as though a massive weight was pressing on his chest, making it somewhat difficult for him to breathe. Upon returning to the mansion, Trent immediately saw Penelope and Jacinda on the couch. As soon as they saw him return, they immediately went up to greet him. ¡°Trent, why have you onlye back now? You were just supposed to get a certificate from the City Hall. Did Quinn refuse to divorce?¡± Jacinda asked. Trent is the boss of a publicly traded and is seen by many as a highly desirable rich husband. It¡¯s only natural for Quinn to find it hard to let go. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Does she think one million five hundred thirty thousand isn¡¯t enough?¡± Penelope huffed in annoyance. ¡°In my opinion, giving her one million five hundred thirty thousand is too generous!¡± ¡°Mom, stop!¡± Trent rubbed his temples. ¡°Quinn and I are already divorced!¡± ¡°Really?¡± A smile spread across Penelope¡¯s face. ¡°Why would I lie?¡± Trent replied. ¡°That¡¯s great! It¡¯s good that you¡¯re no longer with her. A woman like Quinn is just not right for you. Sidonie is so much better. She¡¯s from the Stonehurst family and also a co¨Cpilot! I would be so proud to have a daughter¨Cinw like her!¡± Penelope uttered joyfully, her mind already racing ahead to the envious expressions of her rtives in her hometown when they found out her daughter¨Cinw was a youngdy from a prestigious family. Gloating at another¡¯s misfortune, Jacinda said, ¡°Trent, now that Quinn has divorced you, she¡¯ll regret itter. She¡¯ll be wondering where she can find another man as wonderful as you!¡± As she spoke, she turned to Trent with an enthusiastic grin. ¡°Hey, how about this? When you and Sidonie get married in the future, why not send an invitation to Quinn? She coulde to the wedding.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just friends with Sidonie,¡± Trent said, furrowing his brows. ¡°Friends? What do you mean? Trent, don¡¯t try to fool Mom and me with that. We both know that Sidonie is your first crush. You only married Quinn because you were heartbroken when Sidonie went abroad. Now that you¡¯re divorced, you can finally be with Sidonie,¡± Jacinda said. ¡°Absolutely! We¡¯re family, so you don¡¯t have to hide that from us. I understand your feelings. Give it some time, and I¡¯ll arrange your marriage with Sidonie,¡± Penelope chimed in. Looking at Penelope and Jacinda, Trent felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. ? O < 13124 Mon Chapter 65 Rich Husband 73% s Without uttering another word, he went straight upstairs and returned to his bedroom. Even Mom and Jacinda don¡¯t believe that Sidonic and I are just friends! Have my actions really led to so many misunderstandings? Initially, his affection for Sidonic was born out of gratitude, as she had saved his life. Additionally, her beauty and status as the daughter of the Stonehurst family also appealed to him. Back then, she was someone he could only dream of having. He was acutely aware of the gulf between them. Because of that, he had always kept his love for her hidden deep within his heart, never daring to reveal it. Even his kindness toward her was often disguised as a way of repaying a debt. However,ter on, he married Quinn. He understood the responsibilities that came with marriage. Even when Sidonie returned, even though he still harbored a sense of love and gratitude for her deep down, he never once crossed the line with Sidonic. He knew he had to bemitted to his marriage, but he also wanted to be kind to Sidonie. Therefore, hebeled them as friends to cover things up. However, nobody really thought of him and Sidonie as friends. Trent thought back to Quinn¡¯s usations. She had imed that he was merely trying to avoid the guilt of moral responsibility and preserve his reputation. That was why, as a cover¨Cup, he kept saying Sidonie was his friend. Trent pulled out his divorce certificate, feeling a bitter taste in his mouth. Just then, his phone started to ring. ncing at the caller ID, Trent saw it was a call from Sidonie. Perfect timing! I have questions for her! He picked up the phone, and from the other end, he could hear Sidonie¡¯s anxious voice. ¡°Trent, where are you now? I want to see you,¡± she said. ¡°Where are you? Maybe I shoulde pick you up,¡± Trent said. ¡°I¡¯m still at the airport. I¡¯ve just left the vice president¡¯s office.¡± Sidonie sounded aggrieved. Under normal circumstances, he probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to resist offeringfort. At that moment, however, he found himself unable to utter a single word of sce. ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll go over now!¡± With that, Trent ended the call and went to the airport. Sidonie tightly held her phone in her grasp, her teeth biting down on her lip in anxiety. A flicker of unease crossed her face. She was determined not to let Trent discover the truth. Only I can be Trent¡¯s savior! Half an hourter, Trent arrived at the airport terminal and spotted Sidonie. Sidonie¡¯s eyes were brimming with tears. With her slightly pale face, she didn¡¯t look as prideful as usual. Instead, she looked pitiful. ||| O Military 66 Chapter 66 Rather Never Have Saved You Chapter 66 Rather Never Have Saved You s The moment she spotted Trent, Sidonie rushed over and threw herself into his arms. ¡°Are you mad at me for being too impulsive today?¡± she asked. ¡°I swear, I didn¡¯t mean to single out Quinn. I was only thinking about safety. That¡¯s the only reason I acted the way I did!¡± ¡°I get it, I didn¡¯t handle it well. That¡¯s why it all went south. Honestly, if Quinn had just told me earlier that her parents were war heroes, that those were the ashes of fallen heroes, none of this would¡¯ve happened! She did it on purpose; she wanted to see me humiliate myself!¡± Once again, Sidonicid all the me squarely on Quinn. Trent looked down at the woman in his arms. ¡°But didn¡¯t Quinn¡¯s friend yell that those were the ashes of fallen heroes? You just didn¡¯t believe it.¡± Sidonic stiffened. ¡°Trent, are you taking their side now? Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d always be with me, no matter. what?¡± Trent¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. He didn¡¯t respond to that. ¡°Let¡¯s find somewhere to sit down and get something to cat,¡± he said instead. ¡°All right,¡± Sidonie agreed. But the moment Trent turned around, a sharp flicker crossed her eyes. Trent¡¯s attitude has changed. Is it because of what Quinn said before she left? I need to make sure I erase any doubts that might have settled in his mind. They headed to a restaurant near the airport and settled into a private room. After ordering two coffees, Sidonie started talking. ¡°After what happened today, I¡¯ll need to take some time off work,¡± she said. ¡°But I¡¯ve been thinking, it might actually be a good chance for me to go with you to Yarburn. I can introduce you to my mom¡¯s side of the family and help you build some local connections.¡± Trent nodded while sipping his coffee, but his thoughts were elsewhere. At that moment, only one thing. really mattered to him. ¡°Sidonie, I need to ask you something,¡± he said seriously. ¡°Who really pulled me out of the river that time?¡± As soon as the question left his mouth, Sidonie¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Trent, what are you even saying? Are you doubting me now? All because of what Quinn said before she left?¡± ¡°No, no! I¡¯m not using you of anything. I just want to know what really happened back then.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I already exin it to you?¡± she said, feigning irritation. ¡°I found you in the river and pulled you out. Then the ambnce showed up and took you to the hospital. You got treatment right away. Everyone saw it happen!¡± But the cold sweat in her palms betrayed the calm tone in her voice. Trent clenched his jaw. A lot of people had seen it, so I shouldn¡¯t be doubting. Yet, I can¡¯t shake off the image of Quinn¡¯s expression when she made that . She was so certain, so filled with disdain, almost like she was the one who saved me. ||| O < 13:25 Mon, 7 Jul Mon, 7 Jul G Chapter 66 Rather Never Have Saved You 73% +5 Free Coins ¡°I never told Quinn about the river ident. I never mentioned being stabbed eight times. But somehow, she knew,¡± Trent said quietly. ¡°You should¡¯ve asked her how she knew!¡± Sidonic snapped before immediately regretting it. If he did ask Quinn, it might just confirm everything. ¡°Back then, everyone knew about your injuries¨Cyour ssmates, hospital staff, other people. Maybe Quinn overheard it from somewhere,¡± Sidonic added, trying to steady herself. ¡°But if she really had saved you, why has she never said anything about it?¡± Trent said nothing. The same question had been gnawing at him. If it really was Quinn, why hasn¡¯t she said a word all this time? Why was Sidonie the first person I saw when I woke up? ¡°Maybe Quinn found out about what happened and is now using it to drive a wedge between us,¡± Sidonic said. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why she brought it up the way she did.¡± Still, Trent remained quiet. Is that really what¡¯s happening? It was Quinn who brought up the divorce first. She showed no signs of nostalgia or doubt. Could someone like her actually sink to lying just to get in the way of someone else¡¯s rtionship? He thought back to Quinn on horseback, flying a ne, fending off more than ten men to protect her parents¡® cremation urn. For a long time, he had thought Sidonie was dashing and spirited. But now, it seemed Quinn embodied those words even more. Seeing his silence, Sidonie suddenly said, ¡°Trent, if you really believe Quinn¡¯s version of the story, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve said from the beginning that saving you was just an act of kindness. I never expected anything in return. I never needed to be someone¡¯s hero.¡± She stood up as if ready to walk out. Trent quickly reached out and held her arm. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sidonie. It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have doubted you. Back then, I had nothing at all. I know you helped me out of goodwill.¡± ¡°Good that you know.¡± Sidonie gave him a reproachful look before softening her tone. ¡°I¡¯ve never cared about being your savior. What matters to me is your trust. If just one word from Quinn is enough to make you question me, then I¡¯d rather never have saved you.¡± W O Military 67 Chapter 67 I Just Want Your Trust Chapter 67 I Just Want Your Trust 73% +5 Free Coins A flicker of guilt shed through Trent¡¯s eyes. Back then, he had nothing. Sidonic had no reason to pretend she saved him, especially when there was nothing to gain. It has to be Quinn. She must¡¯ve figured it out somehow and said it just to get under my skin. ¡°Sidonie, I believe you,¡± he said slowly, meeting her gaze. ¡°To me, you¡¯re the one who saved my life. You¡¯re the only one.¡± His voice was firm. He had to stop doubting her. If he kept this up, he¡¯d only end up breaking her heart. Finally, Sidonie rxed, a faint smile touching her lips. ¡°Good. Then don¡¯t start doubting me again. Next time, I might not forgive you so easily.¡± ¡°There won¡¯t be a next time,¡± Trent promised. But deep inside, unease still lingered. When Sidonie mentioned going with him to Yarburn to visit her mother¡¯s rtives, it struck him. Yarburn was also where Quinn¡¯s parents hade from. Maybe I¡¯ll run into Quinn there. When I do, I¡¯m going to demand an exnation for her lying to me! Julius and Quinn stepped off the ne together. She had originally booked a hotel room for herself, but Julius objected. ¡°Since you¡¯ve agreed to be my bodyguard for the next three months, it only makes sense that we live under the same roof.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to start arranging my parents¡® funeral tomorrow. It might not be very convenient for me to stay. with you, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± Quinn said. ¡°That¡¯s all right. I told you before, I don¡¯t need full¨Ctime protection. Just keep an eye on me when you¡¯re free. It¡¯s only three months, Ms. Bridger. You agreed to it, didn¡¯t you?¡± Julius reminded her. Quinn had, in fact, given her word to Dominic So in the end, she agreed. Three months would go by fast enough. The driver who picked them up was local. Once they got into the car, Julius told him to head straight for a high¨Cend restaurant in Yarburn. Seated in the back, Quinn looked out the window, quietly taking in the sights. Yarburn¡¯s charm was different from that of Jexburgh. There was something softer about it, something gentler, like a river town with calm greenery lining both sides of the road and clusters of low¨Crise buildings. It looked nothing like the ce she remembered from her childhood. So much had changed.. Her memories of Yarburn were faint at best. She¡¯d left with her parents while still in elementary school, settling in Jexburgh. Even though she had returned once in high school to honor their ancestors, that had been ages ago. Her parents had made several visits over the years, but between her studies and work, she¡¯d always missed them. She still remembered what her parents had told her three years ago, right before their assignment with the Peacekeeping Force. Once the mission wasplete, they¡¯d nned toe back to Yarburn as a family. But now, she was returning with nothing but their ashes. O 13:25 Mon, 7 JUL ? Chapter 67 1 Just Want Your Trust +5 from Coins Just then, Quinn spotted an ancestral hall by the roadside, tucked into the heart of downtown. ¡°That ancestral hall¡­¡± she murmured under her breath. The driver heard her and said, ¡°That¡¯s the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. Here in Yarburn, the Bridgers are a pretty prominent family.¡± He went on, ¡°Thirty years ago, when the real estate market was just heating up, and developer offered two billion to buy thatnd. He even called in a whole bunch of gangsters to pressure them. But the Bridger family members came back from all corners of the country and refused to sell. They said it wasnd passed down from the ancestors. It was a big scene, really dramatic. Eventually, thend developer and his people just slinked away. No one¡¯s dared to mess with the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall since.¡± Quinn listened, her heart rising and falling with every word. Her father had once told her the same story. Back then, the Bridger family hadn¡¯t been wealthy, but they had been tight¨Cknit. They used to draw lots, and whoever drew the ¡°life or death¡± lot had to stay behind and guard the ancestral hall. If that person died, the rest of their family members would be looked after by the family. But her grandfather hadn¡¯t waited for the draw. He raised his knife and said, ¡°My son¡¯s grown. He doesn¡¯t need help from the family. My wife¡¯s gone. I¡¯ve got nothing left to hold me back. I¡¯ll stake my life for the family!¡± Her father had said that to him, his own father had been nothing short of a hero. Unfortunately, her grandfather died in an ident, and her parents moved to Jexburgh afterward. Still, no matter what, Yarburn was their home. As the car passed the Bridger ancestral hall, Quinn gently cradled the cremation urn in her arms. She would bring her parents¡® ashes back there. This was the ce her grandfather had risked his life to protect. It carried the legacy of generations, filled with honor and history. Beside her, Julius turned slightly, stealing a nce at her with an unreadable expression. When the car pulled up to the restaurant, the two got out. As soon as they stepped through the entrance, a female voice called out, ¡°Julius! What brings you to Yarburn?¡± Quinn looked up to see a young woman approaching Julius. She had an oval face, gold¨Crimmed sses, and was dressed in thetest high¨Cend fashion. The jewelry alone looked like it could cover several months¡® rent. = ||| 13:25 Mon, 7¨Cour Military 68 Chapter 681 Would Never Get Divorced Chapter 68 I Would Never Get Divorced +5 Free Coins Despite all the elegance, the woman¡¯splexion looked off¨Cpale, almost sickly. A few other people around her age trailed behind, stepping forward as well. ¡°I¡¯m here on business,¡± Julius replied tly. ¡°Is it for that ind development project?¡± the woman asked. Julius didn¡¯t confirm or deny. He kept his tone indifferent, and the woman didn¡¯t press the issue. ¡°Well, since we¡¯ve run into each other, why not join us for a meal? My friends have heard all about you. They¡¯re dying to meet you.¡± As she spoke, herpanions behind her lit up. Sharing a meal with someone as influential as Julius, the head of the Whitethorn family, was no small deal. Julius scanned the group casually, then said, ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to eat withpany. Let¡¯s go, Ms. Bridger.¡± Quinn was about to follow him when the woman stepped in front of her. ¡°What a coincidence. Yourst name¡¯s Bridger, too?¡± she said with a soft smile. ¡°Mine¡¯s Bridger as well. I¡¯m Marley Bridger. I¡¯ve known Julius since we were kids. May I ask, what¡¯s your rtionship with him?¡± Before Quinn could respond, Julius cut in coldly, ¡°Since when do you think it¡¯s your business who I¡¯m with?¡± ¡°I was just concerned, that¡¯s all. If this Ms. Bridger is a friend-¡± ¡°She¡¯s more than that,¡± Julius said, grabbing Quinn¡¯s hand and leading her away. Marley watched the two of them go, her red lips tightening. Her usual refined expression darkened. Someone beside her tried tofort her. ¡°That woman is clearly just a fling.¡± ¡°Exactly. Samest name or not, she¡¯s nothingpared to you, Marley.¡± ¡°You¡¯re from the main branch of the Bridger family. She¡¯s just a nobody.¡± In the private dining room, Quinn and Julius took their seats. ¡°Since this is your hometown, why don¡¯t you choose the dishes?¡± he said. Without hesitation, Quinn opened the menu. She¡¯d been yearning for local food, and now that she was back, the dishes listed before her brought a wave of nostalgia. She ordered several tes, all her parents¡® old favorites. If they were still alive, they¡¯d have ordered the same, wouldn¡¯t they? Julius handed the menu to the waiter. ¡°We¡¯ll start with these.¡± Quinn raised an eyebrow. ¡°Not ordering anything yourself?¡± ||| O 07.01 Chapter 68 I Would Never Get Divorced ¡°This should be enough. If it¡¯s not, we¡¯ll order more.¡± She nced at him, amused. Isn¡¯t he worried I might pick something he doesn¡¯t like? 73%0 s The waiter left the room, and Julius turned to her. ¡°What did you say to Trent at the airport today?¡± He saw her speak to Trent before boarding the ne. Immediately after, Trent¡¯s expression shifted drastically. However, due to the distance, he couldn¡¯t make out what she had said. Quinn was caught off guard, but she quickly realized they were on the same flight. It was no surprise that he must¡¯ve been nearby. ¡°It was nothing important. Just something I said off the cuff,¡± she replied. Back then, saving Trent had been no big deal to her, so she hadn¡¯t made anything of it. She¡¯d recognized him the moment she saw him, but hadn¡¯t said anything out of concern that he might think she had an agenda. That silence had turned into a habit. If things hadn¡¯t escted that day, she probably still wouldn¡¯t have said a word. Julius watched her for a beat, then asked lightly, ¡°If he regrets letting you go someday, would you ever go back to him?¡± ¡°No,¡± Quinn said without hesitation. ¡°Even if he got down on his knees?¡± She arched a brow. ¡°What about you, Mr. Whitethorn? If you divorced someone and she begged for you back, what would you do? Would you take her back?¡± Julius¡® lips curled into a smirk. ¡°If I ever get married, I¡¯d never get divorced.¡± There was a sh of cynicism in her eyes. Julius wasn¡¯t the first man to say that. Trent had once made the same promise when he proposed. He vowed that he¡¯d love her forever, that she¡¯d be the only woman in his life. But after their wedding, he never touched her. His heart still belonged to his first crush. Their marriage ended in divorce. His grand promises were nothing but a ruse to pacify a naive youngdy. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Julius asked. Quinn looked up. ¡°I don¡¯t believe any marriage is unbreakable. If you fall out of love, or someone elsees along, wouldn¡¯t you get divorced?¡± ¡°I chose them. I wouldn¡¯t stop loving them.¡± Quinn blinked, surprised. That level ofmitment didn¡¯t quite match the impression he gave. ||| O 13:25 Mon, 7 Jul G Chapter 69 Just A Toy Military 69 Chapter 69 Just A Toy Chapter 69 Just A Toy +5 Free Coins After all, when she firstid eyes on this man, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that he was perhaps incapable of love. Not to mention loving only one person for a lifetime. ¡°What if they stop loving you? What if they insist on leaving?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°For me, there¡¯s no such thing as divorce. Only widowhood. If she wants to leave, she¡¯ll have to kill me first.¡± Julius said. Quinn stared at him, stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected something that dark toe out of him so casually. ¡°So unless she kills you, she can¡¯t leave?¡± she muttered. ¡°Exactly,¡± he said with a slight smile. His usual cold face lit up, but the glow carried an odd stillness. Before Quinn could process it all, the waiter returned with their dishes. The table was soon filled with familiar hometown vors, and Quinn¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears. She picked at her vegetables slowly, taking in each bite. Julius had brought her to one of the finest restaurants in Yarburn. The food was exquisite, no doubt, but still, something about the taste didn¡¯t quite match the memories in her heart. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Doesn¡¯t taste good?¡± Julius asked suddenly. She blinked. She hadn¡¯t expected him to notice. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± she said quietly. ¡°You¡¯re not looking too happy,¡± Julius said. ¡°If you¡¯re not into the food here, we can go somewhere else.¡± ¡°No need for that. It¡¯s just dinner, nothing fancy,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°And besides, this ce is one of the best spots in Yarburn. The food here¡¯s way more refined than that little diner my parents used to take my brother and me to.¡± Oddly enough, she actually missed that tiny ce. ¡°Your brother¡­¡± Julius¡¯s gaze shifted slightly. ¡°You haven¡¯t talked much about him.¡± ¡°He disappeared. Five years ago.¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes darkened. Even after all that time, plenty of people had told her he was probably dead. But she never bought it. As long as no one found his body, she believed he was still out there. ¡°By the way,¡± she added smoothly, shifting the topic, ¡°while I¡¯m working as your bodyguard, anything specific I should be aware of? You might as well fill me in now, Mr. Whitethorn.¡± ¡°Like I said,¡± Julius answered, ¡°for the next three months, you can take care of your own stuff here in Yarburn. With the rest of your time, just make sure I¡¯m safe. And if I¡¯ve got any social gatherings to attend, you¡¯lle with me.¡± Quinn nodded. ¡°All right, no problem.¡± She hadn¡¯t done official bodyguard work during her time in the military, but she¡¯d handled protection details before. This wouldn¡¯t be anything she couldn¡¯t manage. ¡°And one more thing¡­¡± Julius paused, his voice faltering slightly. ¡°No matter what happens, you can¡¯t leave me behind.¡± O 13:25 Mon, 7 Jul ? G Chapter 69 Just A Toy Quinn nearly choked on her stew. 73% a Just how terrified is Mr. Whitethorn of being abandoned? Every time he mentioned hiring me, it always came back to how much he valued that I never left him hanging when things got dangerous. It¡¯s as if someone had truly scared him at some point in his life. And this is Julius, after all. The head of the Whitethorn family, now the man at the helm. Who would dare walk away from someone like him? ¡°Of course. That goes without saying,¡± Quinn replied without hesitation. If she was hired to protect him, then leaving him behind wasn¡¯t even an option. At that, a faint smile tugged at Julius¡¯s lips. His usually cool and aloof face softened. It was like watching spring thaw a mountain. ¡°Good. Then we¡¯re set.¡± For a moment, she couldn¡¯t look away from him. After finishing her meal, Quinn headed to the restroom. At the sink, she unexpectedly ran into Marley, the woman she¡¯d just met earlier. ¡°Ms. Bridger, we meet again.¡± Marley adjusted her sses. ¡°Julius mentioned you two are more than just friends. I¡¯m curious. Who exactly are you to him?¡± Marley¡¯s tone was light, not the kind of aggressive or entitled vibe one might expect from a wealthy socialite. Still, something in her eyes made Quinn ufortable. ¡°We¡¯re nothing,¡± Quinn replied. She and Julius weren¡¯t even friends. At most, she was his bodyguard for three months. Marley smiled faintly. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to talk about it. I¡¯ve seen a lot of women like you.¡± Quinn raised an eyebrow. ¡°I¡¯ve met plenty of women who get close to powerful men and think that makes them special. But in the end, they¡¯re just toys to those men,¡± Marley said, still smiling. ¡°Really? Noted.¡± Quinn turned to leave. ||| Military 70 Chapter 70 She Is Mine ²ØÆø73%·Û +5 Free Coins A flicker of displeasure passed through Marley¡¯s eyes. She reached out to stop Quinn, though her face held that same gentle, practiced smile. ¡°Should I spell it out? You don¡¯t mean anything to Julius. He¡¯s not going to fall in love with anyone.¡± ¡°So, that means he wouldn¡¯t fall for you either, would he?¡± Quinn shot back. Marley¡¯s expression changed. She raised her hand and swung it toward Quinn¡¯s cheek. But Quinn caught it with one hand before it couldnd. ¡°I don¡¯t believe in this whole ¡®suitable or not¡® crap between people,¡± Quinn said coldly. ¡°You really think you¡¯re better than others?¡± ¡°Do you even know who I am? I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°I know your name¡¯s Marley Bridger,¡± Quinn cut her off. ¡°Beyond that? I don¡¯t really care.¡± She let go of Marley¡¯s hand. Marley suddenly gave a coldugh. ¡°What if I told Julius that you pushed me, broke my sses, and even hurt my eye? What do you think he¡¯d do to you?¡± With that, she whipped off her sses and hurled them at the sink. A sharp tter echoed as the gold- rimmed pair cracked¨Cframes snapped, lenses shattered. With that, she whipped off her sses and hurled them at the sink. A sharp tter echoed as the gold- rimmed pair cracked, frames snapped, and lenses shattered. ¡°You know,¡± she said, ¡°my eyes are what Julius cares about the most.¡± Normally, Marley didn¡¯t pay much mind to the women that drifted in and out of Julius¡® life. She knew none of them had a shot. They were just fooling themselves. So what if Julius doesn¡¯t love me? I can wait. Patience has always been my strength. But the moment she saw Quinn, something shifted. That day, Julius, had led her, held her hand, into the private room. That had never happened before. The anxiety creeping into her chest was impossible to ignore. She had to get Quinn away from him. Even if it meant ying dirty, something she usually hated. Otherwise, things might spiral out of her control. What caught her off guard was Quinn¡¯spleteck of panic. Calmly, Quinn flipped over her phone, which had been screen¨Cdown, and turned the disy toward her. Right there on the screen was an active call with Julius. A jolt ran through Marley. ¡°Y¨CYou called Julius?¡± she blurted, lunging toward the phone. Quinn stepped back and tapped the speaker button. ¡°You heard everything, didn¡¯t you?¡± From the phone came Julius¡¯s voice, cool and clear. ¡°I did.¡± 13:25 Mon, 7 Jul o G Chapter 70 She Is Mine Marley froze. 73% +5 Free Coins He heard everything? What did he hear? How long has the call been going? When did Quinn even dial? I didn¡¯t notice- a thing! Sweat beaded in her palm. Then, from behind a nearby wall, Julius stepped into view. Quinn tucked her phone away and turned to face him. ¡°Since you heard all of it, I suppose you won¡¯t hold it against me, right?¡± She¡¯d had a bad feeling the moment Marley stopped her earlier. So she¡¯d quietly dialed Julius. Good thing she did. It probably saved her from a setup. ¡°You were trying to frame me!¡± Marley¡¯s voice cracked, her beautiful features twisted in distress. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t schemed against me first, none of this would¡¯ve happened,¡± Quinn replied calmly. Marley charged toward her, but Julius stepped in her path. ¡°She¡¯s mine,¡± he said coldly. ¡°You don¡¯t get toy a finger on her. And another thing-¡± His gaze locked onto Marley¡¯s left eye. ¡°If you ever use your eyes as a weapon again, don¡¯t me me for breaking the promise I made all those years ago.¡± Marley froze. After a moment, she whispered, ¡°I¡­ understand.¡± Julius led Quinn away. Marley stood there, watching their backs as they disappeared. Her eyes burned with resentment. Back then, she¡¯d nearly lost an eye for Julius. In return, all she got was his vow to protect her family¡¯s name, wealth, and status as the Bridger family main branch¡¯s third family. She¡¯d paid a steep price just to be close to him. But this woman, who came from nowhere, got to walk beside him so easily. I won¡¯t allow that! Once outside the restaurant and back in the car, Julius asked, ¡°What would you have done if I hadn¡¯t picked up your call?¡± ¡°I¡¯d have let Ms. Bridger know that if I wanted to hurt her, she wouldn¡¯t still be standing,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°If words don¡¯t work, then sometimes fists have to.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried she¡¯lle after you?¡± ¡°Life¡¯s too tiring if you¡¯re always afraid,¡± she said. O Military 71 Chapter 71 What Happened Between Marley And Julius. Quinn wasn¡¯t the type to start trouble, but she sure wasn¡¯t scared of it. ¡°She¡¯s from the main branch of the Bridger family here in Yarburn. You know, it¡¯s probably not a coincidence that you two share the samest name,¡± Julius said slowly. s Quinn blinked. In Yarburn, if someone said ¡°the Bridger family,¡± they meant the Bridger family¨Cthe one. that still kept an ancestral hall right in the middle of the city. ¡°Indeed,¡± she muttered. If that¡¯s the case, Marley is likely a cousin of mine. I haven¡¯t even gone back to the Bridger residence yet, and I¡¯m already shing with a rtive. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about my rtionship with Marley?¡± Julius asked. ¡°I¡¯m just the bodyguard,¡± Quinn replied coolly. In other words, whatever history they had, it wasn¡¯t her concern. And she had zero interest in wading into someone else¡¯s mess of romantic ties. ¡°One of her eyes was almost destroyed by me.¡± His voice dropped low. ¡°We managed to save it, but her vision was permanently damaged.¡± Quinn was stunned. So that¡¯s why Marley had said Julius cared most about her eyes. ¡°I was eight,¡± he added. She turned to him, surprised. They had known each other since they were kids. ¡°You mean you were ying and someone got hurt?¡± ¡°No,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I¡­ was choking her. In a moment of madness, I nearly gouged her eye out.¡± A sudden chill ran down Quinn¡¯s spine. She hadn¡¯t expected something so dark to have urred between Julius and Marley. Still, her expression remainedposed, without any visible shock. ¡°Are you not afraid?¡± Julius asked, watching her closely. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I¡¯ve seen too much. Not much scares me anymore,¡± she replied. As a child, she¡¯d followed her parents to a war¨Ctorn country. She had seen what real hell looked like. Maybe that was why she held such a fierce desire to protect the peace in her homnd now. ¡°I actually think both you and Marley are pretty tragic,¡± Quinn said quietly. She didn¡¯t particrly like Marley, but that didn¡¯t stop her from feeling a pang of sympathy. The idea of a young girl suffering such trauma was honestly horrifying. ¡°So, you think I¡¯m pitiful, too?¡± Julius raised a brow. After the incident, people pitied Marley. But no one ever spared any for him. After all, he was the one who¡¯d caused it. He was the guilty party. ¡°An eight¨Cyear¨Cold who lost control of himself¡­ how could that not be pitiful?¡± Quinn met his eyes. ¡°But sometimes, people let sympathy blind them and stay too close to a beast. And when that beastshes ||| 73% Chapter 71 What Happened Between Marley And Julius s out, they¡¯re the ones who get hurt.¡± Julius let out a crooked smile. ¡°And what if one day I lose control again? What if I gouge out your eyes? I¡¯m not some helpless kid anymore.¡± ¡°And I¡¯m not Marley,¡± Quinn said. ¡°If that day everes, I¡¯d knock you out before you had the chance to touch anyone.¡± A flicker of surprise passed through Julius¡® eyes. He hadn¡¯t expected that answer. But it made her even harder to walk away from. Would he really lose interest after three months? Suddenly, he wasn¡¯t so sure. When the car pulled to a stop, Quinn realized they had arrived at a hospital. ¡°Let¡¯s have a doctor check you out first,¡± Julius said. ¡°You took a nasty hit back at the airport.¡± Surprisingly, Quinn didn¡¯t argue. She had nned to visit the hospital anyway to pick up some medication. What she didn¡¯t expect was for Julius to follow her all the way to the reception desk. ¡°Aren¡¯t you heading home, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± she asked. ¡°You¡¯re my bodyguard. Makes sense that I stick with you.¡± She had no words. Fine. If he wants to tag along, so be it. Once she registered herself, Quinn headed into the outpatient consultation room. When it was her turn, she walked in and gave a quick rundown of what had happened and where she was hurt. ¡°Take off your shoes and lie down on the bed. Let¡¯s have a look,¡± the doctor instructed. Inside the consultation room, there was a specific examination bed used for patient assessments. Quinn leaned down to untie her shoes, but as she did, a bolt of pain shot through her lower back. That was the spot the airport security had hit. ¡°Does it hurt? Let your husband help you with the shoes,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Husband?¡± Quinn froze. She nced at the doctor, who was looking directly at Julius. ¡°He¡¯s not my husband,¡± she said tly, correcting the misunderstanding. ¡°Boyfriend, then?¡± The doctor turned toward Julius. ¡°If you¡¯re her boyfriend, don¡¯t just stand there. Your girl¡¯s hurt and can¡¯t bend over. Give her a hand, would you?¡± ||| O T Chapter 72 Not My Boyfriend Military 72 T Chapter 72 Not My Boyfriend Chapter 72 Not My Boyfriend Quinn had worn tightlyced sneakers that needed to be untied before removal. ¡°Doctor, he¡¯s not my-¡± Before she could finish, Julius crouched and took her right foot in his hand. +5 Free Coins ¡°The doctor¡¯s right. With your back like that, you can¡¯t exactly take these off yourself,¡± he said. His long fingers began to deftly undo theces. Quinn blinked in disbelief as he removed her right shoe, then her left. Julius, the famed head of the Whitethorn family, was here, taking off her shoes. She was so stunned, she didn¡¯t even react when he suddenly scooped her up in his arms. ¡°Wait, what are you doing?¡± she stammered. ¡°You nning to hobble over there in socks?¡± he said coolly. While her expression was frozen in shock, Julius carried her to the examination bed and gently set her down. The doctor drew the privacy curtain and motioned for Julius to step aside. As the examination began, Julius stood off to the side, silently staring at his hands. Even he hadn¡¯t expected himself to kneel down like that, removing Quinn¡¯s shoes without hesitation. Somewhere deep in his fractured childhood memories, there had been one person he¡¯d helped like this before. But he couldn¡¯t recall who. And just a moment ago, he had casually helped her take off her shoes. Is it because I¡¯m interested in her? Is that why I did it? The doctor finished up. ¡°It¡¯s mostly bruising. No fractures. You¡¯re in good shape and should recover quickly. I¡¯ll write you a prescription.¡± ¡°Thank you, Doctor,¡± Quinn replied. After picking up the medication, they returned to the car. Without thinking, her gaze kept falling to Julius¡® hands. His hands were striking, elegant, but strong. She could picture them creating something beautiful or doing something brutal. And just moments ago, those same hands had carefully untied her shoces. He¡¯d even tied them back up afterward. ¡°You¡¯re really into my hands, huh? You¡¯ve been staring,¡± Julius¡® voice suddenly cut through her thoughts. ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Quinn awkwardly looked away. ¡°Uh, about earlier¡­ thanks for helping with the shoes andces, Mr. Whitethorn.¡±. ¡°You should thank me. I don¡¯t do that sort of thing for people very often,¡± he said. ||| O 13:26 Mon, 7 Jul G Chapter 72 Not My Boyfriend 73% +10 Free Coins forbidden room. O Military 73 Chapter 73 Someone Like You Does Not Deserve To Love Chapter 73 Someone Like You Does Not Deserve To Love 73% +10 Free Coins Still, she wasn¡¯t one to poke into things she had no business knowing. ¡°Got it,¡± she said simply. ¡°Anything else I should know?¡± ¡°That¡¯s it. Get your things unpacked. If you need anything, just ask the butler.¡± With a nod, Quinn entered her room, carrying an urn in one arm and dragging her luggage behind her. The bedroom was enormous and overwhelming. It had the opulent charm of a bygone era, decorated in a soft, romantic Ferundian style, withvish furniture, velvet curtains, and embroidered carpets. Quinn blinked again. It was definitely not her taste. She preferred clean lines and simplicity. Since it was just a temporary stay, Quinn didn¡¯t mind too much about the setup. The room was right next to Julius¡®, which really did make it easier for her to keep an eye on him. She set the cremation urn down on a low cab nearby, then pulled out her phone and dialed a number. She was contacting the people at the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. She had already spoken with them earlier, confirming the timing for cing the ashes and setting up the memorial tablet. Now, she was just calling to double¨Ccheck everything. The ashes would be ced in the ancestral hall for three days, with the memorial tablet installed in their honor. After that, they¡¯d be moved to the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden in Yarburn. Someone on the other end picked up quickly. ¡°I¡¯m Quinn Bridger from the fifth branch¡¯s seventh family. We¡¯ve spoken before. I¡¯m back in Yarburn now, and I n to bring my parents¡® ashes to the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall tomorrow¡­¡± ording to family tradition, the ashes would remain at the ancestral hall for three days before burial. ¡°All right, Quinn, right? Come by tomorrow,¡± the person responded. After hanging up, Marley, who had been walking alongside Maddox, Bridger, the one who took the call, turned to ask, ¡°Uncle Maddox, who was that on the phone just now?¡± ¡°Oh, a girl named Quinn. She¡¯s from the fifth branch,¡± Maddox answered. ¡°Fifth branch?¡± Marley paused, a bit puzzled. ¡°I thought that branch was already gone?¡± ¡°There¡¯s still one daughter left from the fifth branch. Her name¡¯s Quinn.¡± There was a trace of sorrow in Maddox¡¯s voice. ¡°To be honest, that branch has had it rough. Now it¡¯s down to just her. She said she¡¯sing to the ancestral hall tomorrow to ce her parents¡® ashes there for a few days, and then she¡¯ll set up their memorial tablet.¡± Marley¡¯s eyes sparkled faintly. ¡°Are you going to meet her in person, Uncle Maddox?¡± Though they didn¡¯t have much to do with the fifth branch and had drifted apart over the years, there was still that shared lineage between them. ¡°Well, we are all part of the same family line. Of course, I should go. Otherwise, it just wouldn¡¯t be right.¡± O 13:27 Mon, 7 Jul Ga Jul Chapter 78 Someone Like You Does Not Deserve To Love ¡°How about I go instead?¡± Marley suggested. 73%0 +10 Free Coins ¡°You?¡± Maddox was clearly surprised. Marley was the darling daughter of the main branch. She usually only showed up at the ancestral hall for major rituals or family events. Plus, she didn¡¯t even know Quinn personally. ¡°Yes,¡± Marley said casually. ¡°Some of my friends have been wanting to see our ancestral hall. I figured I¡¯d take them tomorrow, and while I¡¯m there, I can meet Quinn too. Didn¡¯t you say you y poker every afternoon? This way, you won¡¯t have to skip your game.¡± Maddox chuckled. ¡°Oh my, look at our little Marley all grown up and helping her uncle now. All right then, I¡¯ll leave it to you to host Quinn tomorrow.¡± The third branch wasn¡¯t particrly skilled or aplished. Most of their livelihood came from annual dividends handed out by the main Bridger family. Their main job was overseeing reception duties at the ancestral hall. For someone like Maddox, who was addicted to poker and couldn¡¯t go a day without it, the role was a perfect fit. When Marley volunteered, he was more than happy to pass the task along. Marley grinned. ¡°It¡¯s the least I can do.¡± But behind that smile, a cold glint flickered in her eyes. Quinn, was it? Well, she¡¯s in for a surprise tomorrow. Back at the Whitethorn residence in Yarburn, Julius stood at the far end of the third¨Cfloor corridor. To his side was the very room he¡¯d warned Quinn never to enter. On the wall at the corridor¡¯s end hung a towering oil portrait¨Ctwice the height of a man. The painting featured an astoundingly beautiful woman in an ornate gown, wearing an emerald bracelet¡ª the very heirloom passed down through the Whitethorn family. She exuded an otherworldly grace. But once, in a moment of fury, that same woman had hurled the emerald bracelet to the ground. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything from the Whitethorn family. Let me go. I want out of here. I want to leave this ce behind! Insane, all of you Whitethorns are insane!¡± And over time, like a flower stripped of sunlight, she began to wilt, slowly losing all life and color. Just before she died, she had clutched his hand tightly. Her voice trembled with despair. ¡°You are his son, and you will go mad like him. So you must not fall in love! Do you hear me? You must not! Because someone like you doesn¡¯t deserve to love!¡± O Chapter 74 Did You See Everything Just Now Military 74 Chapter 74 Did You See Everything Just Now Chapter 74 Did You See Everything Just Now 3% +10 Free Coins ¡°Mother¡­¡± Julius stared at the portrait. ¡°I won¡¯t end up like Father. I won¡¯t turn into some lunatic. And I¡¯ll honor your wishes. I won¡¯t fall in love.¡± He knew all too well the price of loving someone. His father had loved his mother so obsessively that he once locked her inside this mansion. What was supposed to be a home had be her prison. She had spent her final days desperate to escape, but never managed to get away from the Whitethorn name. After she passed, they buried her in the family cemetery. Julius¡® father had spiraled after that, bing almost unrecognizable¨Cviolent, unhinged, bloodthirsty. Like a lunatic. Even as a child, Julius couldn¡¯t grasp why his father was so obsessed with a woman who never returned his love. At her grave, his father looked at him with bloodshot eyes. ¡°You are our son. You¡¯ll be just like us. If you love someone, you¡¯ll stop at nothing to have them. But if you don¡¯t¡­ no matter how much they cry, beg, or try to win you over, you won¡¯t feel a thing. Julius, I wonder¡­ what kind of ending will you have? I¡¯m looking forward to it!¡± That eerie, bitterughter still echoed in his ears. But none of those fates would ever be his. Julius turned away and descended from the third floor. On the second, he happened to spot Quinn stepping out of her room. ¡°Do you think I could ever fall in love?¡± he asked out of nowhere. ¡°Or do you believe I¡¯m incapable of it altogether?¡± Caught off guard, Quinn noticed something strange in his expression. There was a cold stillness in his eyes, the kind that sent a shiver down her spine. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked. ¡°Just answer me. Do you think I can fall in love with someone, or not?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not for me to say,¡± she replied. ¡°That¡¯s your choice. Who you love, or whether you love anyone at all, is up to you.¡± He stared hard at her. ¡°And what about you? You imed you loved Trent, yet you divorced him like it meant nothing. If you really loved him, wouldn¡¯t you have fought to stay together?¡± Quinn frowned. ¡°Even if I did love/him, if he didn¡¯t love me back, I¡¯d still walk away. And besides¡­ I don¡¯t love Trent anymore. He¡¯s not the one I want.¡± ¡°Then who is?¡± Julius pressed, sounding genuinely curious. ¡°What kind of person do you want to love?¡± ¡°Someone who can walk beside me,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Someone who¡¯ll never abandon me, no matter what.¡± Images of her parents surfaced in her mind. That was the kind of rtionship she wanted¨Clike theirs. They had their arguments, but they always stood side by side, shoulder to shoulder. Even in the face of death, they never gave up on each other. O 13:27 Mon, 7 Jul G Chapter 74 Did You See E M Hassan Followi¡­ added a post 73%0 +10 Free Coins They stood strong because of what they believed in. Even at the edge of life and death, they faced it together. ¡°Do people like that even exist?¡± Julius muttered. ¡°My parents did,¡± Quinn answered, her eyes soft and luminous. ¡°They never left each other. They truly loved one another.¡± He listened as she described the kind of love she¡¯d grown up witnessing. It was nothing like the twisted version he had seen in his own family. She waspletely different from him. That evening, after dinner, Quinn was tidying up her room. It was then that she noticed a door on the right¨Chand wall that she hadn¡¯t seen before. Is there a connecting room? She turned the doorknob casually and pushed it open. Then she froze. Right there in front of her was Julius, midway through changing clothes. He had already taken off his shirt and was just about to unbuckle his belt. Startled, Quinn instinctively turned away. But in that split second, she caught sight of the scars all across his back. Her breath hitched in shock. For a few seconds, she just stood there, stunned, forgetting to look away. Until his cold voice broke the silence. ¡°How long are you nning to keep watching?¡± Snapping back to her senses, she quickly turned her back to him. ¡°Ah, sorry!¡± He took his time getting dressed, then walked toward her. ¡°I forgot to mention,¡± he said. ¡°This door connects our two rooms. You can lock your side anytime, but I won¡¯t lock mine. That way, if there¡¯s ever an emergency, you can rush in¡­¡± His voice dropped slightly as his eyes met hers. ¡°To protect me.¡± ¡°Cough, cough.¡± Quinn cleared her throat awkwardly. ¡°Well¡­ in that case, I¡¯ll let you finish getting changed. I¡¯ll head back to my room.¡± She had just turned to leave when Julius¡® hand shot out andnded firmly on the door between their rooms, blocking her path. ¡°Did you see everything just now?¡± he asked, staring straight at her. ¡°Uh, what do you mean?¡± She looked up at him. ¡°My body.¡± There was a pause. For some reason, under his gaze, Quinn felt her cheeks grow a little warm. It didn¡¯t make sense. She¡¯d seen plenty of men without shirts back at the military base. III Military 75 Chapter 75 A Reminder Of His Past Chapter 75 A Reminder Of His Past +10 Free Coins It had to be because she¡¯d been caught off guard. What had taken her aback was the sight of Julius¡¯s back, marked with scars. He didn¡¯t look like the golden boy he was supposed to be. If anything, he looked like someone who¡¯d been abused. Abuse? And from what little she had glimpsed, those scars didn¡¯t seem new. They had been there for a long time. Is it possible that he¡¯d suffered those injuries as a child? Who would do that to a kid? Without thinking, she blurted out, ¡°Who did that to your back?¡± ¡°So you did see,¡± Julius replied, ignoring her question. ¡°But are you upset? Over the scars?¡± Oddly enough, hearing him say that calmed her down a bit. If Julius had been hurt in the past, whoever had done it was probably long gone, or had already paid the price. He was Julius now, head of the Whitethorn family, not some powerless little boy. ¡°I was upset,¡± she admitted, ¡°but it¡¯s your personal business. I had no right to pry. I overstepped.¡± Julius blinked slowly, then let go of her wrist. ¡°All right,¡± he said, ¡°go back to your room.¡± Quinn stepped back into her room and shut the connecting door. Julius walked toward the full¨Clength mirror in his room. Turning his back to it, he tilted his head slightly, looking at the thick, raised scars that cut across his skin. Those were the scars left behind from theshings. His father had been desperate to keep his mother from leaving, going so far as to try to tie her down with a child. But it hadn¡¯t worked. Even though he was their son, his presence hadn¡¯t been enough to stop her from leaving. So, his father took it out on him. Each time she rejected him, Julius paid for it with anothersh. These scars could¡¯ve been erased years ago withser treatments. But he never had them removed. He kept them as a reminder. He would never let anyone hurt him like that again. Night had fallen, and Quinny awake in bed, unable to sleep. Tomorrow, she would be visiting the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall¨Cthe same one her grandfather had fought so hard to protect. It carried the hopes of the Bridger family. Her grandparents¡® memorial tablets were there, too. She could still remember the few times her whole family had returned to Yarburn. Her father had brought her and her brother there to pay their respects. 13:27 Mon, 7 Jul 4 0 G * Chapter 75 A Reminder Of His Past But this time, she would be walking into that ancestral hall alone. 73% +10 Free Coins. Once she found her brother, though, they would go together. They would kneel before their parents and grandparents and honor them as a family again. Just then, a muffled, broken cry echoed from the room next door. Did something happen to Julius? Startled, Quinn got out of bed and pushed open the door that connected their rooms. His room was pitch dark, but the sounds were clearer now. The faint whimpers and gasps led her to his bed. Her night vision was sharp from her military training. Even without a light, she could see clearly, Juliusy in bed, his eyes tightly shut, locked in a nightmare. He kept murmuring between gasps, like he was in pain. Quinn stepped closer. ¡°Julius,¡± she called softly. He didn¡¯t wake up. Instead, he kept muttering in a strained voice. ¡°It hurts¡­ it hurts so much¡­ stop hitting me¡­ I¡¯ll be good¡­ I¡¯ll behave¡­¡± Quinn froze. She couldn¡¯t believe those words had juste out of his mouth. Even in a dream. What is he dreaming about? She couldn¡¯t help thinking again about the scars. Flicking on the bedsidemp, she saw that his face was drenched in sweat. He was clearly suffering. ¡°Julius Whitethorn!¡± she said more firmly, reaching out to touch his face and check his temperature. But as soon as her fingers brushed his skin, his hand mped tightly around her wrist. It all happened so fast, she didn¡¯t even have time to react. Just as she was about to pull away, his broken voice whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ leave me¡­¡± Quinn stopped. She didn¡¯t move. She just let him hold her hand, his grip tight and desperate. His breathing gradually steadied, and the pain on his face slowly faded. Since one hand was locked in his, she reached with the other for a tissue from the box on his nightstand and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead. She had once believed Julius was like a frozenke¨Ccalm, cold, and lifeless. Yet, in that moment, he looked so fragile. Like a child who just needed someone to protect him. After a while, his brow finally rxed, and his breathing evened out. He¡¯d fallen into a deep sleep. Quinn looked down at her wrist, still trapped in his grip. She tried gently to pull it free. ||| Military 76 Chapter 76 A Sense Of Security Chapter 76 A Sense Of Security +5 Free Coins en after two tries, Quinn still couldn¡¯t free her hand. If she really wanted to pull it out, she¡¯d have to pry Julius¡¯s fingers off one by one. But that would definitely wake him up, wouldn¡¯t it? She pressed her lips together and sighed. If he wanted to cling on like that, she¡¯d let him. She could sleep. just as well sitting in a chair. Back when she was on assignments, no matter how rough the conditions were, she always managed to grab rest when and where she could, resting efficiently to recover her strength. So, Quinn simply sat down on the carpet by the bed, leaning against the bedside table. She let Julius keep hold of one of her hands, turned off the light, shut her eyes, and went to sleep. It wasn¡¯t until the light of early morning filtered in that she heard the sound of a door creaking open. Startled, she quickly opened her eyes and saw Fabian, Julius¡® secretary, walk in. He froze mid¨Cstep, eyes wide. ¡°M¨CMs. Bridger, did you¡­ sleep with Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Quinn¡¯s expression dropped immediately. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it. I was just doing my job as a bodyguard, that¡¯s all.¡± Fabian¡¯s gaze drifted down to Quinn¡¯s wrist, still firmly held by Julius. I know she¡¯s been assigned as Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s bodyguard for three months, but does that include holding hands in bed? And more importantly, when has anyone ever seen Mr. Whitethorn hold someone¡¯s hand while sleeping? ¡°Even if you¡¯re his bodyguard, Mr. Whitethorn never allows anyone near him when he¡¯s asleep,¡± Fabian muttered. ¡°You should ask him,¡± Quinn said coolly. ¡°He grabbed my hand. I couldn¡¯t exactly yank it away.¡± If anything, she was the one put in an awkward spot. And this Fabian kept looking at her like she¡¯d taken advantage of Julius somehow. ¡°Really?¡± The voice that answered was low and hoarse. ¡°I grabbed your hand?¡± A chill crept up Quinn¡¯s spine. She turned her head and saw Julius, now awake, watching her. ¡°Yeah,st night¡­ you were moving around a lot in your sleep. I heard something and came to check. That¡¯s when you grabbed my hand,¡± she said simply. ¡°I didn¡¯t get in bed. I sat on the floor, leaned on the nightstand, and fell asleep there.¡± Julius¡® gaze flickered. His fingers were still wrapped around her wrist, and the warmth of her skin seemed to seep straight into his palms. I was having trouble sleeping? I must¡¯ve had another nightmare¡­ He vaguely remembered dreaming of his father and the beatings, the way he¡¯d cry and beg, only for the whip to strike again and again. Those nightmares used to gue him so often that he¡¯d gone a psychiatrist and even taken medication. It got better over time. III O Chapter 76 A Sense Of Security It had been years since he¡¯d had a nightmare, butst night it hade back. ¡°Why now? Maybe it was because she saw the scars yesterday. Maybe it dragged those memories back. But her handrit felt so warm. When I woke up this time, I didn¡¯t feel sick. In fact, I felt well¨Crested. Could it really be because she had been holding my hand the entire time? ¡°Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Quinn prompted, trying to keep her tone neutral. ¡°Mind letting go of my hand now?¡± He had held her hand all night, and now it was starting to feel a bit numb. Julius frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t we agree? You¡¯re supposed to call me Julius, Quinnie.¡± Quinn almost rolled her eyes. She didn¡¯t respond. Fabian, who¡¯d been standing off to the side this whole time, was left speechless. It was as if he¡¯d been struck by lightning. Mr. Whitethorn¡­ is he really just interested in her? I¡¯ve never, ever seen him speak to a woman with such familiarity. Let alone allow one to call him by his first name! Quinn pressed her lips together. ¡°Julius¡­ can you let go now?¡± It was just a name. But it still felt weird to say. Finally, Julius loosened his grip. Quinn pulled her hand back and gently rotated her wrist to get the blood flowing again. ¡°I¡¯m heading back to my room. I¡¯ve got to visit the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall today, so I won¡¯t be on duty. You¡¯ll have to rely on your other bodyguards.¡± Afterying out her schedule, she opened the door on the side wall and returned to her own room. Julius lowered his eyes, staring at his own fingers. He could still feel the warmth lingering there. When he let go just now, he hadn¡¯t wanted to. He wanted to keep holding on because for once, he felt secure. O Military 77 Chapter 77 You Are Not One Of Us Chapter 77 You Are Not One Of Us +5 Free Coins It reminded him of long ago, after a bombing raid, in the ruins, a girl whose face he couldn¡¯t quite remember had reached out and held his hand. ¡°She didn¡¯t leave me behind this time either,¡± Julius murmured under his breath. ¡°What was that?¡± Fabian asked, snapping out of his daze. ¡°Nothing.¡± Julius replied calmly. Still, his right hand curled slightly, as if refusing to let go of the sensation. The more she stayed with him, the more he found himself unwilling to let her go. Clutching the cremation urn, Quinn stepped out of the mansion and called a taxi, heading straight for the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. That day, she was there to bring her parents¡® ashes and arrange for their memorial tablets to be ced. From that day on, their names would sit beside her grandparents¡® and all the Bridger ancestors in that hallowed space. The car soon pulled up outside the ancestral hall. Quinn stepped out, still holding the cremation urn tightly. Looking at the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall before her, she felt a quiet surge of pride. Above the doorway hung a que carved from ebony, etched with four golden characters: The Bridger Family¡¯s Ancestral Hall. On either side, elegant couplets read: Respect the martyrs and protect the descendants. The atmosphere was reverent and dignified. Quinn¡¯s eyes grew misty. This was the same hall her grandfather once protected with his life. Just as she was about to enter, someone blocked her path. ¡°This is the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. Outsiders aren¡¯t allowed inside.¡± ¡°My name¡¯s Quinn Bridger. I¡¯m from the fifth branch of the Bridger family. After my parents passed, it was arranged that their ashes would stay here for three days, and memorial tablets would be made for them,¡± she exined. ¡°The fifth branch?¡± The staff looked confused. ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t the fifth branch gone?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been living in Jexburgh for a long time. Before I came here, I spoke to my Uncle Maddox on the phone. He knows the situation. Could you have hime out?¡± Upon hearing this, the staff responded with a touch of awkwardness, ¡°He had to step out for today.¡± e business In reality, Maddox had gone to y poker, a fact well known among the staff. But they certainly couldn¡¯t mention this in front of Quinn/ ¡°What? He¡¯s not around?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°I¡¯ll try to get in touch with him.¡± Just as the staff reached for his phone, another voice rang out. ||| O 09:17 Tue, 8 Jul 0 Chapter 77 You Are Not One Of Us ¡°Uncle Maddox isn¡¯t around today, so I¡¯m in charge. If there¡¯s anything, talk to me.¡± 1/83%1 +5 Free Coins Quinn turned to see Marley walking over, the same woman she¡¯d seen at the restaurant the day before. Several familiar faces followed behind her. The staff breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Ms. Marley, this woman ims to be from the fifth branch. She¡¯s here to ce a cremation urn and set up memorial tablets.¡± ¡°From the fifth branch?¡± Marley raised a brow, looking Quinn over with open contempt. ¡°Everyone knows the fifth house is long gone. The Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall isn¡¯t a ce some random stranger can just waltz into!¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, the family registry will show it,¡± Quinn replied evenly. ¡°The family registry?¡± Marley scoffed. ¡°You think our family registry is something just anyone can ess? Who do you think you are?¡± ¡°The Bridger family¡¯s family registry are avable to all members of the family,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Ha! You seriously think just because your name is Bridger, you¡¯re one of us?¡± The scions nking Marley burst intoughter. ¡°Yeah, there are plenty of Bridgers in Yarburn. Doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re part of the Bridger family!¡± ¡°Look at you, just because you¡¯re named Bridger, you think you belong here. You even want to bury your parents in the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. What a joke.¡± Ignoring them, Quinn calmly addressed the staff. ¡°Could you contact Uncle Maddox? He can confirm everything.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t get to call him Uncle Maddox!¡± Marley snapped. ¡°Why not? He is my uncle,¡± Quinn said firmly. ¡°Are you dense?¡± sneered a young woman with a round face, standing beside Marley. ¡°In the Bridger family of Yarburn, all names have the same starting letter. But you? You¡¯re named Quinn. Maybe next time, do some research before pretending to be one of them.¡± This was Pam Moore, Marley¡¯s best friend. The Moore and Bridger families had long been business allies, and the two women had grown up together, thick as thieves. The others burst outughing again. Quinn pursed her lips. Sure, her name didn¡¯t follow the naming pattern. But that was tied to things from the previous generation, matters none of these people needed to know. Once more, she addressed the staff. ¡°Please help me get in touch with Uncle Maddox. ¡°This¡­¡± The staff looked uneasy/ncing toward Marley for guidance. ||| Èý O 2/2 Chapter 78 Refusing Her Entry Military 78 Chapter 78 Refusing Her Entry Chapter 78 Refusing Her Entry ¡°I already said, Uncle Maddox isn¡¯t here today,¡± Marley cut in. ¡°So I¡¯ll handle this.¡± 45 Free Coffe She turned to Quinn, a cruel smile ying at her lips. ¡°Quinn, not just anyone gets to ce urns or memorial tablets in the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. Even if you¡¯re rted, don¡¯t even dream of bringing your parents here. And if you know what¡¯s good for you, leave now.¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes turned cold. ¡°Why should I?¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± Pam scoffed. ¡°Marley¡¯s the darling daughter of the main branch. If she wanted, she could kick you out of Yarburn without even blinking.¡± ¡°So the main branch can do whatever it wants?¡± Quinn asked, voice sharp. ¡°No one dares question Marley,¡± Pam continued. ¡°She¡¯s not just backed by the Bridgers, she¡¯s close to the powerful Whitethorn family in Jexburgh. She and Julius Whitethorn are childhood friends. Who could everpete with that? If Marley goes to Julius to shut you out, not just Yarburn, you¡¯d have nowhere in the entire country to go!¡± ¡°Really?¡± Quinn asked, lifting her eyebrows. ¡°I¡¯m honestly curious. Does Julius have the kind of power to make it impossible for me to stay in the country?¡± As soon as she said it, Pam seemed to suddenly recall something. Wasn¡¯t it just yesterday that Quinn and Julius had shown up together at the restaurant? ¡°You seriously think whatever¡¯s going on between you and Julius canpare to the bond between Marley and him? Those two aren¡¯t just childhood friends. Marley, she¡¯s-¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough, Pam!¡± Marley cut her friend off sharply, her eyes locking onto Quinn with open hostility. ¡°Quinn, this is the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. I don¡¯t care what connection you think you have with Julius; he has no say in the internal affairs of our family ancestral hall. And I¡¯ll make it clear to you right now¨Cdon¡¯t even think about setting foot in there today.¡± ¡°And who gave you the authority to say that?¡± Quinn replied coldly. ¡°I did,¡± Marley said with unwavering confidence. ¡°As long as I decide you¡¯re not allowed in, no one here will let you through.¡± Quinn looked around at the staff standing inside the ancestral hall. They all seemed ready to follow orders without hesitation. ¡°Even if I¡¯m from the fifth branch of the Bridger family, you¡¯re still saying I can¡¯t enter?¡± ¡°Even if you really are who you say you are, it doesn¡¯t matter. I still won¡¯t let you in,¡± Marley shot back. She was seething. She¡¯d been utterly embarrassed in front of Julius because of Quinn. Now, she was determined to return the favor. ¡°You sure know how to y tyrant,¡± Quinn said, staring at Marley with a frosty expression. you remember the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral values¨Cloyalty, filial piety, propriety, righteousness, benevolence. And didn¡¯t our family always teach us to help each other in times of peril? Now here you are, blocking one of your own from entering the ancestral hall. How do you justify that?¡± guessing Marley¡¯s expression shifted. She hadn¡¯t expected Quinn to recite the fainily teachings so fluently. 1/2 O Chapter 78 Refusing Her Entry 45 Free Coins ¡°My word stands,¡± Marley snapped. She waved to the security guards. ¡°Get her out of here. I won¡¯t have someone like her dragging down the Bridger name.¡± The guards immediately stepped forward. ¡°Sorry, but we¡¯re going to have to ask you to leave.¡± Quinn held the sandalwood cremation urn firmly with both hands, her gaze rising toward the ancestral hall just steps away. After finally back to Yarburn, I can¡¯t even walk into the family ancestral hall? Grandpa, Dad¡­ if you¡¯re watching from above, what would you think, seeing your own daughter turned away like this? ¡°Get lost already!¡± Pam and her little circle of scions jeered, pushing Quinn along. Marley red at her with open contempt, itching to humiliate her even further. ¡°Get her out of here. Now,¡± Marley ordered. ¡°Great¨Cgrandpa¡¯s inside today. If he gets disturbed, none of you will like the oue.¡± At that, the crowd surged forward, eager to follow Marley¡¯s lead and drive Quinn away. One man, desperate to score points, lunged at Quinn, throwing a punch straight at her. With the urn still clutched in her arms, Quinn lifted her leg and sent him crashing to the ground with a clean, decisive kick. Everyone froze. No one had expected Quinn to knock such arge man down so easily. ¡°You¡¯re asking for it!¡± the man spat, scrambling up, furious at the humiliation. He swung again, even harder. But Quinn moved fast. She stepped in and forced him down again, this time nting her foot on his back so he couldn¡¯t get up. The other guards hesitated, suddenly unsure. She¡¯d just taken down their strongest guy without breaking a sweat. Quinn drew a slow breath, then walked forward, her steps steady and firm. The cremation urn she held was wrapped in a national g. Her voice rang out, strong and unwavering: ¡°I, Quinn of the fifth branch of the Bridger family,e today bearing the ashes of myte father, Montague, and my mother, Arlene. I am here to request entrance to the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall, and humbly ask the family to open the doors.¡± C Military 79 Chapter 79 Check The Family Registry Chapter 79 Check The Family Registry +5 Free Coins The crowd fell silent. Even Marley looked stunned. Quinn¡¯s voice had carried across the busy square, catching the attention of pedestrians passing through central Yarburn. The earlier argument had already drawn a curious crowd, but when Quinn shouted, even more people stopped to see what was happening. ¡°Well? What are you waiting for?¡± Marley barked at the guards. ¡°Get her away from the entrance! Do you want Great¨Cgrandpa to see this mess?¡± ¡°Yes, of course!¡± the guards snapped to attention and began moving again. At that moment, Julius stepped out of the Bridger Group building, nked by the top executives and the two vice presidents of Bridger Group¨CMoldred Bridger and Melvin Bridger. Since the Bridger Group was a family¨Crunpany, most high¨Cranking positions were held by rtives. ¡°Julius, you should¡¯ve told us you wereing to Yarburn. We¡¯d have arranged a proper wee,¡± said Moldred. The Bridgers had once been a powerful force in Yarburn, but their influence had waned in recent years. Fortunately, thanks to Marley¡¯s ties to the Whitethorn family, they¡¯d managed to stay afloat. Over time, those connections had helped Moldredplete several lucrative projects, which naturally made him eager to tter Julius. Melvin, standing nearby, chimed in, ¡°Why don¡¯t we throw a little wee¨Cback dinner for you tonight? Marley¡¯s been talking about you nonstoptely. Reminds me of when you were kids. You two were so close back then.¡± Melvin was Marley¡¯s father. He owed much of his current position to her rtionship with Julius. Once considered the least favored son, he¡¯d risen to vice president of thepany. If Marley ended up marrying Julius, his own status would skyrocket, second only to the family patriarch. But Julius didn¡¯t seem particrly interested. Instead, he suddenly asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall nearby? Let¡¯s head over there.¡± ¡°The ancestral hall?¡± The family looked at one another, visibly confused. ¡°Am I not allowed?¡± Julius asked inly. ¡°Of course, you are!¡± Moldred said quickly. ¡°The family head¡¯s there today. It¡¯s a great chance to visit.¡± Though they didn¡¯t understand Julius¡¯s sudden interest in the ancestral hall, they wouldn¡¯t dream of turning him down. It was close by, so they started walking. Before they even reached the gates, they saw a crowd gathered out front, clearly stirred by some sort of altercation. Moldred hesitated. ¡°Uh¡­ looks like something¡¯s going on. I¡¯ll go check-¡± But Julius was already striding toward themotion without another word. The rest of the Bridger family hurried to follow.. His steps were fast and full of tension, and even Julius wasn¡¯t sure why he felt so uneasy. III O r 09:17 Tue, 8 Jul Chapter 79 Check The Family Registry Today¡¯s the day Quinn nned to bring the ashes back¡­ Could something have gone wrong? Then he froze. He saw her. 3,83% s Back straight, sandalwood cremation urn held tightly in her arms, its surface covered by a vivid g. Her face¨Celegant, striking¨Cwas hard and resolute. Around her, peopley groaning, some still trying to get up and confront her. But each time they did, she struck back, knocking them down again. The whole scene felt eerily like the confrontation at the airport all over again. ¡°Quinn, the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall is not your personal stage,¡± Marley snapped, clearly rattled. ¡°I¡¯ve already called the police. If you don¡¯t leave, you¡¯re getting hauled out of here in cuffs!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not here to cause trouble!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°I only came to enter the ancestral hall, to set up memorial tablets, toy down the ashes.¡± ¡°Ashes?¡± Melvin stepped in, furious. ¡°You think you can just bring anyone¡¯s ashes into the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall?¡± That was when Marley finally noticed Julius standing just behind her and realized he¡¯d probably seen the whole thing. Her heart dropped. Embarrassment and resentment hit her all at once. Quinn watched Melvin coolly. ¡°The ashes of Bridger family members belong in the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall.¡± ¡°Bridger family? Which branch are you supposedly from?¡± Melvin asked skeptically. ¡°The fifth branch,¡± Quinn said calmly, without the slightest hint of arrogance or shame. Melvin looked like he¡¯d been pped. For a moment, something flickered in his expression. ¡°The fifth branch? Don¡¯t be ridiculous. That branch has been empty for years!¡± ¡°Then go check the family registry,¡± Quinn answered, her tone ice¨Ccold. Military 80 hapter 80 The Fifth Branch Chapter 80 The Fifth Branch Right then, police sirens cut through the crowd. A police car pulled up, and several officers stepped out. ¡°Who¡¯s causing trouble here?¡± one asked. They were familiar with the Bridgers. ¡°She is!¡± Melvin practically lunged forward, pointing directly at Quinn. ¡°She¡¯s the one making a scene at our family¡¯s ancestral hall. Arrest her now!¡± One officer walked up to Quinn, about to speak, but when he caught sight of the cremation urn she held, wrapped in the national g, his expression changed. ¡°This is¡­¡± ¡°My parents¡® ashes,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I came here today for one reason only¨Cto bring them into the ancestral hall, to ce memorial tablets for them.¡± After a pause, one officer asked quietly, ¡°May we ask¡­ how did they pass?¡± ¡°They served in the Peacekeeping Force. They were deployed overseas¡­ and they didn¡¯t make it back,¡± Quinn answered. The officers stood in solemn silence for a beat, then, in perfect sync, they straightened their postures and saluted the cremation urn. Melvin and Marley were stunned speechless. They had been counting on the police to drag Quinn away. Instead¡­ ¡°What are you doing?¡± Melvin barked. ¡°Get her out of here!¡± The Bridgers held considerable influence in Yarburn, so the officer advised Quinn, ¡°We understand, ma¡¯am. Still, maybe it¡¯s best to leave for now. Any issues can be settled more calmly.¡± ¡°No need. I¡¯ll say what I have to say right here,¡± Quinn dered. She turned to face the ancestral hall and lifted the cremation urn high in both hands. ¡°I, Quinn, daughter of the fifth branch of the Bridger family, return today carrying my parents¡® ashes to this ancestral hall.¡± She spoke loudly and clearly, her voice echoing across the courtyard. ¡°Once, when our country was divided and suffering, seven brothers from the fifth branch joined the war. Only one came home. My great¨Cgrandfather, Montgomery Bridger, once stood guard over this very hall. Though he never drew the lot, he took thirteen wounds defending its doors and never retreated, not even an inch. My parents, Montague and Arlene, served in the military for thirty years. They gave their lives for this country. They were fallen heroes.¡± With fierce reverence, she cried out: ¡°I, Quinn, unfilial daughter of the fifth branch, beg¡­ rtives. Please open the doors and allow the ashes of my parents to rest here. Let them be honored with memorial tablets!¡± Her voice boomed like thunder. Everyone stared at her in stunned silence. Her hands still held the cremation urn, her expression solemn, her eyes locked on the sealed doors. Julius, watching from the edge of the crowd, couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her. O 0917 Chapter 80 The Fifth Branch Tragic, yet steadfast¨Cand somehow brilliant. At that moment, no one dared to approach or drive Quinn away anymore. The Bridger family¡¯s fifth branch was renowned for its honor and courage. Who would dare reject a descendant like her? Even Melvin and Marley stood frozen with disbelief. For Marley, the fifth branch was just a name in the family registry. All she really knew was that the fifth branch had long since faded into obscurity. She had no idea about the events that had shaped that branch¡¯s history. Standing beside his daughter, a flicker of irritation crossed Melvin¡¯s face. He hadn¡¯t expected Quinn to shout like that in front of everyone. But if they allowed her into the ancestral hall now, it would be a public acknowledgment of her identity as a member of the fifth branch¨Can oue that couldplicate things for him. Thinking quickly, Melvin spoke up. ¡°Even if you say all that, who¡¯s to say if it¡¯s true or not? I still think- ¡°It¡¯s true!¡± Moldred interrupted from the side. He had stayed silent until now. ¡°I¡¯ve met Quinn before. She looks different now that she¡¯s grown up, and I didn¡¯t recognize her at first. But everything she just said¡­ confirmed it. She really is the Quinn from the fifth branch!¡± ¡°But, Moldred¡­¡± Melvin tried to counter. Just then, the heavy doors of the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall slowly creaked open, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. From within, an old figure emerged, supported by a walking stick, taking measured steps toward Quinn. ¡°Are you¡­ Quinn of the fifth branch?¡± the elderly man asked. His hair was stark white, his skin marked by deep creases, yet his gaze remained as sharp as ever. This was Murren Bridger, the current patriarch of the Bridger family and its highest authority. ¡°I am,¡± Quinn answered, locking eyes with the old man. Murren stared at her, as if through her features he could glimpse the faces of his long¨Cgone brothers. The Bridger family¡¯s fifth branch was known for its loyalty and valor. He was just a boy back then, watching his seven elder brothers from the fifth branch enlist one after the other. He remembered begging them, ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­ You¡¯ll die!¡± ¡°But if we don¡¯t go, even more people will die,¡± one of his brothers had replied gently, ruffling his hair. ¡°We¡¯re not going to die. We¡¯re going so more people in this country can live.¡± At the time, he only half¨Cunderstood. But by the time he grasped the weight of those words, only one brother returned alive¨Ccrippled and missing a leg. O Military 81 Chapter 81 Finally Honoring Her Parents Chapter 81 Finally Honoring Her Parents Yet, Merlin Bridger never regretted stepping onto that battlefield. Slowly, Murren¡¯s stern gaze softened into something warm, almost fatherly. ¡°This is great,¡± he said, voice thick with emotion. ¡°If you¡¯re from the fifth branch, then it¡¯s only right that you enter the ancestral hall and ce a memorial tablet. I¡¯d like to see who dares to stop you!¡± With that, he mmed his cane against the ground. Instantly, silence fell over the entire courtyard. ¡°Come now, Quinn,¡± Murren said. ¡°Bring your parents¡® ashes. Let me, your great¨Cgrandpa, lead you into the ancestral hall.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn answered. Just then, a voice rang out. ¡°I want to go in with Quinn!¡± Everyone turned. It was Julius stepping out of the crowd. Murren nced at him indifferently. ¡°This is a family matter. Outsiders shouldn¡¯t interfere.¡± Julius furrowed his brow slightly. Quinn walked over and said, ¡°This is the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. What happened today is my own business. But thank you for caring.¡± Julius was taken aback. Caring? Was that what I¡¯ve been doing? But if I didn¡¯t care, why did I step forward, wanting to go in with her? His expression shifted subtly. After a pause, he said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you right here.¡± The family members present all turned and stared. Julius was going to stand at the entrance and wait for Quinn. Since when has someone like him ever done that for anyone? After a long pause, Quinn looked at him and nodded. ¡°All right.¡± Then she turned and followed Murren through the doors of the ancestral hall. The rest of the family exchanged uncertain nces before trailing behind. The guards Quinn had knocked down helped one another up and were escorted to the hospital by the family¡¯s subordinates. Police at the scene started directing the dispersal of the crowd. Slowly, the gathering outside the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall thinned out until only Julius remained, standing alone. As he stared at the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall, the image of Quinn¡¯s face returned t mind. The family¡¯s reputation for loyalty and sacrifice was dazzling, but how many were truly willing to pay that price? Once, he thought of her as an intriguing woman. Hiring her as a bodyguard had been more for amusement than anything else. But now something had shifted. O Chapter 81 Finally Honoring Her Parents Quinn followed Murren inside. She¡¯d been here once before, years ago, when she was still a child. Back then, she had with her father to pay respects. But the feeling in her heart now was different. Carrying the cremation urn, she approached the area where the memorial tablets were disyed. Before her, row after row of memorial tablets lined the altar. Murren gestured toward a section. ¡°Your parents¡® urns belong over there, with their memorial tablets¡­ ¡°I contacted Uncle Maddox before,¡± Quinn said. ¡°He said the ancestral hall was making the tablet, but I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s ready yet.¡± ¡°Uncle Maddox?¡± Murren murmured, ¡°You mean thatd, Maddox? Where is he?¡± Everyone in the room hesitated, their expressions suddenly awkward. Eventually, a staff member whispered, ¡°He might be¡­ ying poker?¡± ¡°ying poker?¡± Murren¡¯s voice rumbled. ¡°Ignoring duties for games? Go check whether he even tears. She reverently ced the tablets beneath those of her grandparents. ¡°I, Quinn, pay my respect!¡± she dered, kneeling, These were the souls who gave their lives for the country. Even in death, they were honored. Murren looked at her, pride and sorrow shining in his eyes. eyes. After Quinn rose, Murren turned to her and said firmly, ¡°I promise you, I¡¯ll set things straight after what happened today.¡± Then, his sharp gaze swung to Melvin and Marley, before he barked, ¡°Kneel!¡± They froze, clearly startled. ¡°Grandpa, w¨Cwhy are you suddenly making us kneel?¡± Melvin stammered. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you both be on your knees after what you pulled in front of the ancestral hall today?¡± Murren snapped. of people with Marley said, ¡°Great¨Cgrandpa, how was I supposed to know that Quinn was truly from the fifth branch? Her name didn¡¯t follow the same starting letter, so it was easy to mistake her for an outsider. Besides,¡® hidden agendas try to attach themselves to the Bridger family. I was just being cautio trying to justify herself. 2/2 Military 82 09:17 Tue, 8 Jul Chapter 82 Humiliated Right In Front Of Her Chapter 82 Humiliated Right In Front Of Her ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you check with your uncles?¡± Murren retorted, clearly irritated. ¡°Don¡¯t you know if she s one of ours, or are you saying your uncles are clueless too?¡± At that moment, Maddox came rushing in. The staff from the ancestral hall had called, telling him something major had happened and urging him to return right away. As soon as he heard it, a cold sweat ran down his back. He hadn¡¯t had much direct contact with the fifth branch, maybe just glimpses of them at old family events. But he knew what had happened to that branch. In the Bridger family, when it came to loyalty and courage, nonepared to the fifth branch. Nearly every single member either died in service or returned crippled. By this point, all that was left was that girl, Quinn. He had thought Marley could handle Quinn while he took it easy. Who would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d stir up such a mess? The moment Murren saw Maddox, his face twisted with rage, and he hurled his walking stick at him. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve showing up! How do you manage anything? Weren¡¯t you supposed to be at the ancestral hall to wee Quinn today? She was bringing back the ashes of Montague and Arlene! A moment that important, and you didn¡¯t even say a word about it?¡± Had Maddox informed the family earlier, Quinn wouldn¡¯t have been forced to hold up her parents¡® urn just to be let in. The entire Bridger family should¡¯ve been there to wee her, thest living descendant of the fifth branch. That painful realization cut deep into Murren¡¯s heart. Maddox didn¡¯t even try to dodge. He took the blow from the walking stick head¨Con. But Murren wasn¡¯t done. He stormed forward and kicked him squarely in the side. Despite being well into his eighties, the old man didn¡¯t hold back. Everyone around stood still, too afraid. to intervene. Groaning from the hit, Maddox choked out, ¡°It was¡­ Marley who said she¡¯d take care of Quinn. That¡¯s why I stepped away. I¨CI did tell her that Quinn was from the fifth branch.¡± Instantly, every gaze in the ancestral hall swung toward Marley. She clenched her teeth. ¡°I thought Uncle Maddox had been tricked. The fifth branch hadn¡¯t returned to Yarburn in years. And three years ago, there was word that their parents had died. So why is Quinn only now bringing the ashes back? It just didn¡¯t add up!¡± Quinn looked her squarely in the eye. ¡°Because they died abroad. They died for our country. It wasn¡¯t until a month ago that I was able to bring their remains home. Do you know how many heroes lie buried overseas, never returned? Do you understand how hard it is to bring them back?¡± Marley¡¯s face shifted from red to pale, but surrounded by the judging eyes of the family, she had no response. Chapter 82 Humiliated Right In Front Of Her ¡°The three of you,¡± Murren said harshly, ¡°kneel before the fifth branch¡¯s memorial tablets and reflect. Spend the night here if you must. Think hard about how your actions have chilled the hearts of others. He continued, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the people of the fifth branch defending our country, this ancestral hall would not even exist!¡± Maddox and Melvin exchanged nces. Marley lowered her head, jaw clenched. Behind her sses, resentment flickered. She had wanted Quinn to make a fool of herself. Now, she was the one humiliated, right in front of Quinn. ¡°Kneel down now!¡± Murren barked. And so, the three knelt before the memorial tablets of the fifth branch. Turning to Quinn, Murren said gently, ¡°I¡¯ll assign someone to keep watch over your parents¡® cremation urns. In three days, for the funeral, the Bridger family will attend and pay respects.¡± ¡°Grandpa, you¡¯re getting older. You don¡¯t need toe. My brothers and I can handle the funeral. Besides, it¡¯s bad luck for elders to attend a younger person¡¯s funeral,¡± Moldred interjected. Murren shot his grandson ¨¤ re. ¡°Montague and Arlene were heroes. They served their country from a young age. If not for them, you wouldn¡¯t have the peace you live in. If I didn¡¯t show up to pay respects, I wouldn¡¯t be worthy of the honor they gave me by calling me ¡®Grandpa.¡° Moldred fell silent. He knew well how deeply the fifth branch was cherished by his grandfather. ¡°Quinn, now that you¡¯re back in Yarburn, why don¡¯t you stay with me? I¡¯ll have someone arrange it,¡± Murren offered with warmth. ¡°No need. I already have a ce to stay,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I¡¯m not only here for my parents. I have other matters to take care of, too. But if you want to see me, I¡¯ll visit often, Great¨Cgrandpa.¡± ¡°Good, good¡­¡± Murren nodded. ¡°Come by the Bridger residence anytime and chat with me. And from now on, you¡¯re wee in this ancestral hall. If anyone dares stop you, don¡¯t hold back. Just let them have it. If anything happens, I¡¯ll answer for it!¡± 10 que, o du Chapter 82 Humiliated Right In Front Of Her ¡°The three of you,¡± Murren said harshly, ¡°kneel before the fifth branch¡¯s memorial tablets and reflect. Spend the night here if you must. Think hard about how your actions have chilled the hearts of others. He continued, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the people of the fifth branch defending our country, this ancestral hall would not even exist!¡± Maddox and Melvin exchanged nces. Marley lowered her head, jaw clenched. Behind her sses, resentment flickered. She had wanted Quinn to make a fool of herself. Now, she was the one humiliated, right in front of Quinn. ¡°Kneel down now!¡± Murren barked. And so, the three knelt before the memorial tablets of the fifth branch. Turning to Quinn, Murren said gently, ¡°I¡¯ll assign someone to keep watch over your parents¡® cremation urns. In three days, for the funeral, the Bridger family will attend and pay respects.¡± ¡°Grandpa, you¡¯re getting older. You don¡¯t need toe. My brothers and I can handle the funeral. Besides, it¡¯s bad luck for elders to attend a younger person¡¯s funeral,¡± Moldred interjected. Murren shot his grandson a re. ¡°Montague and Arlene were heroes. They served their country from a young age. If not for them, you wouldn¡¯t have the peace you live in. If I didn¡¯t show up to pay respects, I wouldn¡¯t be worthy of the honor they gave me by calling me ¡®Grandpa.¡± Moldred fell silent. He knew well how deeply the fifth branch was cherished by his grandfather. ¡°Quinn, now that you¡¯re back in Yarburn, why don¡¯t you stay with me? I¡¯ll have someone arrange it,¡± Murren offered with warmth. ¡°No need. I already have a ce to stay,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I¡¯m not only here for my parents. I have other matters to take care of, too. But if you want to see me, I¡¯ll visit often, Great¨Cgrandpa.¡± ¡°Good, good¡­¡± Murren nodded. ¡°Come by the Bridger residence anytime and chat with me. And from now on, you¡¯re wee in this ancestral hall. If anyone dares stop you, don¡¯t hold back. Just let them have it. If anything happens, I¡¯ll answer for it!¡± Military 83 Chapter 88 Standing Outside For Over An Hour Chapter 83 Standing Outside For Over An Hour 5 Five Colins Marley, still on her knees, felt her face fall again when she heard that. It was like Murren¡¯s words were aimed straight at her! Ever since she got involved with Julius, everyone in the Bridger family had started treating her with more respect. It had been ages since anyone dared humiliate her like this. Quinn could tell that Murren truly cared about her. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll definitelye by and chat with you,¡± she promised. As she walked out of the ancestral hall, she saw a lone figure standing still in the quiet clearing outside. It was Julius. Quinn stopped for a moment, stunned to see him still there. He had really been waiting for her. As if sensing her gaze, he slowly looked up and met her eyes. Their eyes locked, and something stirred deep inside Quinn¡¯s chest. Julius stepped forward, walking toward her. ¡°Everything done?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She nodded. ¡°They didn¡¯t give you a hard time, did they?¡± he asked. ¡°No,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°But why were you standing right outside the ancestral hall waiting?¡± She had assumed he¡¯d found somewhere nearby to sit and rest while he waited. She hadn¡¯t expected him to literally stand in ce the entire time. She had been inside for over an hour. Had he really been standing there that whole time? ¡°By standing here, I¡¯d be the first to see you when you came out. Before anyone else.¡± Quinn heard him say it just like that. ¡°But don¡¯t you think¡­ I mean, it¡¯s a bit too attention¨Cgrabbing, and kind of exhausting too?¡± Quinn asked. Julius was already striking enough in appearance. Standing right outside the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall like that was bound to draw nces. Just like now. She hadn¡¯t been outside long, and several passersby were already sneaki.. ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± he said nonchntly. oks at him. ¡°Okay then.¡± Quinn rubbed her nose. In any case, the matter at the ancestral hall was done. ¡°Let¡¯s go back. She took the lead and started walking. O 09:18 Tue, 8 Jul Chapter 83 Standing Outside For Over An Hour ¡°Quinn!¡± His voice suddenly called out behind her. She paused, turning to look at him. * Free Coins ¡°You know, as long as you don¡¯t walk away from me, I¡¯ll always wait for you like this,¡± he said out of nowhere. She blinked in surprise. What was that supposed to mean? Always wait for me? However, Julius didn¡¯t say anything further. He simply took Quinn by the hand and led her to the side of the road. A silver Maybach was already waiting for them. The two of them got into the car. ¡°When will your parents be buried?¡± Julius asked. ¡°Three dayster,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I¡¯ll be there to see them off,¡± he said. ¡°You?¡± She was a little taken aback. ¡°They were fallen heroes. And they were your parents. I should be there,¡± Julius said. Quinn stared at him for a moment, then softly said, ¡°Okay.¡± Once the two of them returned to Julius¡® mansion, Quinn retreated to her bedroom, where she received a call from Laura. ¡°How¡¯s everything in Yarburn?¡± Laura asked with concern. ¡°Everything went smoothly.¡± ¡°And where are your parents¡® ashes now?¡± ¡°They¡¯ve been ced in the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. In three days, they¡¯ll be buried at the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden here in Yarburn,¡± Quinn told her. ¡°That¡¯s good. They can finally rest in peace,¡± Laura said. ¡°By the way, Han and I will being to Yarburn too!¡± ¡°You¡¯re bothing?¡± ¡°Of course! It¡¯s your parents¡® burial. There¡¯s no way we¡¯re missing that,¡± Laura said, it was obvious. Laura had met Montague and Arlene before. They had been wonderful people, knowledgeable, warm, and kind. But when danger came, they never backed down. When she first found out about what had happened to them, she¡¯d held Quinn and cried for a long time. Now that they were beingid to rest at the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, of course she was going to be there 273 09.18 Tue, 8 Jul Chapter 83 Standing Outside For Over An Hour s ¡°That¡¯s great. If my parents knew you two wereing to send them off, they¡¯d be really happy,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Oh, one more thing.¡± Laura added. ¡°Did you hear Sidonie got detained?¡± ¡°Detained?¡± Quinn was caught off guard. ¡°After what she did at the airport, causing a scene and disrespecting your parents¡® ashes, did she really think she¡¯d get away with it?¡± Laura said. ¡°It was the military who filed the reportter, and there were tons of witnesses. She¡¯s being held for ten days. It¡¯s not a criminal conviction, but it still counts as an administrative penalty. That¡¯s on her record now. Her career as a co¨Cpilot? is over. She might not even qualify for that anymore.¡± Just picturing Sidonie locked up in the detention center made Laura feel a wave of satisfaction. ¡°And Trent¡¯s been running around trying to pull strings, hoping to get the penalty wiped from her record. But seriously, who¡¯d dare get involved in something like this?¡± The military was outraged when Sidonie showed disrespect toward the fallen heroes. How could anyone expect the military to tolerate someone deliberately harassing the family of fallen heroes, even trying to open the urn to check the remains? Military 84 Chapter 84 Do You Hate Me Chapter 84 Do You Hate Me 99973 s If Sidonie had really opened the urn for inspection at the time, she¡¯d probably be looking at a three¨Cyear prison sentence right now. Honestly, if the military hadn¡¯t stepped in first, Quinn would¡¯ve taken action herself after Montague and Arlene were properlyid to rest. She could never forgive Sidonic for insulting her parents¡® remains like that. Since Sidonie did it, she had to face the consequences. As for Trent, he was nothing more than a stranger to her now. Laura chatted with Quinn a bit longer before asking, ¡°So where are you staying now? At the house in your hometown?¡± ¡°No. That ce has been empty for years, and it¡¯s really run¨Cdown. Not livable. I¡¯ll probably fix it up someday when I have time. Right now, I¡¯m staying at Julius¡® mansion,¡± Quinn said. ¡°What?¡± Laura¡¯s voice on the other end of the line shot up in pitch. ¡°You¡¯re living at Julius¡® mansion? Are you two¡­ living together? When did that happen?¡± Quinn rubbed her temples. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. I¡¯m temporarily acting as Julius¡® bodyguard for three months. Once that¡¯s over, we¡¯ll go our separate ways.¡± Laura was baffled. ¡°Why are you his bodyguard?¡± ¡°It¡¯splicated. Let¡¯s just say I was asked to do it.¡± Quinn kept it vague. After all, this involved the military, and there were things she couldn¡¯t talk about. ¡°Got it,¡± Laura said. As her longtime friend, she immediately understood that Quinn couldn¡¯t reveal everything. ¡°But still, you¡¯ll be around him for three months. Be careful. Isn¡¯t he known for being unpredictable? What if he suddenly snaps and takes it out on you?¡± Laura warned. Quinn¡¯s mind shed back to the funeral parlor in Jexburgh, where Julius had respectfully bowed three times to her parents¡® urn; the sight of him standing at the entrance of the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall waiting for her; and earlier, when he said he wanted to see her parents off. ¡°He¡­ actually has a good side too,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s not as bad as the rumors say.¡± People said Julius was crazy, unstable, and dangerous. Butst night, she¡¯d seen a side of him that was vulnerable, like a lost child. ¡°Wow, you¡¯re not falling for him, are you?¡± Laura asked. Honestly, with the way Julius looked, it wasn¡¯t that hard to imagine. ¡°No! You¡¯re overthinking it!¡± Quinn rolled her eyes in exasperation. ¡°I¡¯m not stupid. Why would I fall for Julius?¡± < 1/2 09.18 Tue, 8 Ju Chapter 84 Do You Hate Me *S Free Coins ¡°Really? Well, if you¡¯re sure, then great. Once you¡¯re back in Jexburgh, I¡¯ll introduce you to some proper guys!¡± Laura said enthusiastically. However, on the other end of the phone, there was only silence. ¡°Quinnie? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Laura asked. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Something just came up. I¡¯ll call youter!¡± Quinn quickly ended the call, then turned to see Julius standing at her bedroom door, his expression unreadable. When had he even gotten there? And how much of that conversation had he overheard? Their eyes met in silence, then Julius suddenly walked up to her. He opened his mouth and said in a low voice, ¡°So falling for me would mean you¡¯re stupid?¡± Quinn thought, Cr*p, he heard that? They just stared at each other. The air between them seemed to freeze. Julius leaned in slightly, his eyes fixed on her as he murmured, his breath warm, ¡°Or¡­ do you just really hate me?¡± His usually cold, unreadable eyes suddenly shimmered with something else, almost like a subtle pull, as if trying to draw her in. ¡°I don¡¯t hate you,¡± Quinn said, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. ¡°But you know I just got divorced. I¡¯m not looking to get involved with anyone right now. And besides, it¡¯s not like you have feelings for me either.¡± ¡°What if I told you I have feelings for you? Would you feel the same way about me?¡± Julius asked. Quinn blinked, caught off guard. What is he trying to say? ¡°I told you, I¡¯m not nning to fall for anyone you back.¡± right now. So even if you like me, I¡¯m not going to like ¡°And in the future? Do you think you¡¯ll fall for someone then?¡± he pressed, ¡°Who knows what¡¯ll happen in the future?¡± Quinn retorted. Julius narrowed his eyes slightly, then suddenly smiled. ¡°Exactly. Who knows what the future holds?¡°. Maybe it was everything that had happened during the day, but that night, Quinn had trouble falling asleep. Just as she was tossing and turning, she suddenly heard a faint sounding from the room next door. She jolted upright, then quietly stepped out of her room, just in time to see Julius downstairs. ing his and heading When he saw her, a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes. ¡°You really are a good bodyguard.¡± Military 85 2/2 Chapter 85 Could You Fall For Mc Chapter 85 Could You Fall For Mc ¡°Where are you going in the middle of the night?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°To the living room,¡± Julius replied. ¡°Since you¡¯re up too,e join me for a drink.¡± Downstairs in the living room, Julius walked over to the wine cab. ¡°What kind of wine do you like?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t drink,¡± she said. After all, she was responsible for his safety. If she drank, it could affect her alertness and physical response. Julius didn¡¯t push. He poured himself a ss of red wine and drank it in one go. Then came a second ss, and a third. This wasn¡¯t sipping on wine. It was like chugging. It was unlike his usual self. Just as Julius was about to down his fourth drink, Quinn suddenly reached out and grabbed his hand. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Any more and it¡¯ll hurt your body.¡± ¡°Are you worried about me?¡± He looked up at her. Those eyes looked calm and unreadable, as if he were just asking a casual question. Yet, there seemed to be a subtle yearning hidden within. Longing? Quinn wondered if she was imagining things. How could Julius possibly long for someone to care? Still, she replied, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m worried. I don¡¯t want anything happening to you while I¡¯m responsible for protecting you.¡± His gaze seemed to dim slightly. ¡°So if you weren¡¯t assigned to protect me, you wouldn¡¯t care?¡± She pressed her lips together. Somehow, she felt that answering yes might change something between them. ¡°Is it that if you had feelings for me, you¡¯d still worry even without the job?¡± He suddenly leaned closer, eyes fixed on hers. Their faces were inches apart, and his cool breath brushed against her skin. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Quinn frowned and tried to step back, but Julius caught b ist, stopping her. ¡°Quinnie, could you fall for me? His voice, usually cold, was now rough and low, almost like a whisper. Quinn froze, staring at the face so close to hers. Julius was a strikingly handsome man. He had sharp features, defined nose, pale lips, and those deep eyes under arched brows. Right now, those eyes seemed to ripple with emotion. 19 Chapter 85 Could You Fall For Me His cheeks were slightly flushed from the alcohol, and even his eyes seemed to hold a hint of intoxication. ¡°No,¡± Quinn answered firmly. Julius was far too dangerous for her. She never wanted to get involved with someone like him. If Dominic hadn¡¯t asked her personally, she never would¡¯ve taken the job. Hisshes trembled slightly. ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°Would you even be capable of loving me?¡± Quinn countered. This time, it was Julius¡® turn to fall silent. ¡°Falling for someone means you might end up loving them. And I¡¯ve said before, the person I want to love is someone who can stand beside me, someone I can trust with my life, someone who won¡¯t abandon me in times of crisis, someone who will never betray me,¡± Quinn said slowly, each word clear. Unlike Trent, who had always stood by another woman and never acknowledged her efforts. Even the promises he once made, he broke every one of them. ¡°What if I could be that kind of person? Would you fall for me then?¡± Julius murmured. ¡°What?¡± Quinn was stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected him to say that. He didn¡¯t borate. Instead, he slowly leaned his head toward her. She instinctively moved to dodge, but he said, ¡°Don¡¯t move. Let me lean on your shoulder, just for a bit?¡± This time, Quinn didn¡¯t dodge. Julius rested his head gently on her shoulder. A woman¡¯s shoulder was naturally slimmer than a man¡¯s, but to him, it felt strong, as though as long as he was leaning on her, he was safe. ¡°Today, I got a call from my father,¡± he said abruptly. ¡°Huh?¡± Quinn was caught off guard. Julius¡® father was practically a ghost. The Whitethorn family had always been headed by Edward. After he passed, Julius took over. As for his -father, it was like the family had deliberately erased his presence. Even the media in Jexburgh rarely mentioned him. ¡°My rtionship with my father is terrible,¡± Julius said in a low voice. ¡°If I ever die, he¡¯d probably be the happiest person alive.¡± Quinn blinked. No wonder he had said on the ne that not all parents love the ildren. ¡°You know, when I was a kid, I always wished someone would¡­¡± His voice trailed off. ¡°Hmm?¡± She made a soft sound of confusion. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he said nonchntly. Was it the alcohol talking? For a fleeting m Military 86 Chapter 86 Would You Fall For Me A Free Coins He wanted someone who could protect him from his father and help him escape from him. Back then, all the younger Julius had wanted was for someone to save him. But now, he was strong, no longer afraid of anyone. Why, when facing her, did he nearly let his most fragile side slip out? ¡°Quinn, if one day I could be exactly the man you described, love you only, never betray you, stand beside you through life and death, never leave nor abandon you, would you fall for me then?¡± His voice drifted softly through the air. Quinn said, ¡°Are you joking?¡± After all, Julius just didn¡¯t seem like the kind of person who could do such a thing. She couldn¡¯t even picture what it would look like if a man like him really fell in love with someone. ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Julius slowly closed his eyes, taking in the subtle scent that lingered on her. It wasn¡¯t perfume or anything artificial. It was a natural smell from her¨Ca clean, sunlit hint of fresh herbs. It made him feelfortable and at ease. ¡°Maybe I am just joking,¡± he murmured against her shoulder. He just wanted to lean there a little longer, surrounded by her presence. The nausea he¡¯d felt after that call from his father seemed to fade with every breath he took near her. In the following two days, Quinn visited the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall every day. She would check on her parents¡® urns and pay her respects to the memorial tablets of the family¡¯s ancestors. When she stood before the tablets of the fifth branch, her eyes welled with tears. Next to the names of her grandparents were now the newly added tablets of Montague and Arlene. The once¨Cflourishing fifth branch of the Bridger family had be nothing more than names on memorial tablets. But none of them would have regretted it. They had all done what needed to be done. For their country and their family, they¡¯d die a hundred times over without regret! Quinn knelt down and bowed deeply before the memorial tablets. ¡°Dad, Mom, I will find Rowan. And one day, he and I wille back together to this hall, to pay our respects to you and every ancestor of the Bridger family.¡± Rowan had gone missing five years ago. The military hadunched a search, but he was never found. She had once ventured to the borderlines in search, but her efforts had still been in vain. All these years, she¡¯d kept searching online, gathering every scrap of information she could to find him. 07.10 Chapter 86 Would You Fall For Me Yet, neither the official missing persons notices posted by the military nor her personal efforts had turned up anything. Once everything in Yarburn was settled and her assignment to protect Julius wasplete, she nned to head back to the border. Maybe she¡¯d finally find a clue. As she left the ancestral hall, Quinn ran into Marley again. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t think that just because Great¨Cgrandpa dotes on you, you can act like you¡¯re above everyone else. Your whole fifth branch is cursed. Everyone¡¯s dead except for you!¡± Marley said, her eyes gleaming with malice. It was Quinn¡¯s fault she¡¯d had to kneel all night in the ancestral hall, humiliated in front of the n! Quinn¡¯s expression turned cold. She strode forward and, before Marley could react, pped her across the face. p! The crisp sound rang out clearly in the still air of the ancestral hall. Marley held her face, stunned. ¡°You¡­ you actually pped me?¡± ¡°You insulted the fifth branch. Why wouldn¡¯t I hit you? Even if you run crying to Great¨Cgrandpa, I¡¯d still do it,¡± Quinn said coldly. The fifth branch of the Bridger family had a legacy of loyalty and honor. She would not allow anyone to speak of them with contempt. ¡°You!¡± Marley¡¯s face flushed red. She didn¡¯t darein to Murren, but she couldn¡¯t swallow the insult either. She spat out, ¡°You think you can rely on Great¨Cgrandpa forever? He only pities you!¡± ¡°I hit you not because he spoiled me, but because you deserved it. A true member of the Bridger family would never smear their kin out of selfishness, Quinn said sharply. Marley burned with humiliation and rage. She raised her hand to p Quinn back. However, Quinn moved swiftly, sidestepped behind her, and kicked the back of her knee. ¨C¡°Ah!¡± Marley stumbled and dropped to her knees, right in front of the fifth branch¡¯s memorial tablets. ¡°These people didn¡¯t die because they were ¡®cursed. They gave their lives for the nation, for the family. If you can¡¯t even show them respect, how are you worthy of being a Bridger?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was sharp with anger. ¡°I¡­ My ce in the family isn¡¯t yours to judge!¡± Marley snapped, struggling to get up. However, Quinn pressed a hand to her shoulder, forcing her to remain kneeling ¡°Apologize to them.¡± ore the tablets. ¡°Why should I apologize?¡± Marley shouted, still resisting. ( Military 87 Chapter 87 Reuniting With Laura Chapter 87 Reuniting With Laura ¡°Because without them, the Bridger family wouldn¡¯t be where it is today!¡± a stern voice rang out, Quinn looked up and saw that her uncle, Moldred, had arrived at some point. His expression was serious. Marley¡¯s face immediately twisted with embarrassment. Why does it have to be Uncle Moldred? In the Bridger family, he is the one I feared most. ¡°Marley, apologize properly to the ancestors and fallen heroes of the Bridger family. If it weren¡¯t for their sacrifice, you wouldn¡¯t be enjoying the life you have now,¡± Moldred said. Marley bit her lip. Her current life, in her eyes, hade at the cost of her own eye. Even the Bridger family¡¯s current status and wealth were, as she saw it, built on her sacrifices. And yet Moldred was taking Quinn¡¯s side! ¡°You¡¯re still not apologizing?¡± Moldred¡¯s tone grew harsher. Marley had no choice but to bow her head and offer a grudging apology. Moldred then turned to Quinn. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re not alone. No matter what, the Bridger family will always have your back.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Quinn replied. As she walked out of the ancestral hall, her phone rang. She answered it, and Laura¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Where are you now?¡± ¡°In Yarburn,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Of course I know you¡¯re in Yarburn. I¡¯m asking for your exact location.¡± ¡°Right outside the Bridger family ancestral hall.¡± ¡°Great. I¡¯ll meet you there in half an hour,¡± Laura said. Quinn blinked. ¡°What do you mean? Wait, are you in Yarburn?¡± ¡°Yeah, I justnded. See you soon!¡± Laura said and hung up. Quinn stared at her phone, then smiled at the thought of seeing her friend again. Since the ancestral hall was located downtown, there were plenty of small restaurants nearby. She picked one and sat down to wait. Thirty minutester, not only did she see Laura, but also Han. As soon as Han saw Quinn, he gave her a big hug. ¡°I missed you so much.¡± 12 Chapter 87 Reuniting With Laura Quinn chuckled and ruffled his hair like he was a golden retriever. ¡°Okay, I know. Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing on the phone?¡± Han just smiled and said nothing. He¡¯d wanted to see the look on her face when she saw him unexpectedly. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s eat something here,¡± Laura said. Neither Quinn nor Han objected. The ce was a simple, local eatery serving traditional Yarburn dishes. The three of them ordered a few dishes and began to eat together. ¡°I heard about what happened at the airport from Laura. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t be there with you,¡± Han said apologetically. Something urgent hade up that day, and he hadn¡¯t gone to the airport. If he¡¯d known things would go the way they did, no matter how important it was, he would have dropped everything to be by her side. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault. No need to apologize!¡± Quinn said. ¡°But I¡­¡± Suddenly, Quinn¡¯s phone rang. She picked it up and answered. Julius¡® voice came through. ¡°Where are you?¡± ¡°Having a meal at a small restaurant near the ancestral hall,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°A small restaurant?¡± Julius¡® voice paused slightly, then after a moment, he asked, ¡°Are you eating with the son of the Ingram family?¡± Quinn froze. She looked up, and there he was. Julius was standing at the entrance of the office building right across the street, staring at her through the ss window of the restaurant. 09:18 Tue, 8 Jul 0 Military 88 Chapter 88 Too Much Of A Coincidence Chapter 88 Too Much Of A Coincidence Startled, Quinn paused, her hand gripping her phone as she looked toward Julius in the distance. It was obvious he¡¯d juste out of the building and was about to get into the silver Maybach parked beside him. This was just a little too much of a coincidence. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Quinnie?¡± Han asked. He followed Quinn¡¯s line of sight and caught sight of Julius standing across the street. Han¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, and a trace of wariness flickered across his face. Strangely enough, the brief moment he locked eyes with Julius through the ss window earlier had stirred up a sense of danger in him. It felt as though something he¡¯d been guarding all along was about to be taken away from him. ¡°Laura and Han just arrived in Yarburn, so I¡¯m having lunch with them,¡± Quinn told Julius. ¡°Perfect. I haven¡¯t eaten either,¡± Julius said, and then promptly hung up. Quinn blinked in surprise. She looked up to see Julius already striding toward her. In no time, Julius reached their table. ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten yet. Mind if I join you?¡± he asked. ¡°Huh?¡± Laura blinked. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you¡¯re eating here?¡± ¡°Yes. Is there a problem?¡± Julius asked calmly. Laura instinctively nced at Quinn. ¡°Then join us,¡± Quinn said simply, and asked the server to bring another set of utensils. Julius sat down with ease, taking the seat directly across from Han. It was a square table, just right for four. Quinn continued to eat her meal as usual. Julius and Han exchanged nces, an odd tension hanging in the air. Laura nced from one man to the other, cleared her throat, and tried to ease the tension. Before she could speak, Han beat her to it. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, what a coincidence. adn¡¯t expect to run into you here.¡± ¡°Not a coincidence. I just finished some business nearby and came to find Quinnie,¡± Julius replied. ¡°Quinnie?¡± Han¡¯s brows knitted together. 09:18 Tue, 8 Jul Chapter 88 Too Much Of A Coincidence Upon hearing this, Laura couldn¡¯t help but choke several times. Wait, Quinnie? Did Julius just call her Quinnie? Sure, plenty of people called Quinn by that nickname, but Laura had never expected Julius Whitethorn to do the same. Especially not with that strange undertone in his voice, sounding oddly intimate. ¡°You¡¯re calling her Quinnie? Who gave you permission?¡± Han snapped, ring at him. Julius unhurriedly sipped on his coffee and said, ¡°Naturally, she did.¡± Immediately, both Han and Laura turned to look at Quinn. ¡°Quinnie, you let him call you that?¡± Han asked. ¡°Mm¨Chmm.¡± Quinn nodded. ¡°It¡¯s just easier that way.¡± After all, it was only for three months. Han¡¯s eyes flickered with thought. ¡°Anyway, why aren¡¯t you two eating? The food¡¯s going cold,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Right, right, let¡¯s eat!¡± Laura jumped in quickly, picking up her fork and digging in again. Han pressed his lips together before quietly continuing to eat. Quinn nced at Julius beside her. ¡°The food here¡¯s nothing fancy. Are you okay with it?¡± Julius replied, ¡°I¡¯m not someone who can only eat fine food. I¡¯ve eaten things far worse than this.¡± Sometimes, when survival was on the line, even tree bark and dirt were edible. Quinn looked slightly surprised but didn¡¯t press further. She simply lowered her head and continued eating. Julius picked up his fork and began eating as well. Unlike Han¡¯s casual style; his movements carried a certain elegance. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you must be joking,¡± Han said, clearly annoyed. Julius said casually, ¡°I never joke.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯m curious. Just what is this terribly unappetizing dish you¡¯re talking about? I¡¯d really like to try it out, see just how bad it could possibly be.¡± ¡°Tree bark. If you¡¯re interested, Mr. Ingram, you should give it a try,¡± Julius saith deliberate calm. ¡°Julius Whitethorn!¡± Harl growled. ¡°What, you don¡¯t believe me? Or are you trying to make me your enemy?¡± Julius¡® jet¨Cck eyes lifted slowly, exuding a strong sense of pressure. Suddenly, the atmosphere at the dining table became icy again. §à Chapter 88 Too Much Of A Coincidence Laura felt like her stomach was tying itself in knots. Atst, it was Quinn who spoke up. ¡°Eat.¡± 83% 45 Free Coins Only then did the two scions from Jexburgh silently return to their food. Although they were sharing a table with two handsome men, the atmosphere was anything but pleasant. Military 89 Chapter 89 What Could He Possibly Be Jealous Of Chapter 89 What Could He Possibly Be Jealous Of After the meal, Laura felt like she¡¯d lost a few years of her life. Julius stood up and said to Quinn, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Quinn responded. After all, they had an agreement. While in Yarburn, once her personal matters were handled, she¡¯d spend the remaining time ensuring his safety. ¡°Laura, you and Han¡­¡± Quinn turned to say a few words to her friends, but was suddenly pulled aside by Han. ¡°Quinnie, where are you staying? Let me take you back,¡± he said. ¡°She¡¯s staying with me now. There¡¯s no need for you to see her off, Mr. Ingram.¡± Julius stepped forward and sped Han¡¯s wrist. ¡°Mr. Ingram, are you nning to let go or not?¡± Han¡¯s lips tightened into a line as he red at Julius. ¡°And what if I don¡¯t?¡± ¡°Then if your wrist ends up broken, don¡¯t me me,¡± Julius replied coolly. Han let out a coldugh. ¡°You think you can?¡± The atmosphere between the two men immediately grew tense again. ¡°Enough!¡± Quinn suddenly yanked her hand free from Han¡¯s fingers and then pulled Julius¡® hand off Han¡¯s wrist. She looked up and said sternly to Julius, ¡°Don¡¯ty a hand on my friend. Or I won¡¯t let it slide.¡± Then she turned to Han. ¡°Right now, I¡¯m working as Julius¡® bodyguard for a while, so I¡¯m staying with him.¡± Han was stunned. ¡°Bodyguard? Did he threaten you?¡± ¡°No,¡± she said. ¡°But why?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t say.¡± Just three words, but enough for Han to understand. It has to be a ssified mission of some sort. That¡¯s why she can¡¯t tell me. ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t ask. Tomorrow¡¯s your parents¡® burial. I¡¯ll wait for you outside the Bridger¡¯s family ancestral hall,¡± Han said. ¡°Sure,¡± Quinn agreed. Just as she was about to turn and leave with Julius, Han suddenly rushed up and hugged her from behind. ¡°What is it?¡± Quinn was startled. C 09:19 Tue, 8 ¨¹l Yaa Chapter 89 What Could He Possibly Be Jealous Of ¡°I just realized you¡¯re still the same. You¡¯ll always protect the people you care about, Han murmured Watching her stand up to Julius for him just now had brought back a memory. When he was younger siek with a high fever, barely conscious, she carried him through blocked snowy roads. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll be at the hospital soon. I won¡¯t let anything happen to you!¡± she reassured him, speaking as she ran. Her hair was drenched in sweat. At that time, he was in a daze. The weather was freezing, yet his heart felt warm, as if something was gushing from within. Sometimes, it would only take a second to fall for someone. And now, Han¡¯s lips moved softly, but his voice was firm. ¡°Quinnie, if you¡¯re ever in trouble, I¡¯ll go to the end of the world to help you.¡± If Julius turned out to be her trouble, even if he was the head of the Whitethorn family, Han would do whatever it took to take him down. ¡°I¡¯m not in any trouble. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Quinn said, ruffling his hair. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve got to go!¡± Only then did Han reluctantly let go of her. Laura, standing off to the side, nced at Julius and saw him staring intently at Han and Quinn. Those deep eyes of his were filled with jealousy. Jealousy? Laura was shocked by the thought that shed across her mind. A man like Julius Whitethorn, privileged, powerful, and favored by everyone, what could he possibly be jealous of? I must¡¯ve imagined it! Quinn and Julius returned to the mansion together. Just as she was about to head back to her room, Julius suddenly asked, ¡°If I really had broken Han¡¯s wrist today, what would you have done?¡± She paused slightly before responding, ¡°I won¡¯t give you the chance to do that.¡± ¡°I said if.¡± ¡°There won¡¯t be an if,¡± she said again. ¡°I won¡¯t let you hurt Han like that.¡± Hisshes trembled slightly as he stared at her. ¡°You protect him so fiercely¡­ ju oecause he used to be yourrade?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± Quinn said matter¨Cof¨Cfactly. ¡°But you¡¯ve both left the military!¡± he argued. ¡°You and Han both!¡± 83% Chapter 89 What Could He Possibly Be Jealous Of s ¡°Even so, he¡¯s still myrade!¡± Quinn insisted. ¡°If one day we¡¯re both in danger, he¡¯s someone I can count on with my life.¡± His gaze flickered. ¡°And what about me?¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn was momentarily caught off guard. ¡°If one day you¡¯re in danger, can¡¯t I be the one you count on?¡± he asked. Military 90 Chapter 90 Paying Respects Quinn looked at Julius with surprise, as if she hadn¡¯t expected him to say something like that. After all, to her, Julius was absolutely a dangerous man. Her instincts had always told her to stay away from him, to never get involved with someone like that. When Julius saw her expression, his gaze dimmed slightly. He understood she had probably never even considered the possibility. ¡°What a pity,¡± he murmured quietly. ¡°I¡¯m not yourrade. If I were, would you protect me the same way you protect Han?¡± He looked into her eyes, as if some ripple was stirring in his own. Expectation, perhaps, or maybe even a silent plea. Quinn pressed her lips together. ¡°A hypothetical question like that has no meaning. I¡¯m your bodyguard right now, so of course I¡¯ll protect you.¡± ¡°And if you weren¡¯t my bodyguard?¡± he asked. ¡°Then you¡¯d have plenty of other bodyguards to protect you.¡± At her words, Julius¡®shes fluttered slightly. ¡°Right. It¡¯s true. There¡¯s no point in hypotheticals.¡± Time couldn¡¯t be turned back. He would never be herrade. Yet, a sense of loss welled up in his heart, one that he himself couldn¡¯t quite put into words. In the evening, after taking a shower, Julius stood in front of the mirror, studying his face that was a blend of his parents¡® features. His jawline resembled his father¡¯s more, but his eyes and brows were unmistakably his mother¡¯s. And so, every time his mother looked at him, all she saw was the man she loathed. She would shove him away again and again, screaming, ¡°Don¡¯te near me! You¡¯re his son. When you grow up, you¡¯ll be just like him, a demon!¡± A demon. His own mother had called him a demon. There had never been any tenderness in her eyes, only hatred and fear. His father, meanwhile, would whip him again and again, cursing him for being worthless, cursing him for not being able to win his mother¡¯s affection. Yet, after every beating, his father would stare into his mother¨Clike eyes and sol 1 sorry, Julius. I just love your mother too much. I can¡¯t lose her. You have to help me keep her. She has to love me. You¡¯re her son. She¡¯s bound to love you.¡± From the moment of his birth, he had only ever been a pawn. The so¨Ccalled love was so repulsive that it made him want to retch. 1/2 09:19 Tue, 8 Jul \ @ Q Chapter 90 Paying Respects And now, this feeling he had toward Quinn. What was it, really? 15 Free Coins ¡°Quinn¡­¡± Julius murmured under his breath, ¡°I think I might be a little jealous of Han.¡± Today, when he saw her with Han, a strange difort had surged inside him. Then that difort had morphed into a sharp sting¡­ and unease. It felt like something was gnawing away at his heart, like he was afraid of something being taken away. When he saw her gaze fixed on Han¡¯s face, when she stood up to him for Han¡¯s sake, the pain and unease peaked. Only then did he slowly realize this was what jealousy felt like. The next day, Quinn woke up at the crack of dawn. Today, her parents¡® ashes would beid to rest in the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden. She dressed in in ck formal attire and headed to the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. Inside, the Bridger family members were all dressed in ck, standing in order ording to seniority. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Murren, leaning on his cane, stood in front of the memorial tablets for the fifth branch, deep in thought. It seemed as though he was lost in thought, or perhaps reminiscing about something. ¡°Great¨Cgrandpa, Quinn¡¯s here,¡± someone called softly. Murren came to his senses and turned to see her approaching. ¡°Quin, you¡¯re here. Today, give your parents a proper send¨Coff. The Bridger family is fortunate to have had people like them. Come, kneel and give your respects to your parents, your grandfather, your great¨Cgrandfather, and the ancestors of the fifth branch.¡± Quinn responded quietly, stepped forward, and knelt before the memorial tablets, bowing deeply. ¡°What about the rest of you? Shouldn¡¯t you all give the fifth branch a proper farewell too?¡± -After finishing his words, Murren took the lead, bending over in a deep bow towards the memorial tablets of the fifth branch. / Even at his age, even though such a simple gesture had be difficult, he still managed toplete three full bows. It was admiration, nostalgia, sadness, and profound guilt! He had once most admired the fifth branch, his older brothers. Seven had gone to war, but only one had returned. He had sworn to protect the descendants of the fifth branch. s, one by one, they all passed away. Now, all that was left of the fifth branch was Quinn. Military 91 Chapter 91 A Tribute From then on, as long as he was alive, he vowed to take good care of Quinn. Upon seeing Murren bowing, everyone in the Bridger family followed suit, directing three respectful bows toward the memorial tablet of the fifth branch. Marley, despite her unwillingness, had no choice but to bow along with everyone else under the current circumstances. However, her resentment toward Quinn only grew deeper. To her, Quinn was leveraging her position as a member of the fifth branch and child of two fallen heroes to earn Murren¡¯s attention. However, Murren¡¯s health was deteriorating day by day, and it wouldn¡¯t be long until he would no longer be able to care for Quinn. Marley believed that, once the funeral was over, Quinn wouldn¡¯t be important anymore due to the fifth branch¡¯s position in the Bridger family. Once everyone had bowed three times, Quinn gently picked up her parents¡® urns. She then took the lead, heading toward the entrance of the Bridger family ancestral hall. The members of the Bridger family followed behind. Marley couldn¡¯t help but scoff in her mind. Without the support of the Bridger family, Quinn would have been left to carry the urn to the funeral all by herself today. ¡°Is there really a need for so many people to attend the funeral?¡± whispered someone of the same age as Marley. ¡°There¡¯s no one left in their family now. If we don¡¯t see them off, it¡¯ll be too cold¨Chearted of us,¡± Marley said lightly, her tone steady as if stating a fact. ¡°True. If we weren¡¯t here for the funeral, Quinn would¡¯ve had to send her parents off all by herself. It would¡¯ve been pitiful,¡± the other person said, trying to curry favor with Marley. After all, many in the Bridger family knew about the previous incident at the entrance of the ancestral hall where Marley and Quinn became enemies. Over the years, Marley rose within her family,rgely due to her connection with Julius. Her status had led many of her peers to curry favor with her. Marley smiled contentedly. ¡°Yes, it really is quite pitiful.¡± However, as everyone approached the entrance of the ancestral hall, the smile on Marley¡¯s face froze. At the entrance of the ancestral hall, two orderly rows of soldiers in uniform were standing. Marley was stunned, staring in disbelief at everything happening at the entrance of the ancestral hall. At that moment, Marley noticed there were not just the two rows of soldiers standing at the entrance of the Bridger family ancestral hall. Numerous city government officials were present as well. All of them were d in ck, standing at the entrance. Chapter 91 A Tribute +5 Free Coins Marley felt like she was pped in the face because, just a moment ago, she wasughing in her mind about how pitiful Quinn was that thetter would have attended the funeral alone without the Bridger family. However, that scene proved her wrong. Clearly, even if there were no members of the Bridger family to join Quinn, the state had stepped in to arrange the funeral for her parents. They were fallen heroes, and the state wouldn¡¯t forget about people like them. Even the passing crowd on the street halted in their tracks upon witnessing that scene. Suddenly, Marley paled because she saw Julius in the crowd. Dressed in a sleek ck suit, Julius stood in the crowd. He had a serious expression, and his gaze was fixed solely in the direction of Quinn. Marley waspletely taken aback. Why is he here? Is it also to attend Quinn¡¯s parents¡® funeral? How could this be? Isn¡¯t he the type of person who doesn¡¯t care about this kind of thing? I recall he only ever attended two funerals, his mother¡¯s and Mr. Edward¡¯s. Does his appearance here mean Quinn¡¯s parents upy the same position as his mother and Mr. Edward in his mind? At that thought, Marley clenched her hand into a fist. As she looked at Quinn, her resentment deepened. At that moment, Quinn, holding the urn, walked up to the two rows of soldiers. The two rows of soldiers, in unison, raised their right hands in military salute toward the cremation urn. held by Quinn. It was a tribute to the fallen heroes! The national g was draped over the urn, symbolizing their sacrifice for the nation. The national anthem began to y at that moment. Tears welled up in Quinn¡¯s eyes as the tune of the national anthem echoed through the skies of Yarburn. The national g and anthem represented the steadfast conviction of her parents. For that hard¨Cwon era of prosperity, her parents were willing to sacrifice their own lives to protect it! When the national anthem concluded, a city council official approached Quinn. ¡°We are deeply saddened by what happened to your parents. They were true patriots. Their memory will be honored by our nation and Yarburn!¡± Quinn cast her gaze down, looking at the urn in her arms. Military 92 Chapter 92 Julius Arrived Chapter 92 Julius Arrived s Quinn knew that the nation hadn¡¯t forgotten her parents. It was why they were negotiating on multiple fronts, striving to bring her parents¡® ashes back home, despite the challenges. It was their ultimate wish that her parents could finally rest in peace in Yarburn. ¡°Let¡¯s apany your parents to the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden,¡± suggested the official. Quinn nodded in agreement. She boarded the car, cradling her parents¡® urns. Apanying her were her parents¡® oldrades, who had made the effort to travel to Yarburn for the funeral, and also Han and Laura. As Quinn settled into the car, she saw Julius through the window. Julius stood amidst the crowd, donned in a sleek ck suit, his face serious. Their gazes met, separated only by the car window ss. As he had promised, he came to bid her parents farewell. At that moment, a feeling surged within Quinn, one she couldn¡¯t describe. When she first met Julius, she thought he was difficult to figure out and temperamental. He had a deadly and silent vibe to him, but he always treated her parents with utmost respect, which gradually revealed to her another side of him. The car started up, gradually pulling away from the Bridger family¡¯s ancestral hall. Quinn observed the passersby along the way. It seemed that many of them understood what had happened at the ancestral hall. At that moment, they all paused, watching the departure of the vehicle. Quinn felt as though the mist in her eyes was about to transform into a warm stream flowing down her face. Those people were also there to bid her parents farewell as a show of respect for the fallen heroes. The car had driven all the way to the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, where staff members were already waiting at the entrance. The funeral ceremony was solemn and dignified. Four soldiers gently ced the cremation urn into the grave. With her parents¡® portrait clutched in her hands, Quinn followed behind. Members of the Bridger family, government officials, and military personnel followed behind Quinn for the funeral procession. Meanwhile, Laura, Han, and Julius trailed a bit further behind. Laura was surprised to see Julius at the funeral, especially that he was willing to stay in an inconspicuous corner. She thought that, given Julius¡® status and position, if he were to attend a funeral, he ought to be at the forefront, not in such a back position. It was as if his attendance at the funeral was not for any personal gain or to garner any fame, but was only to bid Quinn¡¯s parents farewell. As far as Laura knew, Julius and Quinn had only recently be acquainted, so she didn¡¯t know why he was willing to do such a thing. Is it because Quinn¡¯s parents were fallen heroes? Or is it because of something else? Once again, Laura couldn¡¯t help but nce toward Julius. She saw that at that moment, his eyes were fixed on Quinn. His eyes, usually scary, were filled with an intense focus. It was as if, in his gaze, there was only Quinn. Laura was bewildered. Does Julius like Quinnie? Given the rumors around him in Jexburgh, no one knows what it¡¯ll be like for him to fall in love with a woman. If Quinnie doesn¡¯t like him¡­ Laura suddenly shivered, too afraid to continue the thought. The national g was draped over the urn! There was also a bullet pendant, ced right next to the urn. As Quinn looked at the bullet pendant, her eyes welled up with tears. It was a cherished memento of her parents, a keepsake she had nned to bury with their urn. Back then, Montague was shot in an ident. Everyone thought he wouldn¡¯t make it, but Arlene refused to give up. She personally performed surgery on him, removing the bullet amidst the harsh conditions on the scene. From then on, Montague often said that his life was given to him by Arlene. Thus, in the future, his life would belong not only to the country but also to Arlene. Quinn once heard hermander mention that when her parents met their end overseas, in the face of danger, Montague had held Arlene tightly. In the end, they both died together in gunfire. Just as he had once promised, Montague truly gave his life not only to the country but also to Arlene. The ceremonial troops standing on both sides raised their long rifles, firing into the air as a salute! Seven gunshots rang out, as if they were saying, ¡°The heroes have returned!¡± Tears finally escaped from Quinn¡¯s eyes, rolling down her cheeks uncontrobly. Dad, Mom, you can finally rest in peace! Once all the funeral rites were over, Quinn, despite her heartache, took the time to interact individually with the officials from Yarburn, as well as the oldrades of her parents. Military 93 Chapter 93 A Monster Chapter 93 A Monster +5 Free Coins Murren kept standing by Quinn¡¯s side, as if he was making a statement to everyone that even though her parents were gone, she was still part of the Bridger family and was supported by them. Seeing the situation, the younger generation of the Bridger family naturally had their own schemes in mind. ¡°Quinn seems to be quite the big deal. So many officials were surrounding her, and even Great¨Cgrandpa was backing her up. Not to mention, even Julius showed up at the funeral today.¡± ¡°Exactly. I heard that apart from his own family¡¯s funerals, Julius never attended anyone else¡¯s.¡± ¡°Could it be that Julius has taken a liking to Quinn? But what about Marley?¡± ¡°Marley? Oh, her. She¡¯s only gotten this far by exploiting the Whitethorn family¡¯s guilt toward her. She should¡¯ve known that a man like Julius wouldn¡¯t be interested in someone whose one eye was practically disabled.¡± ¡°Once Marley lost the support of Julius, I bet she and her useless father will probably get kicked out of Bridger Group.¡± Outside the restroom, Marley overheard the chatter of her rtives about her, her nails digging deep into the palm of her hand. With a stern expression, she walked straight into the restroom. The restroom suddenly fell into a hush. The members of the Bridger family, who had previously been engrossed in their discussion, all quieted down, casting uneasy nces toward Marley. Marley looked at the people before her. Those were the same peers who usually tried to curry favor with her within the family. Theyplimented her to her face, but behind her back, they spoke of her quite differently. She walked straight up to one of them, a woman named Misha Bridger. Without hesitation, she roughly gripped the other¡¯s chin with one hand. Her menacing gaze, magnified by her sses, bore into the woman¡¯s face. Among those people, Misha was the one who spoke with the most enthusiasm earlier. ¡°You think I¡¯m arrogant, do you? That I¡¯m disabled?¡± Marley grinned sinisterly. ¡°How about I blind one of your eyes right now and make you the same as me? Then, we¡¯ll see if anything will happen to me and whether Julius will protect me.¡± As she spoke, she aimed her finger at Misha¡¯s eye. ¡°Ah! No! I was wrong, Marley, Please¡­ forgive me. I misspoke. How could I everpare Quinn to you?¡± Misha pleaded repeatedly. The other members of the Bridger family, of the same generation, didn¡¯t dare to utter a word either. After all, no one really knew what the rtionship between Quinn and Julius was. However, everyone knew what the rtionship was between Marley and Julius. Marley, with a look of disdain, stared at Misha. Her nails scraped across Misha¡¯s face, leaving a few bloody might lose an eye when you least expect it!¡± Misha was terrified, and she kept nodding in agreement. Marley walked out of the restroom with a gloomy look. She was painfully aware, more than anyone else, that her standing in the Bridger family was solely due to her association with Julius. Therefore, she couldn¡¯t bear to lose Julius even more! Her eye was ruined by Julius, so as long as she could intensify the guilt he felt for her, then surely he would stay with her. At least, that was what she believed. Suddenly, she halted in her tracks, simply because she spotted Julius and Quinn standing not too far away. The two of them appeared to be engaged in a conversation. Julius¡® gaze rested on Quinn, and although it seemed calm, there was a hint of gentleness in it. Marley was surprised as she had never seen Julius look at another woman with such an expression. Could it be that he truly has feelings for Quinn? Suddenly, Julius reached out toward Quinn. In the next moment, Quinn abruptly grabbed his hand. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°I just wanted to wipe away the tear stains on your face,¡± said Julius. Quinn was taken aback, noticing that Julius was holding a handkerchief. ¡°Sorry.¡± She let go of his hand. ¡°I can do it myself.¡± ¡°All right then,¡± he said, opening his palm wide. A light green handkerchiefy quietly nestled in his hand. Originally, Quinn wanted to wipe away her tear streaks with a tissue and let it be. However, she didn¡¯t have any tissue on her, and to make matters worse, Julius tantly held out a handkerchief for her. She could only awkwardly ept the handkerchief, using it to wipe away the tear streaks on her face. ¡°Why are you crying?¡± Julius¡¯s voice echoed in her ears. ¡°Is it because they are your parents?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± she retorted. His gaze dropped slightly. ¡°When my mother died, I didn¡¯t shed a single tear. Even though she was the one who gave birth to me, I couldn¡¯t cry. Back then, some people called me cold¨Cblooded, others said I was a monster. What about you? Do you think I¡¯m a cold¨Cblooded monster, too?¡± Military 94 Chapter 94 Pinky Promise s Quinn pursed her lips. I doubt he would¡¯ve today if he were a cold¨Cblooded monster. ¡°Your mother didn¡¯t treat you well?¡± ¡°She really disliked me, especially my face. She couldn¡¯t stand it,¡± Julius said. His voice was calm, as if he were talking about something normal. Quinn was taken aback. What kind of mother could despise her own child¡¯s face to that degree? ¡°What about you? Would you hate my face?¡± Julius asked. Taken aback, Quinn saw his eyshes quiver slightly as his striking eyes slowly lifted to meet hers. His gaze was calm without a hint of disturbance like a dead sea. However, beneath that dead sea, there was a glimmer of anticipation. Quinn found herself overwhelmed by an indescribable feeling welling up within her. ¡°No way.¡± She pursed her lips, looking at Julius¡® face. He was incredibly handsome, and she figured most women wouldn¡¯t find his face unpleasant. Upon hearing that, he smiled, which seemed to thaw the icy stillness in his eyes, casting an irresistible allure. ¡°Right, here¡¯s your handkerchief back,¡± said Quinn, as she handed it over to Julius. He took back his handkerchief. ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll never despise this face of mine.¡± A flicker of confusion crossed her eyes, but she nodded, saying, ¡°All right.¡± She never held any resentment toward a particr face, and her disdain would always be reserved for the person behind it. If she truly detested someone, she wouldn¡¯t even bother to spare them a nce and would hope they never met again, like with Trent. ¡°Then let¡¯s pinky promise, deal?¡± Julius said, genuinely extending his right hand and holding up his pinky. Taken aback, Quinn looked at him with a hint of surprise. She didn¡¯t expect that a man like him, who could effortlessly stir up Jexburgh¡¯s high society with a mere flick of his finger, would actually resort to such a childish method to secure a promise. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Seeing her silent, Julius asked. ¡°I just didn¡¯t expect you would¡­ uh, want to make a pinky promise,¡± said Quinn. ¡°It¡¯s because when I was young, a little girl once told me that a pinky promisests a hundred years. Break it, and you¡¯ll lose what you treasure most,¡± said Julius. Quinn was rather surprised. He believes that? Then again, I did too when I was a kid. I would even say the same thing. What a coincidence. Maybe I made a pinky promise with him when we were kids, too? Immediately after, Quinn dismissed the fleeting spection that had just crossed her mind. We have nothing to do with each other, and I don¡¯t recall interacting with the Whitethorn family at all in the past. There¡¯s no way I could¡¯ve known him as a kid. Besides, with how he looks right now, I bet he¡¯s equally attractive back then. I doubt I would¡¯ve forgotten such a memorable face. I¡¯m confident in my memories, and I don¡¯t remember meeting him before. ¡°All right, let¡¯s pinky promise then,¡± said Quinn, extending her little finger and hooking Julius¡®. ¡°Pinky promise for a hundred years,¡± Julius murmured those words, a phrase that Quinn was all too familiar with from her childhood. A flicker of bewilderment shed in Quinn¡¯s eyes. She felt as though she saw a reflection of her past self, making a pinky promise with someone just like that. Marley watched the scene unfold before her, gritting her teeth tightly, her eyes filled with intense jealousy. To think they¡¯re doing a pinky promise! She still remembered one time in the past when she and Julius happened upon two kids making a pinky promise. Julius waspletely captivated by the sight. So, she suggested, ¡°How about we make a pinky promise too?¡± However, at that time, Julius merely gave her a look. ¡°I don¡¯t need any promises from you, and I don¡¯t n on making any to you either.¡± It was as though, in his eyes, she was nothing more than an insignificant person, even though she had nearly lost her sight in one eye because of him. She had paid such a price, and atst, she was close to him, yet he didn¡¯t even want to make a pinky promise with her. However, at that moment, he was doing just that with Quinn. What¡¯s so great about Quinn? Marley was fuming. At that moment, those who witnessed the scene included Laura and Han. Military 95 Chapter 95 Violent Confrontation Almost instinctively, Han wanted to rush forward, but Laura held him back. She said, ¡°Today is Quinnie¡¯s parents¡® funeral. Don¡¯t you dare cause any trouble.¡± Han paused in his tracks, pursing his lips. ¡°I wonder if Julius has a thing for Quinnic?¡± Laura muttered. After all, it was almost impossible to associate that heartwarming scene with the image Julius usually presented. Perhaps earlier, what she had seen as jealousy in Julius¡® eyes wasn¡¯t just her imagination ying tricks on her. Han said coldly, ¡°Stop daydreaming!¡± ¡°What, are you worried someone¡¯s going to steal Quinnie away? Rx, she just got divorced. She¡¯s not in the mood for another romance right now,¡± said Laura nonchntly. Han¡¯s lips were tightly pressed together as he gazed intently at the scene unfolding before him. Of course, he was worried. Back then, he had already missed one opportunity. He only found out about her wedding after it had taken ce, and it hit him hard that he had even lost the chance to confess his feelings! Thus, he left the country in frustration, spending three years abroad. He had hoped that he would be able to let go of his feelings for her. However, when he returned home and saw her, he realized in that instant that he was simply in denial. On one hand, he was irked that Trent didn¡¯t take good care of Quinn. On the other hand, he was relieved. If not for that, Quinn wouldn¡¯t have ended up divorced, and he wouldn¡¯t have another chance. At that time, she had just gone through a divorce, and coincidentally, her parents had also just beenid to rest. Hence, he thought it would be best to wait for a while before gradually revealing his feelings to her. However, out of nowhere, Julius appeared! Once the funeral was over, Quinn said to Julius, ¡°I won¡¯t be returning to the mansion with you. I want to stay in the cemetery for a while longer, to spend some time with my parents.¡± ¡°Can I stay with you for a while then?¡± Julius asked. ¡°No. I¡¯d like to have a private chat with them,¡± said Quinn. The burial ceremony was attended by many who came to bid farewell to her parents. Yet, once everything had drawn to a close, she desired to spend some time alone with her parents. Julius gazed at Quinn for a moment, then responded, ¡°All right.¡± He turned around and left, leaving Quinn all by herself. She stood alone in front of her parents¡® gravestone, silently staring at their ck and white photos etched onto the tombstone. In the photograph, the smiles of her parents were bright and unwavering, just like their conviction. apter 93 ¡°Dad, Mom, rest in peace. From now on, I¡¯ll visit you here often. And I¡¯ll bring Rowan, too, so we can visit you together! What you loved and protected, I will continue your efforts. Also, I¡¯m divorced now. I¡¯ve always admired the love you and Dad share, but it seems I wasn¡¯t as fortunate. However, even though I¡¯m divorced and that rtionship didn¡¯t work out, I will still make the most of each day. I won¡¯t let that failed rtionship hold me back! My life is filled with so much more than just love! I hope that when I grow old and meet you both in the afterlife, I can proudly say, ¡®I am the daughter of Montague Bridger and Arlene Gurney!¡°¡± Quinn was speaking softly to the tombstone, as if she were casually chatting with her parents. However, hidden within those words was an overwhelming amount of longing. Outside the cemetery, as Julius left the grounds, his bodyguard was about to approach him. However, a figure beat him to it, swiftly rushing forward and cornering Julius against the wall. The bodyguards stiffened, readying themselves to take action. Julius, however, lifted his hand, halting the bodyguards in their tracks. He then looked at Han, whose elbow was positioned against his throat. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mr. Ingram? Are you nning toy a hand on me?¡± Han stared at Julius, his gaze icy. ¡°What if I say yes?¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t think for a second that you¡¯re getting out of here unscathed today,¡± Julius said. Earlier, when Laura had just left the cemetery with Han, she was about to ask him if they should wait for Quinn, but Han had already dashed straight toward Julius. It was only then that Laura regained her senses. She quickly stepped forward, ¡°We¡¯re all Quinnie¡¯s¡­ uh, friends, so there¡¯s no need for this.¡± Yet, both men simply ignored what she had said. Han red at Julius. ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Quinn is not someone you can toy with. If you darey a finger on her, I won¡¯t let you off the hook!¡± Julius slightly lifted his gaze. ¡°What if I¡¯m not?¡± Taken aback, Han narrowed his eyes slightly. ¡°I never toyed with Quinn, and also¡ª¡± Julius¡¯s voice suddenly paused, then he continued, ¡°What happens between Quinn and me is not something you can meddle in!¡± Military 96 Chapter 96 Han And Julius Sparring As his words fell, he made his move,unching an attack on Han. Suddenly, the two men found themselves in a brawl. Laura was taken aback. She wanted to intervene, but if she were to rush over, she¡¯d probably just end up getting punched. So, all she could do was shout at Julius¡® bodyguards, ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys going to do something?¡± ¡°Mr. Whitethorn didn¡¯t ask us to intervene,¡± the lead bodyguard replied. Laura was at a loss for words. When will they stop fighting, then? Are they really going to fight until a winner emerges? From the look of it, Han¡¯s fighting style was clearly that of someone from a military background. His moves were orthodox, and his punches were steady. On the other hand, Julius¡® approach to fighting gave off a more fierce and ruthless vibe. Laura was well aware of Han¡¯s capabilities, but she was taken aback to discover that Julius was just as formidable. Five minutes had passed, and Laura was anxiously watching, fearful that someone might get hurt. Ten minutes had passed, and Laura was still anxious, desperately wanting this fight to be over. Fifteen minutester, Laura¡¯s anxiety had turned into numbness. ¡°Are you guys done yet, or what? You could take a break, you know. Why don¡¯t you grab a drink and rest your feet?¡± Laura rambled on. Just then, out of the blue, a figure darted toward the two men who were still locked inbat. Laura was shocked, staring in surprise at the neer. The person was none other than Quinn. §ã§à Quinn rushed in between the two men who were fighting. With a swift move of her hands, she blocked both their punches. Upon seeing Quinn¡¯s sudden intervention, the two of them instinctively pulled back their fists and abruptly halted their movements. ¡°What are you guys up to?¡± Quinn asked. As soon as she stepped out, she saw Julius and Han in a heated brawl, and neither of them was pulling their punches. ¡°I should be asking you a question! What were you thinking, rushing in like that?¡± Laura ran over, grabbing her friend as she asked. ¡°Have you lost your mind? They were fighting so fiercely, and yet you stepped in between them. What if you were hurt by their punches?¡± Laura¡¯s tone was harsh, yet her concern for Quinn was tant. Quinn said, ¡°Since I made the move, naturally, I can protect myself. I won¡¯t let myself get hurt.¡± Chapter 96 Han And Julius Sparring Even if Julius and Han didn¡¯t stop in time, she could handle it. ¡°Fine. No matter what, your safety should be your top priority!¡± Lana said earnestly. She simply wished for her friend to be safe and sound. ¡°I got it,¡± replied Quinn. ¡°By the way, how did they end up fighting?¡± ¡°They, well-¡± s Before Laura could reply, Han interjected, ¡°I heard Mr. Whitethorn was quite skilled inbat, so I was interested in sparring with him a bit.¡± ¡°Spar?¡± Quinn looked at Han with a hint of suspicion. Han¡¯s eyes flickered nervously. Then, he quickly suggested, ¡°Quinnie, where are you heading? Let me apany you.¡± ¡°She¡¯s going back to the mansion with me,¡± Julius said, beating Quinn to the punch. Han frowned in displeasure. Quinn said, ¡°Yes. I¡¯m now Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s bodyguard, so I have to go back to the mansion with him.¡± Upon hearing that, Han pursed his lips. ¡°I¡¯ll be staying in Yarburn for a few more days. Whenever you¡¯re free, give me a call. There¡¯s still so much I want to talk about with you.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± agreed Quinn before she got into the car with Julius. The car gradually pulled away, with Han¡¯s gaze following it icily. If Julius isn¡¯t just toying with Quinn, could he actually be serious? If a member of the Whitethorn family gets serious¡­ Han recalled the words his mother once cautioned him with. His mother had said, ¡°It¡¯s best not to mess with the Whitethorn family. Once they get serious, they might not stop until they¡¯ve had their way.¡± Back then, Han had responded casually, ¡°Mom, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being a bit too dramatic?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve never really met anyone from the Whitethorn family. They all have a bit of a wild streak in them. Trust me. Getting on their bad side can cause quite a hassle.¡± The words of Han¡¯s mother echoed in his ears. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to provoke a member of the Whitethorn family at that moment. He wasn¡¯t sure what Julius was truly up to, but he was determined not to let Julius hurt Quinn. Moreover, he was determined not to lose Quinn again. Inside the car, Julius looked at Quinn and asked, ¡°Do you really believe that Han and I were just sparring earlier?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe it,¡± Quinn responded immediately. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about the reason?¡± he asked. ¡°If you wanted to say, you would have. If you didn¡¯t, my asking wouldn¡¯t make a difference. Still¡­¡± Quinn paused before adding, ¡°I¡¯ve told you before. Don¡¯t harm Han. Otherwise, I won¡¯t let you off the hook.¡± Julius¡® eyes flickered slightly. ¡°What if he hurts me?¡± Military 97 Chapter 97 Worked Up ¡°You had so many bodyguards around you, so he wouldn¡¯t have been able to get past them to hurt you, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± Quinn said. Julius cast his eyes downward. There are countless hurts that my bodyguards simply can¡¯t shield me from. ¡°Do you really dislike saying my name that much?¡± Julius suddenly asked. Quinn was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Julius.¡± Just as Julius wished, Quinn had called out his name. Quinn added, ¡°Don¡¯t harm Han. I don¡¯t want us to be enemies in the future either.¡± Julius¡® eyshes quivered slightly. A faint, bitter smile spread from the corners of his lips. Why do I have this feeling? Is it because I¡¯m caring more and more about her? ¡°Okay. I won¡¯t harm Han,¡± Julius murmured, slowly lifting his gaze to meet Quinn¡¯s. ¡°That¡¯s because I don¡¯t want to be your enemy.¡± Just the thought of him bing Quinn¡¯s enemy seemed to make Julius incredibly uneasy. Moreover, his instincts were screaming at him. If that really happened, he was certain he¡¯d regret it for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, at Jexburgh, Sidonie was finally released from the detention center. Trent and Yorick came to pick her
  1. up.
As soon as they got in the car, Yorick said, ¡°Sidonie, you have no idea. These past few days, Trent has been running around like a headless chicken because of you. He¡¯s barely had any sleep. They say adversity reveals true feelings, and isn¡¯t this a perfect example?¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough, Yorick. Stop talking!¡± Trent admonished. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you feeling shy?¡± Yorick asked. ¡°Speaking of it, I¡¯m pretty sure Quinn had a hand in Sidonie¡¯s arrest. Quinn must¡¯ve instigated the military personnel and got them to call the cops to get back at Sidonie.¡± Originally, Sidonie already harbored resentment toward Quinn. Upon hearing Yorick¡¯s words, she scoffed coldly. ¡°What I despise the most are those who resort to petty tricks. If Quinn had any issues with me, she could have faced me openly and honestly. I didn¡¯t expect her to use such underhanded tactics.¡± This time around, being detained had made Sidonie absolutely loathe Quinn. She originally thought being undermined by Quinn at the airport was the worst of her luck. Little did Sidonie know she would even get detained. Moreover, this detention was recorded in the files. This also made her realize that even if she were able to remain as a co¨Cpilot, she would never be able to climb any higher in rank. One could say that Quinn hadpletely ruined Sidonie¡¯s career prospects. ¡°Quinn can¡¯t possiblypare to you, Sidonie,¡± Yorick said sarcastically. ¡°She¡¯s such a petty and sly character. Just because her parents were fallen heroes, she thinks she can plot against you like this. Does she really believe that if she ruins you, Trent will go back to her?¡± ¡°Yorick, have you said enough?¡± Trent suddenly scolded. Yorick voiced his discontent, asking, ¡°You¡¯re divorced from Quinn now, so why are you still trying to protect her? She¡¯s not your wife anymore. Besides, haven¡¯t you forgotten the press conference you held for your divorce? Remember how much embarrassment she caused you?¡± A heaviness settled in Trent¡¯s chest. The press conference¡­ Well, to be honest, I brought those embarrassments upon myself. ¡°Quinn is not the type to scheme against others,¡± Trent uttered somewhat hesitantly, Regardless, as Trent reflected on the three years he was married to Quinn, he realized that Quinn had never really schemed against him in any way. Interestingly, it was he who took Quinn¡¯s efforts for granted. He never thought about reciprocating her dedication. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? Are you actually taking Quinn¡¯s side?¡± Yorick said, sounding puzzled. A sh of unease flickered in Sidonie¡¯s eyes. In the past, Trent never seemed to care about Quinn. But now, he¡¯s saying things like this. Could it be that he has feelings for Quinn? No, that can¡¯t be! Sidonieforted herself inwardly. The car pulled up to a restaurant, where Trent had already reserved a private room. Once they reached the private room, Trent took off his zer and casually ced it aside. Suddenly, his phone rang. ¡°I need to take this call,¡± he said, picking up his phone and stepping out of the private room. Sidonie picked up Trent¡¯s zer, intending to hang it on a nearby coat rack. However, due to the tilt of the jacket as she lifted it, something rolled out of the pocket. Sidonie picked it up and saw two in¨Clooking rings. They seemed like something one might find at a street stall. When did Trent get rings like these? Just then, Trent walked into the private room. The moment he saw the two rings in Sidonie¡¯s hand, his expression changed dramatically. He rushed forward and forcefully snatched the rings back from Sidonie¡¯s hands. ¡°Who gave you permission to touch these two rings?¡± Sidonie looked at Trent in surprise. Why is Trent so worked up over just a couple of cheap rings? ¡°Trent, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Yorick asked from the side. ¡°These two rings just fell out of your suit pocket, and Sidonie merely picked them up. There¡¯s no need to be so nervous.¡± Military 98 Chapter 98 Not Important With a feigned look of guilt, Sidonic said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was just trying to help hang up your zer and ended up dropping your rings on the floor. These two rings must be quite important to you, right?¡± Sidonie appeared to be apologizing, but in reality, she aimed to understand why Trent was so concerned about the rings. Trent pursed his lips and was quiet for a long while. Are they important? Once, I had thought that these rings held no importance at all. They were merely cheap trinkets I had bought just for the sake of getting married. During his three years of marriage, Trent hadn¡¯t paid any attention to the wedding rings at all. In fact, if he hadn¡¯t identally stumbled upon the two rings in a drawer, he wouldn¡¯t have even remembered their existence. However, in the days that followed their divorce, Trent kept those two rings with him, asionally caressing them. Even he himself didn¡¯t know why he acted that way. ¡°They¡¯re nothing important,¡± Trent said, somewhat ufortably. ¡°If they¡¯re not important, then why were you so worked up just now? You even scared Sidonie,¡± Yorick blurted out. However, when his gaze fell on the rings in Trent¡¯s hand, a hint of confusion shed in his eyes. ¡°These rings seem familiar¡­ Ah, that¡¯s right. Aren¡¯t these the wedding rings you bought when you married Quinn?¡± As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere on the scene shifted once again. Upon seeing the change in Sidonie¡¯s face, Trent couldn¡¯t help but clutch the two rings tightly in his hand. Upon seeing that Trent remained silent, Yorick was immediately taken aback and blurted out, ¡°No way. Are those really your wedding rings? You¡¯re already divorced, so why on earth are you still carrying these unlucky things around?¡± Unlucky? Trent frowned. ¡°Yorick, even if you are my friend, you can¡¯t talk like that!¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with what I said?¡± Yorick stated nonchntly. ¡°You should have gotten rid of these unlucky things a long time ago. Now, you should really be thinking about what kind of wedding rings to buy for you and Sidonie.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just friends with Sidonie,¡± Trent said. ¡°Enough with that. It¡¯s one thing to say it in front of others, but it¡¯s just us three here. To still say such things, you¡¯re really disrespecting Sidonie,¡± Yorick retorted. Trent¡¯s expression shifted subtly as he turned to look at Sidonie. Sidonie managed a forced smile. ¡°These are the wedding rings of Trent and Quinn. After all, they were married for three years before they suddenly divorced. It¡¯s not wrong for Trent to keep the rings on him. Besides, Trent and I are just friends now.¡± ¡°What are you talking about? If you hadn¡¯t left for abroad back then, Quinn wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to swoop in. How could Trent have married Quinn? For the past three years, you¡¯ve been the only one he cared for,¡± Yorick said. ¡°Really?¡± Sidonie¡¯s gaze was filled with anticipation as she looked at Trent. For a moment, Trent was at a loss for words. In the past, Sidonie was indeed the only one in his heart. When Sidonie returned to their homnd, he did everything within his power to treat her well, wishing to repay the life¨Csaving grace he¡¯d received. Yet, these days, he couldn¡¯t help but reminisce about the little moments and memories from his three years of marriage to Quinn. In particr, those words that Quinn spoke to him at the airport weighed on his mind. Could my life savior really be Quinn? ¡°Trent, what are you daydreaming about? Sidonie is waiting for your answer,¡± Yorick urged. Trent opened his mouth to speak. ¡°I¡­¡± At that moment, Trent was at a loss for words. When Sidonie saw that, a glint flickered in her eyes. She then said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush such matters. Still, if only I hadn¡¯t gone abroad back then, we wouldn¡¯t have missed those three years together.¡± ¡°Sidonie, I¡¯ve only just divorced, so that¡¯s why¡­¡± ¡°I get it,¡± Sidonie said with an understanding look on her face. ¡°The airline I¡¯m working for has given me a long vacation. Do you remember the ind development project in Yarburn I mentionedst time? Since I¡¯m free now, I can apany you there and introduce you to my mother¡¯s family, who are currently involved in the project.¡± As soon as the topic of work came up, Trent¡¯s spirits lifted instantly. ¡°Sidonie, thank you.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities between us,¡± Sidonie said with a chuckle. She was determined to make Trent understand that just as Quinn could bring in projects for hispany, she, Sidonie, could do the same. In fact, she could even secure bigger and better projects for him. Who does Quinn think she is, even daring to herself with me? Trent was somewhat relieved. The Yarburn ind development project was extremely crucial for his currentpany. No matter what, he was determined to secure at least a portion of the project. Moreover, Quinn was also in Yarburn at that moment. Once he got to Yarburn, Trent nned to find Quinn and get a clear exnation. He wanted to know why she had said those words to him at the airport. Military 99 Chapter 99 Do You Like Julius s Trent thought. Why did she utter such a lie that she was the one who saved me back in the day? After all, it was Sidonie who had saved me. Ever since her parents wereid to rest at the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, Quinn spent most of her days apanying Julius on his outings, dutifully fulfilling her role as a bodyguard. At the same time, she also set aside some time to manage the properties her parents had left behind in Yarburn. After the funeral, Laura was the first to return to Jexburgh, while Han chose to linger in Yarburn. As Quinn was sorting out her parents¡® estate, Han was by her side. He imed to be quite knowledgeable about thew, offering his assistance should any legal issues arise during the inheritance process. Even if he couldn¡¯t handle it himself, he could always reach out to the most renownedwyer in Jexburgh for help. Quinn knew Han was telling the truth. Han had graduated fromw school, after all. If he hadn¡¯t joined the military, he probably would have be awyer right after graduation. The four majorw firms in Jexburgh all hadplex and intertwined rtionships with Han¡¯s mother¡¯s family. Moreover, the most renownedwyer in Jexburgh city was none other than Han¡¯s uncle. And so, Quinn allowed Han to assist her in handling her parents¡® estate matters. At the county recorder¡¯s office, Quinn was holding a ticket, waiting for her number to be called. Even though their family had moved to Jexburgh city quite early on, they resided in a militarypound there. Quinn¡¯s parents¡® true assets were all located in Yarburn. There were two properties in total. One was a house located in the city, while the other was an old residence situated in a small town next to Yarburn. The house in the town needed a few days to process the paperwork in the town¡¯s administrative office. Since Quinn¡¯s brother had gone missing, she had no choice but to transfer everything under her name for the time being. Quinn gazed at the death certificates of her parents in her hand, along with the military MIA notice issued by the military for her brother. She gently traced her fingers over her elder brother¡¯s name on the document. ¡°Quinnie, are you still thinking about Rowan?¡± Han asked. Back when he had enlisted, Rowan had already gone missing, so he had never met him in person. All he had seen was his photograph. ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn softly affirmed. ¡°I¡¯ll surely find him.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help you look for him too,¡± Han said. With aforting gaze, Quinn looked at Han. ¡°If Rowan knew I¡¯ve found such a good little brother¨Clike figure like you, he would definitely be very happy and would treat you as his own brother.¡± Involuntarily, Han furrowed his brows. Little brother? Once, Han had been closer to Quinn than anyone else, under the guise of being a little brother¨Clike figure. However, now, Han was afraid that he would forever be nothing more than a little brother¨Clike figure to Quinn. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to be just a little brother¨Clike figure to you?¡± Han suddenly asked. Quinn was taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You don¡¯t want to be Rowan¡¯s little brother?¡± Han lowered his gaze. ¡°The only one who could have me as a little brother¨Clike figure is you, Quinnie.¡± Quinn chuckled but didn¡¯t insist. ¡°Fine. If you say so.¡± Han hesitated for a moment before he asked, ¡°And what about you? Have you always seen me just as a little brother¨Clike figure?¡± Quinn looked at the man before her, who had long since shed his youthful naivety. ¡°You¡¯re not just a little brother¨Clike figure to me, but also myrade.¡± Even now, after both of them had left the military, she still considered themrades in her heart. A faint glimmer shed in Han¡¯s eyes. Comrade and a little brother¨Clike figure. That¡¯s all I am to her. Han couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What about Julius, how do you see him?¡± ¡°Julius?¡± Quinn questioned. ¡°Why bring him up?¡± ¡°I just wanted to know what you think of him,¡± Han asked. ¡°He¡¯s someone I need to protect right now,¡± replied Quinn. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°What else?¡± Quinn asked. Han¡¯s lips tightened slightly. Obviously, Julius is interested in Quinn. In particr, the scene where they made a pinky promise seemed as though he was looking at someone he was fond of ¡°Quinnie, do you like Julius?¡± Han suddenly asked. ¡°Cough!¡± Quinn choked on her saliva. ¡°What on earth are you babbling about?¡± ¡°In Jexburgh, many women are smitten with Julius. After all, his handsome face is enough to make any woman¡¯s heart flutter. So, I¡¯m worried that you might also fall for him,¡± Han said with a serious expression. ¡°Julius isn¡¯t someone to fall for. The members of the Whitethorn family all have a kind of abnormal obsession deep in their bones, or rather, they¡¯re all a bit off.¡± Julius thought back to the chaotic scars marring Julius¡® back, along with his murmuring and moaning in his nightmares. Inexplicably, a peculiar sensation began to stir in her heart. ¡°Everyone¡¯s personality is shaped by their unique life experiences. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s abnormal,¡± she Chapter 100 Apany Him To A Banquet Chapter 100 Apany Him To A Banquet Military 100 Chapter 100 Apany Him To A Banquet ¡°Quinnie, that¡¯s because you¡¯re unfamiliar with rumors about him. If I were to tell you about his past¡ª¡± Before Han could finish his sentence, Quinn interrupted him, ¡°Rumors aren¡¯t always reliable. I¡¯d rather trust what I see with my own eyes.¡± A slight change came over Han. He wanted to continue speaking but abruptly stopped. His past Quinn, settling on something behind her. gaze shifted Meanwhile, Quinn turned around alertly, only to find Julius standing not too far away. She wasn¡¯t sure when he arrived or how much of her conversation with Han he had overheard. Just then, the system machine called out Quinn¡¯s number. Quinn rose to her feet and headed toward the service counter, leaving the two men staring at each other. Han approached Julius and said, ¡°What a coincidence. Are you here on business too, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± ¡°Not at all. I came specifically to see Quinnie,¡± said Julius. ¡°Quinnie?¡± Han¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. ¡°Who gave you permission to call her that?¡± ¡°Of course, she allowed it,¡± Julius said nonchntly. ¡°But what surprises me is that you seem to enjoy talking behind people¡¯s backs, Mr. Ingram. So, it appears that you¡¯re quite familiar with the rumors about me, aren¡¯t you?¡± O Han red at Julius. ¡°If it can make Quinnie cautious of you, no matter how many times I¡¯m cast as a despicable person or having to speak ill of you, I¡¯m willing to do it.¡± ¡°Are you really that scared she might fall for me?¡± Julius mocked. ¡°You!¡± Han¡¯s anger surged, and then he suddenly burst intoughter. ¡°How could a woman as noble and benevolent as her ever fall for someone who lurks in the shadows? Julius, others might not know about the dirty secrets of your Whitethorn family, but don¡¯t you forget that my mother¡¯s family name is Windore.¡± The most renowned family ofwyers in Jexburgh was also privy to many secrets of the city¡¯s elite. They were well¨Cacquainted with the covert affairs of various prominent families. After all, being awyer inherently involves navigating through various power structures, holding a considerable amount of information in hand. Julius¡® expression subtly shifted, the look in his dark eyes turning gloomier. ¡°So, what is it that you want to say to her?¡± Han pursed his lips. Initially, he had nned to warn Quinn about the dangers surrounding Julius and the messy affairs of the Whitethorn family. However, since Quinn was unwilling to listen to these rumors, he naturally decided to drop the subject. At that moment, he didn¡¯t want to be at a disadvantage when faced with Julius. Hence, he smirked and said, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m going to tell her the very thing you least want her to know. Julius, you and your entire Whitethorn family are all lunatics. Do you really think Quinn would fall for a lunatic?¡± A sh of malice flickered in Julius¡® eyes. Suddenly, he raised his hand, aiming straight for Han¡¯s throat. Yet, in the next moment, he abruptly stopped his movement. +5 Free Coins If he had hurt Han there, Quinn would probably have had a fallout with him right then and there. Han was somewhat surprised when Julius stopped in his tracks. He had initially thought they were about to fight right there. Julius slowly uttered, ¡°Just like you said, she¡¯s a noble and benevolent woman. Do you really think she would believe the rumors about the Whitethorn family? In the end, you¡¯ll just end up ying the despicable person.¡± The two men stood rooted in their spots, facing off against each other. At that moment, Quinn had finished the procedures for transferring the house ownership and approached the two. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you two?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We¡¯re just having some casual chit¨Cchat,¡± Julius said. ¡°Did you finish your errand? I need you toe with me for something.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± responded Quinn promptly. After all, she was his bodyguard at the time. ¡°Let¡¯s go, then,¡± said Julius. Quinn turned to Han and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I had nned to treat you to a meal after we finished our business.¡± ¡°No worries. I can always have a meal with you anytime,¡± said Han. As he parted ways with Quinn, he made sure to give her a big bear hug. Naturally, Quinn reciprocated the hug. This type of camaraderie hug was quitemon in the military. While holding Quinn in his arms, Han shot a provocative nce at Julius. Julius¡® eyes darkened, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. Subsequently, Quinn and Julius hopped into the car together. In the car, Quinn asked, ¡°What do you need me to apany you for?¡± ¡°I need you to apany me to a banquet tomorrow night,¡± he said. ¡°Okay.¡± She acknowledged. ¡°What about now?¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to pick out the gown you¡¯ll wear tomorrow.¡± Quinn said, ¡°Wearing a gown restricts movement.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll find a suitable outfit for the asion, then,¡± said Julius. Fine. Quinn conceded. After all, he was now under her protection, and in a sense, he was also her employer. Chapter 101 Choosing A Gown Military 101 Chapter 101 Choosing A Gown Chapter 101 Choosing A Gown Quinn fell silent, turning her gaze to the view outside the car window. Julius¡® gaze fell on her. s He hadn¡¯t expected to overhear a conversation between Han and her at the county recorder¡¯s office that day. When Han imed that everyone in the Whitethorn family was unusual, she didn¡¯t sense anything odd about them. In fact, whenever Han tried to share the secretive rumors about the Whitethorn family, she would always dismiss them, asserting that rumors weren¡¯t credible. As Han had said, such a woman was a noble and benevolent character. Compared to her, even if he appeared sessful and distinguished, he was an insignificant being. He knew that to many people, he was considered a lunatic. Even if he wasn¡¯t crazy now, they believed it was only a matter of time before he would be. ¡°Do you really not want to know what the rumors about the Whitethorn family are?¡± His voice suddenly echoed throughout the car. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in rumors,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Besides, who can really tell if they¡¯re true or false?¡± Julius¡® eyes dimmed slightly. Is she not interested in the rumors or me? ¡°What if some of the rumors are true?¡± Julius asked. ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. Julius looked at Quinn. ¡°For instance, rumors say that everyone in the Whitethorn family is a bit off, including myself. What if I told you those rumors are true?¡± ¡°Do you have a mental illness?¡± Quinn asked solemnly. A flicker of surprise shed in Julius¡® eyes. He had initially thought that upon hearing his words, she would show some hesitation, or worse, he might see disgust etched on her face. However, he didn¡¯t expect that to be the first thing she asked after hearing his words. ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°If that¡¯s not the case, then you¡¯re normal,¡± Quinn responded. ¡°People are diverse in nature. What others say is their business. If you feel that you¡¯re not normal, that¡¯s when you¡¯re truly abnormal.¡± Julius¡® eyes sparkled slightly. Ever since he met her, she had always regarded him with an ordinary gaze. She didn¡¯t look at him the way other women did ¨C with either ttery, greed, or fear. Instead, she simply saw him as a regr person. Julius suddenly chuckled softly. ¡°You¡¯re right. If I start thinking I¡¯m not normal, then that¡¯s when I¡¯m truly not. In the future, if there¡¯s anything you want to know about the Whitethorn family or me, you can ask me directly. No need to find out through others.¡± Quinn gave Julius a peculiar look. She didn¡¯t see why she needed to know anything about Julius or his family. After all, that had nothing to do with her. However, she remained silent, and Julius didn¡¯t continue the conversation on that topic. The car pulled up in front of a swanky club in the heart of Yarburn. Quinn followed Julius out of the car. The staff had been waiting for quite some time, ready to assist Quinn in choosing a gown. Meanwhile, Julius casually lounged on a couch, flipping through the club¡¯s catalog. The pages of the catalog were adorned with images of stunning models, each dressed in a variety of exquisite gowns. This sort of catalog made it convenient for customers to choose their gowns. As Julius looked at the pictures in the catalog, he remained calm and unruffled. There were always beautiful women showing interest in him, but he never had any interest in them. At one point, many even spected that he might have issues with his orientation. Only he himself understood that, regardless of whether it was men or women, he simply wasn¡¯t interested. However, he found himself increasingly drawn to Quinn. From the moment she first pointed a toy gun at his head to their subsequent encounters, his interest in her seemed to grow, slipping beyond his control. Quinn wasn¡¯t the kind of person who would take someone¡¯s breath away at first sight. However, her aura of determination, coupled with her refined features, gave her a certain resilience that was hard to ignore. Even though she was slender and a head shorter than he, there was something about being by her side that inexplicably brought a sense offort. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed. It was Quinn, already changed into the carefully chosen gown, who appeared before Julius. It was a long gown that reached her ankles, featuring a side slit. It was a simple ck one, certainly a convenient and low¨Ckey formal wear. Yet, it left him with a sense of awe. It was as if his gaze was unable to tear away from her face. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you to the banquet tomorrow. Let¡¯s go with this outfit,¡± Quinn suggested, as she approached Julius. As she walked, the slit in her formal dress allowed glimpses of her long right leg, subtly revealed amidst the sway of her gown. Julius suddenly furrowed his brows, thinking about the likelihood of many people seeing her legs if she wore this gown tomorrow. Military 102 Chapter 102 Strange Standards Chapter 102 Strange Standards +5 Free Coins Initially, he wanted to agree to her statement, but he forcibly changed his words. ¡°Maybe we should try another gown?¡± ¡°Another gown?¡± Quinn was momentarily taken aback. Soon, she saw that Julius had chosen one that was designed to cover the bodypletely from the collection of gowns. ¡°How about this one?¡± he suggested. If I were to dress in this kind of gown, I fear I might trip over it before anything happens to me. ¡°Is there something wrong with the one I chose?¡± In fact, there was nothing wrong with the gown. On the contrary, it was perfect for her. However, it was this very perfection that scared him. He feared that too many people would notice her beauty, and that other men might start having designs on her. Julius was silent, stunned by the thought that had just shed through his mind. He had never cared about what women wore or whether their outfits would attract others¡® attention. Yet, when it came to Quinn, he felt a sense of unease. He was afraid that she might attract other men and that her gaze might be directed at other men, and she would no longer spare him a nce. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing wrong with it, then I¡¯ll stick with the gown I¡¯ve chosen for tomorrow,¡± Quinn insisted. Just as she was about to turn around and change into her own clothes, she suddenly heard Julius¡® voiceing from behind her. ¡°Quinnie, it seems I care about you more than I ever thought I did.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn turned around, thinking she must have misheard. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Julius said, a faint smile ying on his lips. The subtle curve seemed to soften the usual indifference of his face. The following evening, Quinn apanied Julius to the banquet. The banquet was hosted by the Yarburn Chamber of Commerce. The guests primarily included government officials involved with ind development, along with the wealthy merchants and prominent figures of Yarburn. Julius was naturally invited since the Whitethorn family was also participating in the ind development project. Quinn, arm in arm with Julius, mingled with some of the big shots at the banquet. As she and Julius were heading toward the center of the banquet, suddenly, a voice that was once incredibly familiar, echoed from behind her. ¡°Quinn!¡± She paused in her tracks, recognizing the voice. Quinn slowly turned around and saw Trent standing a few steps away from her. Next to him stood Sidonie. Chapter 102 Strange Standards ¡°Why are you here? And you¡¯re with¡­¡± His gaze flitted back and forth between Quinn and Julius, aplex look in his eyes. When he first saw Quinn, he thought he was seeing things. He had never seen Quinn dressed like this before. She was simply wearing a ck gown, but on her, it looked elegant with a hint of rare allure.. Her long hair was swept up, revealing her slender neck. It entuated her striking face, leaving him. somewhat spellbound. Yet, what shocked him even more was the presence of Julius standing next to Quinn. Wasn¡¯t she supposed to take her parents¡® ashes back to Yarburn? Why is she here with Julius? Or could it be that her decisive divorce back then was because she had set her sights on someone more prestigious, Julius? The thought of that made Trent feel uneasy. Off to the side, Sidonie looked at Quinn with disdain. ¡°So, you were in such a rush to divorce Trent because you wanted someone wealthier! I had initially thought that since your parents were fallen heroes, you¡¯d have some sense. Now it seems that I¡¯ve thought too highly of¡ª¡± Smack! Before Sidonie could finish her sentence, a pnded squarely on her face, causing her to stagger and nearly fall over. With a baffled look on her face, she watched as Julius calmly pulled a handkerchief from his suit pocket, leisurely wiping his right hand. ¡°It seems like Ms. Stonehurst really enjoys gossiping. Anything else you¡¯d like to add?¡± Julius said slowly. Sidonie was frozen. Julius was the one who had pped her. The people who were previously engrossed in their conversation all turned their attention this way, drawn by the sharp sound of a p that had just echoed through the air. Sidonie covered her face, both startled and annoyed. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, how could you do that?¡± Trent was supporting Sidonie, ring furiously at Julius. ¡°Even if you felt that Sidonie misspoke, you shouldn¡¯t have hit her in public like that!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Julius raised an eyebrowzily. ¡°So, back then, when the woman by your side wanted to inspect the fallen heroes¡® cremation urns, even causing the airport security to gang up on Quinn, you thought that was eptable? Your standards are indeed strange, Mr. Grafton.¡± Trent¡¯s face kept alternating between shades of red and white. Every time he reminisced about the scene at the airport, he was filled with an overwhelming sense of regret. hapter Work Re ationship Military 103 Chapter 103 Work Rtionship Had he stepped in to stop Sidonie back then, things might not have escted to that extent. ¡°It was all Quinn¡¯s fault. If she had mentioned earlier that her parents were fallen heroes, that wouldn¡¯t have happened!¡± Sidonic said, gritting her teeth against the pain in her cheek. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I was just concerned about the safety on the ne. Quinn intentionally set me up!¡± Smack! Once again, a crisp pnded on Sidonie¡¯s cheek. If it hadn¡¯t been for Trent supporting her, she probably would have fallen t on the ground. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, how could you p her again?¡± Trent was outraged. Julius, however, didn¡¯t pay any attention to Trent at all. He merely looked at Sidonie frostily. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m a fool, stupid enough to believe what you¡¯re saying?¡± Sidonie¡¯s cheeks were flushed and swollen, her face full of embarrassment. At the banquet that day, she had intentionally brought Trent along. Her aim was to show him that she could be of assistance. Unexpectedly, the banquet had just started, and she had already suffered such a major embarrassment in front of everyone. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, are you intentionally defending Quinn? Did I say something wrong? If I had known that it was the fallen heroes¡® ashes, I obviously wouldn¡¯t have acted that way! Quinn had plenty of opportunities to tell me, but she didn¡¯t. If that¡¯s not setting me up, then what is it?¡± Sidonie said indignantly. Quinn asked, ¡°So, if it¡¯s not a fallen hero¡¯s ashes, but those of an ordinary person, you can just examine them freely?¡± Sidonie was taken aback. With a frosty expression, Quinn red at the person before her. ¡°Sidonie, you may enjoy setting people up, but don¡¯t assume everyone else is just like you!¡± Sidonie¡¯s difort grew as she saw the crowd gathering around her. She gritted her teeth, pushing her way through the encircling onlookers to make a quick escape. Seeing the situation, Trent quickly followed suit. Quinn turned her head toward Julius. ¡°Thank you.¡± He paused slightly. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be upset with me for doing that.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not that gullible. I¡¯m able to distinguish who¡¯s actually helping me,¡± Quinn responded. Julius, whom she had known for less than two months, was there to support her. Yet, her ex¨Chusband, to whom she was married for three years, remained silent when Sidonie ndered her. He never once defended her. What an irony, indeed. Afterward, the spectators gradually dispersed, and the banquet carried on as usual. At the banquet, Quinn also spotted the members of the Bridger family. Marley was among them. It made sense, after all. The Bridger family was a prominent family in Yarburn and one of the main groups involved in the ind development project. It was only natural that they would attend the banquet today. ¡°Quinn,¡± Moldred greeted his niece affectionately. ¡°Uncle Moldred,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Are you Mr. Whitethorn¡¯spanion today? So, you and Mr. Whitethorn are¡­¡± Moldred was a bit curious about the rtionship between Julius and Quinn. ¡°We have a work rtionship,¡± Quinn replied. Strictly speaking, she was temporarily assigned by the military district to work as Julius¡® bodyguard. Hence, it was just a professional rtionship to her. Julius nced at Quinn, though he didn¡¯t voice anyments. ¡°Quinn, I have a few things I¡¯d like to discuss with you privately,¡± said Moldred. With a hint of hesitation, Quinn nced at Julius standing beside her. Her duty was to ensure Julius¡® safety at the banquet, after all. ¡°Go ahead. The security at the banquet is tight,¡± Julius remarked. In other words, he was reassuring Quinn that nothing would go wrong. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Quinn said before she and Moldred made their way to a small balcony located in one corner of the banquet hall. ¡°Quinn, your great¨Cgrandpa isn¡¯t in the best of health. If you have some spare time, try to visit the Bridger residence more often to keep himpany,¡± Moldred suggested. Quinn was taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Great¨Cgrandpa¡¯s health?¡± ¡°As one gets older, it¡¯s natural for the body to experience some ailments,¡± Moldred responded. ¡°Plus, perhaps your parents¡® burial brought back a lot of past memories for him. The weight of these thoughts might have taken a toll on his health.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go and visit him as soon as I can,¡± Quinn stated. Moldred spoke again. ¡°Also, if you¡¯re currently without a suitable job, you cane work at Bridger Group. I¡¯ll arrange a suitable position for you. As the sole descendant of the fifth branch, there will always be a ce for you in the corporation.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not the only descendant from the fifth branch; Rowan is, too!¡± Quinn stated seriously. ¡°But isn¡¯t your brother already-¡± ¡°He¡¯s only missing. He¡¯s still alive. I will find him, and I¡¯ll take him to pay respects to our parents!¡± Quinn dered. Moldred watched his niece intently. The determination and bravery in her eyes were unparalleled. None of the children in the Bridger family had such a gaze. She¡¯s truly the child of the fifth branch! ¡°Yes. Your brother must still be alive!¡± Moldred murmured, then hesitated a bit before asking, ¡°Is your rtionship with Julius really just professional?¡± Military 104 hapter 104 Refuse To Believe ¡°As of now, yes.¡± Quinn replied. ¡°But after three months, when the bodyguard assignment is over, it won¡¯t be the case anymore.¡± However, it seemed that Moldred had misunderstood Quinn¡¯s words. ¡°Marley and Julius share a deep connection. I don¡¯t want you two to end up fighting over a man!¡± ¡°What happens between Marley and Julius has nothing to do with me,¡± Quinn stated nonchntly. Moldred hesitated, wanting to say more but stopping himself. In the end, all he could do was to caution her. ¡°Julius is not an easy character. Don¡¯t get too involved with him. You might find it hard to extricate yourself.¡± After Moldred left, Quinn also nned to return to Julius¡® side. Before she could even step out of the small balcony, Trent had already made his move and approached her first. ¡°Quinnie, let¡¯s have a talk!¡± ¡°Mr. Grafton, it seems that our rtionship has changed. It¡¯s no longer appropriate for you to call me ¡®Quinnie. Please refer to me as Ms. Bridger from now on,¡± Quinn said coolly. Her cold demeanor made Trent ufortable. He moistened his lips, then with a seeming surge of courage, he said, ¡°I wanted to apologize for what happened before. I didn¡¯t know your parents were fallen heroes¡­ If I had known¡­ I would have definitely apanied you to collect your parents¡® ashes and would have stopped Sidonie at the airport!¡± However, his apology only made Quinn¡¯s gaze grow even colder. ¡°Trent, you really do resemble Sidonie! So, if my parents weren¡¯t fallen heroes, you would just trample over them?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Trent paused. ¡°If that¡¯s all you have to say, you might as well stop talking. I¡¯m not interested in sticking around!¡± After saying this, Quinn intended to walk away. Suddenly, Trent blocked her path. ¡°Tell me,¡± he demanded, ¡°why did you say those words to me at the airport? What did you mean by that?¡± His gaze was locked onto her, unyielding and intense. With a cool nce, Quinn looked at him. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? I saved your life back then. Don¡¯t I have the right to scold reprimand you? Trent, if I hadn¡¯t saved you back then, do you think you¡¯d still be here, talking to me?¡± Perhaps he would have lost his life! A slight shift in Trent¡¯s expression was evident. ¡°How on earth did you find out about my past incident where I was injured and fell into the river? Are you saying this on purpose, trying to make me believe that you were my savior?¡± Taken aback, Quinn had never expected such words toe from Trent¡¯s mouth. It turns out that what¡¯s even worse than being ungrateful is when the other party has no intention of acknowledging the favor in the first ce. From the moment she recognized him as the young man she had saved from the river, she never once considered holding this act of kindness over his head. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have kept silent about it all these years. Had it not been for the incident at the airport that infuriated her beyond measure, she might have never brought it up. But now, ording to Trent, it had turned into her deliberately misleading him. ¡°So, you think I¡¯m just talking nonsense?¡± Quinn couldn¡¯t help butugh in disbelief. Trent frowned. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the case? The person who saved me wasn¡¯t you. You¡¯re just saying that to make me feel guilty, to make my life difficult!¡± Quinn gazed steadily at the person before her. In his eyes, there was an unmistakable hope, a hope that she would nod, acknowledging that what he assumed was right. There really is such absurdity in this world. ¡°Trent, are you that disappointed that I was the one who saved your life?¡± A sh of embarrassment crossed the man¡¯s face. ¡°I just wanted to clear things up.¡± ¡°Clear things up?¡± Quinn scoffed. ¡°How would you like me to do that? Do you want me to say that I was just spouting nonsense, that I never saved your life, and that I¡¯m not your lifesaver? If that¡¯s the case, then our three¨Cyear marriage, ending in divorce, would leave you guilt¨Cfree, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± His expression faltered. All he heard was her icy voice stating, ¡°What a shame. I never wanted your guilt, Trent. Your guilt is utterly worthless to me now!¡± Trent felt a sharp pain in his chest; Quinn¡¯s voice at that moment seemed unbearably piercing. This woman, who once apanied him with such gentle affection, had lost her family to death and disappearance, leaving him as her sole support. Yet, why was her gaze toward him now so icy cold? It was as if he had be someone utterly insignificant to her. ¡°Really? Is my guilt not worth a dime to you?¡± He was suddenly filled with an anger he himself couldn¡¯tprehend. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, why would you tell such a ridiculous lie? Quinn, it was Sidonie who saved me, not you. Did you think that a few words from you would convince me that you were my savior?¡± Military 105 Chapter 105 His True Savior ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. What on earth is going on? Originally, it was she who had saved him from the river. What on earth did it have to do with Sidonie? ¡°I came to you today hoping for some honesty,¡± Trent said. ¡°I really hope you¡¯re not exploiting even this!¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ the person who saved you was Sidonie?¡± Quinn asked, narrowing her eyes. ¡°Yes!¡± Trent said, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have guessed, but I¡¯ve known who my savior was all along! So, please stop telling those ridiculous lies!¡± What the heck? ¡°Hahahaha!¡± Quinn suddenly burst intoughter. ¡°Trent, who¡¯s the one being ridiculous here?¡± Back then, she had braved the dangers, fighting against the turbulent river to save him. However, he was convinced that it was Sidonie who had saved his life. ¡°Of course, you¡¯re the ridiculous one!¡± A voice suddenly rang out. ¡°Quinn, I never expected that you would stoop so low as to im someone else¡¯s heroic deed as your own. How shameless!¡± Quinn turned her head, only to see Marley walking toward the small balcony. Apanying her was none other than Sidonie. At that moment, Sidonie¡¯s cheeks were still red and swollen, clearly indicating that the ps Julius had given her earlier were anything but light. Quinn disregarded Marley, her gazending on Sidonie. ¡°So, did you tell Trent that you were the one who saved him from the river back then?¡± Sidonie was prepared for this. From the moment she decided to apany Trent to Yarburn, she knew he would inevitably seek out Quinn to rify things and that she would have to face this situation. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just me,¡± Sidonie stated, ¡°Trent and others saw it with their own eyes! Back then, I was the one who saved Trent. I apanied him in the ambnce and all the way to the hospital. During his treatment there, I visited him multiple times!¡± What she said, especially thetter part, was all true, which was why Sidonie didn¡¯t feel guilty at all when she said it. Quinn stared intently at Sidonie. ¡°What I¡¯m asking is, were you the one who saved Trent from the river back then?¡± Her piercing gaze startled Sidonie, making thetter feel as if she was being overwhelmed by Quinn¡¯s imposing aura at that moment. ¡°Are you implying that it wasn¡¯t Sidonie who saved us, but you?¡± Marley retorted. ¡°Why are you butting in when I¡¯m talking to Sidonie?¡± Quinn said coldly. Marley retorted, ¡°How is it not my business? Sidonie is, after all, my cousin. Of course, I have to stand up for her.¡± ¡°Cousin?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°Sidonie¡¯s mother is also a Bridger!¡± said Marley, In other words, Sidonie¡¯s mother was also a member of the Bridger family. Therefore, strictly speaking. there was a bit of familial connection between Quinn and Sidonic. To her surprise, Quinn hadn¡¯t expected there to be such a connection between her and Sidonie. With a look of disdain, Marley regarded Quinn. She had just found out from Sidonie that Quinn was, in fact, a divorcee. A woman who has been through a divorce is even less suited to Julius! ¡°You¡¯re not regretting your divorce and fabricating this story to try and salvage your marriage, are you? Too bad, your ex¨Chusband already knows you¡¯re lying. He¡¯s well aware that you¡¯re not his savior!¡± Marley mocked. Sidonic also chimed in, ¡°Quinn, you and Trent are already divorced. Why resort to these tactics? Or do you think that if Trent believes you saved his life, he¡¯ll get back together with you and make it up to you?¡± ncing at how Sidonic and Marley were mocking and belittling her, Quinn turned to Trent with a cold gaze, ¡°So, you also believe that the one who saved you was Sidonic?¡± A flicker of hesitation crossed Trent¡¯s eyes. However, upon seeing the hopeful look in Sidonie¡¯s eyes, he said, ¡°I trust Sidonie.¡± When he first gained consciousness, it was Sidonic by his bedside. Everyone said that it was Sidonie who had apanied him to the hospital in the ambnce. The fact that Sidonie saved my life is crystal clear. There¡¯s absolutely no room for doubt. So the only conclusion is Quinn is lying! Quinn wasn¡¯t surprised by Trent¡¯s response. After all, whenever he was faced with a choice in the past, Trent always chose Sidonic over her. ¡°Do you really think, Trent, that Sidonic has the capability to rescue you from the turbulent river?¡± Quinn asked sharply. To save someone under such circumstances, physical strength, swimming skills, and experience were all indispensable. Back then, when she saved Trent, it was a real struggle. They nearly got swept away by the river together. Military 106 Chapter 106 Report That As Well With Sidonie¡¯s capabilities, Quinn doubted the former could possibly save Trent. Trent was momentarily taken aback, while the color on Sidonic¡¯s face subtly shifted. Marley eximed, ¡°Quinn, what are you implying? Do you think you¡¯re the only one capable of saving people and that no one else is worthy of doing so? Saving lives isn¡¯t about ability; it¡¯s about courage! Even if you want to reconcile your marriage, you can¡¯t just nder Sidonie like this!¡± Marley raised her voice on purpose, drawing the attention of everyone at the banquet. She was determined to make Quinn lose face in front of all these people who hade to attend the banquet. Those who attended the banquet today included government officials and prominent figures from Yarburn. If damaging rumors about Quinn were to spread, then it would be difficult for her to regain her footing in Yarburn in the future. Sidonie also chimed in, ¡°Quinn, if you¡¯re having second thoughts and want to remarry Trent, you can just say that. Why resort to such underhanded tactics?¡± ¡°Sidonie, who¡¯s the despicable person here?¡± Quinn taunted. ¡°If it¡¯s true that you were the one who saved Trent, where were you then? Why weren¡¯t you at the scene?¡± Sidonie questioned. Quinn pursed her lips. At the time, she was on an urgent mission. So after rescuing Trent, she dialed the emergency number and asked a passerby to keep an eye on him. The records from the emergency dispatchers usually weren¡¯t kept for very long. Furthermore, she had no idea where to find the random passerby she had grabbed back then. So, she really couldn¡¯t prove that she was the one who had saved Trent¡¯s life. However, none of these mattered to her anymore. ¡°Sidonie, a lie is a lie. If therees a time when Trent faces danger again, I hope you¡¯ll be there to rescue him!¡± Having said this, Quinn was ready to leave. The color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re just leaving like that? Don¡¯t you think you owe me an apology?¡± ¡°Apology?¡± Quinn¡¯s lips curled up in a mocking smile, yet her eyes were filled with cold indifference. ¡°What do I have to apologize for?¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you apologize for ndering me like this?¡± Sidonie imed. At that moment, she knew she had to stand firm. Only then would Trent truly believe that she was his true savior. ¡°Sidonie, are you looking to get trampled by me again?¡± Quinn asked. Chapter 106 Report That As Well +5 Free Coins Suddenly, Sidonie¡¯s face flushed bright red. Being publicly humiliated by Quinn at the airport was the ultimate disgrace for her. Trent frowned, stepping forward to say, ¡°Quinn, you not only lied but also ndered Sidonie. You owe her an apology.¡± Quinn didn¡¯t even bother to nce at Trent. ¡°What gives you the right to demand an apology from me?¡± Trent¡¯s heart skipped a beat. That¡¯s right. We¡¯re already divorced! Quinn was not like she used to be ¨C she wouldn¡¯t just do whatever he said anymore. ¡°All I ask is for you to be honest! Your parents were heroes. They wouldn¡¯t want their daughter to be a liar Before Trent could finish his sentence, Quinn abruptly raised her hand, delivering a harsh p to his face. ¡°You have no right toment how my parents were and how I live my life!¡± Trent was taken aback,pletely surprised by Quinn¡¯s sudden action. Meanwhile, Sidonie was ring at Quinn. ¡°How could you hit someone? I¡¯ll call the cops, Quinn. Don¡¯t think this is the end! There are so many witnesses here!¡± Thest time, due to Quinn¡¯s involvement, she had spent several days in the detention center and even had a record left behind. This was something Sidonie held a grudge about for a long time. Now was the perfect time to seize the opportunity and let Quinn spend a few days in the detention center. ¡°So what if she hit him?¡± A frosty voice rang out. It was Julius who had walked over. ¡°I¡¯m quite curious. If the police were toe, would a p matter more, or would insulting the children of fallen heroes be of greater concern?¡± The expressions on Trent¡¯s and Sidonie¡¯s faces instantly turned incredibly unpleasant. ¡°Also,¡± Julius said casually, ¡°I just pped Ms. Stonehurst a couple of times. You might as well include that, too?¡± As soon as his words were spoken, Trent¡¯s and Sidonie¡¯s expressions turned even more unpleasant. How can we call the police to arrest Julius? Wouldn¡¯t that mean turning him into an enemy? In the country, how many people truly dare to be enemies with Julius? ¡°It must have been a misunderstanding.¡± Trent tried to downy the situation, hoping to smooth things over. However, Marley, who was standing to the side, was far from willing to let this go. She had finally caught such an opportunity, and naturally, she was going to seize it to tarnish Quinn¡¯s image in Julius¡® heart. Military 107 Chapter 107 Have Mercy On Her ¡°Julius, Quinn was once married. Mr. Grafton was her ex¨Chusband,¡± Marley stated, under the impression that Julius was unaware of Quinn¡¯s divorced status. ¡°So what?¡± Julius said nonchntly, ¡°I even attended their divorce press conference.¡± Marley was taken aback. Julius is aware of that all along? She¡¯s a divorcee. Why did she manage to capture Julius¡® attention? Immediately, a surge of jealousy welled up within her. Suddenly, she shed a smirk. Behind her sses, a glint of malice sparkled in her eyes. ¡°I bet you didn¡¯t know this, but she¡¯s been trying to get back with her ex¨Chusband all along. She even went as far as pretending to be his savior, just to make him feel guilty!¡± Julius casually remarked, ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°This is absolutely true!¡± Marley hastily said, ¡°Thankfully, Mr. Grafton knew all along that Sidonie was his real lifesaver, which foiled Quinn¡¯s ns!¡± Julius turned his head, his dark eyes stared at Quinn. ¡°Do you want to remarry?¡± ¡°I never considered remarrying after I chose to divorce,¡± Quinn stated emphatically. Marley said, ¡°She¡¯s lying. She just can¡¯t bear to let go of the status of being the CEO¡¯s wife of a listedpany! After all, Mr. Grafton is young and sessful, a self¨Cmade man and a rising star in the tech industry. It¡¯s only natural for Quinn to be reluctant to let go, considering the wealth that she, being who she is, could never earn in her lifetime!¡± Between the lines, they were all insinuating that Quinn was money¨Chungry. Upon hearing Marley¡¯s words, the surrounding party guests looked at Quinn with newfound understanding. After all, women like her weren¡¯t exactly rare. Marley was feeling rather smug inside. After all, she knew well enough that Julius had never shown any fondness for money¨Cmind ed women. I guess by now, any hint of affection Julius once had for Quinn must have evaporated. Yet, in the next moment, Marley was left stunned by what Julius replied. ¡°If all she wanted was wealth, she could havee to me. Why bother with Trent? My wealth far surpasses his, right?¡± It wasn¡¯t just Marley who was dumbstruck, but also Sidonie and Trent, as well as the other guests around them. They were all equally taken aback. ¡°Julius, what¡­ what do you mean by that?¡± Marley finally managed to regain herposure, asking anxiously. ¡°Literally.¡± Julius said, ¡°If Quinn really wanted money, wouldn¡¯t choosing me be a better option? What I could offer her far surpasses what Mr. Grafton could, no?¡± Chapter 107 Have Mercy On Her Marley¡¯s face was filled with surprise. What does he mean by that? Choosing him would be better? It¡¯s as if the power of choice has been ced into Quinn¡¯s hands. How could someone like Julius, who holds such a high position, ever possibly ce the decision¨Cmaking power into someone else¡¯s hands? Trent¡¯s expression was utterly grim. At that moment, a surge of humiliation, restlessness, and a kind of unease he couldn¡¯t quite articte welled up within him. Has Quinn moved on with Julius after the divorce? Has she truly let go of all her feelings for me? ¡°Quinn, we¡¯ve just divorced, and you¡¯re already with someone else?¡± Trent suddenly blurted out, oblivious to how his tone sounded, just like a husband confronting his unfaithful wife. With a snort, Quinn retorted, ¡°Like you said, we¡¯re already divorced. Who I choose to be with is none of your business. Do I need to report my every move to you?¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Trent stuttered, taken aback. That¡¯s way too soon! Furthermore, the person in question is Julius! After their divorce, she didn¡¯t just manage to get by; she even scored someone better. This fact weighed heavily on his heart, like a burden that left him somewhat breathless. It was as if proving that her decision to divorce him was the right one. ¡°Quinn, Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s kindness toward you is nothing more than fleeting sympathy!¡± Trent said, turning to Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, Quinn is an orphan with no significant background, unlike the women who usually surround you. So I implore you, Mr. Whitethorn, to please show her mercy. Stop toying with her emotions. If she starts having feelings for you, it might actually be a nuisance for you in the long run.¡± Trent was clearly implying to those around him that Julius wasn¡¯t actually interested in Quinn. At the same time, it was subtly highlighting the disparity in status between Quinn and Julius. He was confident that if he gave Julius an out, thetter wouldn¡¯t persist any longer. After all, a man like Julius, even if he were interested in Quinn, would probably just be having fun. How could he take her seriously? Military 108 Chapter 108 Protecting Her Sidonie bit her lip. Naturally, she didn¡¯t want Quinn to end up with Julius either. However, at that moment, Trent¡¯s demeanor stirred a faint unease within her. Even though they are already divorced, why does it seem like Trent cares about Quinn more now than when they were married? It¡¯s as if he can¡¯t bear the thought of Quinn being swept off her feet by another man! Could it be that Trent has feelings for Quinn¡­ No, it can¡¯t be! Sidonie reassured herself. Trent loves me, and even though he¡¯s still using the excuse of ¡°just friends,¡± it¡¯s merely to avoid gossip. After a while, when the uproar surrounding Trent¡¯s divorce gradually subsides, our rtionship will naturally progress beyond just being ¡°friends¡°! ¡°Sympathy?¡± Julius gave a low chuckle, a smirk of mockery ying on his lips. ¡°It seems like Mr. Grafton really doesn¡¯t understand Quinn at all!¡± Who¡¯s even qualified to show her, a woman of her caliber, a moment¡¯s sympathy? Moreover, he had never contemted ¡°toying¡± with her. Initially, it was curiosity that drew him to her. She had never abandoned him in times of peril, which made him want to keep her by his side. He thought that perhaps, in this way, his fascination with her would eventually fade. Yet¡­ the more time he spent with her, the more he found himself growing increasingly drawn to this woman. ¡°I¡¯m serious about Quinn. I¡¯d be ready to be with her at any moment, if only she¡¯d say yes,¡± Julius remarked. Once these words were spoken, whispers immediately filled the surrounding air. Marley eximed in surprise, ¡°Julius, what do you mean by that? Are you saying you want to date Quinn?¡± Date Quinn? Julius¡® eyshes quivered slightly at the question. However, he felt that just dating wasn¡¯t quite enough for him. It seemed like he wanted even more than that. ¡°Quinnie.¡± Julius looked at Quinn. ¡°If you¡¯re willing, let¡¯s be together. From now on, you¡¯ll be my girlfriend!¡± Quinn was taken aback, staring nkly at the person before her. His voice, usually cold and detached, was slightly more hoarse than usual at this moment. It was as if his gaze possessed a bewitching charm, capable of effortlessly stirring one¡¯s heart. Is he serious? Or is he just¡­ saying that to save me from embarrassment? could she possibly walk alongside you?¡± With a mocking glint in his eyes, Julius looked at Marley. ¡°So you think you can walk side by side with me?¡± Marley flinched, then promptly lifted her chin. ¡°Yes, I am from the Bridger family¡¯s main branch. I am a better match for you than Quinn. I have the ability to stand by your side!¡± She took great pride in who she was. As the darling daughter of the main branch of the family and holding a key position in Bridger Group, shemanded respect. Whenever the members of the Bridger family saw her, they would bow and bend over backward to please her. The Bridger family was a prominent n in Yarburn. She reckoned she was surely the woman who deserved to stand by his side the most. ¡°Your abilities?¡± The mockery in Julius¡® eyes deepened. ¡°Without the Whitethorn family¡¯s support, how capable do you think you are? Marley, have you been pampered for so long that you actually believe you¡¯repetent?¡± His icy tone and the indifferent gaze turned Marley¡¯s face pale in an instant. His words served as a reminder to her that all she had was merely the result of his influence. If his and the Whitethorn family¡¯s support were to be withdrawn, she would be left with nothing. Just like before she met him all those years ago, she was merely an unloved illegitimate daughter of the Bridger family. Eventually, it was the ¡°price of an eye¡± that officially led her to the doorstep of the Bridger family. Finally, her father was willing to marry her mother. Among the guests attending the banquet, naturally, there were some who knew the reason behind Marley¡¯s rise to power in the Bridger family. Upon hearing Julius¡® words, everyone shifted their gaze to Marley, each harboring their own spections in their hearts. Marley stiffened, her voice strained as she spoke. ¡°What does Quinn have? Besides being the daughter of fallen heroes, what else can she offer? What can she do for you? Julius, don¡¯t forget this. I was even willing to sacrifice an eye for you!¡± Marley intentionally mentioned that, aiming to stir up a sense of guilt within Julius. However, the man¡¯s darkened eyes remained as cold as ever. ¡°I don¡¯t need her to do anything for me, but if you continue to belittle her in my presence, I won¡¯t hesitate to put you in your ce!¡± At that moment, even the mockery in his eyes had vanished, leaving behind only an endless chill. Military 109 Chapter 109 Feeling Envious Marley felt as if her blood had suddenly frozen in her veins. How could he treat me like this? I had sacrificed an eye for him, yet he¡¯s treating me this way for Quinn! I can¡¯t ept this! Especially those around her, people she knew, the way they looked at her now was as if they were filled with pity and sympathy. She was Marley, and she had never sought anyone¡¯s pity. She took a deep breath. ¡°What¡¯s so great about Quinn that she deserves your protection like this?¡± The Julius she knew was someone who was typically cold to everyone. There was no way he would be kind to someone without any reason. ¡°Because she didn¡¯t leave me behind,¡± Julius responded. With just that one sentence, Marley¡¯s face suddenly turned ashen. Julius took Quinn¡¯s hand. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn responded. She didn¡¯t want to stay there any longer to entertain those people. The two of them left the small balcony. Marley clenched her teeth in frustration. It¡¯s because I left him behind once before? Is that why, all these years, I¡¯ve n ever been able to truly get close to him again? After watching Quinn and Julius leave, Sidonie couldn¡¯t help but make a snidement. ¡°All those things Julius said were just idle talk. If Quinn takes them seriously, it¡¯s her who is pitiful. But she just divorced you and is already cozying up to Julius. It seems like marriage is just a game to her; she doesn¡¯t take rtionships seriously at all. Trent, it¡¯s a good thing you divorced her, or else¡­¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice abruptly stopped, simply because at that moment, Trent wasn¡¯t even listening to her. His gaze lingered on Quinn and Julius as they gradually receded into the distance. To put it more urately, he was looking at Quinn. It was as if, in that moment, his eyes held nothing but Quinn. Sidonie bit her red lip, and her grip on Trent¡¯s arm involuntarily tightened. Trent could only belong to her. She was determined not to let there be any chance of him remarrying Quinn. Quinn was led by Julius, hand in hand, all the way to the outdoor garden outside the banquet hall. The ce was serene, with the scent of leaves and flowers lingering in the air, a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere of the banquet. ¡°Why did wee here?¡± Quinn asked, initially assuming that Julius would still be mingling with the big shots at the banquet. ¡°It¡¯s quieter here,¡± Julius said nonchntly. It was just a simple sentence. Yet, Quinn felt a sense of being cherished. It felt as though he had brought her here specifically for her sake. ¡°Thanks for what you did earlier,¡± Quinn said. ¡°You¡¯re thanking me?¡± He looked up at her. ¡°Yes. Thank you. Thanks for speaking up for me,¡± said Quinn. ¡°I know you were just trying to help me. Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t take those words seriously.¡± ¡°What words?¡± He quirked an eyebrow slightly. ¡°Was it the part about offering you wealth or that all you need to do is nod, and I¡¯d be ready to be with you anytime?¡± ¡°All of them,¡± Quinn replied, ¡°Regardless of whether you¡¯re saying this out of sympathy or righteousness, I¡¯ve taken your kindness to heart. If you ever need my help in the future, I¡¯ll be there for you if I can.¡± Julius stared intently at the person before him. ¡°Quinn,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯ve never been one to y the hero, and my family has never produced a noble soul.¡°. People from the Whitethorn family were oftenbeled as cold¨Chearted, selfish, and obsessive. The term ¡°righteousness¡± had never been associated with the Whitethorn family. Quinn was momentarily taken aback, only to hear Julius continue to speak. ¡°Also, when ites to you, I¡¯ve never felt pity, only envy,¡± he murmured. ¡°Envy?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°Yes. I envy you for having such wonderful parents and a great family. Even though your parents are gone, their kindness toward you still lingers in your memories,¡± he murmured. Unlike him, his memories of his parents were filled only with endless disdain. ¡°I admire you, and I respect your parents as well.¡± Only a family like that could raise a woman like her. To her surprise, Quinn found that Julius, who seemed to have the world at his fingertips, was actually envious of her. However, when she thought about the time he mentioned his rtionship with his father, she suddenly felt a bit unsettled. Her family environment had always been a nurturing one. Her parents showered her with love, and her brother was always there to look out for her. Even though her parents were often busy with work, leading to the family spending more time apart than together, she still felt a sense of warmth. She was clueless about what Julius¡® family situation was really like. Even if she wanted to offer words offort, she had no idea how to go about it. Military 110 Chapter 110 The Future After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. ¡°If you¡¯re willing, you could provide a wonderful and warm home for your future children when you get married.¡± Get married and have kids? An intriguing thought crossed Julius¡® mind. In the past, he never imagined himself settling down and starting a family. After all, his parents¡® marriage had left him with nothing but distaste. As for having children¡­ he had no need for them at all. But at that moment, when he heard those words from her¡­ ¡°So, are you going to marry me and have children?¡± The question was simply blurted out from his mouth. Quinn was taken aback, choking on her own spit. ¡°What¡­ What did you just say?¡± ¡°Do you want to try settling down and starting a family with me?¡± His expression was casual, as if he were discussing somethingpletely ordinary. Quinn lifted her hand and rubbed her temples, sighing inwardly. Fine. His mind is evidently sometimes too erratic, making it somewhat hard to keep up with. ¡°I just got divorced, and I have no ns to remarry anytime soon, let alone¡­¡± She paused, then continued, ¡°I don¡¯t believe marriage and having children are things you can just give a try. Especially when ites to kids, once you bring them into the world, you¡¯re responsible for their lives. It¡¯s not something you can experiment with, something you can return if you¡¯re not satisfied!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± He lowered his gaze, seemingly lost in thought. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s head back to the banquet hall,¡± Quinn suggested, taking the lead as she turned around. ¡°Quinn!¡± Julius suddenly called out from behind her, ¡°Everything I said in front of Trent was true. I¡¯m ready to be with you whenever you want, and I¡¯ll give you anything you desire!¡± Quinn paused in her tracks, turning to look at Julius. The tree shadows rustled, and clusters of fragrant blossoms bloomed upon the vines. The silver moonlight spilled over him, casting an additionalyer of aloofness onto his handsome features. On his face, the usualck of expression was present. Yet, there was a certain intensity in his gaze, a kind she had never witnessed before. This intensity contrasted sharply with the cool aloofness that enveloped him at that moment. It was as if he was conveying to her that he was serious about what he said. At that moment, all she had to do was give a slight nod, and she could be Julius¡® girlfriend. And everything she desired, this man would dly offer to her. Even though the idea seemed absurd when she thought about it, at that moment, Quinn truly felt this way. ¡°Would you?¡± Julius¡® lips moved slowly, his husky voice gently resonating in the quiet garden. Quinn and Julius locked eyes. His gaze, under the moonlight, shimmered with ripples, as if it could effortlessly bewitch one¡¯s heart. She could feel that, at this very moment, all it would take was for her to say ¡°yes,¡± and perhaps, her life would take a dramatic turn. ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± she responded. His brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Why? Do you still have feelings for Trent?¡± ¡°No,¡± she replied, ¡°I no longer have any feelings for Trent. My reluctance is because I don¡¯t love you right now. Besides, whatever I want, I¡¯ll strive for it myself.¡± Julius pursed his lips. When he heard her say she didn¡¯t love him, a sense of loss surged within him, a feeling so profound he couldn¡¯t even put it into words. A long time ago, after he stopped yearning for his parents¡® love, he likewise stopped yearning for anyone else¡¯s love. However, it seemed as if he was yearning for her love now. ¡°What about in the future?¡± he asked. ¡°In the future, I-¡± Before Quinn could even finish her sentence, Julius abruptly silenced her with a press of his index finger to her lips. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer me,¡± he said softly, afraid that her response might not be what he wanted to hear. I would rather not to listen to her reply at all! Quinn was taken aback. At that moment, she could feel a finger resting against her lips, cool to the touch. Yet, her lips seemed to be burning up. Sidonie and Trent returned to their hotel room. After leaving the banquet, Trent remained silent, which only intensified Sidonie¡¯s growing unease. ¡°Trent, Quinn has really crossed the line,¡± Sidonie said, ¡°She just got divorced, and she¡¯s already clinging onto Julius. Marley told me that ever since Quinn arrived in Yarburn, she¡¯s been sticking to Julius. These past few days, they¡¯ve been inseparable, as if she can¡¯t wait for everyone to know that she¡¯s involved with Julius.¡± Trent was silent, his head lowered. put it into words. A long time ago, after he stopped yearning for his parents¡® love, he likewise stopped yearning for anyone else¡¯s love. However, it seemed as if he was yearning for her love now. ¡°What about in the future?¡± he asked. ¡°In the future, I-¡± Before Quinn could even finish her sentence, Julius abruptly silenced her with a press of his index finger to her lips. ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer me,¡± he said softly, afraid that her response might not be what he wanted to hear. I would rather not to listen to her reply at all! Quinn was taken aback. At that moment, she could feel a finger resting against her lips, cool to the touch. Yet, her lips seemed to be burning up. Sidonie and Trent returned to their hotel room. After leaving the banquet, Trent remained silent, which only intensified Sidonie¡¯s growing unease. ¡°Trent, Quinn has really crossed the line,¡± Sidonie said, ¡°She just got divorced, and she¡¯s already clinging onto Julius. Marley told me that ever since Quinn arrived in Yarburn, she¡¯s been sticking to Julius. These past few days, they¡¯ve been inseparable, as if she can¡¯t wait for everyone to know that she¡¯s involved with Julius.¡± Trent was silent, his head lowered. ¡°Trent?¡± Sidonie raised her voice. ¡°Huh?¡± Only then did Trent return to his senses. ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°Trent?¡± Sidonie raised her voice. Military 111 Military 140 Chapter 111 Trending Topic Sidonic gently bit her lip. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Ever since we left the banquet, you¡¯ve been so distracted.¡± ¡°Nothing.¡± Trent said, ¡°Maybe¡­ I¡¯m just a bit tired.¡± ¡°Are you thinking about Quinn?¡± Sidonie asked. Trent didn¡¯t respond. ¡°That makes sense. You and her were married for three years, after all. But I never expected that as soon as she divorced you, she¡¯d immediately run into the arms of Julius. I initially thought she at least had genuine feelings for you, so when I returned to the country, I didn¡¯t want to interfere with your marriage. But I never expected her to be that kind of person.¡± While speaking, Sidonie gently cupped Trent¡¯s face in her hands. ¡°Trent,¡± she said earnestly, ¡°If it were me, if I truly loved someone, I would never sway. I would love that person and only that person for my entire life!¡± Sidonie looked at Trent with tender affection, then slowly closed her eyes. Gradually, she moved her lips toward his. Trent¡¯s body stiffened slightly. He knew this was Sidonie¡¯s hint. Given the current atmosphere, if he took the opportunity to kiss her, then naturally, they could be together. Had it been before his marriage to Quinn, he might have been overjoyed; he might have tenderly kissed the lips he once daydreamed about. He might even consider this as the greatest gift bestowed upon him by the heavens. But now¡­ The image of Quinn¡¯s face shed through his mind. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. You should head back to your room and rest,¡± Trent gently suggested. Suddenly, Sidonie¡¯s eyes snapped open, a look of disbelief shing across them. Trent was somewhat evasive, avoiding eye contact. ¡°Sidonie, I¡¯m really grateful to you. No matter what, you¡¯re an important person to me.¡± Sidonie clenched her teeth, her hands fiercely tugging at the hem of her skirt. Did he just reject me? He keeps saying I¡¯m someone important to him, yet even though they are already divorced, he still doesn¡¯t want to take things any further with me! So, does he still hold feelings for Quinn? Suddenly, her heart grew increasingly unsettled. Yet, she managed to force a smile onto her face. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said, ¡°it¡¯s gettingte. We¡¯re both tired from today. You should get some rest, too.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Trent responded. After Sidonie had left, Trent couldn¡¯t help but let out a bitterugh. What is wrong with me? Chapter III Trending Topic Surprisingly, because of Quinn, he turned down Sidonie¡¯s advances and found kanself unable to make that move. To make it worse, when he saw Quim with Julius, he was filled with regret the regretted their divaTER If he hadn¡¯t divorced her, he would have been the one standing next to Quinn today No! I shouldn¡¯t have any regrets! Suddenly, Trent shook his head, casting aside the fleeting thought that had crossed his mind. For him, Sidonic held more importance than Quinn. What he needed to focus on now was figuring out how to treat Sidonic better, to repay her for saving his life. He wanted to be someone she could rely
  1. on.
¡°Quinn, I have no regrets. His murmured words lingered in the room. Early in the morning, Quinn was awakened by a phone call from Laura. The first thing her best friend said was, ¡°You¡¯re dating Julius, and you didn¡¯t even tell me!¡± Quinn blinked her sleepy eyes. ¡°When did I start dating Julius without me knowing?¡± ¡°At yesterday¡¯s banquet, when Julius confessed his feelings for you publicly. It became the talk of the town!¡± Laura eximed. Startled, Quinn quickly opened her phone¡¯s browser to check. Sure enough, just as her friend had said, it was trending. The trending headline read, Breaking news! Is Mr. Whitethorn from Jexburgh dating a divorced romant Attached below was a photo of her and Julius from yesterday¡¯s banquet. In the photograph, she and Julius were locked in a gaze. Julius, usually indifferent, seemed to have a rare tenderness in his eyes. His overall icy demeanor contrasted sharply, so it was no wonder thements below were buzzing with chatter. Someone wrote: Good heavens! Isn¡¯t this the most influential man in Jexburgh? He can¡¯t seriously be interested in a divorced woman! Another personmented: What¡¯s so great about that divorced woman, anyway? How is she worthy of those deep, loving looks he gave her? Aizen wrote: If he were to confess his feelings to me, I¡¯d definitely agree on the spot! Someone posted: Wow, his gaze is practically drowning me! When an aloof man shows his gentle side, it¡¯s seriously lethal! Speechless, Quinn scrolled through thements on her phone. Then, she heard Laura¡¯s voiceing through again. ¡°Hey, are you actually dating Julius?¡± Military 112 Chapter 112 Desire For Me ¡°No,¡± Quinn replied, ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m the type to jump into a new rtionship right after a divorce?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still hung up on that jerk!¡± Laura blurted out. ¡°I¡¯m not, but I also don¡¯t n on dating Julius,¡± Quinn said. Lana was astounded. ¡°He confessed his feelings for you, and you¡¯re not even moved? He was once voted as the most desirable man in a magazine!¡± Quinn was at her wits¡® end. The call was on speaker mode, so Laura¡¯s booming voice filled the entire room. The most desirable man¡­ What kind of magazine is this, to bestow such a title on Julius? As for being moved¡­ Quinn suddenly felt a faint warmth spreading across her lips. It was as if the residual heat from his finger still lingered there.¡± ¡°No,¡± she said, ¡°At least¡­ I don¡¯t think so.¡± After ending the call with her friend, Quinn freshened up and went downstairs to have breakfast with Julius. As she was sipping her oatmeal, Julius¡® voice suddenly rang out. ¡°Don¡¯t I stir up any interest in you?¡± Quinn was taken aback, and the oatmeal in her mouth suddenly tasted nd. After finally managing to swallow the oatmeal in her mouth, Quinn asked, ¡°What¡­ What did you say just now?¡± She seriously doubted if she had heard wrong. ¡°Don¡¯t I stir up any interest in you?¡± he repeated earnestly. His secretary, standing by, Fabian, was even more taken aback, his eyes wide with surprise. What did Mr. Whitethorn say? Is he implying that he wants to be favored by Ms. Bridger? It turns out that Mr. Whitethorn actually yearns to be wanted! Quinn blinked, confirming that she had heard correctly. Before that, Lana had mentioned over the phone about a magazine dering him as the most desirable man. And now, he was bringing up this topic. Could it be¡­ ¡°Did you eavesdrop on my phone call this morning?¡± she asked in surprise. ¡°Your phone was so loud that I could hear it even from the next room. It was hard to ignore,¡± Julius replied. That loud Laura! Quinn grumbled inwardly. ¡°Do I really hold no appeal to you? Can¡¯t I stir even a hint of desire in you?¡± Julius asked her, his gaze fixed on hers. Quinn gazed at the man before her. Strictly speaking, his physical appearance was quite attractive, the kind many women would fall for, but¡­ ¡°You¡¯re quite appealing, but I prefer someone with a more lively and humorous personality.¡± She deliberately mentioned a type that waspletely opposite to Julius¡® character. This way, at least when she rejected him, it wouldn¡¯t be too awkward for both of them. Julius gently lowered his gaze. ¡°I see.¡± A lively and humorous person. It¡¯s the opposite of me! So, does she like¡­ Han? Naturally, Quinn hadn¡¯t anticipated that her offhand remark would lead to such a misunderstanding with Julius. ¡°By the way, I have to visit Great¨Cgrandpa today, so I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t able to work during the day,¡± she said. They had agreed that if she had personal matters to attend to, she could do so after informing him. ¡°Do you want me to take you there?¡± he asked. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll take a taxi there myself,¡± she replied. ¡°All right, then.¡± She quickly finished her breakfast and turned to leave. He watched her retreating figure until she disappeared from his sight. ¡°How do you suppose I can get closer to her?¡± Julius asked in a low, thoughtful voice. Fabian, standing off to the side, felt a shiver run through him. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because Ms. Bridger just went through a divorce, so¡­ that¡¯s why she¡¯s acting this way. Perhaps if she spends more time with you, Mr. Whitethorn, she¡¯ll naturally grow closer to you.¡± Fabian hade to understand it now. It¡¯s clear that Mr. Whitethorn has developed serious feelings for Ms. Bridger. Julius pursed his lips. Despite her spending most of her days with him, even sometimes right by his side, he couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that he couldn¡¯t truly get close to her. Why was that? ¡°Do you think I¡¯m the humorous and lively type?¡± Julius asked. Fabian remained silent. Mr. Whitethorn can never be described as ¡°humorous and lively.¡± Julius gently lowered his gaze. If I¡¯m not that type, perhaps it will be better to keep people like that out of her sight¡­ Would that be better? Quinn arrived at the Bridger residence to visit Murren. The patriarch was slumped on the couch, looking noticeably more worn out than he had been in the past few days. ¡°Great¨Cgrandpa, how are you feeling?¡± Quinn asked with concern. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m tougher than I look,¡± Murren said with a smile upon seeing Quinn. ¡°As for you, from what I gather, it seems like you have no ns to join Bridger Group.¡± Military 113 Chapter 113 Her Ne ¡°Yes. I won¡¯t be staying in Yarburn for too long,¡± Quinn responded. Upon hearing this, Murren let out a soft sigh. Yarburn is just too small, not a ce that can hold her back. ¡°Where will you go next?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯ll be heading back to Jexburgh.¡± Quinn began outlining her future ns. ¡°I have a friend there who owns apany. I n to join her business. Also, I need to go to the border again to look for Rowan.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good. Just don¡¯t forget toe visit me from time to time in the future,¡± said Murren. ¡°Definitely,¡± Quinn assured him. ¡°Also, are you and Julius serious?¡± Murren suddenly asked. Quinn was taken aback, somewhat surprised that the patriarch would ask such a question. ¡°I saw the trending news about you and Julius. I¡¯m not implying anything, I just want to know if what¡¯s being said in those trends is true?¡± Quinn replied, ¡°Julius and I are just in a professional rtionship, nothing more than that!¡± Murren¡¯s expression was a bitplicated, but he soon chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s not bad. I heard that before you returned to Yarburn, you just got divorced. If you¡¯re looking for someone new, make sure to choose wisely. Even if you¡¯re divorced, you deserve a ster man!¡± With a casual smile, Quinn said, ¡°I believe in letting things happen naturally. I don¡¯t have any ns to look for a partner at the moment.¡± ¡°Indeed. There¡¯s no rush,¡± Murren said. ¡°If you trulye to care for Julius in the future, there¡¯s no harm in being together. You don¡¯t need to worry about Marley. That¡¯s nothing more than Marley and some members of the Bridger family¡¯s wishful thinking.¡± Murren saw things clearly, understanding that Julius held no romantic feelings for Marley. ¡°We¡¯ll let things unfold naturally.¡± Quinn shifted the conversation back to other matters. After a while, noticing that Murren seemed a bit tired, Quinn finally said her goodbyes to the patriarch. She had just made it to the entrance of the Bridger residence when, to her surprise, she saw Trent and Sidonie stepping out of a car. The moment Sidonie spotted Quinn, her brows furrowed immediately. ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a Bridger. Don¡¯t you think my reason for being here is even more justified than yours?¡± Quinn said with a light chuckle. The color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face, quickly reced by a mocking smile. ¡°Quinn, do you think you¡¯re invincible now that you have Julius backing you up?¡± she sneered. ¡°You just got divorced, and you¡¯re already throwing yourself into another man¡¯s arms. You sure take love lightly!¡± ¡°We¡¯re both single. So what if I really fell for Julius? It¡¯s still better than you, eagerly ying the homewrecker when the man wasn¡¯t even divorced yet,¡± Quinn retorted. Chapter 113 Her Ne ¡°Who are you calling a homewrecker?¡± Sidonie eximed in anger. s ¡°During his marriage, Trent secretly gave you jewelry worth fifty million. Are you his mistress or just a friend?¡± Quinn mocked. ¡°The ne you¡¯re wearing now is one of his gifts. When we return to Jexburgh, I¡¯ll get awyer. We¡¯ll see if you can still hold on to these jewels then!¡± ¡°Quinn, I know I¡¯ve let you down, but you shouldn¡¯t me Sidonie for our divorce. I gave her these jewels because she saved my life.¡± Trent, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. ¡°If you feel the need forpensation, I promise to make it up to you in the future!¡± Saved your life? Quinn scoffed. Even now, Trent still held onto his unwavering belief that Sidonie was his lifesaver. ¡°Compensate, right? Fine. Let¡¯s start with the ne she¡¯s wearing!¡± Quinn said coldly. Trent was frowning, and Sidonie was indignant. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re crossing the line! Do you really think Trent would take off my ne for you?¡± Before Quinn could even speak, another voice abruptly rang out. ¡°If Quinnie finds the jewelry this woman is wearing displeasing, then just take it off!¡± Following that, a hand reached out and forcefully yanked the ne right off Sidonie¡¯s neck. ¡°Ah!¡± Sidonie cried out in pain. In the blink of an eye, the exquisite diamond ne that was originally around her neck ended up in Han¡¯s hands. Quinn blinked in surprise, looking at Han. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Han approached her. ¡°You mentioned on the phone earlier that you wereing to the Bridger residence, so I decided toe and check on you.¡± It was then that Quinn remembered. That morning, on her way to the Bridger residence, she had received a call from Han. However, at that time, she hadn¡¯t anticipated that Han would actually make a special trip here. ¡°Mr. Ingram, this is way out of line!¡± Trent stepped forward, angrily reprimanding Han. ¡°No matter what, you can¡¯t behave like this. If you continue, I could even use you of robbery!¡± Military 114 Chapter 114 Repay Me ¡°Robbery?¡± Han scoffed, casually weighing the diamond ne in his hand. ¡°I¡¯m merely retrieving a portion of Quinnie¡¯s marital assets. Do you really think you can sue me for that?¡± Trent was taken aback for a moment; he had almost forgotten. Han¡¯s mother¡¯s family was a well¨Cknown lineage ofwyers in Jexburgh. Many of these famous attorneys in Jexburgh were indeed students of the head of the Ingram family. With just a word from the Ingram family, the fourrgestw firms in Jexburgh would be at their beck and call. Sidonie red at Han with resentment, then suddenly spoke up. ¡°Since when did you start enjoying being the second choice, Mr. Ingram? I never saw thating. Quinn is so capable, isn¡¯t she? As if snagging Julius wasn¡¯t enough, she even managed to reel you in, too.¡± A frown creased Quinn¡¯s brow. Just as she was about to speak, Han had already stepped forward. Without hesitation, he delivered a hard p. A pang of pain shot through Sidonic¡¯s check. Just yesterday, she had been pped by Julius. It had taken quite some time for the swelling to subside, and today, she had used a fair amount of foundation to conceal it. Unexpectedly, she had received another p, this time from Han. ¡°Mr. Ingram, how could you do this?¡± Trent rushed forward, shielding Sidonic. ¡°This is a warning to her,¡± Han said with a cold smirk. ¡°She can¡¯t just spout off whatever she wants. If she dares to badmouth Quinnic again, it won¡¯t be settled with just a p!¡± The resentment in Sidonie¡¯s eyes deepened as she yelled at Quinn, ¡°Quinn, can you do anything else but hide behind a man?¡± ¡°Are you sure you want me to step in?¡± Quinn looked at Sidonie with a frosty gaze. ¡°If I really do, it won¡¯t just be a minor injury like at the airport!¡± Suddenly, Sidonie¡¯s body stiffened. The incident at the airport was the most humiliating experience of her lifetime. ¡°What did I do wrong? At the airport, I only acted out of concern for the safety of all the passengers on the ne. But I never thought you could stoop so low, even encouraging military personnel to call the police!¡± Sidonie said through gritted teeth. Han interrupted with a sarcastic remark. ¡°Stonehurst, do you think you¡¯re in a position to call others despicable? It seems like your time in police custody didn¡¯t do much for your self¨Creflection!¡± ¡°What exactly am I supposed to reflect on? What did I do wrong? At the airport, I only insisted on inspecting the cremation urns for the safety of everyone on the ne!¡± Sidonie expressed indignantly. ¡°If you still don¡¯t think you¡¯ve done anything wrong, then your days as a co¨Cpilot are numbered,¡± said Quinn coldly. Sidonie red at Quinn. ¡°I know what this is about. You¡¯re just jealous of me. You¡¯re jealous that Trent cares for me, not you and that I¡¯ve be the co¨Cpilot, a position you could never reach!¡± Before Quinn could even speak, Han at her side had already burst intoughter. He looked at Sidonie with a gaze full of contempt. ¡°Stonehurst, just how narcissistic can you get? Do you really think someone would be jealous of the attention a fool gives you?¡± Trent, who had just been insulted, wore a darkened expression on his face. ¡°Mr. Ingram, even if you want to back Quinn, there¡¯s no need to insult me like this!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t insult you. I was merely stating the facts,¡± Han said, his tone nonchnt. ¡°You took credit for taking thepany going public, and in three years of marriage, you showered your mistress with all kinds of jewelry, while neglecting the wife who strived alongside you in building the business. If that¡¯s not foolishness, then what is?¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Trent¡¯s face turned even grimmer. ¡°Also¡­¡± Han turned to Sidonie. ¡°Just because you¡¯re a co¨Cpilot, you think you¡¯re all that? You probably couldn¡¯t even identify all the fighter jets Quinnie has flown!¡± Suddenly, Sidonie¡¯s face flushed bright red. Han, however, seemed unsatisfied with the situation. He continued, ¡°Who knows? You might not even be a co¨Cpilot soon. You surely don¡¯t think that the trouble you caused at the airport could be settled just by being detained for a few days, do you?¡± The color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face, leaving her pale. She shot a cold re at Han. ¡°Whether I can continue as the co¨Cpilot is not for you to decide, Mr. Ingram!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see how it goes, then,¡± Han said, turning to Quinn. ¡°Quinnie, are you leaving? I¡¯ll walk you out.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn agreed. Just as the two were about to leave, Trent suddenly stopped them. ¡°Mr. Ingram, could you please return the ne?¡± Han, however, handed the ne directly to Quinn. ¡°Quinnie should be the one to decide what to do with this ne.¡± Quinn stared at the ne in her hand, the diamonds on it sparkling brilliantly. She had worked tirelessly to help Trent establish his business, yet he used the money they earned to buy jewelry for Sidonie. This ne felt like a mockery of her years of dedication. Trent said, ¡°Quinn, I know I owe you, but the ne belongs to Sidonie. Please return it to her. What I owe you, I will-¡± ¡°Trent Grafton!¡± Quinn began slowly, interrupting him. ¡°How are you nning to repay what you owe me?¡± 02/2 Military 115 Chapter 115 Give It Away Her indifferent gaze sent a shiver through Trent¡¯s heart. The look she gave him was so icy, as if he had be someone insignificant to her now. ¡°What do you mean the ne belongs to Sidonie? You gifted it to her using our shared marital assets, something I never agreed to! Therefore, this ne was never hers to begin with, let alone return. Once we¡¯re back in Jexburgh, I¡¯ll take legal action to reim it!¡± Quinn dered. She constantly gave in, yet the duo took it for granted. How ridiculous. ¡°Quinn, when ites down to it, you¡¯re just after the money, aren¡¯t you?¡± Sidonie spat out in frustration. ¡°When you divorced, you said you only wanted one hundred and fifty three million. But now, you¡¯re eyeing these expensive pieces of jewelry. Isn¡¯t that why you¡¯re trying to take them away?¡± ¡°And what about you? You don¡¯t want money? Then why ept these jewels? You don¡¯t want people to call you a mistress, yet you ept these jewels. Can¡¯t you buy them yourself? Why must you have a married man gift them to you?¡± Quinn retorted without mincing her words. Sidonie was so upset that her face turned beet red. Especially at this moment, outside the Bridger residence, there were also members of the Bridger family¡¯s security team. They had heard Quinn¡¯s words as well. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Quinn said to Han. ¡°All right,¡± Han obediently agreed, a stark contrast to his usual arrogant demeanor toward Trent and Sidonie. ¡°Trent, Quinn was really out of line just now!¡± Sidonie said to Trent, ¡°If she had just admitted she wanted these jewels, I would have given them to her. But she acted so duplicitously! I can¡¯t stand people like that. There¡¯s no way she¡¯s getting what she wants!¡± Trent was merely staring nkly at the departing car, his mind filled with the indifferent gaze Quinn had given him earlier. When she left, she didn¡¯t even spare him another nce. Could it really be that she no longer cares about me at all?! Trent was suddenly struck by a sharp pain in his chest. This pain, it seemed, was slowly spreading throughout his body with each pulse of his blood. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie raised her voice, trying to get his attention. At that moment, Trent was just like he had been at the banquet yesterday,pletely captivated by the sight of Quinn leaving. He was so engrossed that he didn¡¯t even notice Sidonie standing right beside him. This made Sidonie increasingly ufortable. Regaining hisposure, Trent finally spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out. Since I gave these jewels to you in the first ce, they naturally belong to you.¡± A hint of amusement finally graced Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°Unfortunately, they took the ne!¡± ¡°Once thepany secures the ind development project, I¡¯ll buy you something even better,¡± Trent promised. Regardless of anything else, his primary reason foring to Yarburn was to utilize Sidonie¡¯s connections to win the ind development project in Yarburn. Only in this way could he rescue thepany from its predicament. It would also serve as proof that thepany¡¯s sess and its potential for going public were all due to his own efforts, not because of Quinn. ¡°Okay. With my help, you¡¯ll definitelynd the great project,¡± Sidonie assured, hooking her arm through Trent¡¯s. ¡°Come on. Let me take you inside the house and introduce you to the Bridger family!¡± Meanwhile, inside the car, Quinn instructed Han, ¡°Let¡¯s head to the charity association first.¡± ¡°What for?¡± Han asked, puzzled. ¡°To give away this ne,¡± she said. An hourter, Quinn had finished all the donation procedures at the charity association. The ne would be auctioned off, with all proceeds from the auction going to Operation Hope Elementary School, which aided children who had dropped out of school. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you gave away that piece of jewelry. If in the future, you fancy any jewelry, I¡¯ll buy it for you, Quinnie!¡± Han said. ¡°I¡¯m not really into jewelry,¡± Quinn stated. The only piece she truly cared about was a ruby ne. It was the same one her mother had used years ago to barter for food and medicine, saving fifty orphans in the process. However, she had managed to retrieve this ne. In retrospect, this was perhaps the only gain she had from her three¨Cyear marriage to Trent. ¡°By the way, did youe looking for me for a specific reason?¡± Quinn asked. Feeling slightly uneasy, Han moistened his lips before he asked, ¡°Are you and Julius dating?¡± Quinn was taken aback, not expecting Han to also ask her this question. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve also seen the trending topics online. I¡¯m not dating him. It just so happened that I ran into Trent and Sidonie at the banquet yesterday. Julius was merely helping me out,¡± she exined. ¡°Help?¡± Han said in a low voice, ¡°He¡¯s not exactly the type to lend a hand to others.¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I was hispanionst night.¡± Yesterday, the words spoken by Julius were indeed serious. However, the look in his eyes when he gazed at her could, at most, only be considered as fondness. It was not the kind of look one gives to a beloved. Military 116 Her indifferent gaze sent a shiver through Trent¡¯s heart. The look she gave him was so icy, as if he had be someone insignificant to her now. ¡°What do you mean the ne belongs to Sidonie? You gifted it to her using our shared marital assets, something I never agreed to! Therefore, this ne was never hers to begin with, let alone return. Once we¡¯re back in Jexburgh, I¡¯ll take legal action to reim it!¡± Quinn dered. She constantly gave in, yet the duo took it for granted. How ridiculous. ¡°Quinn, when ites down to it, you¡¯re just after the money, aren¡¯t you?¡± Sidonie spat out in frustration. ¡°When you divorced, you said you only wanted one hundred and fifty three million. But now, you¡¯re eyeing these expensive pieces of jewelry. Isn¡¯t that why you¡¯re trying to take them away?¡± ¡°And what about you? You don¡¯t want money? Then why ept these jewels? You don¡¯t want people to call you a mistress, yet you ept these jewels. Can¡¯t you buy them yourself? Why must you have a married man gift them to you?¡± Quinn retorted without mincing her words. Sidonie was so upset that her face turned beet red. Especially at this moment, outside the Bridger residence, there were also members of the Bridger family¡¯s security team. They had heard Quinn¡¯s words as well. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Quinn said to Han. ¡°All right,¡± Han obediently agreed, a stark contrast to his usual arrogant demeanor toward Trent and Sidonie. ¡°Trent, Quinn was really out of line just now!¡± Sidonie said to Trent, ¡°If she had just admitted she wanted these jewels, I would have given them to her. But she acted so duplicitously! I can¡¯t stand people like that. There¡¯s no way she¡¯s getting what she wants!¡± Trent was merely staring nkly at the departing car, his mind filled with the indifferent gaze Quinn had given him earlier. When she left, she didn¡¯t even spare him another nce. Could it really be that she no longer cares about me at all?! Trent was suddenly struck by a sharp pain in his chest. This pain, it seemed, was slowly spreading throughout his body with each pulse of his blood. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie raised her voice, trying to get his attention. At that moment, Trent was just like he had been at the banquet yesterday,pletely captivated by the sight of Quinn leaving. He was so engrossed that he didn¡¯t even notice Sidonie standing right beside him. This made Sidonie increasingly ufortable. Regaining hisposure, Trent finally spoke. ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out. Since I gave these jewels to you in the first ce, they naturally belong to you.¡± A hint of amusement finally graced Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°Unfortunately, they took the ne!¡± ¡°Once thepany secures the ind development project, I¡¯ll buy you something even better,¡± Trent promised. Regardless of anything else, his primary reason foring to Yarburn was to utilize Sidonie¡¯s connections to win the ind development project in Yarburn. Only in this way could he rescue thepany from its predicament. It would also serve as proof that thepany¡¯s sess and its potential for going public were all due to his own efforts, not because of Quinn. ¡°Okay. With my help, you¡¯ll definitelynd the great project,¡± Sidonie assured, hooking her arm through Trent¡¯s. ¡°Come on. Let me take you inside the house and introduce you to the Bridger family!¡± Meanwhile, inside the car, Quinn instructed Han, ¡°Let¡¯s head to the charity association first.¡± ¡°What for?¡± Han asked, puzzled. ¡°To give away this ne,¡± she said. An hourter, Quinn had finished all the donation procedures at the charity association. The ne would be auctioned off, with all proceeds from the auction going to Operation Hope Elementary School, which aided children who had dropped out of school. ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you gave away that piece of jewelry. If in the future, you fancy any jewelry, I¡¯ll buy it for you, Quinnie!¡± Han said. ¡°I¡¯m not really into jewelry,¡± Quinn stated. The only piece she truly cared about was a ruby ne. It was the same one her mother had used years ago to barter for food and medicine, saving fifty orphans in the process. However, she had managed to retrieve this ne. In retrospect, this was perhaps the only gain she had from her three¨Cyear marriage to Trent. ¡°By the way, did youe looking for me for a specific reason?¡± Quinn asked. Feeling slightly uneasy, Han moistened his lips before he asked, ¡°Are you and Julius dating?¡± Quinn was taken aback, not expecting Han to also ask her this question. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve also seen the trending topics online. I¡¯m not dating him. It just so happened that I ran into Trent and Sidonie at the banquet yesterday. Julius was merely helping me out,¡± she exined. ¡°Help?¡± Han said in a low voice, ¡°He¡¯s not exactly the type to lend a hand to others.¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I was hispanionst night.¡± Yesterday, the words spoken by Julius were indeed serious. However, the look in his eyes when he gazed at her could, at most, only be considered as fondness. It was not the kind of look one gives to a beloved. ould Not Take The Risk Therefore, she naturally wouldn¡¯t attach any deeper meaning to those words. Dating¡­ Perhaps it was because she had already been through a divorce once that she became more cautious. She wasn¡¯t like Julius, who perhaps was just momentarily interested and wanted to give dating a try. ¡°So, you don¡¯t have any feelings for him at all?¡± Han asked, a hint of worrycing his words. ¡°I just got divorced and have absolutely no intention of starting another rtionship right now,¡± said Quinn. ¡°All I want to do at the moment is to finish up my duties as his bodyguard as soon as possible. Then, I¡¯ll head back to Jexburgh, sort out my work affairs, and head to the border to continue looking for clues about my brother!¡± When the time came, she nned to handle her work through the inte while trying to spend as much. time as possible along the border to search for clues. She knew the chances were incredibly slim. Back then, despite the extensive search by the military, they failed to locate Rowan. Could she really manage to find him? Over the years, many people had urged her to face reality. The chances of someone who had been missing for five years returning alive were incredibly slim. Yet, she firmly believed that Rowan hadn¡¯t died and must still be alive somewhere! ¡°When the timees, I¡¯ll go with you to the border,¡± Han said. ¡°No need. This is my personal matter, and I can handle it myself-¡± ¡°Quinnie!¡± he interrupted. ¡°Let me go with you. I¡¯m notfortable with you going alone!¡± ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°Do you know why I call you ¡®Quinnie?¡® You mean so much more to me than you might think, so let me apany you!¡± Quinn hesitated for a moment. ¡°Let¡¯s see when the timees. After all, it¡¯s not like I¡¯ll be returning immediately after reaching the border. I¡¯ll be staying there for a while, but as for how long, I¡¯m not sure myself.¡± ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll stick with you, no matter how long it takes!¡± Han said. Quinn shot Han a confused look. ¡°Even if I was once your captain and looked out for you in the military camp, you don¡¯t have to act like this. I looked after you because you were myrade, and it was only natural. You don¡¯t need to feel like you have to repay me in any way!¡± ¡°I¡¯m doing all this, not because I¡¯m repaying what you¡¯ve done for me¡­ I mean, of course, I do want to repay you for your kindness. But in reality, it¡¯s because I¡­¡± Suddenly, Han¡¯s voice faltered, as if the remaining words were stuck in his throat. Should I say it? Currently, she simply had no interest in starting a new romance. If he were to confess his feelings now, she would surely turn him down. If that happened, would they still be able to interact so naturally? Han wasn¡¯t sure! He cared about her too much and treasured their rtionship deeply, which was why he didn¡¯t dare to take this risk lightly. He didn¡¯t dare to confess his feelings easily, as he feared it would ruin what they already had. But three years ago, he¡¯d already missed one opportunity. Was he going to hesitate again now? Throughout his life, Han had always done whatever he wanted whenever he pleased. Yet, when it came to matters involving Quinn, he found himself hesitating. ¡°What?¡± Quinn waited for the rest of Han¡¯s words. ¡°I¡­¡± He opened his mouth to speak, but his phone inconveniently rang at that very moment. Han picked up his phone, and after listening for a moment, his expression suddenly changed. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll be back to handle it as soon as I can.¡± After he finished his phone call, Quinn asked, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a problem at my granddad¡¯sw firm. I need to get back to Jexburgh as soon as possible to sort it out,¡± said Han. Even though his uncle typically managed thew firm, from his tone in the phone call earlier, there was clearly some trouble brewing. Moreover, it seemed to be connected to some past incidents from when Han was abroad. ¡°All right then. You should hurry back and take care of things,¡± said Quinn. Han looked at Quinn with a hint of reluctance. Would he truly have no regrets if he left just like this? ¡°You¡­ will be Julius¡® bodyguard for just three months?¡± he asked abruptly. ¡°Yeah. Even if he¡¯s still in Yarburn three months from now, I¡¯ll head back to Jexburgh first,¡± Quinn stated. ¡°All right then, I¡¯ll be waiting for you in Jexburgh!¡± Han said earnestly. Sometime in the future, he would find the right moment to tell her his feelings, that he didn¡¯t want to be someone she thought of as just her little brother. He wanted to be the man standing by her side! When Julius returned to the mansion, he abruptly halted. There was someone in the living room! Is it Quinn? Yet, his body¡¯s instinctual sense of danger was telling him that this person was not Quinn, because Quinn wouldn¡¯t trigger such a feeling within him. When he finally saw who was in the living room, his eyes suddenly narrowed. Military 117 Chapter 117 Not Sure What Love Is Julius stood rigid, staring nkly at the man who was supposed to be his ¡°father¡°. The other man was dressed in a well¨Ctailored ck suit, a white shirt underneath. The familiar features of his face served as a constant reminder to Julius that the man standing before him shared his blood! Ever since his mother passed away, his father had consistently worn only ck and white clothing. It was as if he had forgotten all other colors existed. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? You seem shocked to see me.¡± Joaquin Whitethorn slowly approached his son, a gentle smile on his lips. This smile, seemingly graceful and gentle, felt chilling to Julius, sending a shiver down his spine. Even though Joaquin appeared to be a regr man on the surface, Julius knew the truth. After his mother¡¯s passing, his father had, in reality, lost his mind. ¡°What are you here for?¡± Julius asked coldly. ¡°My son has found a woman he loves, so naturally, I came to check on him,¡± said Joaquin with an easy smile. Julius¡® lips were tightly pressed together. Although he had already instructed his subordinates to remove the trending topic that morning, there was inevitably a timeg. Clearly, Joaquin had also seen that trending topic. As for the woman he loved¡­ He wasn¡¯t exactly sure what ¡°love¡± actually felt like, but one thing he was certain of was his desire to have Quinn stay by his side. Looking at his silent son, Joaquin suddenly asked, ¡°What, do you think you¡¯re not in love with her?¡± Julius red at his father with a cold stare. ¡°Whether I¡¯m in love with her or not, that¡¯s none of your business. But if you darey a finger on her, I won¡¯t let you off the hook!¡± ¡°Haha!¡± Joaquin suddenly burst intoughter. ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯ty a hand on her. After all, I¡¯m curious to see what would ultimately happen to the son she and I had!¡± The ¡°she¡± he referred to was naturally Julius¡® mother. Joaquin raised his hand to gently pat Julius¡® shoulder, adding, ¡°You can rest assured, even if you¡¯re not in love now, as long as you have thoughts of wanting that woman, you¡¯ll eventually fall in love with her! And once you fall in love, you¡¯ll understand how I felt. You¡¯ll want that woman by your side, and if she can¡¯t only have eyes for you, you¡¯ll wish to get rid of everyone around her. You might even want to confine her so she can only ever see you!¡± The sound of Joaquin¡¯s voice kept echoing in Julius¡® ears. Julius looked at the person before him with disgust. ¡°I¡¯m not you, so I¡¯ll never act like you did!¡± Joaquin¡¯s face was filled with mockery. ¡°You¡¯re my son, and the Whitethorn family¡¯s obsessive nature runs deep in our bones. So, you¡¯ll inevitably end up like me, yearning for what you can¡¯t have and eventually turning into a madman!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Julius snapped. ¡°If that¡¯s all you have to say, then you can get out!¡± Joaquin was unbothered. ¡°But from what I saw in that trending photo, that woman doesn¡¯t seem to be into. you. It looks like winning her over might not be as easy as you think, but-¡± Joaquin paused for a moment, his fingers gently caressing Julius¡® face before he continued, ¡°Your face is a perfect blend of your mother¡¯s and my best features, especially your eyes. They¡¯re just like your mother¡¯s. Use those eyes and your charm to captivate that woman. I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be absolutely smitten with you.¡± In the next moment, Joaquin¡¯s expression subtly shifted as he found Julius¡® fingers already clutching his wrist. With just a bit of force, his wrist could easily be broken. ¡°I¡¯m just a father giving you friendly advice about not wasting your good looks and physique. And you respond by trying to break my hand?¡± Joaquin raised an eyebrow as he spoke. ¡°I¡¯m not the same kid you could boss around anymore,¡± Julius said coldly. ¡°So if you don¡¯t get lost, I¡¯ll break your hand!¡± ¡°All right then, if that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll be on my way,¡± Joaquin said with a smile. But before he left, he dropped one more line. ¡°Julius, my dear son, I¡¯ll be waiting for you!¡± No matter how much Julius denied it, the fact remained that he was Joaquin¡¯s son. Hence, his fate would inevitably be the same as his father¡¯s. Joaquin would be waiting in hell for his son, who was destined to face the same fate as him! After all, everyone in the Whitethorn family had to endure the pain of wanting something they couldn¡¯t have! Julius remained silent, his gaze locked on the retreating figure of his father. Even after the once- intimidating figure had disappeared from his sight, his body remained tense. His hands, hanging by his sides, were clenched into tight fists, his nails digging deeply into his palms¡­ Military 118 When Quinn returned to the mansion, it had started to rain. The sky was a gloomy shade of gray as a light rain fell, giving off an unsettling feeling. Han was heading back to Jexburgh, while she still didn¡¯t know how much longer she would have to stay in Yarburn. Aside from an old house in town that still needed paperwork to be sorted, most of her parents¡® assets had already been taken care of. And as for these assets, she decided to wait until she found Rowan. Then, they would determine what to do with them together. As for her parents¡® belongings that they once used, she had kept them all in their city apartment. Sometimes, when she returned to that house and saw those furnishings that were so familiar from her youth, it felt as though she had stepped back in time. Her parents and older brother were still there, and they were a happy, content family of four. Every time, she couldn¡¯t help but feel her eyes well up with tears. She knew better than anyone else that in order for life to remain peaceful, there would always be someone shouldering the burdens, always someone making sacrifices for these good times. Her parents would never regret their sacrifices, because it was their steadfast conviction. And she, she would continue to tread this same path of steadfast conviction, without a shred of regret! Han¡¯s car pulled up outside Julius¡® mansion. ¡°All right, you can drop me off here,¡± Quinn said to Han. Han gave Quinn a meaningful look, then handed her an umbre. ¡°All right, you should go now. See you in Jexburgh.¡± ¡°The rain outside isn¡¯t heavy, and I can make it to the house with a quick dash, so it¡¯s really inconvenient for me to borrow your umbre. How would I return it?¡± Quinn said, attempting to return the umbre to Han. However, Han said, ¡°When we meet again in Jexburgh, you can return it to me then. For now, could you please take good care of this umbre for me?¡± ¡°All right then,¡± responded Quinn. A smile tugged at the corners of Han¡¯s lips. Quinn stepped out of the car, umbre in hand. Only after she watched the car drive away did she turn around and walk into the mansion. However, just as she was about to step into the main house, she abruptly stopped in her tracks. Not far off, a tall figure stood under therge tree in the courtyard, letting the rain drench him. The man¡¯s head was lifted slightly as he allowed the rain to hit his face, neck, and body¡­ His ck hair clung to his cheeks, and his white shirt had long since soaked through, sticking damply to his body. ¡°Julius, why are you standing here?¡± Quinn asked in surprise. The man slowly turned his head, his dark, deep¨Cset eyes focusing on her. His lips, almost devoid of color, slowly parted to say, ¡°So, you¡¯re back!¡± Despite being a highly esteemed figure, at this moment, Julius gave Quinn the impression of being so fragile, as if he could shatter at any moment. When they had breakfast together earlier that morning, he wasn¡¯t like this at all! What on earth had happened? Something must have urred to make Julius seem as if he had be apletely different person. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m back,¡± said Quinn as she stepped forward, raising the umbre in her hand. Therge ck umbre shielded the two of them from the falling rain above. ¡°The rain¡¯s getting heavier here. Let¡¯s head back inside,¡± suggested Quinn. However, it seemed as if Julius hadn¡¯t heard a word, his gaze once again turning to the towering tree before him. ¡°Did you know? My mother used to love climbing this tree.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn was stunned. His mother had been fond of climbing trees? ¡°She was always climbing trees to gaze into the distance. She longed to escape from here, but my father had her trapped. There was simply no way out,¡± said Julius. Quinn remained silent. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m not my father, and I¡¯ll never be like him!¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°Yeah,¡± responded Quinn. Julius stiffened, swiftly turning to look at her. ¡°You believe me?¡± ¡°Yes, I believe you,¡± she said. A strange, new emotion began to slowly spread through Julius. Many people often remarked on how simr he was to his father. They spected that perhaps one day, he too might end up like his father ¨C a madman! But here she was, believing that he wouldn¡¯t be like his father. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go. You¡¯re soaked through. We¡¯d better get inside quickly so you don¡¯t get sick.¡± Quinn took a step forward, only to notice that Julius was still standing where he was. Hence, she reached out and took his hand, leading him toward the main house. The rain relentlessly hit the umbre, creating a constant pitter¨Cpatter sound. Julius stared nkly at the hand that held his own. It was significantly smaller than his, with calluses on the fingers. Despite its slender appearance, there was a sense of strength to it, a stark contrast to the frail, almost¨Cboneless hands of other women. Military 119 Chapter 119 She Had Not Abandoned Him Her hand gave him a sense offort. Just like that, Julius allowed himself to be led by Quinn, steadily moving forward, step by step. It seemed as if he didn¡¯t have to worry about a thing. All he had to do was follow her lead, and he would be headed in the right direction. Once they were inside the mansion, Quinn finally closed the umbre, taking in the sight of Julius, who was drenched from head to toe. At that moment, he was like a broken doll. He hung his head low, his gaze fixed on their connected hands. With a sigh, Quinn simply took Julius by the hand, leading him back to his bedroom. She even prepared a warm bath for him in the bathroom tub. ¡°Even though I¡¯m not sure what exactly happened to you, for now, just take a good, warm bath to chase away the chill!¡± Quinn said. Droplets of water persistently dripped from Julius¡® face, trickling down from his hair and body. ¡°What about you? Will you wait for me here?¡± he asked. ¡°Sure, I will. I¡¯m your bodyguard now, so it¡¯s my duty to ensure your safety,¡± she replied. ¡°What if you weren¡¯t my bodyguard-¡± His voice abruptly cut off as he remembered that he had once asked her the same question. What had been her response to him then? She had said that even if she didn¡¯t guard him, there would be plenty of other bodyguards to ensure his safety! ¡°Never mind. I¡¯m off to take a bath,¡± he said, releasing her hand and hastily retreating to the bathroom, almost as if he was afraid that staying would force him to hear something he didn¡¯t want to. Sinking into the warm water of the bathtub, Julius felt as though the chill that had previously soaked into his body was gradually dissipating. After his father left just now, he found himself heading out to stand under therge tree in the courtyard. He couldn¡¯t help but recall the profound despair his mother once felt. Would his feelings for Quinn deepen to the point where he started to treat her like how his father had his mother? Obsessiveness and insanity¡­ It was as if these two traits had been seared into the souls of the Whitethorn family members. If both partners had mutual feelings, then perhaps the rtionship could be blissful. However, if it were a one¨Csided love, it often ended in tragedy, just like what happened to his parents! After Julius had taken a bath and slipped into his bathrobe, he stepped out of the bathroom, only to find that Quinn was not in the room. In an instant, his heart sank. She wasn¡¯t waiting for him here, so had she left him behind? But in the next moment, the sound of the door being pushed open rang out. He quickly turned his gaze to the door, only to see Quinn walking in carrying a tray. The sense of loss that had filled his heart vanished into thin air. She¡­ hadn¡¯t abandoned him! ¡°You¡¯re all cleaned up. Perfect timing,¡± Quinn said as she approached. Only then did Julius get a clear look. On the tray that Quinn was holding was a cup with dark brown liquid inside it, topped with a few slices of ginger. ¡°This is ginger tea. Have some; it¡¯ll help ward off the chill and prevent a cold.¡± Julius pressed his lips together, silently staring at the ginger tea in front of him. ¡°Drink!¡± Quinn stated simply and clearly, handing the cup to Julius. He reached out, obediently taking the cup, and then lowered his head to sip at the ginger tea. His handsome face didn¡¯t show any change of expression as he drank the ginger tea, maintaining a steady pace throughout. Quinn was pleased. This ginger tea was a recipe her mother had taught her. During its preparation, she had to add some special ingredients, making it spicier than the average ginger tea. However, the result was well worth it. Back when she used to make ginger tea for her teammates, their faces would all scrunch up as they forced it down. Julius was the first person she had ever seen who could drink it with such a poker face. ¡°Is it good?¡± she asked with curiosity. ¡°No,¡± he replied honestly. She was left somewhat speechless. ¡°Then howe you didn¡¯t show any emotion or even refuse it?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one who made me drink, right?¡± he stated. Quinn was taken aback by his words. It almost sounded like he would drink anything, just as long as she told him to. If she had offered him poison, would he have drunk it? However, in the end, Quinn didn¡¯t voice these words. After Julius finished his ginger tea, Quinn lifted her hand, reaching toward his forehead. When her palm made contact with the skin of his forehead, his body stiffened. ¡°Good, you don¡¯t have a fever,¡± said Quinn, quickly retracting her hand. Julius felt an inexplicable sense of loss in his heart. He found himself wishing that she had touched him a bit longer. Slowly, a longing began to grow within him, gradually bing stronger without him realizing
  1. it.
Military 120 Chapter 120 I Am The Only One Special For the next two days, Julius didn¡¯t step outside the mansion at all. Quinn also remained inside with him until they were interrupted by an unexpected visitor. With a surprised look on her face, Marley asked Quinn, ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m staying here for now,¡± replied Quinn nonchntly. Marley¡¯s expression shifted slightly. Julius¡® parents once lived in this mansion, and apart from the house staff, Julius had never allowed anyone else to live there. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t think that you¡¯re special to Julius just because you live in this mansion,¡± Marley sneered. ¡°There¡¯s a room in the mansion that Julius never lets anyone enter. You¡¯ve never been in there, have you?¡± Quinn was surprised. When she had moved into the mansion, Julius had indeed told her not to enter the room at the end of the third floor. ¡°But I¡¯ve been there before!¡± Marley dered arrogantly, acting as if she were the true victor in that moment. ¡°So what?¡± said Quinn calmly. She wasn¡¯t the curious type to begin with. So, when Julius initially told her about the forbidden room, she didn¡¯t feel the need to figure out what was inside. After all, it was someone else¡¯s private matter. Marley¡¯s expression darkened, as if she had thrown a powerful punch with all her might, expecting to see a look of loss, defeat, and pain on Quinn¡¯s face. However, Quinn seemed utterly unaffected. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t you get it? This means that I¡¯m the only one special to Julius. I¡¯m the only one who knows his secrets. And even if I break his rules, he¡¯ll always forgive me!¡± Marley held her chin high with pride. Joquin simply couldn¡¯t be bothered with Marley. She stepped forward, intending to leave. 1 Marley was far from satisfied. She blocked Quinn¡¯s path and continued, ¡°You don¡¯t know anything about Julius. You haven¡¯t seen his cruel side, nor his pitiful side, have you? Only I have seen those! Back then, his mother neglected him, and his father abused him. I was the one who epted him. I was the only one who could stand by his side! You probably have no idea how pitiful he was back then. If it weren¡¯t for me, he might not have survived!¡± The more Marley spoke, the more smug she became, and the more daring her words grew. Quinn frowned. ¡°Enough, Marley, you¡¯d better stop talking. I don¡¯t want to listen anymore!¡± After all, this was Julius¡® private affairs. Moreover¡­ Quinn didn¡¯t think that such painful matters should be spoken about so lightly by Marley. Yet, Marley felt like she had gained the upper hand and wasn¡¯t about to let it go. She continued in her self- satisfied manner, ¡°Do you know how his father mistreated him? I¡¯m the only one who knows!¡± Just as Quinn was about to scold Marley, she paused upon seeing a figure appear behind Marley. It was Julius! He was walking over silently. Clearly, he had heard what Marley had just said! Marley saw Quinn in a daze and thought that her words had struck a nerve. A malicious smile appeared on her lips as she said, ¡°He never told you how his mother died, did he? But I know. I was there with him when she died. You have no idea what he was like then-¡± Suddenly, her voice came to an abrupt halt. A hand had stealthily gripped her throat, the slender fingers so chillingly cold it was frightening! ¡°What was I like back then? I¡¯m actually quite curious to know.¡± His voice, unusually cold and murderous, echoed in Marley¡¯s ears. A chill ran down Marley¡¯s spine as her face turned deathly pale. The fingers clutching her neck were as rigid as steel, leaving her unable to breathe in an instant. Almost instinctively, she wanted to pry his fingers open. However, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t manage to loosen them even a bit. The air in Marley¡¯s lungs was depleting rapidly, and a sudden, overwhelming fear of death enveloped her. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Why aren¡¯t you speaking? Weren¡¯t you quite talkative just a moment ago?¡± Julius said, his voice icy. Since Marley¡¯s back was to Julius, she couldn¡¯t see his expression at that moment. However, she knew very well in her heart that the words she had spoken earlier had crossed the line. She had simply wanted to unt her rtionship with him in front of Quinn, a rtionship that Quinn could never have. Her intention was to make Quinn realize the gap that existed between them. She never expected that Julius would overhear these words. ¡°Spare¡­ spare me, Julius¡­ I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± Marley¡¯s face had turned beet red as she struggled to get the words out. Military 121 Chapter 121 The Forbidden Room ¡°Does it matter whether you meant it or not?¡± Julius asked, his expression indifferent. His fingers, however, continued to tighte
  1. n. ¡°If I had known you were this talkative, I would have cut off your tongue as well back then.¡±
Marley¡¯s body trembled even more violently. Due to theck of oxygen from being choked, herplexion changed from red to white, and she even stuck out her tongue. Seeing the situation, it was clear that Julius was on the verge of strangling Marley to death. In a sh, Quinn stepped forward, grabbing Julius¡® hand. ¡°Let go! If this continues, you¡¯ll really kill her!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Julius said nonchntly. How could someone who never cared about their own life possibly value the lives of others? ¡°But I don¡¯t want you to end up in jail!¡± Quinn pleaded. ¡°If you¡¯re really angry, there are other, morewful ways to deal with it. Why do you insist on taking the most extreme route? Even if it makes you feel better, it could still ruin your life!¡± Those once lifeless eyes of his stirred with a hint of emotion. He turned his head to look at her. ¡°You don¡¯t want my life to be ruined?¡± ¡°Right, I don¡¯t want that!¡± said Quinn, cing her hand firmly on the hand Julius was gripping Marley¡¯s neck with. ¡°So, let go of her now!¡± Her voice was firm and powerful, making people want to listen without them even realizing it. Julius finally loosened his grip. Marley¡¯s legs gave out, and she fell to the ground, gasping for air as shey there. ¡°Get lost!¡± Julius sneered at Marley in disgust. With a stumble, Marley managed to stand up, her appearance aplete mess. Yet, she spat out words of resentment toward Quinn, ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t think I¡¯m grateful to you. If it wasn¡¯t for you, Julius wouldn¡¯t have treated me this way!¡± Quinn stepped forward, immediately grabbing Marley by the shoulders and dragging her to the mansion¡¯s gates. ¡°What¡­ what are you doing? Let go of me! Let¡­ go¡­¡± Marley cried through her struggles. In the next moment, Quinn had swiftly and decisively tossed her out of the mansion! Thump! Marley awkwardly tumbled to the ground. Quinn looked down at her and warned, ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. What I just did was for Julius, not for you. It would be a total waste for him to end up in jail because of someone like you!¡± ¡°You-¡± ¡°And another thing¡­¡± Quinn interrupted Marley, continuing, ¡°What gives you the right to talk about Julius¡® family matters in such a way? His past isn¡¯t something for you to unt to others!¡± The color drained from and returned to Marley¡¯s face. ¡°What gives you the right to talk to me like that? He and I-¡± However, before she could finish her sentence, Quinn had already pressed the automatic button to close the mansion¡¯s iron gates. The iron gates slowly closed. Marley was so furious that she wanted to curse out loud. However, when her eyesnded on Julius standing behind Quinn, all her words seemed to be stuck in her throat, and she was unable to utter a single syble. The coldness in his gaze made her shudder from head to toe. It felt as if he would truly take her life if she were to utter one more word at that moment! The gates closed fully. As Quinn turned around, she found herself staring straight into Julius¡® intense gaze. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me anything?¡± He suddenly spoke up. ¡°Whatever Marley said today, I¡¯ll act as if I didn¡¯t hear it,¡± Quinn stated. Julius gently lowered his gaze, his eyes resting on his own hands. Today, after hearing what Marley had said, he couldn¡¯t stop himself from choking her, wishing only for the sounds from her mouth to stop. In that moment, it was as if all sense of reason had vanished! However, a single sentence from Quinn managed to reel back his sanity, bringing him back to a clear state of mind. He didn¡¯t know when it happened, but her influence over him had surprisingly surpassed what he had ever imagined. As night fell, Quinn grew a bit restless. After Marley left, Julius had remained almost entirely silent. After some thought, she knocked on the door of the bedroom next to hers. However, she didn¡¯t hear any response from within. Her unease was growing within her. She pushed open the door to his room, but it was empty. His cell phone was left abandoned on the bedside table! Quinn frowned, immediately checking the mansion¡¯s security system. There was no evidence of anyoneing in or out, which could only mean one thing ¨C Julius was still inside the mansion! ¡°Julius, Julius!¡± she called out, searching throughout the mansion. Eventually, she came to a halt at the door of a particr room. Soft moans echoed from within the room, the very room that Julius had forbidden her to enter! Pausing, Quinn wondered if Julius could be inside. From outside the door, she could only catch the intermittent sounds of broken groans. She stepped forward, knocking on the door as she called out, ¡°Julius, are you in there? What¡¯s going on?¡± Military 122 However, the only response she received was the same broken moans! Quinn frowned. Under normal circumstances, Julius would definitely respond to her knocking and questions. Unless he was¡­ in an unusual state at the moment. The military had assigned her as his bodyguard because the Whitethorn family was in coboration with them. Some individuals wanted to disrupt this partnership, so it was important for the military to ensure Julius¡® safety before the coboration was finalized, to prevent any interference. Had someone made a move against Julius? A chill ran down Quinn¡¯s spine, putting her entire being on high alert. At the same time, she discreetly reached for the small handgun she always carried with her. Given that she was currently carrying out a military mission, she had also applied for permission to carry a firearm. Although the handgun only had six bullets, it was still enough to handle some unexpected situations! Just as Quinn was about to call out more questions to find out Julius¡® situation in the room, suddenly, a pained bellow echoed from within! The sound came from the depths of his throat, simr to a sound a cornered beast would make. Startled, Quinn didn¡¯t care that this was the room Julius had once forbidden her to enter. At that moment, she couldn¡¯t afford to worry about such things! She twisted the door knob fiercely. Originally, she had already readied herself for the door knob being unable to turn, meaning she would have to force the door open. But to her surprise, the door wasn¡¯t even locked and swung right open. However, when she pushed open the door, she was utterly stunned by the scene before her eyes. In the dimly lit room, whips were hanging on the walls. All sorts of whips! At that moment, Julius was curled up in a corner. His usually elegant and slender fingers were now twisted in an unnatural way. Even his handsome face was filled with pain. More broken moans kept escaping from his lips. Quinn was taken aback. Once she confirmed that she and Julius were the only ones in the room, she quickly kept her gun and rushed to Julius¡® side. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± However, he seemed oblivious to her voice. He continued to groan in agony, his fingers twisting and contorting as they wed at his own body.. He looked like he was trying to dig his fingers right into the flesh and bone! ¡°Julius!¡± Quinn called out, gripping his hands tightly to stop him from hurting himself. ¡°What on earth is going on with you?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be good¡­ I¡¯ll be good, I¡­ I¡¯ll keep Mom here¡­¡± His voice spilled from his lips in broken sentences. ¡°It hurts¡­ It hurts so much¡­ It hurts¡­¡± Quinn paused, recalling the scars she had once seen on his back. Then, she thought of the walls here filled with whips, the words Marley had spoken today, and Julius¡® resentment toward his own father. Could it be that Julius had once been¡­ Suddenly, Quinn felt as if her heart was being squeezed, a sensation. that was somewhat painful and ufortable. It was as if¡­ she was feeling heartache for the man before her! ¡°Julius, snap out of it!¡± she said. However, his eyes looked dead and empty, as if he were lost in his pain. His hands even struggled, trying to break free from her grasp. His strength was astonishing. She could see that she was losing her grip on his wrist. In a sudden bold move, she used her body weight to pin him underneath her before locking her fingers tightly with his. ¡°Snap out of it! No one¡¯s going to hit you now, not while I¡¯m here. I won¡¯t let you get hurt!¡± She was above him, looking down as she shouted these words. Julius felt as though he had plunged into a world of endless agony. It was as if he were being continuously whipped, each strike bringing an unbearable wave of pain. However, what truly pained him were those words from his father that felt like curses. Was he even unfit to be used as a tool? The sole purpose of his life was to keep his mother here. If he couldn¡¯t even do that, would it mean his life had no meaning at all? In that case, what was the point in him staying alive? Darkness came with the pain, threatening to swallow himpletely. Who woulde to his rescue? No one will. No one¡¯s going to to your rescue. You¡¯re someone even your own parents would abandon¡­ ¡°Julius Whitethorn! Julius! Can you hear my voice?¡± A familiar voice, sounding urgent, echoed in his ears. Whose voice was that? It was so familiar and gave him a sense offort. ¡°Julius, listen to me clearly. As long as I¡¯m here, I won¡¯t let anyone hurt you, so¡­ wake up!¡± The voice was both loud and strong. It banished the darkness before his eyes, slowly allowing him to see again. Military 123 Chapter 123 Bring Him Back A pair of familiar eyes met Julius¡® gaze, along with that attractive and irresistible face. It was Quinn! Julius¡® eyshes quivered slightly as he stared nkly at the person before him. She had managed to bring him back to his senses! She hadn¡¯t run away, hadn¡¯t shown disgust, and most importantly, she hadn¡¯t left him behind! ¡°You¡¯re here¡­¡± he murmured. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here!¡± Quinn said, ¡°Are you feeling a bit clearer now? Do you know who I am, and where you are at the moment?¡± Julius licked his dry lips. ¡°You¡¯re Quinn Bridger, and this¡­ is a room in my mansion.¡± When he spotted the whips hanging on the wall, he instantly realized where he was. This was¡­ the most forbidden room in the mansion. Back when he was a child, his father would often ¡°punish¡± him in this room. To him, this room was nothing less than his worst nightmare! Later, the reason Julius kept this room was to serve as a reminder to himself that if he were weak, he would only be manipted by others. Therefore, he yearned to be strong, to surpass his father¡¯s strength, ensuring that his father could never hurt him again! He just didn¡¯t expect that after all these years, the illness he thought he had ovee would strike again, and on top of that, Quinn had even entered the room! ¡°How are you feeling now? I think I should take you to the hospital.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice rang out once again. ¡°No need for the hospital, I¡¯m fine now,¡± said Julius. ¡°But just now, you¡­¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t need it. Besides, going to a regr hospital wouldn¡¯t do me any good,¡± Julius said. Upon hearing this, Quinn didn¡¯t say anything further. She was about to get up, only then realizing that her fingers were still locked with Julius¡®. ¡°Rx your hand a bit,¡± said Quinn. Julius lightly pursed his thin lips, rxing his left hand. Their hands, once intertwined, now separated. Just as Quinn was about to pull their other hands apart, Julius¡® hand swiftly wrapped around her waist, pulling. her toward him with a firm tug. Caught off guard, she found herself tumbling onto him. ¡°Why did you¡­¡± She trailed off, lifting her head only to meet his deep, ink¨Cck eyes. He gazed at her, his lips parting slightly as he spoke. ¡°Even with you lying on top of me like this, don¡¯t you feel any desire for me?¡± Quinn met Julius¡® gaze. Their bodies were incredibly close at that moment. She could even feel the coolness of his skin. ¡°If I truly desired a man, it would only be because I deeply loved him. That would be the only reason I¡¯d want him,¡± said Quinn as she pulled herself out of Julius¡® embrace. And so, their intertwined hands finally let go of each other. Julius stared nkly at his empty hands, a sense of loss spreading through him. ¡°Let¡¯s get out of this room first,¡± suggested Quinn. Julius slowly rose to his feet. ¡°Why did youe in?¡± ¡°I heard you groaning from inside. I called out and knocked, but you didn¡¯t answer. I was worried something might have happened to you, so I barged in,¡± Quinn exined. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t follow your rule.¡± Even if she didn¡¯t mean to, when all was said and done, she had still ended up stepping into this forbidden room. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything else you want to say besides this?¡± Julius stared at Quinn. After all, the wall full of whips and the gloomy atmosphere of the room could easily make one feel physically ufortable! Quinn pursed her lips. ¡°It¡¯s all in the past. You¡¯ve grown up, so you shouldn¡¯t let this room hold you back.¡± Even though she didn¡¯t know exactly what had gone on in this room, she was able to piece together bits and pieces. Nevertheless, the mere fragments she had pieced together herself were enough to fill her with a boiling anger! Julius¡® eyes widened in surprise as he looked at Quinn. ¡°Also¡­¡± Quinn paused for a moment. ¡°Next time I see your father, I might not be able to help myself from throwing a punch. Can your team ofwyers keep me out of jail when that happens?¡± Julius¡® surprise turned into bewilderment. Over the years, there had been very few things that could genuinely surprise him. Yet, at this moment, he found himself in disbelief at Quinn¡¯s words. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re nning to hit my father?¡± he stammered out. ¡°Yes, I want to hit him. Just tell me if your team ofwyers can protect me!¡± Quinn said. All these years, no one had ever dared to threaten to beat up his father. Even he himself merely felt that he had be stronger and was no longer under Joaquin¡¯s control. Yet, this woman had boldly dered in front of him that she wanted to punch his father! Military 124 Chapter 124 The Two Rings Was it because of him? She wanted to punch his father, all because of him, right? s Julius¡® lips curled up slightly into a soft smile. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll protect you! No matter what happens, I will always protect you!¡± Marley red at the red mark on her neck in the mirror, gritting her teeth in frustration. Back when Julius had her by the throat, he genuinely wanted her dead! Even if she had brought up something he detested, he shouldn¡¯t have treated her like that! It must have been because of Quinn! Ever since Quinn entered Julius¡® life, he had changed. Not only had he attended the funeral of Quinn¡¯s parents, but his actions toward her were also far from normal. In the Bridger family, whispers against Marley had started to increase. Even quite a few of her peers looked at her as if they were looking at a pitiful woman who could be abandoned at any moment! This made it even harder for her to bear! Why should anyone pity her? The help the Bridger family received from the Whitethorn family over the years was all because of her! It came at the cost of one of her eyes! But what about Quinn? Quinn hadn¡¯t sacrificed anything, yet she was the recipient of Murren¡¯s doting affection, not to mention the care from the elders of the Bridger family. She even received special treatment from Julius! All these should rightfully belong to her, Marley! Marley pulled at her cor and left the bathroom. However, as she turned the corner, she heard a familiar female voice ask, ¡°Trent, do you still have feelings for Quinn?¡± It was Sidonie¡¯s voice! ¹Ý Marley paused in her steps, subtly peeking around the corner. There, in the hallway, she saw Sidonie and Trent talking about something. If she remembered correctly, Trent was, in fact, Quinn¡¯s ex¨Chusband. ¡°I¡¯ve already divorced Quinn, so how could she still be in my heart?¡± Trent said. ¡°Then why did you still go searching for those two rings?¡± Sidonie demanded. She had visited the Bridger residence again with Trent today, hoping he could get a piece of the action for the ind development project. However, while they were discussing the project with her uncle and the others, his face suddenly changed. He then quickly made up an excuse and left in a hurry. She thought something major had happened, but it turned out he had gone searching for his lost rings ¨C the cheap wedding rings he and Quinn had worn. ¡°I¡¯m just using them to remind myself not to repeat the same mistakes in my future marriage,¡± said Trent. This statement wasn¡¯t just meant for Sidonie, but also served as a reminder to himself. Yes, the only reason he kept the rings with him was because of this! ¡°So, if I were to say that you won¡¯t repeat the same mistakes in your future marriage, does that mean you can throw away these two rings?¡± Sidonie asked, opening her palm. The two lost wedding rings were quietly resting in her palm. ¡°Why do you¡­¡± Trent was surprised. ¡°When you were looking for them earlier, I happened to find them first,¡± Sidonie said. Trent stepped forward, intending to take the rings. However, Sidonie had already pulled her hand back first. ¡°Trent, we¡¯ve already lost three years. I don¡¯t want to lose any more time. Our future won¡¯t end up like yours and Quinn¡¯s, so you don¡¯t need these two rings to remind yourself anymore!¡± Pausing in his tracks, Trent¡¯s eyes flickered with conflict. ¡°Hand me the rings first.¡± ¡°What if I insist on throwing them away?¡± Sidonie asked. ¡°What?¡± Trent was taken aback as he saw Sidonie raise her hand, seemingly ready to toss the rings into a nearby trash can. Without missing a beat, Trent quickly grabbed her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t throw them!¡± ¡°And you dare say you have no feelings for Quinn?¡± Sidonie said, clearly displeased. ¡°I just feel that even if I have to throw them away, I should do it in front of Quinn. Only then can I truly put an end to it all!¡± ¡°Well said!¡± Marley emerged from around the corner, pping andughing. ¡°Marley.¡± Sidonie slightly furrowed her brows. Could it be that Marley had heard their conversation just now? ¡°You know, there¡¯s a government¨Cled groundbreaking ceremony on the ind in a few days. Sidonie, you should go together with Mr. Grafton. Julius will probably be there too, and I assume Quinn will apany him,¡± Marley said. Sidonie and Trent were surprised. Naturally, they wanted to attend this groundbreaking ceremony. It would give them a chance to get closer to the government and the corporate groups involved in the ind development project. If things went smoothly, they could also seize the opportunity to discuss potential future projects. ¡°Quinn will also be there?¡± Sidonie asked. ¡°Should be. Mr. Grafton, if you truly want to put an end to things with Quinn, this would be the perfect opportunity to toss the rings in front of her, no?¡± Marley suggested with a smile. Military 125 Chapter 125 Sleep Another Night With Me Trent was hesitant. Truth be told, he didn¡¯t really want to throw away these two rings. They seemed to serve as reminders of what he owed Quinn. However, at that moment, with Sidonic and Marley staring at him, Trent just couldn¡¯t bring himself to refuse their idea. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mr. Grafton? Are you not willing?¡± Marley asked. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie¡¯s brow furrowed. Gritting his teeth, Trent managed to force a smile. ¡°Of course, I¡¯d be more than willing to, especially if it means I get to attend the groundbreaking ceremony on the ind. It¡¯s an opportunity I wouldn¡¯t pass up.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good then,¡± Marley said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll ask my Uncle Moldred for a couple of extra spots, and we can all go together when the timees.¡± She couldn¡¯t wait to see the look on Quinn¡¯s face when Trent publicly tossed away their wedding rings. Moreover, everyone would also know that Quinn was nothing more than a woman discarded after her divorce! Even if Julius didn¡¯t mind that Quinn was a divorced woman, the constant gossip could still have some effect. It might even lead to him growing tired of Quinn! With these thoughts in mind, Marley was even more eager for the groundbreaking ceremony to arrive sooner. Ever since that night when Quinn led Julius out of the forbidden room, she had been by his side constantly for the following days. Even at night, she would sleep in Julius¡® bedroom. At first, she was worried that something might happen to Julius again. So, after she escorted him back to his room that day, she stayed vigntly by his side throughout the night, unable to shake off her concern. However, the next evening, he casually said over dinner, ¡°Would you mind sleeping another night with me?¡± Fabian, standing by the side, was so shocked that he looked back and forth between his boss and Quinn with an expression that seemed as if he¡¯d been struck by lightning. Quinn rubbed her temples, realizing that Fabian had misunderstood. ¡°Since you¡¯re okay now, I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need for me to stay in your room overnight again.¡± ¡°But with you around, I feel at ease,¡± he said. ¡°You¡¯re my bodyguard now; you¡¯re supposed to protect me, right?¡± She was speechless, unable to deny it. Thus, she had no choice but to move her bedding and pillow to the couch in Julius¡® room again. Yet, Fabian gently pulled her aside, whispering, ¡°Ms. Bridger, well¡­ you know, when a man and a woman are alone together, it can sometimes be hard to control ourselves. If you really find it hard to resist Mr. Whitethorn¡­ erm, at least remember to take some precautions.¡± ¡°Precautions?¡± For a moment, Quinn was puzzled, not understanding his meaning. Fabian shoved a box into her hand. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn probably wouldn¡¯t turn you down.¡± He might even be quite pleased! Fabian felt that he had surely done more than enough as a secretary! ¡°What are you guys chatting about?¡± came Julius¡® voice. Fabian hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ll be heading back now!¡± After he finished speaking, he quickly left. Suddenly, only Quinn and Julius were left in the house. Julius¡® gaze fell on the box in Quinn¡¯s hand. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°Mr. Wooley gave it to me¡­¡± Quinn¡¯s voice abruptly halted as she finally realized what Fabian had given her. It was a box of condoms!
In an instant, Quinn felt an overwhelming urge to curse. What on earth was going through Fabian¡¯s mind? Julius, on the other hand, looked calmly at the box in Quinn¡¯s hand and asked in an indifferent tone, just as if he were asking about the weather, ¡°Are we using them?¡± Quinn felt a wave of exasperation. How could he speak of such matters with such a casual tone? ¡°Of course not!¡± she quickly replied, hastily tossing the box into a nearby drawer. A flicker of regret passed through Julius¡® eyes. So, she still didn¡¯t want him? ¡°All right, let¡¯s sleep!¡± suggested Quinn, hoping to put an end to the current awkwardness. ¡°Talk to me, maybe then I can fall asleep,¡± said Julius. ¡°What should I talk about?¡± ¡°Anything will do,¡± he said. In truth, he just wanted to hear her voice, which had the power to soothe him. Quinn simply picked up a magazine, one focused on the field of technology. The content was indeed of interest to her. She read the words out loud, her gentle voice filling the room. Julius felt his nerves, which had been wound tight, gradually begin to rx at the sound of her voice. It was as if his body was telling him that she was special! If things continued this way, he would find it increasingly difficult to let her go. It was like a person walking in the darkness of night suddenly getting a taste of the sun¡¯s warmth ¨C they would do anything to have it again! Military 126 Chapter 126 A Better Ring Julius gently closed his eyes. He had never beenfortable falling asleep in front of others, as it made him feel vulnerable. Yet, in her presence, he could easily drift off to sleep. Two dayster, Quinn went with Julius to attend the government¨Cled groundbreaking ceremony on the ind. On the boat, Quinn couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need to see a doctor for your condition?¡± She was referring to Julius¡® condition in that forbidden room. His state of mind had been so disturbed, it was as if he had been trapped in a nightmare. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken my medicine, so there¡¯s no need to worry,¡± Julius said. ¡°Besides, I haven¡¯t had an episode for many years now.¡± If it weren¡¯t for this recent episode, he would have almost believed that he was cured, that the shadows of his childhood were nothing to him now. Could it be that when Marley suddenly brought up the past events rted to that room, it triggered his memories, causing another episode? At this thought, a hint of sternness shed in Julius¡® eyes as he pressed his thin lips together. Just then, the boat reached the harbor. Quinn and Julius got off and immediately saw Marley and several elder members of the Bridger family standing at the port. With a radiant smile, Marley stepped forward and greeted Julius, ¡°Julius, you¡¯re here atst. I¡¯ve been waiting for you for quite some time.¡± It was as if the incident where Julius had choked her had never even happened. Julius gave Marley a casual nce before ignoring her. Marley didn¡¯t seem bothered at all. Instead, she turned to Quinn and said, ¡°By the way, Quinn, your ex- husband is here today too! He mentioned that he had something important to discuss with you!¡± Quinn furrowed her brows, only to see Marley turn her head. Marley then addressed Trent, who was standing not far away with Sidonie. ¡°Mr. Grafton, Quinn is here. Didn¡¯t you want to settle things with her face¨Cto¨Cface? Well, now is the perfect time!¡± Trent stiffened, his face paling slightly as he nced at Marley, then shifted his gaze to Quinn. ¡°Trent, you¡¯re not unwilling to do this, are you?¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice echoed in his ear. ¡°If you truly don¡¯t want to, I won¡¯t force you. But keeping your wedding ring with Quinn like this¡­ Even if I don¡¯t misunderstand, others might. It could lead to some awkward situations, you know!¡± Upon hearing this, Trent looked at Sidonie. Indeed, he and Quinn had already divorced. From then on, he should devote himself entirely to Sidonie! ¡°I¡¯m not unwilling!¡± he dered, producing the pair of wedding rings. He then strode toward Quinn with determination. Stopping in front of Quinn, he said, ¡°Quinn, I want to end things clearly between us.¡± Quinn looked at Trent with a cold gaze. ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything left to clear between us.¡± Trent spread his hand open, revealing the two cheap wedding rings lying quietly in his palm. ¡°You left these on the bedside table when we divorced. I thought it was time to take care of them once and for all.¡± Quinn gazed at the wedding rings in his palm. They were cheap rings, the sort one would find at a roadside stall. She had been so in love back then, believing that as long as she held a ce in his heart, even the cheapest wedding rings wouldn¡¯t matter, that their value was utterly insignificant. She even naively believed him when he said, ¡°Once I start earning more, I¡¯ll buy you a better ring!¡± However, in reality, when a man was only willing to buy a woman a cheap ring from a street vendor as her wedding ring, it simply meant she wasn¡¯t truly in his heart! Hence, even after they got married and he started making money, the better ring he bought wasn¡¯t for her, but for Sidonie! Quinn¡¯s gaze drifted past the wedding rings in Trent¡¯s palm, finally settling on the emerald ring on Sidonie¡¯s finger. The emerald green gemstone stood out, exceptionally eye¨Ccatching. ¡°Quinn, why are you staring at Sidonie¡¯s ring? No matter how nice it is, it¡¯s not yours,¡± Marley remarked mockingly from the side. Juliuszily nced at Marley. ¡°Seems like you really are too talkative.¡± A chill ran down Marley¡¯s spine. Her neck, which had already healed from the bruises, seemed to throb with a faint pain again. Quinn said to Julius, ¡°This is my issue, so I¡¯ll handle it myself.¡± With that, she turned to Marley and said, ¡°How can you be so sure that the ring on Sidonie¡¯s finger isn¡¯t mine? Trent bought it for her behind my back when we were married. Therefore, I have every right to reim it! Naturally, this ring belongs to me!¡± Upon hearing this, Marley blinked in surprise, while the way the others around her looked at Trent and Sidonie changed. Military 127 Chapter 127 Is She Really Your Lifesaver Trent¡¯s hand trembled slightly, the rings in his palm nearly slipping from his grasp. Sidonie¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°How can you have the audacity to im this wedding ring as yours? It was bought with the money Trent earned from his hard work! If you truly have the ability, then buy a ring with your own earned money instead of always demanding what others have worked for!¡± With a cold chuckle, Quinn cast a sidelong nce at Trent. ¡°You¡¯re saying this money was earned by Trent? Fine then, you¡¯d better hope he can keep on earning!¡± Sidonie lifted her chin proudly. ¡°Without you dragging him down, he can naturally do better!¡± Not to mention, she was there to help him! ¡°But I¡¯m surprised at yourck of memory.¡± Quinn stepped past Trent to confront Sidonie. ¡°After I removed that ne from your neckst time, you still dare to show off the jewelry Trent gave you during our marriage in front of me. Have you been a thief for so long that you genuinely believe these jewelry are yours?¡± Sidonie¡¯s face flushed crimson. ¡°A thief? This was a gift from Trent!¡± AV ¡°Why would he give you a ring worth millions when the one he gave me for our wedding was just some cheap thing?¡± Quinn asked. The people around began to whisper among themselves, their nces at Sidonie filled with disdain. Sidonie¡¯s difort grew. ¡°Trent gave me those jewelry because I saved his life! Quinn, I saved Trent¡¯s life, but what about you? What have you ever done for him?¡± ¡°Really?¡± Quinn snorted coldly, abruptly seizing Sidonie¡¯s right hand, the one with the ring. Sidonie cried out in pain, ¡°Quinn, what are you doing!¡± Anxious, Trent moved to rush forward, but Julius stopped him. ¡°I¡¯ll cripple the legs of anyone who dares to step forward,¡± Julius warned. His tone was calm, yet it was immensely intimidating. Nobody dared to move an inch after that. After all, no one was brave enough to gamble on whether Julius would actually cripple their leg! Furious and annoyed, Trent looked at Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, this action of yours will only make Quinn even more arrogant as she abuses your authority to bully others!¡± Julius gave a faint smirk. ¡°I¡¯ll dly let her abuse my authority. If she wants to bully others, I can join in too!¡± The moment these words were spoken, Trent¡¯s expression changed instantly. The surrounding crowd, including many from the Bridger family, also showed signs of surprise. After all, Marley had been by Julius¡® side all these years, even going as far as losing an eye for him. Yet, he had never said such words in defense of her before. But now, Julius had actually said these words for Quinn. Did this mean that Julius was willing to be Quinn¡¯s backer? Chapter 127 Is She Really Your Lifesaver Marley gritted her teeth tightly, ring at Quinn with a look of resentment.. Damn it, my original n for the day was to use Trent to embarrass Quinn. +5 Free Coins But now, it seems as though the tables have turned, and the one left feeling embarrassed is none other than myself! At that moment, Quinn took Sidonie by the hand and dragged her toward the sea. A sh of fear crossed Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°What¡­ what are you nning? Quinn, don¡¯t do anything rash!¡± ¡°What am I nning?¡± Quinn asked with a chuckle as she stared at Sidonie in amusement. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were the one who saved Trent? If you could rescue a man who¡¯d been stabbed eight times from the river, that must mean your swimming skills are pretty good. So, naturally, you shouldn¡¯t have any problems here.¡± Sidonie was still trying toprehend what was happening when she saw Quinn, who had been holding her hand, suddenly grab the emerald ring she wore on her finger. Almost instantly, Quinn had the emerald ring in her hands. As her fingers fully released their grip, Sidonie staggered backward, and then, just like that, she fell into the sea. ¡°Help! Somebody help!¡± Sidonie cried out in panic, iling her arms around in desperation. Trent wanted to rush forward, but he was firmly held back by Julius, thetter¡¯s grip on his shoulders unyielding, making it impossible for him to break free. Marley shouted at Quinn, ¡°Quinn, are you trying to kill her? Even if you¡¯re jealous of Sidonie, you can¡¯t just be a murderer!¡± ¡°Kill her?¡± Quinn scoffed. At that moment, the sea was calm. As for Sidonie struggling in the water ¨C ¡°I thought Ms. Stonehurst was an excellent swimmer. Who would have thought that she would struggle in such calm waters?¡± As Quinn spoke, she reached out and hoisted Sidonie upright. Only after Sidonie steadied herself did she realize that the seawater only reached her waist. Immediately, Sidonie¡¯s face turned beet red. Quinn turned her head, her gaze meeting Trent¡¯s directly. ¡°Even now, do you still believe that Sidonie is your lifesaver? Was it really her who pulled you from the turbulent river after you were injured?¡± Military 128 Chapter 128 Without Regret Trent was stunned as he watched Quinn and Sidonic. For a moment, he felt as if something was stuck in his throat. With a face flushed in embarrassment and anger, Sidonie retorted, ¡°Quinn, everyone knows I saved Trent. Your deliberate attempts can¡¯t change that fact!¡± ¡°Do you think you¡¯re worth my time to do that?¡± Quinn dragged Sidonie back to the seashore, then abruptly shoved her away. Sidonie clumsily tumbled down onto the sandy shore. Covered in a fair amount of sand on her body, face, and hair, coupled with her damp clothes, she looked like an utter mess. A part of Quinn¡¯s clothes had also gotten wet. However, that didn¡¯t seem to affect her at all, and she even gave off aposed air! ¡°Even if you do this, it¡¯s pointless. The one Trent believes in is me!¡± Sidonie hastily stood up, looking toward Trent. ¡°Trent, am I right?¡± It was only then that Trent seemed to snap back to reality. Seeing the hopeful look in Sidonie¡¯s eyes, he gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Yes, I believe in Sidonie!¡± He had already chosen to believe Sidonie long ago, hadn¡¯t he? Sidonie let out a sigh of relief, then turned to Quinn with a triumphant expression. ¡°You see? Trent trusts me. Your actions are only making you look like a fool! And you better return my emerald ring soon. Don¡¯t act like a thief who only knows how to steal from others!¡± ¡°This ring was bought by Trent during our marriage with our joint funds, so who¡¯s the real thief here?¡± Quinn scoffed. ¡°Sidonie, I¡¯m telling you this now, if I ever see you wearing anything that Trent bought for you during our marriage without my consent, every time I see it, I¡¯ll take it back!¡± Sidonie was shocked. Who could have predicted that Quinn would say something like that? Moreover, after what had just urred, she realized that Quinn truly meant what she said and would follow through! She wanted to say more, but seeing the people around her whispering and pointing at her, she couldn¡¯t help but close her mouth. After all, these pieces of jewelry were indeed gifts from Trent during his marriage to Quinn. No matter how one looked at it, Sidonie was in the wrong! Quinn walked up to Trent, her expression calm as she looked at him. ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to end things with me? Where are the wedding rings?¡± Trent was taken aback for a moment before slowly opening his hand. He had been holding on to those two cheap wedding rings. Quinn lowered her gaze, her eyesnding on the pair of wedding rings. Suddenly, a softugh left her lips. Sheughed at her past naivety, at the absurd idea that she had once considered Trent the best man for her. Sheughed at how she had given so much for this man, yet he had never truly trusted her. Then, she picked up the wedding rings from his palm and flung them into the sea without hesitation! Just like that, the two wedding rings fell into the ocean and were swept away by the waves. ¡°You-¡°Trent hadn¡¯t expected Quinn to just toss away the two rings like that, without a hint of regret in her eyes. It was as though she were simply tossing away trash. Then, what did it mean when he had been carrying these two rings with him all this time? Just then, Quinn¡¯s voice slowly reached his ears. ¡°Trent, like this, we¡¯repletely over!¡± Trent¡¯s head jerked up as he stared nkly at the woman before him. Without any hesitation, Quinn turned and left, not even sparing him another nce. Almost instinctively, Trent wanted to reach out, to grab Quinn. However, before his hand could even touch Quinn, it was swatted away by Julius. ¡°You don¡¯t have that right anymore,¡± Julius dered before he left with Quinn. Trent watched as Quinn and Julius disappeared into the distance, his gaze then falling back to his palm. The two rings that were once in the palm of his hand were no longer there. A sense of emptiness swept through his entire being, as if reminding him that what he had lost was not merely a ring! Because her clothes had gotten a bit damp, Quinn decided to head over to the lounge to change. Luckily, she had brought a change of clothes this time, so it wasn¡¯t too troublesome. When she had finished changing and stepped out of the lounge, she saw that Julius was still standing outside the door. ¡°Why are you¡­¡± ¡°Waiting for you.¡± These simple words seemed to say it all. ¡°We¡¯ve lost quite a bit of time just now, so the groundbreaking ceremony is about to start. Let¡¯s head over there first,¡± said Quinn. Julius nodded, and the two of them headed in the direction of the uing ceremony. Military 129 On the way there, Julius asked, ¡°Have you really ended things with Trent?¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± Quinn said, ¡°The truth is, whether I threw those two rings away or not, I had already ended things with him.¡± Back then, when she left the rings on the bedside table as she moved out of the mansion, it meant that she no longer wanted those two wedding rings. It also indicated that she had absolutely no lingering feelings. toward their marriage. She just hadn¡¯t anticipated that Trent would actually bring their wedding rings here. ¡°Really? That¡¯s good, then,¡± Julius expressed. A faint hint of amusement shed through his eyes, melting the chill that was within them. Meanwhile, Sidonie had taken a hurried shower before changing into a fresh set of clothes. As soon as she stepped out of the bathroom, she spotted Trent sitting on the couch, staring intently at the palm of his hand. He seemed lost in thought. ¡°Trent, what¡¯s on your mind?¡± Sidonie asked. ¡°Oh, nothing!¡± Trent responded, quickly setting his hand down as he looked at Sidonie. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all Quinn¡¯s fault! She¡¯s practically after my life. It was bad enough when she snatched my ne, but now she even took the ring you gave me!¡± Sidonie said bitterly. ¡°I¡¯ll buy you something even better in the future,¡± Trent promised. Only after hearing this did Sidonie¡¯s dark expression improve slightly. At that moment, Trent suddenly asked, ¡°Sidonie, why were you so panicked in the sea earlier? I thought you were a strong swimmer?¡± Otherwise, back then, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to rescue him, a grown man, from such a turbulent river. A flicker of unease crossed Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°Are you doubting me? Do you think it wasn¡¯t me who saved you back then?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m doubting you; I¡¯m just a bit confused!¡± Trent quickly said. ¡°Because everything happened so suddenly, and considering I hadn¡¯t swum much since I¡¯ve been abroad these past few years, it¡¯s natural that I was caught off guard,¡± Sidonie said, a frown on her face. ¡°Actually, if you really have doubts, you don¡¯t need to regard me as your savior. I told you from the start that I saved you not because I wanted something in return, especially considering you had nothing to offer at the time!¡± A sh of guilt crossed Trent¡¯s face. What was going on with him? He was actually starting to waver toward Sidonie, all because of that scene when Quinn had thrown her into the sea. Even though he repeatedly assured Sidonie, saying he had no doubts, in reality, he truly had his doubts. ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Trent said. ¡°Forget it,¡± Sidonie said, feigning generosity. ¡°You were misled by Quinn too. Let¡¯s focus on dealing with the important matters first on this ind trip. I heard from the elders of the Bridger family that the city council is very interested in your drone proposal. They¡¯re likely to coborate with yourpany. You really are impressive. Without Quinn, you¡¯ll only get better and better!¡± Trent was somewhat uneasy as he pursed his lips. The drone proposal he had submitted to the city council this time was actually the one Quinn left behind at thepany. Moreover, the patent involved in it was the one Quinn had registered after their marriage. It felt as though he had stolen Quinn¡¯s aplishments! However, almost immediately, Trent consoled himself. The drone proposal was something Quinn had worked on before she left thepany. Therefore, it waspany property. As for the patent, it was shared property between them as a married couple. Hence, there was nothing wrong with what he did. Everything he did, it was all for thepany. Soon, the time came for the groundbreaking ceremony to take ce. Government officials, along with the families and corporate groups involved in the ind development project, all made their appearances one by one. Julius stood out remarkably among the crowd, and naturally, Quinn, who was standing by his side, also drew a lot of attention. Marley kept staring at Quinn, a less than friendly look on her face. Today, she had initially nned to use Trent to embarrass Quinn and to make everyone understand that Quinn was nothing more than a woman who had been discarded by her husband. However, the ones who ended up humiliated were Trent and Sidonie. This incident even gained Quinn some attention as Julius made it known that he was willing to support her! ¡°Marley, Julius isn¡¯t a man you can control,¡± Moldred, standing beside her, voiced out. Marley¡¯s displeasure was clear as she retorted, ¡°Uncle Moldred, that wasn¡¯t what you told mest time. Didn¡¯t you once say that if I could be with Julius, it would be greatly beneficial for the Bridger family?¡± ¡°That was before Quinn came into the picture. Back then, there was indeed hope for you and Julius,¡± said Moldred. After all, even though Julius wasn¡¯t particrly interested in women, his guilt toward Marley led him to give the Bridger family quite a few advantages in business over the years. Military 130 hapter 130 What Skills Does She Have Marley could be considered the woman who was closest to Julius. Initially, Moldred thought that Julius was naturally indifferent toward women. However, what he witnessed at the seaside today took him by surprise. He never imagined that Julius, who always seemed so indifferent to everything, to the point he almost didn¡¯t seem like a real person, would actually take the initiative for Quinn. Julius¡® feelings for Quinn were truly out of the ordinary. Having been through it himself, Moldred knew all too well that if a man was willing to go to such lengths for a woman, he was surely in love! ¡°So, you¡¯re thinking that Quinn is more likely to benefit the Bridger family, and you don¡¯t need me anymore, is that it?¡± Marley scoffed, ¡°Uncle Moldred, don¡¯t forget who it was that led the Bridger family to their current glory. It was me, and I sacrificed an eye for it!¡± With a sigh, Moldred said, ¡°I¡¯m telling you all this for your own good!¡± ¡°For my own good? Yet you shower Quinn with care and concern?¡± Marley said, ¡°Uncle Moldred, you better not be backing the wrong person. Do you really think that Quinn could end up with Julius?¡± Moldred frowned. He had only spoken those words out of consideration for the help Marley had given to the Bridger family over the past years. Given that she was ungrateful, there wasn¡¯t any need for him to say anything more. Moreover, Marley kept insisting that the Bridger family benefited from her sacrificing an eye. However, she had never considered this ¨C if it weren¡¯t for that incident, how could she, an illegitimate daughter, have been epted into the Bridger family, let alone hold a key position in Bridger Group? The younger generation individuals who held important positions in Bridger Group were all capable children from the Bridger family. The only exception was Marley. Her abilities were average at best, but she managed to get a high position thanks to her rtionship with Julius. As the groundbreaking ceremony was about to end, a sudden cheer erupted from the gathered crowd. The reporters who hade to cover the event were especially excited, raising their cameras and video recorders to capture the moment. Quinn followed the noise and saw five individuals d in pilots¡® attire, making their way toward five aircraft parked on the ground. Those were five Zivko Edge 540 aircraft, typically used for performances andpetitions. Among the five people heading toward the airne, one was unmistakably Sidonie! With her head held high and chest puffed out, Sidonie confidently strode toward the airne. Among the five pilots, she was the only woman. Looking at the shing lights around her, Sidonie gave a satisfied smile. She had been suspended from her job and now needed some publicity to reshape her image. The aerial performance at today¡¯s groundbreaking ceremony was just the thing she needed. It also doubled as a charity event. Children from the orphanage had been invited to watch the aerial performance. There was also a fundraising activity nned forter. All she had to do was wait until the performance was over, then make a donation to the orphanage. This would naturally help to restore her reputation. Then, by smoothing over rtionships within Nimbus Air, she could resume her position. She was determined not to settle for just being a co¨Cpilot. She had put in so much effort, so naturally, she wanted more! Catching sight of Quinn not far away from the corner of her eye, Sidonie smiled. Previously, she had been caught off guard, which was why Quinn had managed to leave her in such a mess. Now, she was determined to erase that humiliation. She would make Quinn understand just how vast the gap was between them! Sidonie, along with the four other pilots, boarded their aircraft. It was clear that the ne Sidonie was piloting was leading the formation. The nes lifted into the sky, performing a variety of aerial stunts. Meanwhile, the crowd below watched in awe, letting out continuous gasps of amazement. Upon seeing Quinn and Julius, Marley¡¯s eyes sparkled as she approached the duo. ¡°Julius, what do you think of the performance? The lead pilot is my cousin Sidonie. She¡¯s the first female pilot at Nimbus Air.¡± Julius wore a faint smile as he gazed at Marley. Marley felt as if she were being seen through, but she continued nheless. ¡°Mr. Grafton divorced Quinn to be with Sidonie, and I presume it¡¯s because Quinn can¡¯t really assist him in his career, nor does she have any other significant skills. Apart from her brute strength, she doesn¡¯t have much to offer, does she?¡± After all, even though Quinn had served in the military, in Marley¡¯s view, what could a veteran possibly be capable of? She was merely a bit more skilled inbat than the average person. But when it came tobat skills, the wealthy were never in short supply. They just had to hire a few more bodyguards! ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve got quite the idle tongue, always babbling about nonsense,¡± said Julius. ¡°I¡¯m just telling it like it is! Can Quinn even fly a ne? What skills does she have?¡± Marley eximed. ¡°Then do you know how to fly a ne?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°Sure, I can¡¯t fly a ne, but I hold a key position at Bridger Group. Without me, thepany wouldn¡¯t be as sessful as it is now! Quinn, I¡¯m far more capable than you,¡± Marley said arrogantly. Military 131 Chapter 131 Subpar Performance ¡°But it¡¯s just because of the benefits given by the Whitethorn family,¡± Quinn stated bluntly. ¡°You-¡± Marley¡¯sposure instantly shattered. She never expected Quinn to dare to speak so candidly in front of Julius. ¡°But remember, the benefits others can give, they can also take back at any moment. If it¡¯s not yours, it¡¯s best not to consider it as your own merit,¡± Quinn said, in anguid manner. Marley raised her hand in exasperation. ¡°Quinn, how dare you speak to me like that!¡± Before her hand could even reach Quinn, Julius had already stopped her. ¡°What¡¯s this? You don¡¯t want this hand anymore?¡± Julius asked coldly. Marley winced in pain. The memory of Julius¡¯s hand around her neck previously sent an immediate chill down her spine. ¡°I was just upset that Quinn belittled our rtionship, making it sound like it was merely a transaction!¡± Marley said. ¡°Exchange?¡± Julius said nonchntly, ¡°Seems fair enough. You traded one of your eyes for the benefits provided by the Whitethorn family.¡± Marley¡¯s body stiffened. Fortunately, at that moment, the aerial performance had concluded. Sidonie emerged from the cockpit, her face beaming with pride. A swarm of journalists surrounded Sidonie and began to bombard her with various interviews. Among these news outlets, several had received mary gifts from Sidonie, a subtle hint for them to write more articles praising her. Meanwhile, Trent was right by Sidonie¡¯s side. ¡°By the way, Ms. Stonehurst, are you currently dating Mr. Grafton?¡± a reporter asked. Trent was taken aback, and before he could even utter a word, Sidonie had already beaten him to it, cheerfully saying, ¡°Yes, Trent and I are currently dating.¡± The reporter hurriedly offered his congrattions. Trent was feeling uneasy. He pursed his lips and nced toward Quinn, who was not too far away. Yet, there was Quinn, her face the picture of calm, as if she didn¡¯t care at all. Had she not heard the conversation between the reporter and Sidonie? Or was it that¡­ even if she had, she simply didn¡¯t care? The thought alone made Trent¡¯s chest feel unbearably heavy. At that moment, a reporter suddenly asked, ¡°We heard that Mr. Grafton just got divorced not long ago, and now you¡¯re quickly involved with Ms. Stonehurst. Is there any particr reason?¡± ¡°Trent and I were just friends at first,¡± Sidonie said. ¡°It was only after his divorce that we realized our feelings for each other. I¡¯m also grateful that Trent got divorced.¡± She then turned her head, looking directly at Quinn. ¡°Quinn, I should thank you for divorcing Trent. Otherwise, how would I have ever met such a wonderful person like him?¡± On the surface, Sidonie seemed to be expressing gratitude. But in reality, it felt more like she was flexing and showing off. Suddenly, all eyes were on Quinn. A reporter rushed up to Quinn and asked, ¡°What are your thoughts on Mr. Grafton and Ms. Stonehurst¡¯s rtionship?¡± Quinn chuckled coldly. ¡°Noment.¡± ¡°Ms. Stonehurst is Nimbus Air¡¯s first female pilot. Do you feel ufortable knowing your ex¨Chusband has found such a remarkable new girlfriend?¡± the reporter continued to ask. This reporter had previously received a bribe from Sidonie, so naturally, they were inclined to cooperate with her, aiming to embarrass Quinn. However, Quinn¡¯s response remained straightforward and clear. ¡°Not really.¡± ¡°So, what¡¯s your take on Ms. Stonehurst¡¯s airne performance just now? After all, what she can do, you simply can¡¯t.¡± Quinn cast a meaningful nce at the reporter. ¡°Her performance just now was subpar. She didn¡¯t manage her flight speed effectively and required assistance from other aircraft. Most critically, her approach speed duringnding was too high. If she hadn¡¯t been lucky, she could¡¯ve potentially overrun the runway.¡± Since someone asked for her opinion, of course, she wouldn¡¯t hold back. The reporter was taken aback. His initial intention was to embarrass this woman with his words, but now, it seemed like the tables had turned, and it was Sidonie who was left in an awkward position. Sidonie wore a serious expression. ¡°Quinn, there¡¯s no need to belittle me on purpose with your words!¡± ¡°Exactly, Ms. Stonehurst is a co¨Cpilot with a wealth of flying experience. You can¡¯t just tarnish her reputation with a few careless words. Besides, do you even know how to fly a ne?¡± the reporter asked. ¡°Ha, she wouldn¡¯t know the first thing about flying a ne. I bet she¡¯s never even touched the controls,¡± Marley finally found her chance to mock Quinn. ¡°Quinn used to be the captain of the Falcon Special Forces. Do you really think she¡¯s never even touched the controls of a ne?¡± Julius said coldly, casting a nce at Marley that suggested he thought she was an idiot. The smile on Marley¡¯s face froze instantly. She had always thought that Quinn was just an ordinary veteran. Who would have thought that she was actually the captain of the Falcon Special Forces? Military 132 Chapter 132 Where Has She Gone ¡°Even if she¡­ could once fly a ne, she¡¯s been out of service for a few years now. She¡¯s definitely rusty, nowhere near as proficient as Sidonie,¡± Marley stubbornly stated. ¡°Her careless critique, if it¡¯s not malice, then what is it?¡± ¡°Malicious?¡± Julius scoffed. ¡°Aren¡¯t there a few others here who can fly nes? Ask them if they think this critique is malicious!¡± The pilots who were also part of the performance looked at each other, uncertainty etched on their faces. Finally, one of them stepped forward. ¡°Ms. Bridger¡¯s critique is spot on. There indeed was an issue during Ms. Stonehurst¡¯s aerial performance just now.¡± After all, the performance just now was recorded. If they imed that there was nothing wrong with Sidonie¡¯s flight, and then someer pulled out the recording to challenge them, it would be like they were pping their own faces. It would make people think their skills were subpar. Therefore, it was absolutely necessary to tell the truth at that moment. Sidonie¡¯s expression turned sour. ¡°How much did she pay you to speak up for her like this!¡± ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, we didn¡¯t take any money, and everything we said was the truth. If you think we¡¯re lying, feel free to show the footage we filmed to an expert for their assessment,¡± the other pilot said. Sidonie was taken aback, suddenly at a loss for words. Quinn cast a cool nce at Sidonie. ¡°Your flying skills aren¡¯t all that great. Instead of showing off here, you should spend more time training. Otherwise, if you ever pilot a ne, you¡¯ll be responsible for everyone¡¯s lives on board!¡± Suddenly, Sidonie¡¯s face turned beet red while the reporters and media personnel on the scene were fervently snapping away. She awkwardly pulled Trent aside, avoiding the swarm of reporters and photographers. Initially, she intended to regain her dignity in front of Quinn, hoping to make her feel ashamed. But instead, she ended up embarrassing herself in front of the media. ¡°She was just spiteful, that¡¯s all. What does it matter if she used to fly nes? She hasn¡¯t been in a cockpit for years, who knows how much her skills have deteriorated!¡± Sidonie eximed indignantly. Her skills deteriorated? Trent found his thoughts drifting back to a time before their divorce, when he had seen Quinn piloting the same model of aircraft at an aviation expo. He remembered how she had taken to the sky, putting on a breathtaking disy. There was no awkwardness at all. Even as ayman, he could tell that Quinn¡¯s skills were superior to Sidonie¡¯s. Back then, the aerial performance Quinn put on was incredibly challenging, yet hernding was impressively smooth. However, facing the angered Sidonie at that moment, all these words, Trent chose to keep them unspoken. Just as the two were about to leave the scene, suddenly, a sharp cry rang out. ¡°Oh no, a child has fallen into the sea!¡± During the groundbreaking ceremony, a charity fundraiser was held. Therefore, at that moment, the orphans from Yarburn were also present at the scene. Among them, there was a child who, at that moment, was being swept up by the waves, constantly bobbing up and down in the sea. Even though the child wasn¡¯t far from the shore at the moment, the current waves could easily sweep him further and further away. Almost instinctively, Trent wanted to rush out to save the child, but Sidonie firmly held his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡± Trent was taken aback, almost doubting his own ears. The woman who once fearlessly saved me from the river is now unwilling to save another innocent life? Meanwhile, a figure was already rushing toward the child in the sea. Trent¡¯s pupils suddenly constricted, and he stared at the figure in disbelief. It was Quinn! She dashed into the rolling waves with agility, swimming swiftly toward the child who had fallen into the sea. At that moment, Trent felt as if the figure of Quinn was merging with the one he had perceived in the river when his consciousness was blurred. Trent was utterly fixated on the figure desperately swimming toward the child in the sea, his eyes filled with shock. And likewise, Julius was also intensely fixated on Quinn¡¯s figure. His tall figure remained rigid as he silently watched the woman in the sea. Wave after wave washed over her head, yet she continued to swim deeper into the sea. His blood¡­ it was as if it had frozen within him, and even his breath seemed to have halted. The woman who was just beside him moments ago was now rushing toward danger to save another person. The waves seemed intent on sweeping her into even more perilous circumstances. Will I never see her again? Just as how I would never see my mother again? His mind was almost aplete nk, yet his body had already sprung into action on its own, rushing toward the crashing waves. 2/ Military 133 hapter 133 He Saved Her Nothing can happen to Quinn! Please, don¡¯t let anything happen to her! ¡°Mr. Whitehorn!¡± The bodyguards who had been secretly protecting Julius emerged, trying to stop him. After all, for them, ensuring Julius¡¯s safety was their top priority. Julius swiftly sidestepped, dodging one of the bodyguards, while the hand of another bodyguard had already reached out to him. However, in the next moment, Julius made a sudden move. With incredible speed, he threw his bodyguard over his shoulder and continued to sprint forward. He only had eyes for Quinn right then. Everyone watched as Julius plunged into the sea, swimming toward Quinn. In these kinds of waves, anyone brave enough to dive in was quite literally risking their life to save another. Quinn plunged into the waves, all to save a child. But what about Julius? What could possibly drive the head of the Whitethorn family to dive into the sea like that? Who was he trying to save? In the sea, Quinn was desperately swimming toward the child. The churning waves of the sea presented a far greater challenge than rescuing someone from a river. Even though Quinn was physically fit and an excellent swimmer, she had also specifically learned various methods of water rescue. In waters like these, each time she swam, she would skillfully dodge the crests of the waves. Once they had passed, she would then powerfully propel herself forward. Despite everything, her physical strength was rapidly decreasing. I must save this child! Finally, her fingers managed to grasp the child¡¯s arm, allowing a slight sigh of relief to escape from Quinn. The child, having swallowed quite a bit of seawater, was barely struggling now, simply letting Quinn guide them back to shore. Quinn knew very well she had to swim back to shore as quickly as possible. The golden window of rescue was just a few minutes. If she missed that opportunity, even if she managed to get the child back to shore, she feared it might be toote to save them. I need to hurry! Quinn was swimming as hard as she could, her strength rapidly depleting. Every time a wave hit, it felt like a cruel setback. Just as she and the child seemed to be getting closer, they were pushed further apart again. Just when she was growing anxious, a hand suddenly reached out and took hold of the child she was dragging along, giving her a moment to catch her breath. Quinn paused, then realized that the person helping her in the sea at that moment was Julius. Thanks to Julius, the trio quickly reached the shore. At that moment, the medical staff assigned to the ind had already arrived. They took over the child and immediately started performing CPR. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn, are you two alright? Do you need a doctor to check on you?¡± someone asked, stepping forward. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I just need a break.¡± Quinn panted, staggering slightly to one side. Because she had expended too much energy in the ocean just now, she was feeling a bit drained at the moment. Just as she was trying to steady herself, a hand caught her waist, stabilizing her in time. It was a fair hand, with distinct knuckles. Even by just looking at the hand, Quinn knew that the person supporting her at that moment was Julius. ¡°Thank you,¡± said Quinn, ¡°I¡¯m fine now, you can let go of your hand-¡± Before she could finish her sentence, in the next moment, she found herself in Julius¡¯s tight embrace. His embrace was firm, yet his hands seemed to exercise extreme restraint, as if he was afraid to grip too tightly for fear of hurting her. Quinn was taken aback. ¡°Julius?¡± However, he simply buried his head deep in the crook of her shoulder, breathing in her scent and feeling her warmth. Only by pulling her into his embrace did his wavering heart find a hint of tranquility. She¡¯s here! She¡¯s alive, and she¡¯s right here in my arms. He never knew that he could care so much about someone, deeply concerned about their life and death, their safety and well¨Cbeing. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Quinn. His embrace, though not particrly strong, was impossible to break free from. What bothered her even more was that his arms, wrapped around her, were trembling. He was shaking terribly, as if he were afraid of something. Could it be because of the experience of diving into the sea to save someone earlier? After all, the ocean¡¯s waves were fierce and turbulent. Even in the act of rescue, one could face death at any moment. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared,¡± Quinn whispered soothingly. ¡°Everything¡¯s okay now. We¡¯re safe.¡± ¡°Yeah, everything¡¯s okay now.¡± His murmuring voice came from the nape of her neck. She was safe and sound in his arms, yet for some reason, he couldn¡¯t seem to stop trembling. It wasn¡¯t just his hands that were trembling. His entire body was shaking, too. Military 134 Chapter 134 I Never Doubted You The fear that had once consumed her body still hadn¡¯t subsided. He¡¯s afraid of¡­ losing me. ¡°Quinn, I¡­ I¡¯ve really fallen for you.¡± He confessed softly, his voice reaching her ears. A sudden stiffness overtook Quinn. What is he saying? In love? He¡¯s in love with me? I must have misheard him. However, Julius¡¯s next words reached her ears with undeniable rity, assuring her that she hadn¡¯t misheard. ¡°I love you even more than I thought I could!¡± He murmured, ¡°So, could you please stop making me so scared?¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn said, taken aback. Julius slowly lifted his head, his gaze meeting Quinn¡¯s directly. He was drenched from head to toe, with water droplets continuously sliding down his wet hair and face. His paleplexion made his eyes appear even darker. Contrary to his usual indifferent silence, at that moment, his eyes were filled with unease and, more than that¡­ a fear of losing something precious. ¡°From now on, whoever you want to save, I¡¯ll help you save. Whatever you want to do, I¡¯ll help you do. You don¡¯t need to put yourself in danger. Whatever you desire, I¡¯ll help you achieve!¡± Julius said. His voice was hoarse and deep, like a solemn vow. Quinn stared nkly at the man before her. He was dead serious. He lowered his head, gently pressing his lips against the back of her hand, kissing it with an almost reverent devotion. ¡°Quinnie, don¡¯t leave me, no matter what,¡± he murmured, his words gently dissipating into the air. Not far away, all color drained from Trent¡¯s face. In that moment, it felt as if he was on the verge of losing something truly precious. The sight of Julius holding Quinn was so ring to him that he had the urge to rush over, to pull Quinn away from Julius¡¯s embrace. ¡°Trent!¡± The sound of Sidonie¡¯s voice brought him back to reality. Only then did Trent turn his head, looking toward Sidonie. ¡°It seems like Quinn is quite resourceful, managing to get Julius to rescue people with her. In my opinion, she¡¯s just doing it to show off. After all, there are so many news outlets at the scene. She knew her rescue would be reported, that¡¯s why she did it,¡± scoffed Sidonie disdainfully. However, Trent remained silent. Show off? Who would dare to risk their life, rescuing people amidst the raging sea, just to show off? She was risking her life to save the child. ¡°I mean, she¡¯s just too cunning¡­¡± Sidonic continued to disparage Quinn. In the past, when Sidonie spoke these words, Trent didn¡¯t think much of it. But at this moment, he found them particrly grating. ¡°Enough, Sidonie,¡± Trent interjected. ¡°Quinn was just trying to save someone, just like you did for me in the river all those years ago. Were you just showing off then?¡± Sidonie¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°How can you equate my saving you with what¡¯s happening now? When I saved you, there weren¡¯t any reporters lurking around.¡± ¡°There were so many people present, yet Quinn was the first to rush forward. Why didn¡¯t those who were closer to the sea take action to save the person? Could it be that out of everyone there, only Quinn wanted to y the hero?¡± Trent asked in return. Sidonie was displeased. ¡°Are you speaking up for Quinn?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not speaking up for her, I¡¯m just¡­ stating facts!¡± Trent looked at Sidonie, his lips slightly pursed, his eyes filled with hesitation and struggle. ¡°Sidonie, why were you willing to save me from the river all those years ago, but now, when a child has fallen into the sea, you won¡¯t even let me go rescue them?¡± A flicker of rm crossed Sidonie¡¯s eyes. ¡°What are you doubting now?¡± ¡°I just feel like you¡¯re a bit different from what I remember¡­¡± he murmured. In his memory, she was the kind of person who would recklessly lend a hand to strangers. Even in the face of danger, she would still rescue him from the river¡¯s water, Why? Is it because of Quinn? Even under the watchful eyes of everyone present, he had simply embraced Quinn like that. It was as if he was announcing to everyone that he was involved with Quinn. Seeing the journalists around her, capturing the scene with their cameras and video recorders, only served to intensify the jealousy brewing within Marley. I should be the one standing beside Julius, not Quinn. The child who had fallen into the sea was, thankfully, saved by the swift response of the medical team. This also brought relief to Quinn, and afterward, she and Julius went to the only hotel on the ind to change their clothes. Since the ind was still in its early stages of development, many facilities were not fully established. There was only one hotel avable. In the hotel room, Quinn gazed at the recement clothes brought over by the staff, then nced at Julius standing next to him. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to take a shower and change clothes. You should go freshen up in the next room too.¡± Julius looked at Quinn. ¡°I¡¯ll wait here for you to finish washing up.¡± Julius looked at Quinn as if she would vanish at any moment. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere,¡± Quinn reassured. ¡°Why don¡¯t you head back to the room next door and take a hot shower first? If you catch a cold, the medical facilities on this ind are limited. We might have to cut short our stay and return before the investment conference is even over.¡± Yet, it seemed as if Julius was still waiting for something. After some thought, Quinn took the initiative. She extended her right pinky finger, reaching out to grasp Julius¡¯s hand, their pinkies entwined. ¡°Let¡¯s make a pinky promise,¡± she said. ¡°After I¡¯ve freshened up, I¡¯ll be waiting for you in the room!¡± Since Julius had previously fallen for the pinky promise trick, it was time to resort to that strategy again. Julius pressed his lips together, his gaze fixed intently on their pinky fingers hooked together. After a long moment, he finally murmured, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go wash up. Wait for me!¡± Quinn nodded. Only after Julius had left her room did she pick up the change of clothes and head into the bathroom. The warm flow of water was a stark contrast to the icy chill of the sea she had experienced earlier. It gradually began to thaw her previously freezing body, bringing her warmth. The sessful rescue of the child today owed much to Julius. If he hadn¡¯t assisted her in bringing the child back to shore, it would have taken her much longer. The child might have been in danger too, potentially unable to be saved in time due to being in the water for too long. Yet that day, she hadn¡¯t expected Julius to dash into the sea, let alone confess his love for her. Love¡­ Once, she believed love to be like that between her parents, Montague and Arlene, where mutual giving and caring were expected,sting a lifetime, devoted to just one person. During their wedding, Trent also expressed his love for her, promising to cherish her deeply. Yet in the end, all she received was betrayal! After three years of marriage, his heart was solely upied by Sidonie. And now, the fact that Julius confessed his love for her seemed utterly unbelievable, no matter how she thought about it. How long had she known Julius? Moreover, could a man like him truly love a woman? After Quinn had finished her hot shower, she walked out of the bathroom, towel¨Cdrying her hair, only to find that Julius was once again in her room. He had already changed into a fresh set of clothes, his hair still damp. Droplets of water were continuously trickling down from his hair strands. As Quinn approached, he asked, ¡°You¡¯ve had a shower, but why is your hair still wet?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t bother drying off because I didn¡¯t want to waste any time,¡± he said. Quinn was at a loss for words. They hadn¡¯t set a specific time, and it wasn¡¯t like she was going anywhere else. ¡°Bend down,¡± she said. His eyes sparkled faintly before he obediently bent his waist. Quinn picked up a towel nearby, gently drying Julius¡¯s wet hair that was still dripping with water. ¡°By the way, did you really mean it when you said you loved me?¡± she asked, out of the blue. Military 136 Chapter 136 Do I Stand A Chance Julius¡¯s body stiffened slightly. His head, previously bowed, gradually lifted. Their gazes met in that moment. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t joke about something like this,¡± Julius said, his thin lips slightly parting. In his deep, dark pupils, Quinn¡¯s face was reflected. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m not sure if what I feel qualifies as love in your book, but if there everes a day when I realize I can¡¯t bear to lose someone, then I would call that love.¡± Quinn was taken aback. So, what he meant was, he couldn¡¯t lose her? ¡°Perhaps at first, I found you intriguing, simply because you never abandoned me in times of danger, and that¡¯s why I wanted you by my side. But the moment I saw you plunge into the sea to save that child, everything changed.¡± Julius murmured softly, gradually leaning in, his face drawing even closer to Quinn. ¡°I was scared, terrified even, at the thought of losing you like that. It¡¯s a feeling I never want to experience again in my life. By the time I realized it, I had already followed you into the sea.¡± His voice, it echoed softly in her ears, his phoenix eyes filled with longing. ¡°So, Quinn, could you give me a chance? Let¡¯s be together. I¡¯ll treat you really well, I¡¯ll give you my all!¡± His voice was hoarse, almost enchantingly so. Julius, who usually held himself in high regard, was pleading in such an almost humble tone. Quinn even felt as if her heart had skipped a beat for a moment. ¡°We¡¯ve barely known each other for long, and you¡¯re already professing your love for me, promising me the world. Don¡¯t you find that a bit absurd?¡± Quinn suppressed the brief flutter in her heart, speaking with a calm demeanor. ¡°How long we¡¯ve known each other doesn¡¯t matter when ites to love,¡± Julius said, ¡°After all, there are plenty of people in this world who fall in love at first sight, aren¡¯t there?¡± Quinn looked up. ¡°So¨Ccalled love at first sight is nothing more than a euphemism for lust!¡± ¡°But for me,¡± he said, ¡°if I fell in love at first sight with anyone, it definitely wouldn¡¯t be based on their looks alone, but rather amitment for a lifetime.¡± ¡°You¡¯re being too absolute,¡± she said. ¡°People from the Whitethorn family have always been like this when ites to love,¡± Julius said quietly. Even though he despised his father, he couldn¡¯t deny the lifelong love his father had for his mother. As long as his father was alive, he was forever in love with his mother, in love with a woman who had already passed away. Till death do them part. ¡°Quinnie.¡± He called her by her pet name affectionately. ¡°Besides, what I feel for you isn¡¯t love at first sight, but a love that grew over time. However, I do think that perhaps love at first sight might have been better. That way, I wouldn¡¯t have wasted time and could have understood my feelings for you sooner.¡± Quinn pursed her lips. At that moment, the distance between them was too close, so close that she could casily feel his breath brushing against her cheek. ¡°Feelings often grow over time, but we haven¡¯t known each other for very long. have we?¡± said Quinn. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I think your feelings now might just be a spur of the moment thing, perhaps due to the excitement of the sea rescue today. Give it some time, and you might not feel the same way about me.¡± ¡°Suppose, after some time, I still feel this way about you, would you be willing to date me?¡± Julius asked in return. With a steady gaze, Quinn looked at the person before her. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Because you don¡¯t love me?¡± His eyes flickered slightly. ¡°Um, Mr. Whitethorn, I don¡¯t have those kinds of feelings for you,¡± she had said. ¡°I¡¯ve mentioned before, I¡¯m newly divorced and there are still many things I want to do. I¡¯m not currently thinking about starting another rtionship.¡± After he had spoken, Quinn added, ¡°You should probably dry your hair yourself.¡± At this moment, her hands were still gripping the sides of the towel that was draped over his head. Just as Quinn was about to pull her hand back, Julius¡¯s hand swiftly covered hers. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you from doing what you want, and I can be your spear and shield!¡± He murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll stand by your side, share life and death with you. No matter what happens. I¡¯ll never leave you, never betray you!¡± He spoke, articting each word and sentence carefully. Quinn was stunned. These were the words she had once said to him. This was the type of person she yearned to love. Julius had remembered every single word. ¡°Or is it,¡± he asked, ¡°that I¡¯m really such a terrible person, so terrible that no matter what, you could never fall in love with me?¡± ¡°No,¡± Quinn blurted. His eyes, which were originally dull, suddenly lit up. ¡°So, you¡¯re going to fall in love with me?¡± Quinn cleared her throat awkwardly. ¡°All I¡¯m trying to say is, you¡¯re not a terrible person!¡± Military 137 Chapter 137 Who Is Lying If Julius were truly a terrible person, he wouldn¡¯t have bowed three times in the funeral home toward her parents¡® ashes, nor would he have quietly apanied her when her parents wereid to rest in Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden. ¡°Plus, you ev en dived into the sea to save someone today. A terrible person wouldn¡¯t go out of their way to rescue others like that!¡± Quinn said. ¡°I saved lives because you did. All along, I never really saw the value of life, but today¡­¡± Julius¡¯s voice suddenly paused, gently taking her hand and drawing it toward him. ¡°Because of you, I¡¯m willing to save others, willing to be a good person,¡± he murmured softly. She was so radiant, so upright, it was as if not even the slightest hint of filth or darkness could taint her. And him, he was too consumed by darkness. No matter how bright he appeared on the surface, he knew, deep down, he was already rotten to the core. Yet, darkness longed for light. In its pursuit of light, darkness, too, wished to be a little brighter. Unexpectedly, Quinn found herself looking at Julius. She had never imagined that she would hear such words from Julius. It was as if he were telling her that she had the power to shape his life. ¡°Quinn, give me a chance,¡± he pleaded, his eyes filled with longing as he gazed at her. ¡°If there everes a day when you¡¯re certain you can never love me, I won¡¯t persist. Whether it means leaving you or bing strangers, I can ept it. But until that day, please don¡¯t intentionally push me away, okay?¡± Quinn remained silent. The yearning in Julius¡¯s eyes at that moment somehow reminded her of that day in the forbidden room of the mansion. His huddled figure and the dense scars on his back came to her mind. Also, there were whips scattered all around the room. And as Marley once mentioned, he¡­ he must have witnessed his mother¡¯s death with his own eyes. She felt ufortable rejecting him, as if something was stuck in her throat. A twinge of pain seemed to ripple through her heart. Could she truly be certain that she would never fall in love with Julius? She asked herself, but she didn¡¯t have an answer. Moreover, Julius was not the kind of person who would easily ept rejection. Taking a deep breath, Quinn said, ¡°Okay. I promise I won¡¯t push you away on purpose. If I truly fall in love with you, then we¡¯ll date. But if I don¡¯t fall for you before I finish my bodyguard duties, then we¡¯ll each go our separate ways, okay?¡± Julius¡¯s eyshes quivered slightly, and after a brief moment, he let out a gentleugh. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal.¡± If she hadn¡¯t fallen for him, then he would have found a way to make her fall in love with him. At the banquet hall, Trent was absentmindedly conversing with government officials and some local tycoons of Yarburn. However, in his mind, he would asionally recall the scene of Quinn diving into the sea to save the child. She had been so decisive and straightforward. There wasn¡¯t a single hint of hesitation. How many people actually have the courage to do this? Although he noticed the child had fallen into the sea, he had the urge to rush over. But if he really did, would he dive into the ocean to save the child? Or would he back out at thest moment? When he questioned himself, he found thetter possibility to be more likely. He couldn¡¯t help but doubt if Quinn really had been lying. Given her swimming skills and courage, if she had actually seen him in the river, she would have indeed plunged in to save him. But if Quinn wasn¡¯t lying, could it be that Sidonie was the one who had lied? At this thought, his hand holding the wine ss trembled involuntarily, nearly spilling the wine inside. ¡°Trent?¡± Sidonie asked from the side, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t look so well.¡± ¡°N¨CNothing,¡± he said, his gaze falling on Sidonie¡¯s face. Ever since he met Sidonie, he found her to be a woman of confidence and grace. How could such a woman ever deceive him? Moreover, as she had once said, back then he was just a poord with nothing to his name. What could she possibly gain from deceiving him? .. Just then, a stir suddenly erupted at the entrance of the banquet hall. When Trent and Sidonie looked up, they saw Julius and Quinn walking in side by side. Dressed in a sleek ck suit, Julius exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. Standing next to him was Quinn, who despite wearing a simple ensemble, managed to look exceptionally sharp. Observing herplexion, it was clear that she had regained some color, no longer the pallid hue from when she had just saved someone. Trent was inexplicably relieved at this sight. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, Ms. Bridger, we owe you a debt of gratitude for your heroic actions today. Without you, we could have had a tragedy on our hands,¡± said Shaun Wane, who was in charge of the ind¡¯s development in Yarburn. Military 138 Chapter 138 I Am Scared Chapter 138 I Am Scared s Julius casually remarked, ¡°The person who deserves thanks is Quinn. She¡¯s the one who did the rescuing. I merely lent a hand.¡± ¡°However, after rescuing that child, I noticed Mr. Whitethorn was also holding Ms. Bridger. I¡¯m curious about the nature of your rtionship,¡± Shaun inquired. ¡°She was someone very important to me. I was just overly worried about her at that time,¡± Julius said. Shaun couldn¡¯t help but take a few more nces at Quinn. After all, if Julius said someone was ¡°very important¡°, then it meant that Quinn truly was significant. Not far away, Moldred was engaged in conversation with some of the wealthy elites of Yarburn. Those tycoons, looking at Julius and Quinn standing side by side, expressed their envy, ¡°Moldred, that youngdy is from the fifth branch of the Bridger family, isn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°Right, she is Quinn from the fifth branch of the family,¡± Moldred said. ¡°You Bridger family sure are lucky. First, there was Marley, and now there¡¯s Quinn,¡± someonemented sourly. After all, if the Whitethorn family was there to protect them, then the Bridger family would only be stronger over time. In the affluent circles of Yarburn, who wouldn¡¯t want to foster connections with the Whitethorn family? Yet, against all odds, the two girls from the Bridger family made it. With a smile, Moldred tried to hide the flicker of worry in his eyes. Meanwhile, Marley, standing off to one side, gritted her teeth in frustration. The way these people referred to her as ¡°before¡± made her feel as if she was already a thing of the past. Just then, she saw someone approach Quinn. They seemed to exchange a few words, and then Quinn left Julius¡¯s side. It was a great opportunity. Upon seeing the situation, Marley immediately approached Julius. ¡°Julius, can we have a private conversation?¡± Julius nced at her nonchntly. ¡°Is there something we need to talk about privately?¡± ¡°I know I messed upst time at the mansion, said things that upset you,¡± Marley began. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean any harm with my words. I was just trying to express that our rtionship¡­ we¡¯ve been close since we were kids, that¡¯s all. I just wanted to tell Quinn how much¡­ how much I care about you.¡± ¡°Care about me? If you really did, you wouldn¡¯t have run away in fear all those years ago,¡± he said sarcastically. All color drained from Marley¡¯s face. It was the thing she regretted the most. Back then, she had identally stumbled into that forbidden room. The sight of whips hanging on the walls, Julius¡¯s back drenched in fresh blood, and his mother copsed on the floor had terrified her, Chapter 138 I Am Scared prompting her to flee in fear. s Had she not run away back then, but instead chose to stay willingly by Julius¡¯s side, would Julius have opened his heart to her sooner? ¡°Well¡­ back then, I was just a kid.¡± Marley stammered, ¡°I¡­ I just happened to see those things. It scared me so much, that¡¯s why I reacted like that. Any kid would¡¯ve been scared in that situation!¡± She was quick to justify her actions. Moreover, she had paid a price, her one eye was the cost. ¡°Yeah, you were too young, too scared, so you ran. I never med you for it. After all, you had no obligation to stay for me,¡± Julius said, nonchntly. ¡°Julius, I know you¡¯re still upset with me,¡± Marley said urgently. ¡°I promise to make it up to you. No matter what happens in the future, I won¡¯t abandon you and run away.¡± ¡°I told you, I¡¯m not ming you, so there¡¯s no need for you to make up for anything,¡± said Julius. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean you can casually discuss my family¡¯s affairs! You should be grateful to Quinn that you didn¡¯t die this time.¡± Marley almost ground her teeth to dust. She couldn¡¯t stand Quinn anymore, yet she was expected to thank her. Julius, however, couldn¡¯t be bothered to engage with Marley, his gaze drifted toward the direction Quinn had just left. After understanding his own feelings, he seemed to be even more unsettled. Quinn had only been away from him for a short while, yet he was already itching to see her again. Quinn followed the director toward the hotel¡¯s infirmary. The child who had fallen into the water was lying on the hospital bed, his face still filled with unease. But upon seeing Quinn, he struggled to sit up and threw himself into Quinn¡¯s arms. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry,¡± the director of the orphanage apologized. ¡°Ever since this child was rescued, he¡¯s been restless, constantly asking to see you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Quinn spoke softly, then tenderly embraced the child in her arms. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re safe now, there¡¯s no need to be afraid anymore.¡± ¡°I¡¯m still scared, very scared!¡± The child sobbed. Clearly, the incident of falling into the sea had a significant impact on the child¡¯s psyche. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here,¡± assured Quinn. ¡°If you ever find yourself in danger, I¡¯lle to your rescue.¡± ¡°Really?¡± The child tipped his head back, his face still etched with the lingering terror of a narrow escape. Military 139 Chapter 139 Why Did You Say That ¡°Trust me. I¡¯ll save you. I promise!¡± said Quinn. The firm, reassuring voice eased the child¡¯s anxiety, and it also made Trent, who had just arrived at the door, halt abruptly in his tracks. The words Quinn spoke at that moment were eerily simr to what he had heard when he was disoriented in the river back then. Why¡­ would Quinn say such things? Yet, why did her silhouette, time and again, seem to ovep with the vague figure he had glimpsed in the hazy recesses of his past consciousness? Back then, who exactly was the person who saved him? In a gentle manner, Quinnforted the child in her arms. The child, who initially had a face full of fear, gradually began to calm down. Before long, the child had fallen asleep in Quinn¡¯s arms. With utmost care, Quinn gently ced the child back onto the hospital bed, then tenderly covered him with a nket. ¡°Thank you so much for today,¡± the orphanage director expressed gratefully. It wasn¡¯t just that Quinn hadforted the child, but she had also saved the child¡¯s life, and he was deeply grateful for what she did. ¡°This is something I ought to do, no need for thanks,¡± said Quinn. Even though she had already retired from the military, the oath she took during her service was still something she intended to uphold for the rest of her life. ¡°If there¡¯s anything else concerning the child, feel free to reach out to me.¡± After leaving her contact details with the director, Quinn exited the infirmary. As soon as she stepped outside, Quinn spotted Trent at the doorway. Why is he here? Quinn took a step, intending to sidestep him. Trent stopped her, asking, ¡°Why would you say something like that to the kid?¡± Quinn frowned. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Y¨CYou told the child that you would save him, that you would definitely save him. Why would you say something like that?¡± Trent¡¯s gaze was fixed steadily on Quinn. A type of fear, so profound that he himself couldn¡¯t put into words, was spreading through his heart at that moment. With a cool demeanor, Quinn retorted, ¡°Why? I can¡¯t say that?¡± ¡°No, the question is why you would¡­¡± Trent¡¯s voice abruptly paused. ¡°Quinn, I don¡¯t know where you got your information from, but why do you keep imitating Sidonie? We both know, the person who saved me back then, it wasn¡¯t you, it was Sidonie!¡± When he spoke those words, it wasn¡¯t just for her to hear, but also for himself. The person who saved him must have been Sidonie; there was no way he could have mistaken it. The thought of the consequences of making a mistake was almost too terrifying for him to contemte. ¡°What I choose to say is my own business, Trent. If you believe it was Sidonie who saved you, then keep believing that forever. I¡¯ve never cared about ying your savior, let alone imitating Sidonie.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was icy cold. Just as she was about to sidestep Trent, he suddenly caught hold of her sleeve. ¡°Quinn,¡± Trent asked, ¡°Why did you rush into the sea today to save that child? You have no connection to him, so why would you risk your life for a kid you don¡¯t even know?¡± ¡°Do I need a reason for that?¡± Quinn looked at the person before him with a smirk. ¡°If saving a stranger required a reason, then you wouldn¡¯t be standing here safe and sound. You would¡¯ve drowned in the river by now.¡± ¡°You-¡± Trent was about to say something when a figure stepped forward, swiftly brushing away the sleeve of Quinn¡¯s dress that Trent was holding onto. Trent was staring at Julius, who had suddenly appeared. ¡°What on earth are you doing, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± ¡°You¡¯re already divorced from Quinnie. There¡¯s no need to keep dragging things out like this,¡± Julius said, clearly annoyed. The mere mention of the name ¡°Quinnie¡± was like a jarring note to Trent¡¯s ears. It reminded him of that scene by the seaside, where Julius was holding Quinn in his arms. Irritated, he retorted, ¡°So, it¡¯s alright if you do it, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Julius squinted his eyes. ¡°If it were me, I would never be foolish enough to divorce Quinnie. So whatever happens between us, you have no right toment. As for you, congrattions on getting together with that Stonehurst woman. Whenever you two get married, I¡¯ll make sure to send a generous gift.¡± Trent was left feeling choked up, with a suffocating sensation in his chest. Quinn looked at Julius and asked, ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I was worried something might have gone wrong on your end, so I came to check on you,¡± said Julius. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. The child was just startled, but he¡¯s asleep now,¡± said Quinn. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Julius said. Just as the two were about to leave, Trent couldn¡¯t help but blurt out, ¡°Quinn!¡± Quinn paused, turning to look at Trent. A smile lit up Trent¡¯s face. Indeed, he still had an effect on Quinn. As long as he called out to her, she would always turn back. Military 140 Chapter 140 I Only Trust You However, when Trent locked eyes with Quinn¡¯s icy almond¨Cshaped eyes, he was suddenly taken aback. Even the words he had intended to say seemed to be stuck in his throat. ¡°Trent, do me a favor and stoping to me with questions about your savior from that drowning incident years ago. We¡¯re divorced now. Who your savior is, it has nothing to do with me. Or are you saying, if I really was your savior, you¡¯d regret it? Regret the way you treated me during our three years of marriage? Regret divorcing me?¡± Her eyes were filled with mockery. Yet, he couldn¡¯t utter a single word. It was only after Quinn and Julius had left that Trent seemed to falter slightly. Regret? Why would I feel regret? No. I will never regret it. Quinn should be the one regretting it! Did Quinn really think that being with Julius would solve everything? How could a man like Julius ever be genuinely interested in her? It was probably just a fleeting fascination. And him, once he overcame thispany crisis, he knew his future would be brighter. He would make Quinn understand that not bing Mrs. Grafton was the biggest loss of her life. However¡­ why was his heart so unsettled? Step by step, Trent made his way into the infirmary. ¡°Hey, is something wrong?¡± The director asked, puzzled as he saw Trent, looking pale, walk in. Trent didn¡¯t respond. He just stared at the little boy lying on the bed, as if lost in thought. After a good while, he finally left the infirmary and made a phone call. ¡°I need you to look into something for me,¡± he said, ¡°I want to know about the time I fell into the river. Specifically, when I was rescued, was there anyone else present besides Sidonie?¡± After ending the call, Trent put away his phone, reassuring himself that his actions were merely to dispel any lingering doubts about Sidonie. As Quinn and Julius were making their way back to the banquet hall, Julius suddenly posed a question. ¡°If in the future, Trent realizes that you were the one who saved his life, and regrets divorcing you, what would you do then?¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°Are you going to get back together with him?¡± Julius asked, his gaze fixed on Quinn, studying her reaction. ¡°No way,¡± she said seriously. No matter what, her rtionship with Trent waspletely over. ¡°Even if he were to kneel before you, begging pitifully?¡± Julius asked again. Amused, Quinn said, ¡°He won¡¯t. The person he likes is Sidonie. If he were to kneel down and beg to get back together just because he found out I saved his life, wouldn¡¯t that kind of love beughable?¡± Julius smirked. ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s quite amusing.¡± Poor Trent. Even though Quinnie was his lifesaver and always stayed by his side, he was so easily deceived. by Sidonie. ¡°If it were me, I would never mistake the person who saved my life,¡± murmured Julius softly. ¡°Do you believe that I was the one who saved Trent¡¯s life?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Julius replied without hesitation. ¡°I believe everything you say.¡± A warmth spread through Quinn¡¯s heart. Trent, her husband of three years, had never shown her an ounce of trust. Yet, Julius, whom she had known for less than three months, was willing to believe in her. It felt It felt wonderful to have someone¡¯splete trust. However, by evening, when Quinn saw Julius holding a pillow and standing at her door, she instantly felt uneasy again. ¡°What¡¯s this¡­¡± She eyed the pillow in his hands skeptically. It couldn¡¯t possibly be what she was thinking, could it? ¡°I want to sleep in your room tonight,¡± Julius said. ¡°Uh¡­ Why?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°I¡¯ll get scared when I¡¯m alone in the room. You¡¯re my bodyguard, so you¡¯ll protect me, won¡¯t you?¡± Julius said. Quinn nearly choked on her own saliva. Was Julius ever afraid? She had once seen him single¨Chandedly take down a group of attackers, beating them mercilessly to the ground. Even when a gun was pressed against his forehead, he could effortlessly snatch it away, his expression unchanging. Yet, at that moment, he was still speaking with the utmost seriousness. ¡°Didn¡¯t you have bodyguards stationed outside your room?¡± Quinn asked. This time when they came to the ind, some bodyguards from the Whitethorn family had also apanied them, tasked with ensuring his safety. ¡°They¡¯re not you. I only trust you,¡± said Julius. Suddenly, Quinn found herself at a loss for words. After a long sigh, all she could say was, ¡°Fine, you take the bed, I¡¯ll sleep on the couch.¡± After all, she was his bodyguard now. ¡°I¡¯ll just sleep on the couch,¡± he said. Taking the initiative, he ced his pillow on the couch andy down. Military 141 Chapter 141 An Unexpected Attendance In response, Quinn found it difficult to say anything further. ¡°So¡­ goodnight?¡± She nced at him as she spoke. ¡°Goodnight,¡± he said with a gentle smile. She was momentarily dazed as she watched the subtle smile ying at the corners of his lips. It seemed that recently, his smile had appeared more frequently, a stark contrast to his initial icy demeanor. Quinn had closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, but Julius was far from ready to go to bed. Instead, he sat on the couch, gazing at the sleeping Quinn from a distance. She might have thought that when I mentioned I was scared, I was afraid of being attacked or harmed by someone. Nevertheless, Julius knew all too well that his fear stemmed from the possibility of something happening to her. He was worried that she might regret meeting him that day. He was afraid she didn¡¯t mean it when she said she¡¯d give him a chance. ¡°So, loving someone only adds to one¡¯s fears. Could it be that years ago, Dad went through this same sense of anxiety when it came to Mom? That said, my fate won¡¯t be as tragic as Dad¡¯s. The things Dad did back then only deepened Mom¡¯s disdain for him. Julius was determined to make Quinn fall in love with him, even if it meant relying on his physical body and appearance to do so. That said¡­ He hesitated for a moment, his fingers instinctively tracing over the faded scars on his own back. Back then, he¡¯d kept those scars as a constant reminder to himself. But now, he found himself worrying, wondering if she would be repulsed by his scarred body. ¡°Quinnie, don¡¯t resent me¡­¡± he murmured gently. His voice faded gradually within the quiet room The following morning, Quinn and Julius, whom she had pinned beneath her, stared at each other in surprise. ¡°Sorry, I was still half¨Casleep earlier and didn¡¯t realize it was you,¡± she said, slightly embarrassed. Just a while ago, when she was still in a groggy state, he had approached the edge of her bed. He reached out toward her, causing her body to instinctively react. By the time she had pinned him down on the bed and fully awakened, she realized it was Julius. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± said Julius. ¡°I initially just wanted to wake you up. But no matter how many times you try to pin me down, I¡¯m always game.¡± Such naughty words! Quinn felt a slight flush in her cars. If any other man had said such a thing, it would have onlye off as flirtatious, even inappropriate. Yet, when Julius spoke with such a serious expression, it was impossible not to let her imagination run wild. No wonder he is named the most eligible bachelor by the magazine! ¡°Cough, cough!¡± Quinn gently cleared her throat, standing up to tactfully change the subject. ¡°Why don¡¯t you head back to your room and freshen up? I need to do the same. There¡¯s an investment conference on the ind today, isn¡¯t there?¡± ¡°Right.¡± Julius said, ¡°Are you interested?¡± ¡°Me?¡± She chuckled. ¡°Not really.¡± Azure Technologies had no ns to expand into Yarburn at the time. As for Quinn, she intended to return to Jexburgh and join Laura¡¯s firm, rather than staying in Yarburn or joining Bridger Group. So, she naturally had little interest in the investment conference for the ind development project. Nevertheless, she was aware that the Whitethorn family was involved in the ind development project. Julius hade to Yarburn from Jexburgh for this very reason. ¡°If I were to tell you that Trent¡¯s proposal to the Yarburn government involves the patent you once applied for when you were married, would you still be uninterested in attending the event?¡± asked Julius. Taken aback, Quinn asked, ¡°How did you know?¡± ¡°What makes you think it¡¯s difficult to find out?¡± he retorted. Quinn chuckled, realizing she had indeed asked a silly question. Since the Whitethorn family was also involved in the ind development project, it was only natural that Julius had easy ess to such information. In the end, Quinn apanied Julius to the investment conference hosted by the government. When Marley saw Quinn and Julius entering together, a look of displeasure crossed her face. ¡°Julius, why did you bring Quinn here?¡± she asked. ¡°She¡¯s a veteran, what could she possibly know about what we¡¯re doing here?¡± Julius wore a half¨Csmile on his face. ¡°If you can understand it, then naturally, she can too.¡± Marley¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Even if you¡¯re interested in her now, you¡¯re still overestimating her capabilities.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your ce to tell me how I should see Quinnie,¡± Julius said. All Marley could do was grit her teeth in resentment. Before long, Trent and Sidonie also arrived at the main conference room of the investment conference. Upon seeing Quinn, Trent¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°Quinn, what are you doing here?¡± he asked. Military 142 hapter 142 Giving More Credit Than Due Chapter 142 Giving More Credit Than Due ¡°Why can¡¯t I be here if you can?¡± Quinn asked with a chuckle. s ¡°I¡¯m here on behalf of Grafton Technologies, what about you? Your friend¡¯spany, Azure Technologies, isn¡¯t listed in the government¡¯s official roster for the investment conference!¡± Tent stated. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Ie and check if you¡¯re using my patent?¡± Quinn asked. The expression on Trent¡¯s face instantly soured. How did she know? His gaze flickered toward Julius, who was standing next to Quinn. At this point, Julius had evidently be Quinn¡¯s pir of support. If they were nning to drive Quinn away, it was likely impossible. ¡°When we divorced, we agreed that I¡¯d have rights to the patent since you applied for it after we got married!¡± Trent argued. From the side, Sidonie joined the fray. ¡°Quinn, you were pretty quick to agree to the divorce back then, weren¡¯t you? Now that Trent really needs to use the patent, you¡¯re having second thoughts? I knew it. Women like you are always so fickle.¡± As she spoke, she shed a smug smile. ¡°But even if you refuse, it¡¯s useless. After all, thew is the final word in this case!¡± At that moment, Sidonie was eager to see the frustrated look on Quinn¡¯s face. So what if Quinn has the talent to create patents, wouldn¡¯t they still end up being used by Trent? When the time , the money made from this patent will all belong to me and Trent. With a look of disdain, Quinn gazed at Sidonie¡¯s malicious grin. ¡°I never said you couldn¡¯t use it, but do you really think you put my patented work into use?¡± Trent was taken aback, but Sidonie retorted, ¡°This patent is jointly owned by you and Trent. Why can¡¯t we use it? Moreover, after your marriage, if Trent hadn¡¯t been working hard to make a living, do you think you would have had so much free time to research patents?¡± Free time? Quinn sniggered. In the three years since we got married, I had devoted most of my energy and time to helping Trent establish his business. If he was so capable, he wouldn¡¯t only have this one single patent! ¡°So, you think that Trent is the reason for Grafton Technologies¡® current sess and that it was him who made all the money?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°What else could it be? Even if you had some research achievements in the military before, so what? Starting a business is not the same as being in the military. It requires a keen eye and courage, not to mention various connections. Do you think money just falls from the sky?¡± Sidonie said bluntly. Even though Han had once told Sidonie that Quinn had numerous research achievements in the military and was an expert in drone research, Sidonie always felt that he was overstating Quinn¡¯s abilities. Quinn chuckled, ncing at Trent. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said. ¡°Starting a business does require vision, courage, and connections. Money doesn¡¯t just fall from the sky.¡± Back then, she had exhausted all her connections for the sake of Trent. She was involved in nearly every major decision made in thepany. There were several instances where Trent made outrageous decisions that could have immediately plunged thepany into crisis. It was she who persuaded Trent to change his course of action. Yet Sidonie was now giving Trent all the credit for thepany¡¯s sess. Chapter 142 Giving More Credit Than Due ¡°So, it¡¯s only fair that Trent use the patent you guys obtained after marriage,¡± Sidonie said. ¡°He also contributed to this patent. It¡¯s not solely yours!¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Quinn said. ¡°If you think Trent is so capable, then go ahead. But remember, if he falls on hard times one day, I hope you¡¯ll still think the same and stick by his side.¡± Anyway, once the investment conference officially starts, I¡¯m going to make Trent understand that my patent isn¡¯t as easy to use as he thinks! ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re just jealous of Sidonie, aren¡¯t you?¡± Marley quipped sarcastically. ¡°A tech elite like Trent ditching you for Sidonie must¡¯ve been a big blow for you!¡± Upon hearing Marley¡¯s words, Trent frowned. Marley¡¯sment, in fact, made it sound as if he had abandoned his faithful wife after striking it rich. He opened his mouth, about to say something. However, Julius preempted him. ¡°Why should Quinnie be jealous?¡± Julius, referring to Quinn in such an affectionate manner, left everyone present stunned. Marley nearly bit her tongue in surprise. It was as if Julius was announcing to the world that Quinn was his now. After all, he was the head of the prestigious Whitethorn family. There was no way a tech elite like Trent could possiblypare to him. There was absolutely no need for Quinn to be jealous. A sh of difort crossed Trent¡¯s face. He was originally afraid that people might perceive him as the type who abandoned his wife once he¡¯d made his fortune. But now, it seemed as if he was abandoned by Quinn after thetter had found someone far better than him. Military 143 CChapter 143 The Pitiful One He had be the pitiful one. Sidonie eked out a smile. ¡°Actually, the depth of one¡¯s love isn¡¯t measured by how much wealth a man has, but rather how much he¡¯s willing to give you. If he has a hundred but only gives you one, then that kind of love doesn¡¯t amount to much.¡± ¡°It seems like Mr. Grafton has been quite generous to you, Ms. Stonehurst,¡± Julius remarked, not mincing his words. ¡°Even the money he made during his marriage was all spent on various jewelry for you.¡± Suddenly, Sidonie¡¯s face flushed red. Because of that jewelry, I was as a homewrecker by the public! Before, she had piloted a ne over the ind to show off her skills, painstakingly regaining some of her reputation. But now, a single remark from Julius had rendered her effort futile. ¡°Also, anything of mine that Quinnie wants, I can give it to her,¡± said Julius. As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was taken aback. Julius was the head of the Whitethorn family, and the extent of the Whitethorn family¡¯s wealth and influence was simply unimaginable. ¡°Would you really hand over Whitethorn Group to Quinn, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Sidonie provocatively questioned. With a half¨Csmile, Julius nced at Sidonie, then turned to Quinn and said, ¡°If you want it, it¡¯s yours.¡± As soon as these words were spoken, a collective gasp echoed around. Even Quinn was taken aback, for she hadn¡¯t expected Julius to say something like that. Even if it was just a joke, he had still shown how respect he had for her. ¡°No need. Whatever I want, I¡¯ll work for it myself,¡± said Quinn. Upon hearing these words, quite a few people around, much like Quinn, felt that it was just ttery. Nevertheless, regardless of whether Julius was serious, he had made it clear to everyone how important Quinn was to him. ¡°True, a woman like you would rely on herself if she wanted something. Unlike some, who prefer to rely on others to get what they want,¡± said Julius. Sidonie¡¯s face instantly turned red; even Marley felt unsettled by thement. What Julius said was akin to a p in the face for both of them. Before long, the investment conference officially kicked off. Numerous business representatives, who came to participate, took turns to step forward. They introduced thepanies they represented and revealed the projects they were vying for in the ind development. Each representative had the opportunity to present their project proposals. The final decisions were then made by the government officials, along with the Whitethorn and Bridger families, who had already established partnerships with the government. Meanwhile, Trent was engrossed on the business proposal in his hands. He never expected that Quinn would actually stay on for the event. Had he chosen to present the contents of his proposal then, Quinn would realize that it was the very one she had written before her resignation. All this while, he had never thought highly of Quinn¡¯s professional capabilities. At most, he considered her apetent project manager, nothing more. Yet, after Quinn left her position, none of the project proposals for the ind development presented by thepany caught the eye of the Yarburn government. He had merely submitted Quinn¡¯s proposal before her resignation as a formality, yet to his surprise, it was selected by the Yarburn government. Moreover, he had barely made any changes to this project proposal. The only adjustment he made was to rece riverside from Quinn¡¯s original n with ind. The thought of him presenting the proposal in publicter, where Quinn would also hear, made Trent restless. ¡°Trent, you look a bit off. Are you feeling unwell?¡± Sidonie asked from the side. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It¡¯s nothing,¡± Trent said. As he lifted his head, his gaze unintentionally met Quinn¡¯s from not too far away. Trent was momentarily filled with guilt. At that moment, the host of the investment conference announced, ¡°Alright, now we will have Mr. Trent Grafton, the CEO of Grafton Technologies, exin hispany¡¯s project proposal. Let¡¯s give him a warm wee!¡± A round of enthusiastic apuse rang out, causing Trent¡¯s heart to skip a beat. At that moment, he was left with no choice but to brace himself and step onto the stage, meticulously outlining the proposal. Before, he had confidently discussed the proposal in front of the government officials. He had essentially memorized its contents in detail. However, at that moment, even though he had the proposal in his hands and was reading directly from it, he found himself stumbling over his words. A sense of shame enveloped him in that moment, especially under the watchful gaze of Quinn. After the lengthy presentation, Shaun, who had previously favored Trent,mented, ¡°I personally find this project proposal to be excellent. Drones will y a significant role in the development of the ind. Most importantly, the patent owned by Grafton Technologies will greatly enhance the efficiency of these drones, save manpower, and speed up the development process. I have high hopes for Grafton Technologies.¡± Military 144 Chapter 144 The Iplete Proposal In response to Shaun¡¯s words, everyone else naturally began to apud. Out of the blue, Quinn¡¯s voice arose. ¡°Trent, I never thought you¡¯d not only take over my patent but also use the business n I wrote back then.¡± Trent pursed his lips and said, ¡°This proposal belongs to Grafton Technologies, Quinn. Even if you¡¯ve resigned, anything you did during your tenure belongs to thepany.¡± ¡°It seems you have no self¨Crespect at all,¡± Quinn mocked. Trent¡¯s face suddenly flushed a deep red. ¡°Quinn, if you continue to belittle me like this, I won¡¯t hold back on ount of our past rtionship anymore!¡± Quinn found Trent¡¯s behavior utterly amusing. If he truly had feelings for me, then why was I so miserable after three years of marriage? ¡°Trent, since when have you cared for our past rtionship?¡± Quinn mocked. ¡°All this while, Sidonie is the only one you cared for, right?¡± ¡°You-¡± Trent felt his throat tighten, while Sidonie, once again, found herself the center of attention. ¡°Also, haven¡¯t you forgotten? I resigned before this project proposal was evenpleted. So, it¡¯s still iplete,¡± said Quinn. ¡°What?¡± Trent was taken aback. ¡°Iplete?¡± He hadn¡¯t even realized that it was iplete. In his eyes, the entire project proposal seemedprehensive. ¡°The patent of mine mentioned in the proposal can indeed greatly enhance the efficiency and application range of drones,¡± Quinn began. ¡°However, that patent was from three years ago. In three years, technology has advanced, and so has the technology to interfere with drones. If someone deliberately released thetest interference signal, then these drones would be rendered useless. So, my patent needs to include an anti¨Cinterference program!¡± If she hadn¡¯t divorced, she would naturally have taken the research results of this patent to the next level. However, since Trent insisted on seizing the patent, she decided to let him have it, but there was a catch- he couldn¡¯t use it despite owning it. Trent¡¯s face turned pale, instantly realizing what Quinn¡¯s words meant¨Call the careful preparations he had made were now in vain. Unless the issues pointed out by Quinn could be resolved, the project proposal held no value at all. At that moment, everyone else had alsoe to the same realization. So, it turns out that this tech prodigy, who is highly regarded by Mr. Wane, has handed in a proposal and patent that relied entirely on his ex¨Cwife¡¯s work? What¡¯s his contribution then? Just presenting the proposal in public? But anyone could have done it! ¡°Is Trent reallypetent?¡± ¡°He¡¯s already divorced from his ex¨Cwife, yet he¡¯s still using her work topete for the project?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t he produce his own proposal?¡± ¡°Could it be that his sess was all down to his ex¨Cwife?¡± These hushed whispers, to Trent, were nothing short of an insult. Unfortunately, there was no way he could defend himself. ¡°So, Mr. Wane, do you still n to discuss Grafton Technologies¡® project proposal?¡± Julius asked. Shaun chuckled wryly. Obviously, there¡¯s no such need now! ¡°Let¡¯s move on to the next representative then,¡± said Shaun. Trent froze on the spot, lost in a daze until the host asked him to step down. Only then did he walk stiffly off the stage. ¡°Trent, it¡¯s okay,¡± Sidonie stepped forward to reassure him. ¡°We can stille up with a better proposal. I believe in you!¡± However, her words only served to make Trent feel as though a massive weight was pressing down on his chest, suffocating him. If he could havee up with a better proposal, he wouldn¡¯t have had to rely on Quinn¡¯s proposal in the first ce. It was precisely because all of his and his team¡¯s proposals had been rejected that they had to resort to using Quinn¡¯s. What was more shocking to him was that he had even nned to utilize Quinn¡¯s patent to expand thepany, swiftly dominating themercial drone market. But now, Quinn¡¯s words had left him feeling utterly defeated. If the patent can¡¯t be used, then¡­ what will happen to my ? Setting aside the idea of dominating the drone market, it would likely miss out on the ind development project and might even go bankrupt due to cash flow problems. I can¡¯t ept such an oue, no matter what! Suddenly, Trent looked up, his gaze fixed intensely on Quinn. After the ind had wrapped up, a charity fundraiser was held in the evening, marking the final event before leaving the ind. Military 145 Chapter 145 The Shocking Video Chapter 145 The Shocking Video The intended recipients of the fundraiser was the children at the orphanage. The children had all gathered in the banquet hall, including the one who had previously fallen into the sea. With a warm smile, Quinn greeted the child. The child¡¯s mood was noticeably better than when Quinn had seen him in the infirmary earlier, and this put Quinn at ease. When the fundraising officially kicked off, the wealthy individuals present at the event donated a substantial amount of money. After all, it was for charity and a great opportunity to enhance their reputation. On behalf of the Bridger family, Marley donated thirty million. As she stepped down from the donation tform, she turned toward Quinn and said, ¡°Quinn, Great¨Cgrandpa has always praised you, saying that the fifth branch is full of loyal and valiant people. All the wealth of your family now belongs to you alone. But aren¡¯t you being stingy by not donating anything?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you just donate thirty million on behalf of the Bridger family? Or are you implying that the fifth branch is no longer part of the Bridger family?¡± Quinn retorted. Marley paused for a moment. If she dared to say that the fifth branch wasn¡¯t part of the family, it wouldn¡¯t just be Murren who would scold her; even her uncle, who was present, would give her a good telling off. During her time at the Bridger residence, she hade to understand the status of the fifth branch. Even though Quinn was the only one left, they were known for their loyalty and integrity. Therefore, no one would dare to cast Quinn out of the Bridger family. ¡°Of course¡­ not,¡± Marley forced a smile, cursing Quinn in her mind. Just then, the content on the big screen at the g changed. Instead of the orphanage video that had been ying, something new was being shown. Everyone present was taken aback. Upon seeing the content disyed on therge screen, Sidonie, who was apanying Trent, wore an expression that drastically changed. It was a report from five years ago about a fire at the border, causing Quinn¡¯s heart to skip a beat. At that time, a fire had broken out at the border region near Yolham. The ze was massive, prompting the local authorities to deploy all the city¡¯s firefighters. They even had reinforcements from neighboring cities. After a day and a night of relentless firefighting, they finally managed to extinguish the fire. Since her brother had disappeared at the border of Yolham back in the day, she had naturally taken notice of the report of the great fire. Back then, Rowan¡¯s name was not listed among those who had perished in the fire. Moreover, there were no records of Rowan¡¯s admission in the nearby hospitals. Even back then, she and the military investigators had gone to the border to question those involved in the firefighting efforts, but no one imed to have seen Rowan. So, even up to now, Quinn was still uncertain whether the massive fire had anything to do with her brother¡¯s disappearance. Perhaps he had already gone missing before the fire took ce. But if he is still alive, why hasn¡¯t he shown up yet? What could be stopping him from doing so? ¡°Sidonie, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?¡± Trent¡¯s voice suddenly echoed out in concern. Quite a few people around them turned around to look at Sidonie. Quinn also looked over, only to see Sidonie¡¯s face pale as a sheet. There were beads of sweat forming on her forehead and rolling down her cheeks. The banquet hall wasfortably warm but not enough to make one sweat. Moreover, from Quinn¡¯s perspective, Sidonie looked as if she was startled by something terrifying. However, it seemed unreasonable to be frightened just by watching a video of the fire. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I guess¡­ I¡¯m just a bit tired,¡± Sidonie replied, trying to suppress the shock within her. Who did this? Who broadcasted this video? Was it a mere coincidence? Or was it¡­ ¡°Hey, Sidonie, didn¡¯t you participate in the firefighting efforts back then?¡± Marley suddenly asked. Sidonie froze, and Marley struck while the iron was hot. ¡°I remember the massive fire that happened at the border near Yolham five years ago. You were still an intern at Nimbus Air then. When you saw the fire, you didn¡¯t run away. Instead, you rushed forward to rescue people and put out the fire. You even reported it and contacted the local authorities. Not many people could have done that in such a critical situation!¡± As she spoke, Marley shot a provocative nce at Quinn. Then she said, ¡°I think I understand now why Mr. Grafton likes you. Someone like you, who has a strong sense of justice and isn¡¯t afraid to put themselves in danger, is indeed beautiful. If I were a man, I¡¯d be attracted to you too!¡± The expression on Sidonie¡¯s face became even more awkward. Upon hearing these words, the crowd began to shower her with praises. ¡°So, Ms. Stonehurst, we didn¡¯t know you were so courageous!¡± ¡°Truly, she¡¯s an amazing woman. Many men might not even have the courage that she possesses!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s raise a toast to Ms. Stonehurst¡¯s bravery!¡± Many people raised their sses in a toast. Military 146 Chapter 146 Growing Suspicious In a blink of an eye, Sidonie became an object of admiration in the eyes of many. However, there was no sense of pride on Sidonie¡¯s face. Instead, she looked somewhat saddened. ¡°Can we stop airing this news? After all, quite a few people died in that fire, including several firefighters who sacrificed their lives trying to put it out. Every time I see this news, it makes me upset.¡± Immediately, a staff member on site shut down the news broadcast, while also wondering who on earth had switched the content on the screen. Moreover, it was an incident from five years ago. Nevertheless, Marley seemed unsatisfied. She turned to Quinn and said, ¡°Sidonie is the real hero, unlike some people who talk big but do nothing at all. They pretend to be brave, but when ites to situations like these, they¡¯d probably just hide like a scaredy¨Ccat!¡± Although she didn¡¯t mention any names, anyone present could easily guess that she was referring to Quinn. Quinn looked at Marley with a hint of indifference. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying if something like this happened, you¡¯d bravely step forward, wouldn¡¯t you? That¡¯s really quite remarkable. Having someone like you in the Bridger family is truly an honor. I just hope, dear cousin Marley, that you¡¯re not all talk and no action!¡± Marley was left speechless, unable to retort. When Quinn said this, it suggested that if a fire were to break out before her eyes one day, she would undoubtedly rush off to rescue its victims. However, Marley really was all talk and no action. When a real fire broke out, she would be focused on escaping, and rescuing someone would be thest thing on her mind. ¡°Trent, I¡¯m feeling a bit under the weather. I need to step out for a bit,¡± said Sidonie. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Trent quickly said. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll just head back to the hotel room for some rest,¡± Sidonie said. Without waiting for Trent¡¯s response, she hurriedly left. Watching Sidonie¡¯s retreating figure, Quinn couldn¡¯t help but furrow her brows. Sidonie¡¯s reaction is indeed unusual. She usually revels in the praises of others, but at this moment, she seems to avoid those as if they were a gue. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Julius¡® voice suddenly rang out beside her ear. ¡°I find Sidonie¡¯s reaction a bit odd,¡± she stated candidly. ¡°Since when do you care her reaction?¡± he asked. ¡°It just struck me as odd. It¡¯s not like I really care.¡± After all, whether Sidonie was a heroic firefighter or not, it had nothing to do with her. ¡°I once suspected that the border fire was connected to my brother¡¯s disappearance. So, back then, I had also looked into the fire incident, including the footage from the scene. However, I didn¡¯t spot my brother anywhere, nor was his name on the list of the deceased. I just didn¡¯t expect it to be such a coincidence that Sidonic actually took part in the firefighting efforts during that time.¡± ¡°It¡¯s quite a coincidence indeed,¡± said Julius, his gaze lowered in thought. Stumbling slightly, Sidonie made her way back to her hotel room. Without a second thought, she opened up a bottle of wine and took a hefty swig, in an attempt to calm herself down. The fire that happened five years ago marked a turning point in her life. Back then, she was merely an intern at Nimbus Air, and it was only through her parents and the Stonehurst family¡¯s connections that she¡¯d managed to get in. Her performance during the fire earned her recognition from the government. As a result, she made a name for herself at Nimbus Air. Afterward, Nimbus Air even arranged for her to study abroad. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have be the first female pilot of Nimbus Air in such a short time. However, that fire¡­ The grip Sidonie had on the wine bottle involuntarily tightened. No, what happened today must have been a mere coincidence. No one knows about the secret from the past. Sidonie was trying to reassure herself, yet her hands couldn¡¯t help but tremble. Over at the banquet hall, Quinn had just emerged from the restroom when she was intercepted by Trent. ¡°Quinn, I have something to tell you.¡± ¡°I have nothing to say to you,¡± she said, her voice icy. ¡°I know you¡¯ve always resented me for our divorce. You can me me, but you can¡¯t take out your anger on thepany!¡± said Trent. ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. Trent continued, ¡°We built thispany together, and there are many employees you have grown to know well. Could you really bear to see thepany face problems, and those familiar colleagues lose their jobs?¡± Without any hesitation, Quinn said, ¡°Trent, if there are issues in thepany and you need toy someone off, it¡¯s your problem, not mine. Don¡¯t try to ckmail me emotionally. Also, I remember you always mentioning in the media that thepany was founded solely by you, didn¡¯t you? So, since when did it suddenly be us founding it together?¡± Military 147 Chapter 147 We Were Once Husband And Wife Trent was momentarily embarrassed. That was because he genuinely believed that the establishment of thepany was all due to his own capabilities. The tasks that Quinn had been doing were ones that any project manager could handle. But now, he had begun to doubt himself, especially since he absolutely needed the patent improvements made by Quinn to secure the ind development project. ¡°I know it¡¯s all my fault, but you shouldn¡¯t take it out on thepany!¡± Trent said, ¡°Thepany is in dire need of the ind development project right now. You shouldn¡¯t ruin thepany just for revenge.¡± ¡°Revenge?¡± Quinn found it amusing. ¡°When have I ever sought revenge against you? You used my patent and my project proposal. All I did was highlight it at the investment conference. How is that considered revenge?¡± Trent was taken aback. ¡°If you¡¯re not seeking revenge, then hand over the upgraded patent to me!¡± Suddenly, Quinn realized that the man before her was even more shameless than she had initially thought. ¡°Why should I?¡± she retorted coldly. ¡°We were once husband and wife¡­¡± ¡°In that case, tell me what exactly have you given me in our marriage?¡± Quinn retorted. ¡°I¡¯ve been working overtime day in, day out for thepany. Yet, when we finally achieved sess, I was given no credit, not even a fraction of the wealth. When your mother, sister, and friends mocked me, you didn¡¯t defend me at all. Now, you want to talk about us being husband and wife?¡± Trent¡¯s cheeks suddenly felt a wave of warmth. Quinn¡¯s words had left him feeling ashamed. He knew that in the three years of their marriage, he had let her down many times. ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you,¡± Trent said. ¡°I don¡¯t need it!¡± Quinn sneered, turning around to leave. ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­¡± Trent tried to reach out to grab Quinn. However, another hand swiftly grabbed his wrist. ¡°Mr. Grafton, what are you trying to do?¡± Julius¡® icy voice, paired with his indifferent expression, exerted a domineering pressure on Trent. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t¡­ Shouldn¡¯t I be the one asking you that question, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Trent said in pain, feeling as if his wrist was about to break. ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything. I just don¡¯t like you touching Quinnie,¡± Julius said nonchntly. The endearing address, Quinnie, felt like a thorn in his side. Trent asked, ¡°And who are you to intervene, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± ¡°Is being her boyfriend enough?¡± asked Julius. ¡°What?¡± Trent was stunned. Even Quinn, standing off to the side, looked at Julius in surprise. Uh¡­ I remember telling him that I¡¯ll give him a chance, but I didn¡¯t recall agreeing to be in a rtionship! However, in front of Trent, Quinn found it hard to contradict Julius. So, she pursed her lips, her silence implying her consent. In the face of Quinn¡¯s silent acknowledgment, Trent¡¯s expression turned increasingly grim. Even though Quinn and Julius had shown affection to each other before, he always believed that he still held a ce in Quinn¡¯s heart. Quinn is actually dating Julius now? Not long after our divorce, no less! The realization filled Trent with waves of difort. ¡°Quinn, are you really going out with him?¡± Trent asked. ¡°So what if I am?¡± Quinn shrugged, then turned to Julius. ¡°Let go of his hand. I have something to ask you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± The usually indifferent Julius surprisinglyplied and obediently released his grip. Quinn took Julius¡¯s hand and they left immediately. As Trent watched the two depart, he was filled with an indescribable sense of unease and panic. Why am I feeling this way? I am already divorced from Quinn. Even though she has moved on quickly, doesn¡¯t that just prove that she didn¡¯t value our rtionship at all, changing her affections on a whim? I should be relieved to divorce a woman like her, but why am I feeling so unsettled? Quinn led Julius to a quiet spot. ¡°Why did you tell Trent that you¡¯re my boyfriend?¡± she asked. ¡°Because I¡¯m certain that I¡¯ll be your boyfriend,¡± he confidently stated. ¡°What if, by the end of my mission to protect you, I haven¡¯t developed any feelings for you? I¡¯ve mentioned before, when that timees, we¡¯ll go our separate ways, no strings attached. You agreed to this, didn¡¯t you?¡± Julius¡® eyshes fluttered slightly as he leaned in, bringing his face close to hers. His deep ck eyes locked steadily on her. ¡°So, am I able to make you fall for me?¡± Suddenly, with such a handsome face magnified before her, Quinn couldn¡¯t help but swallow nervously. Military 148 Chapter 148 An Uninvited Guest Is he trying to attract me with his good looks? Can I guarantee I won¡¯t develop feelings for him? Even she herself wasn¡¯t sure, especially with the way he was looking at her. His eyes were no longer filled with the usual indifference. Instead, they were reced with palpable yearning. A man like Julius could easily make a woman¡¯s heart flutter. ¡°Never mind, just don¡¯t say that again next time,¡± Quinn said. Julius¡® eyes dimmed slightly, but heplied with Quinn¡¯s wishes. ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± After the investment conference and charity fundraiser on the ind had concluded, the attendees gradually started to leave. The next day, Quinn and Julius also sailed off. However, when they returned to Julius¡® vi in Yarburn, they unexpectedly found an uninvited guest waiting inside¨CJoaquin, Julius¡® father. Even though Quinn hadn¡¯t seen Joaquin in person before, she hade across his pictures on the inte, and so, she instantly recognized him. After all, members of the Whitethorn family had extraordinary looks; it was hard for anyone to forget. The moment Julius saw his father, his expression immediately darkened. ¡°What are you doing here? I¡¯ve told you before, don¡¯t show your face in front of her!¡± Instinctively, he positioned himself in front of Quinn, fearing that his father might harm her. ¡°So, you¡¯re wary of me? Afraid I¡¯ll harm your precious one?¡± Joaquin chuckled. ¡°I just heard about an interesting incident on the ind. Apparently, she jumped into the sea to save a child, and you were right there with her. I found it interesting, so I decided toe and see her.¡± Julius wore a serious expression. Meanwhile, Quinn stepped out from behind him. Seeing this, Julius anxiously tried to hold her back. However, Quinn gave him a reassuring look and confidently walked up to Joaquin. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve seen me, are you satisfied?¡± she asked. Joaquin cocked his eyebrow slightly. ¡°Not bad.¡± ¡°Alright, now that you¡¯ve had your fill of looking, it¡¯s my turn!¡± No sooner had Quinn finished than she swung her fist straight at Joaquin. The punch was swift and powerful, one that was totally unexpected. The punchnded forcefully on Joaquin¡¯s stomach. Had he not been trained, he would have been sent flying by Quinn¡¯s punch long ago. Even then, he stumbled back several steps before he could steady himself. Instinctively, he clutched his stomach where he¡¯d been hit. The throbbing pain served as a stark reminder that he¡¯d indeed been punched by the righteous¨Clooking woman standing before him. ¡°Hahaha¡­ Haha¡­¡± Joaquin suddenly burst intoughter, yet he maintained a chilling gaze on Quinn. ¡°It seems like the young girls these days really don¡¯t know their ce, do they? Do you realize what kind of price you¡¯ll have to pay for that punch?¡± With a raise of her eyebrows, Quinn turned to Julius and asked, ¡°You did promise me, didn¡¯t you? That your team ofwyers will protect me?¡± At that moment, Julius was still somewhat stunned. Even though Quinn had previously mentioned that if she ever met his father, she would give him a piece of her mind, he never imagined that she would actually follow through. Moreover, she acted so swiftly and decisively too. ¡°Yes.¡± He responded after a brief pause. Then, Quinn turned her gaze back to Joaquin. ¡°So, is the price the same for punching you once versus giving you a good beating?¡± ¡°What?¡± A rare look of surprise crossed Joaquin¡¯s face. In the next moment, Quinn rushed forward again. She clenched her fists and unleashed a flurry of punches at Joaquin. Joaquin hastily defended himself, but Quinn¡¯s attack was clearly more powerful than he had anticipated. In terms of physical prowess, Quinn was far more formidable than many of the male bodyguards around him. Her every punch was swift, ruthless, and precise. Moreover, the spots she chose to strike, despite not being fatal, were areas that would cause considerable pain. In just a brief moment, Joaquin had already taken several punches. It had been a long time since he had been beaten so badly by someone. Just as Quinn¡¯s fistnded another heavy blow on Joaquin, he too retaliated with a punch. Just then, a figure suddenly darted into the midst of the fighting pair, firmly grabbing Joaquin¡¯s fist, effectively bringing the brawl to a temporary halt. ¡°Why are you fighting like that? Can¡¯t you see, if you throw a punch, he¡¯s going to punch you back?¡± Julius yelled at Quinn. If he hadn¡¯t intercepted that punch, his father¡¯s fist would havended directly on her face. ¡°I know,¡± Quinn replied calmly. ¡°But I just want to beat him up!¡± Military 149 Chapter 149 A Resentful Father Even if it meant getting hurt herself, she was determined to give Joaquin a good thrashing. ¡°You¡­¡± Astonishment shed across Julius¡® eyes. Joaquin, on the other hand, wasughing even harder. ¡°Hahaha¡­ Girl, you really want to hit me, don¡¯t you? But why?¡± ¡°No reason, really. I just thought you deserved a beating,¡± Quinn bluntly stated. Joaquin¡¯s eyes slightly darkened. ¡°Is it because of Julius?¡± ¡°So what if it is?¡± she said. ¡°What if I told you that not even the Whitethorn family¡¯s legal team could save you?¡± Joaquin threatened. ¡°Even though Julius is in charge of the Whitethorn family now, don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m still his father. His position as the head of the Whitethorn family may not be as secure as he thinks!¡± Julius wore a solemn look. ¡°If you darey a hand on her, I won¡¯t let you off the hook!¡± It was just a simple threat, yet Joaquin understood that his son was willing to go all out to fulfill it. ¡°Is she really worth it?¡± Joaquin asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°She is,¡± Julius stated without a hint of hesitation. In a fleeting moment, Joaquin saw a reflection of his younger self in his son¡¯s face. ¡°You are my son, indeed.¡± Joaquinughed. ¡°But have you ever thought, Julius, that as my son, your fate might mirror mine? Even if you truly fall in love with this woman, there wille a day when she¡¯ll discard you, just like trash!¡± Julius¡® expression drastically changed. Meanwhile, Joaquin continued, as if he was muttering a curse. ¡°This woman, even if she cares for you now, would she still love you once she discovers the real you? If she knew how dark and twisted you are, she¡¯d probably steer clear of you! You can never attain love, so you shouldn¡¯t harbor feelings for this woman from the start. You shouldn¡¯t indulge in fantasies, or they will result in your downfall¡­¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Once again, Quinn rushed up to Joaquin, seizing him by the cor. ¡°You¡¯re his father, how could you speak of him like that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s precisely because I am his father that I know better than anyone that a child like him simply doesn¡¯t deserve love!¡± The smile on Joaquin¡¯s face was twisted. ¡°In your case, even if you care about him now, there wille a day when you¡¯ll abandon him. He is destined to be forsaken!¡± Julius body froze, each word from his father sounding incredibly jarring, so much so that it made him nauseous. However, he didn¡¯t mind it, as he was already past the age of caring. No matter what harsh words his father said, they no longer upset him. What truly concerned him then was how Quinn would react after hearing those words. Would her beautiful eyes show disgust when they look at me again? The thought of her possibly looking at him with disdain made his heart quiver subtly, filling it with unease. ¡°I¡¯m not going to abandon him, so can you just shut up?¡± Quinn said coldly. ¡°What do you mean he doesn¡¯t deserve love? At least he¡¯s far better than you!¡± Julius suddenly shuddered, his pupils abruptly constricting as he looked at Quinn in disbelief. ¡°What a joke. Will you still love him after that?¡± Joaquin retorted. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll love him. So what?¡± she blurted out without thinking. After the words had left her mouth, Quinn suddenly realized what she had just said. However, at times like this, she absolutely couldn¡¯t back down, so she continued to re at Joaquin. ¡°I will love Julius, and I¡¯ll show you that he is someone worth loving! And you, you¡¯re not even fit to be a parent. As a father, aren¡¯t you afraid of divine retribution for treating your son this way?¡± ¡°Divine retribution?¡± Joaquin smirked slightly. If losing my wife is a form of retribution, then I have already been severely punished and am beyond redemption. Joaquin abruptly pulled away from Quinn¡¯s grasp, a smirk ying on his lips. ¡°How about we make a bet then? I bet that one day, you¡¯ll definitely leave him. Haha¡­¡± After saying those words, Joaquin simply walked away. Quinn furrowed her brow, only to meet Julius¡® gaze upon turning around. His dark, handsome eyes were fixed on her at that moment. The look in his eyes held a mix of joy, unease, and thoughtfulness. ¡°Quinnie, will you truly love me and never leave me?¡± Quinn pursed her lips in hesitation. She really wanted to tell him that that was just her indignation talking. Her parents had always loved her dearly. From her earliest memories, she had grown up enveloped in their affection. As she got older, she met all sorts of people. Sure, there were some parents who didn¡¯t love their children, but hardly anyone was as resentful toward their offspring as Julius¡® father was. Military 150 Chapter 150 Her Conditions The forbidden room, along with the whip marks on Julius¡® back, had pushed Quinn¡¯s repulsion toward Joaquin to the extreme. Yet at that moment, under Julius¡® gaze, she found herself somewhat at a loss for words. ¡°So, does this mean we¡¯re officially together now?¡± Julius asked again. Quinn was left speechless. Just yesterday, after Julius imed to be her boyfriend in front of Trent, she had told him not to say such things again. Now, we¡¯re suddenly in a rtionship? ¡°I was just¡­¡± She felt the need to rify. ¡°I know,¡± he interrupted her. ¡°I understand that you felt sorry for me; that¡¯s why you said those things to my father. But¡­ would you consider giving me a chance and go out with me?¡± She remained silent. ¡°Or are you saying that all those words you just told my father were lies?¡± he asked. ¡°Of course not, I¡­¡± Quinn hesitated for a moment, letting out a sigh as she steeled herself. ¡°Do you really want to be with me?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Julius said. Quinn said, ¡°Then, you have to promise me this. Firstly, if in the future, we find that we¡¯re not right for each other, I hope we can part ways civilly.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± ¡°Secondly, if you ever find yourself falling for someone else in the future, even during our rtionship, I want you to tell me openly instead of hiding it. I promise, I won¡¯t cling to you.¡± She didn¡¯t want to go through the same experience she had with Trent again. Julius furrowed his brows. Apart from her, he couldn¡¯t imagine himself falling for anyone else. She was the only one he ever wanted. Nevertheless, when it came to her request, he readily agreed. ¡°Also, there¡¯s one extremely important thing.¡± Quinn looked straight into Julius¡® eyes. ¡°During our rtionship, don¡¯t deceive me. Once there¡¯s deception, there will not be any more trust between us!¡± Julius was momentarily stunned. All he could hear was Quinn¡¯s emphatic words. ¡°If there everes a day when I find out you¡¯ve deceived me, I won¡¯t hesitate to leave!¡± Julius¡¯s heart suddenly clenched. If such a day were to reallye, it would surely feel like hell on earth to him. ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t deceive you,¡± said Julius. ¡°From now on, whatever you ask, I¡¯ll tell you the truth. I promise not to lie!¡± His voice was solemn, as if he was making a vow. ¡°Fine, we¡¯re a couple now,¡± suggested Quinn. Chapter 150 Her Conditions Given that I care so much for him, to the point where I¡¯m willing to confront his father for him, perhaps I truly harbor some feelings for him. Especially when Julius had asked me if I was lying, I didn¡¯t even think twice before denying it. In that fleeting moment, she realized that she didn¡¯t want to see the look of disappointment in his eyes. From the moment they first met, she had considered him a dangerous man. However, as they spent time together, her feelings began to change without her realizing it. She found herself slowly growing to appreciate him, to care for him deeply. Sometimes, his proximity would even cause her heart to flutter. So, I must have some feelings for him, right? Instead of resisting stubbornly, it¡¯s better to embrace it! Upon hearing Quinn personally dere that they were a couple, Julius broke into a wide smile, one that Quinn had never seen before. It was as radiant as the sunlight. Even his eyes seemed to twinkle in glee. This feels wonderful! Meanwhile, Trent found that ever since Sidonie returned from the ind, she seemed restless, her mind constantly elsewhere. She would even get up in the middle of the night to drink, often until she waspletely drunk. ¡°Sidonie, what¡¯s wrong with you? If there¡¯s something bothering you, you can tell me. I¡¯ll help you sort it out,¡± said Trent. ¡°I¡¯m fine. You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Sidonie said with a forced smile. Yet, Trent wasn¡¯t convinced at all. ¡°Is it because of the charity donation that day, when the news of the border fire from five years ago was abruptly aired due to a glitch?¡± Sidonie was suddenly taken aback, staring at Trent in surprise. ¡°How did you¡­¡± ¡°After that day, there was something off about you. Now that we¡¯re together, you can tell me anything that¡¯s bothering you,¡± Trent said. Sidonie lightly pressed her lips together. The broadcasting mishap that day waster chalked up to a glitch, though no one knew how such a news story got slipped in. Was it really a coincidence? ¡°That news brought back memories of the fire from the past¡­ Back then, someone actually burned to death right in front of me in the raging fire. I desperately wanted to save him, but I couldn¡¯t¡­¡± Sidonie said, lowering her gaze. The moment she mentioned ¡°burned to death,¡± her hand started trembling uncontrobly.¡± Military 151 hapter 151 Really Lucky Trent rushed to grab Sidonie¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I didn¡¯t know you¡¯ve been through all this.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Actually, after the fire rescue back then, I went for some therapy. I thought I was over it, but it seems like that incident still haunts me psychologically.¡± ¡°No wonder you¡¯ve never mentioned this to me. If it weren¡¯t for the idental airing of this news, I wouldn¡¯t have known that my girlfriend was once a firefighting hero. Honestly, you¡¯re amazing. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m even good enough for you.¡± Sidonie looked uneasy. ¡°What are you talking about? The investment conference on the ind didn¡¯t go as smoothly as nned, but the final decision hasn¡¯t been made yet. Let¡¯s pay a visit to Bridger Group tomorrow. With your talent and Marley¡¯s help, we¡¯ll surely secure the project.¡± The Bridger family yed a crucial role in the ind development project. As long as the Bridger family was willing to help, they could still secure the project. ¡°Anyway, there are so many drone experts out there. It¡¯s not just Quinn who can upgrade anti¨Cjamming technology. As long as we secure the project, we can still find the right expert to handle the technical issues,¡± Sidonie confidently added. Trent was slightly relieved. Yes, once I secure the project, I can easily approach other investors with it. Once I have money, everything will be easy to handle! There will never be a shortage of skills or talent! The next day, Trent and Sidonie arrived at Bridger Group. Just as the two of them reached the entrance of the lobby, they saw several top executives from Bridger Group emerging from the elevator. A few employees were trailing behind them, briskly walking in their direction. Sidonie was taken aback. Are they here to wee us? After all, I¡¯ve given Marley a heads up before here. A triumphant smile spread across Sidonie¡¯s face. ¡°Trent, look, the higher¨Cups from Bridger Group have alle out to wee you. Like I said, with the people I know, I can absolutely get the Bridger family to take you seriously.¡± Trent smiled as he intended to approach and greet the top executives. But in the next moment, thetter acted as if they hadn¡¯t even seen them. They walked past them and headed straight for the door with swift strides. The smiles on Sidonie¡¯s and Trent¡¯s faces froze. ¡°How could this be¡­¡± Sidonie turned her head in disbelief, only to see a ck sedan pulling up to the entrance of the building. Someone respectfully opened the back door of the car, and two familiar figures stepped out from inside. It was Julius and Quinn. A feeling of humiliation exploded within Sidonie. The top executives weren¡¯t there to wee her and Trent. Instead, they were there to greet Julius and Quinn. Trent felt a sting in his eyes as he watched Quinn stride alongside Julius, nked by the top executives of Bridger Group. Suddenly, Quinn nced in his direction, and their eyes met. A sense of uneasiness washed over Trent, though he couldn¡¯t quite figure out what had triggered it. Quinn¡¯s eyes soon moved past him, as though he were no more than a passing stranger of no importance. Trent felt somewhat disappointed. The woman who once looked at him as if he was her whole world couldn¡¯t even bother to give him a second nce. Once the group had passed by Sidonie and Trent, someone finally approached them. ¡°Sidonie, Mr. Grafton, you¡¯re here.¡± Sidonie looked at the person before her. He was a member of her generation in the Bridger family, named Kyle. He worked in the Public Rtions Department of Bridger Group, under Marley¡¯s supervision. ¡°Yeah.¡± Sidonie forced herself to smile. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect Mr. Whitethorn and Quinn to show up today.¡± ¡°For this ind development project, the Bridger and Whitethorn families are coborating, so of course Mr. Whitethorn would be here,¡± Kyle replied, his gaze following Quinn as she walked into the elevator. ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect him to bring Quinn along. Who would¡¯ve thought Mr. Whitethorn would fall for a divorced woman? Quinn is really lucky¡­¡± His voice suddenly faltered as he thought of Quinn¡¯s ex¨Chusband, Trent. He let out an awkwardugh and rubbed his nose. ¡°All right, we should get going too.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Sidonie responded with a stiff smile. Although Trent had been the one to dump Quinn, it now looked as though she was the true winner. In contrast, Sidonie and Trent appeared like the ones who had lost. Still, Sidonie couldn¡¯t help but think that someone like Julius wouldn¡¯t stay interested in Quinn for long. Military 152 Chapter 152 The Meeting Will Go On When they reached the entrance of the conference room, Kyle said, ¡°Please wait outside for a bit. The Vice Chairman and the CEO are currently inside discussing business matters with Mr. Whitethorn. We¡¯ll have youe in when your names are mentioned.¡± Sidonie was displeased. ¡°What? We still have to wait?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Kyle replied, his gaze flicking toward Trent with a hint of disdain. He had heard that during the previous investment conference on the ind, the proposal Trent had submitted was actually written by his ex¨Cwife before she resigned. Moreover, the patents mentioned were also hers. He found it hard to believe that someone like that could take apany public in just three years and wondered if it was all down to luck. Trent¡¯s face flushed slightly. Kyle¡¯s tone and gaze made him feel ufortable. Ever since his career took off, he¡¯d been used to people praising him. Even when he visited established corporations andrge enterprises, he was always treated with the utmost respect. No one had ever made him wait outside like this. It felt as if he¡¯d been thrown back to the early days when he had nothing. Back then, all he could do was hold onto what little he had and hope someone would finally see his value. With that thought, Trent gripped the documents in his hands tightly. He had spent the past few days putting this n together. With Sidonie helping him, he was confident they could win the project. After waiting for some time, Kyle finally said, ¡°All right, you two cane in now.¡± Trent stood up and walked in with Sidonie. Inside the conference room, along with the top executives of Bridger Group, Quinn and Julius were also present. Just as the two were about to sit down, Julius suddenly said, ¡°If I remember correctly, this meeting is only for those involved in the project. Ms. Stonehurst doesn¡¯t really have anything to do with the ind development project, does she?¡± Sidonie¡¯s body stiffened momentarily. ¡°My mother is a Bridger, so that makes me part of the family.¡± Julius asked casually, ¡°And what part of the ind development project have you been involved in?¡± Sidonie hesitated, caught off guard. Then, one of the staff members walked over and said, ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, please leave.¡± Sidonie¡¯s expression changed as she snapped, ¡°What about Quinn? She¡¯s not part of the ind development project either! If I have to leave, so should she!¡± Marley added, ¡°Exactly! Quinn doesn¡¯t even hold a position in Bridger Group. She shouldn¡¯t be allowed to stay in this meeting either!¡± Suddenly, all eyes in the room were on Quinn. apter 152 The Meeting Marley¡¯s father, Melvin, cleared his throat lightly and said to Quinn, ¡°Quinn, why don¡¯t you step out for a bit?¡± Quinn frowned. She was present at the meeting as it was necessary for her role in protecting Julius as his bodyguard. A glint of triumph shed in Sidonie¡¯s eyes. If she couldn¡¯t stay, she was determined that Quinn wouldn¡¯t be allowed to either. Just as the staff was about to ask Quinn to leave, Julius suddenly spoke up. ¡°Whether the Whitethorn. family will cooperate with the Bridger family, it¡¯s up to Quinn. If she leaves, there¡¯s no point in continuing this meeting.¡± ¡°What?¡± Everyone was shocked. Such a crucial coboration, and the final decision is in Quinn¡¯s hands? You¡¯ve got to be kidding! Even Quinn was surprised. However, Julius spoke with such seriousness that it was impossible to tell if he was joking. In the end, it was the current CEO of Bridger Group, Moldred, who spoke up. ¡°Sidonie, please step out. The meeting will go on.¡± Sidonie, clearly embarrassed, had no choice but to leave the room while everyone watched. Moldred said, ¡°Mr. Grafton, you may begin now.¡± S Trent clutched his documents tightly. In the past, he had always been the one sitting at the head of the table, while Quinn sat further down. But now, everything had changed. Quinn was in a position of power, and he was the one trying to prove himself. Putting on a brave face, Trent started presenting the proposal he had worked hard on over the past few days, all with the goal of securing the project. But even though he had gone over it many times, he found himself stumbling over his words. ¡°In any case, if we move forward with this coboration, Grafton Technologies will bring in top experts to fully upgrade the anti¨Cjamming system. On top of that, we¡¯re willing to show our sincerity by increasing the profit margin by an additional five percentage points on the original terms.¡± As soon as he said that, several members of Bridger Group looked intrigued. A five percentage points concession on a project like this was a big deal. Previously, Grafton Technologies hadn¡¯t impressed the government. Military 153 hapter 153 What Proof Do You Have Even though the government led the ind development project, the actual work was handled by Bridger Group and the Whitethorn family. So, if the Bridger family wanted to give the drone part of the project to Grafton Technologies, they had the power to do so. Marley was the first to speak up. ¡°I think it¡¯s doable. Grafton Technologies seems very sincere.¡± ¡°I think so too,¡± Melvin echoed. Following that, the other members of the Bridger family involved in the meeting also chimed in one after another. Moldred turned to Julius and asked, ¡°What about you, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Even though the Bridger and Whitethorn families were in partnership for the project, and it was led by the Bridger family in Yarburn, everyone knew the real power behind it came from the Whitethorn family. Without them, the Bridger family never could¡¯ve taken on such a huge task. Instead of answering right away, Julius looked at Quinn. ¡°What do you think?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t support giving the drone project to Grafton Technologies,¡± Quinn replied firmly. Trent suddenly looked at Quinn. ¡°Quinn, are you trying to get back at them because Mr. Grafton divorced you and fell in love with Sidonie? I didn¡¯t expect you to mix personal feelings with business,¡± Marley said. Melvin added, ¡°No matter what¡¯s gone on between you and Mr. Grafton, that¡¯s your personal issue. This meeting is about Bridger Group¡¯s business, not a ce for drama.¡± Quinn looked up and replied calmly, ¡°So, agreeing to work with Grafton Technologies means keeping business and personal matters separate, but if I disagree, you say I¡¯m being personal? That¡¯s a shallow way to look at things. If someone heard you say that, they might assume Trent paid you off under the table.¡± The moment she said that, both Melvin¡¯s and Marley¡¯s expressions changed. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t make up stories!¡± Marley said quickly. ¡°Are you panicking because I struck a nerve?¡± Quinn smirked. Marley¡¯s eyes showed a sh of guilt. The truth was, Sidonie had promised her a share of the profits if she helped seal the deal between Grafton Technologies and the Bridger family. That was why Marley had been so eager. ¡°Quinn, whatever happened between us, you cane at me. But don¡¯t drag Grafton Technologies into it. There are many employees beyond just me. You shouldn¡¯t act against thepany like this! If your old coworkers heard what you¡¯re doing, how do you think they¡¯d feel?¡± ¡°How would they feel? Probably wondering how the boss could let a once¨Cgoodpany end up like this.¡± Julius suddenly spoke up. Trent¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, even if you¡¯re the head of the Whitethorn family, you can¡¯t just go around insulting people!¡± ¡°Insult?¡± Julius scoffed. ¡°I¡¯m just stating facts. Is that insulting?¡± ¡°Grafton Technologies managed to go public in just three years. I don¡¯t see any issue with my abilities!¡± Trent retorted. ¡°Are you sure that was all your doing?¡± Julius asked with a smirk. Trent¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Quinn stood up and said, ¡°Right now, Grafton Technologies can¡¯tplete the upgrade of the anti- jamming system on its own. They need funding from Bridger Group to get it done. But what if the upgrade doesn¡¯t go as nned? Have you thought about the risks Bridger Group would face? Not only could it increase costs and reduce efficiency, it might even dy the whole project¡­ I also heard Grafton Technologies might be in some financial trouble. I think Bridger Group needs to keep that in mind.¡± The higher¨Cups of Bridger Group were all taken aback. Moldred asked solemnly, ¡°Quinn, is what you¡¯re saying true?¡± ¡°Just check for yourself and you¡¯ll see I¡¯m not making anything up.¡± Trent raised his voice and asked, ¡°Quinn, what proof do you have that Grafton Technologies is in financial trouble? You can¡¯t just damage our reputation like that!¡± ¡°If you were really as wealthy as you say, then tell me, why, during our divorce, did you only pay back my parents¡® death gratuity, which you used for your startup? You didn¡¯t give me anything more.¡± Back when they divorced, Quinn already knew that all of Trent¡¯s money and property had been mortgaged to the bank. He had nothing left, and he couldn¡¯t sell the shares he owned or use them. Grafton Technologies was just an empty shell. Trent¡¯s face turned bright red with embarrassment. The rest of the Bridger family looked shocked. They had known that Trent and Quinn had divorced, but they didn¡¯t know that all Quinn got back was just one million five hundred and thirty thousand. And worse, that money was actually her parents¡® death gratuity. Military 154 hapter 154 This Is Serious Many of the Bridger family members, who held a deep respect for the fifth branch of the family, showed clear disapproval toward Trent. Moldred didn¡¯t hold back and said directly, ¡°Mr. Grafton, I think we need to rethink whether we should work with Grafton Technologies. The Bridger family needs to take this matter more seriously.¡± In other words, they were basically turning him down. Trent¡¯s face was ashen. Meanwhile, Sidonie was nervously waiting outside when the conference room door suddenly opened. Marley came out and immediatelyined, ¡°If Quinn hadn¡¯t interfered, Uncle Moldred and the others wouldn¡¯t have said no.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sidonie was shocked. Have all my effort gone to waste just because of Quinn? At that moment, she saw Quinn emerge from the conference room and immediately rushed over to her. ¡°Quinn, just because Trent divorced you, you want to ruin him? You¡¯re so cruel. How could the daughter of fallen heroes act like this?¡± Quinn¡¯s expression darkened, and without hesitation, she pped Sidonie hard across the face. ¡°You¡­¡± Sidonie was surprised. She hadn¡¯t expected Quinn to actually hit her. ¡°Sidonie, it¡¯s not your ce to judge my parents. Say another word and I¡¯ll make you regret it!¡± ¡°Oh really? I¡¯d like to see what you¡¯ll do. I was just about to bring up your parents again. They-¡± Before Sidonie could finish her sentence, Quinn kicked her, sending her flying across the room. Sidonie¡¯s body mmed hard against the wall, causing the phone in her pocket to tumble out. ¡°Sidonie, do you want a repeat of what happened at the airport when I almost broke your ribs?¡± Quinn¡¯s face was icy cold as she stepped forward. A chill ran up Sidonie¡¯s spine. Back then, Quinn had stepped on her so hard it had nearly broken her ribs. It was terrifying. Just then, Trent, who had just emerged from the conference room, rushed over. ¡°Quinn, what are you trying to do to Sidonie!¡± ¡°What am I trying to do?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°If she insults my parents again, I¡¯ll break her bones for real next time.¡± Trent was stunned by themanding aura radiating from Quinn. At that moment, Sidonie¡¯s phone, now lying nearby, lit up with a message. The screen glowed within reach. As Sidonie spotted the alert and read the message, her expression changed suddenly. She quickly reached out and grabbed the phone tightly. ¡°Trent, let¡¯s just go back, okay?¡± Sidonie said nervously. Trent pressed his lips together, helped her up gently, and walked her out. In the elevator, he asked, ¡°You don¡¯t look well. Quinn went too far. Even if you talked about her parents, that doesn¡¯t mean she should hit you. I¡¯ll take you to the hospitalter.¡±. Sidonie remained silent, gripping her phone tightly in her hand. Her thoughts were stuck on the message she had just received: Murderer! Meanwhile, Julius gently lifted the hand Quinn had used to p Sidonie and asked softly, ¡°Does it hurt?¡± The people around were left speechless, as Sidonie should have been the one in pain. Marley watched the whole thing unfold and clenched her teeth in frustration. That evening, Julius was working in his study while Quinn sat on the couch nearby, talking to Laura over the phone. ¡°Darling, this is serious!¡± Laura said urgently. ¡°You have to log into the game right now and help me, or I won¡¯t be able to finish my mission!¡± ¡°But I¡¯m still on duty to protect Julius,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Julius hade over without her noticing. ¡°Laura wants me to help her out in a game, but now¡¯s not really a good time.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no problem at all. I¡¯d love to have you by my side all the time, but you¡¯re not the only bodyguard in the house. Someone else can fill in while you¡¯re gaming. But can you bring another yer with you?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± Quinn paused for a moment. Ten minutester, Laura was staring at a new character standing next to Quinn¡¯s in the game. The new avatar was fully geared up and clearly brand new. ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Laura asked curiously. ¡°Julius Whitethorn,¡± Quinn replied. Laura didn¡¯t expect her friend to introduce Julius to her in the game. She asked, ¡°Why did you bring him along?¡± Military 155 e just wanted to y,¡± Quinn replied helplessly. ¡°But can I really finish my mission if he¡¯s tagging along?¡± After all, Julius was a total beginner. Quinn nced at Julius beside her. ¡°It should be fine. Just let him follow me in the game. He won¡¯t get in the way.¡± Laura breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s good. But seriously, why would Mr. Whitethorn join a game like this? Isn¡¯t it kind of strange?¡± Does Julius Whitethorn, the head of the powerful Whitethorn family, really have that much free time? ¡°Is it really that strange for a boyfriend to y games with his girlfriend?¡± Julius¡® voice suddenly rang out. Laura was so caught off guard hearing his voice through the game chat that she almost dropped her phone. ¡°Julius is with you?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Quinn responded. ¡°When did he be your boyfriend?¡± Laura asked again. ¡°A few days ago,¡± Quinn answered once more. Laura let out a sharp squeal. ¡°Quinn, how could you not tell me about such a big thing? Back in the day when we were studying together, I always made sure to bring you along whenever I was out at the bars flirting with handsome guys!¡± From nearby, a man¡¯s intense gaze lingered on her. Quinn quickly cleared her throat. ¡°I was going to tell you when we met. You have a mission toplete, don¡¯t you? Let¡¯s focus on that first.¡± Upon regaining herposure, Laura started to focus on the task at hand. It was a tactical,petitive shooting game, where yers could team up toplete missions and gather a variety of resources. Of course, throughout this process, they would encounter other yers trying to seize their resources. Laura had attempted this mission several times before, but each time she was eliminated halfway by yers from other teams. So, she had no choice but to seek help from Quinn that day. Previously, Quinn had yed this game with Laura. The other three teammates they were grouped with that day were also old acquaintances. Therefore, everyone quickly sprung into action. Quinn simply said to Julius, ¡°Stick with meter. Don¡¯t fall behind.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Julius responded. Someone in the team asked Julius, ¡°Hey man, is this your first time ying this game?¡± Julius hummed in response. ¡°How should I address you?¡± ¡°Julius Whitethorn.¡± Hearing that, the three team members were instantly taken aback. ¡°Wow, dude, your name is the same as the Prince of Jexburgh!¡± ¡°Haha, it feels like we¡¯re ying a game with the richest man in Jexburgh!¡± ¡°Mr. Whitethorn doesn¡¯t have the free time to y games with us. Stop daydreaming! But dude, you¡¯ve got a good name there. Who knows, maybe you¡¯ll make it big someday!¡± Laura was at a loss for words. She wanted to tell them that the very richest man they were talking about. was actually ying the game with them. Julius indeed had some spare time on his hands. The six¨Cperson squad was in action, with Julius always sticking close to Quinn. He watched as Quinn skillfully controlled her game character, wielding a gun and taking down one enemy after another. Her movements were swift and fluid, and the number of enemies she defeated continued to grow. She even had the ability to provide various forms of assistance to her teammates, helping them out of tricky situations. At that moment, she was like a warrior in the midst of battle, unstoppable in her advance. No one could stand in her way. Involuntarily, Julius¡® gaze shifted from the gaming screen to Quinn. She was sitting right next to him, her fingers deftly maneuvering the characters on her phone¡¯s game screen. Her spirited demeanor in the game made him wonder if she was just as fierce and driven back when she led a special forces team in the military. It was as if she wasn¡¯t meant to be confined here, but destined for a much bigger world. ¡°Stop daydreaming and keep up!¡± Quinn said. Only then did Julius shift his gaze away, maneuvering his character in the game to closely follow Quinn¡¯s avatar. Just as the group was nearing their mission¡¯s destination, several clusters of people came charging toward them from nearby. The other teams had joined forces, nning to take down the strongest team first. ¡°Damn, is this mission even possible toplete?¡± Laura was so frustrated she felt like cursing. The others in the team quickly found cover, evading the attack. Quinn turned to Julius and said, ¡°Stop following me for now and find somewhere to hide!¡± Military 156 apter 156 You Are More Attractive Having said that, Quinn immediately used the cover around her and charged toward the enemy. Julius watched Quinn¡¯s figure intently. Even in the midst of their game, he didn¡¯t want to be separated from her. If there was one regret that lingered in his heart, it was that he hadn¡¯t enlisted when she had. He hadn¡¯t been able to stand alongside her as arade¨Cin¨Carms, to be someone she could rely on when danger loomed. But he hoped that at least in the game, he could do just that. Julius rushed forward, while enemies continuously surrounded him. Quinn called out to Laura, ¡°You guys go ahead and get the mission done! I¡¯ll hold them back!¡± After all, she didn¡¯t have any missions toplete, so it didn¡¯t matter if she ended up in a draw with those enemy yers in the game. ¡°Okay!¡± Laura was very decisive. While Quinn was holding off the enemy¡¯s attack, she and her three teammates bypassed the opponent¡¯s line of fire and headed straight for their mission objective. In the heat of the moment, Quinn went all out. Alone, she faced off against a horde of enemy yers, unleashing a torrent of attacks. Those yers went on the offensive,unching bullets and grenades relentlessly. It was as if they¡¯d woven a of fire that was closing in on Quinn. She was struggling to buy time, and finally, she heard Laura¡¯s voice. ¡°All right, mission aplished!¡± Quinn heaved a sigh of relief, realizing that the ammunition she brought wouldn¡¯tst much longer. It seemed inevitable that she and her enemy yers would end up destroying each other. However, out of the blue, the enemy yers near her started falling one by one. Quinn was stunned. Almost immediately, she heard gasps of surprise from Laura and the other three teammates. ¡°Quinnie, is Julius really a newbie who¡¯s never yed this game before?¡± ¡°Wow, that¡¯s pretty intense!¡± ¡°This guy¡¯s not even human!¡± Quinn looked toward Julius, noticing he was handling the gun she had previously given him, designed for beginners. He was firing it off, shot by shot. The hits were incredibly urate, all striking critical spots. She had seen him shoot at the range before and knew he was an excellent marksman. But this was their first time ying this sort of game. The fact that he could attack so fiercely genuinely took her by surprise. When the surroundings were finally clear of adversaries, Quinn stared at her phone screen. Julius was controlling his avatar, slowly approaching her in the game. Then, his voice filled her ears. ¡°Even in the game, I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you.¡± In an instant, Quinn felt her heart give a fierce thump. Chapter 156 You Are More Attractive Logging off the game, she said with her cheeks slightly flushed, ¡°All right, it¡¯s gettingte. You should rest. I¡¯ll head back to my room now.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Julius grabbed Quinn¡¯s hand. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Did you really go to the bar with Laura to pick up handsome guys back then?¡± Julius, sitting on the couch, tilted his head slightly and stared straight at Quinn. Quinn¡¯s face turned a bit red. ¡°Why are you asking this? Laura¡¯s just talking nonsense.¡± ¡°Really? So, you guys weren¡¯t at the bar checking out handsome men?¡± Quinn remained silent. Well, to be precise, we were checking out handsome men at the bar back then. Laura had even invited several well¨Cknown young men from the bar to join us in the private room for drinks and games. Of course, it was Laura who was drinking and ying drinking games. I merely observed from the sidelines. ¡°I guess you were,¡± Julius muttered, seeing that Quinn was silent. ¡°Did someone catch your eye back then? Were those men more attractive than me?¡± ¡°No way!¡± Quinn eximed. ¡°That happened ages ago. I¡¯m heading back to my room now.¡± However, Julius was still firmly holding her hand, showing no signs of letting go. ¡°Did someone not catch your eye, or none of those men were more attractive than me?¡± Quinn was exasperated. He wouldn¡¯t let her return to her room easily without an answer. ¡°They didn¡¯t catch my eye, and you¡¯re more attractive than all of them.¡± A hint of a smile finally appeared at the corner of Julius¡® lips. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m attractive?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Quinn responded, speaking the truth. Honestly, she couldn¡¯t even remember what those guys Laura had chosen at the bar looked like. It had been right after Laura¡¯s breakup, and she¡¯d dragged her out to find someone better. The whole time, her mind had been on Laura, not the men. ¡°Does that mean I caught your eye?¡± Julius asked. Quinn was at a loss for words. Is that even a question? Who would honestly im Julius didn¡¯t catch their eye? Julius subtly raised an eyebrow, still awaiting her response. His sharp brows and captivating eyes were full of anticipation. Because she was standing and he was seated, he had to tilt his head up to look at her, revealing the smooth, graceful line of his neck. It was effortlessly captivating. Military 157 hapter 157 Another Nightmare Chapter 157 Another Nightmare ¡°If you didn¡¯t catch my eye, why would I be in a rtionship with you?¡± Quinn said. ¡°Um¡­ Would you hate me if I did this?¡± Julius¡® lips moved slightly as he spoke. He pulled her closer to him and leaned his upper body toward her. His other hand simultaneously wrapped around her waist, as if he was afraid she would create distance between them. His lips lightly brushed against her lower jaw. Quinn stiffened, looking into Julius¡® eyes filled with intense longing. ¡°Quinnie, I want to kiss you,¡± he murmured. His voice, typically calm and polished, now carried a faint, husky edge. Quinn blinked. They were already dating, and more importantly, she had feelings for Julius. Sharing a kiss was perfectly natural. ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, you can reject me anytime. I won¡¯t force you.¡± Julius¡® tone sounded more like a humble plea. Watching his lips, tracing down her jawline, gradually nearing her own, Quinn didn¡¯t push him away. She could feel that his hand resting lightly on her waist was subtly shaking. He¡¯s not nervous, is he? He¡¯s the head of the prestigious Whitethorn family, a man who holds power in Jexburgh. Is he actually nervous about kissing a woman? His lips gently met hers in a light kiss, filled with such caution, as if he were handling a precious treasure. But the moment was brief, almost hesitant, as though going any further might cross a sacred line. Just as he pulled away, Quinn suddenly reached for his cor and leaned forward, taking the lead and kissing him herself. ¡°Open your mouth.¡± Julius was taken aback for a moment, but he obediently opened his mouth nheless. And just like that, she kissed him, in her own unique way. After the kiss, Julius¡® ears turned a faint shade of red. He stared at Quinn, dumbfounded. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re my boyfriend. I want to kiss you. Is that reason enough?¡± Julius¡® eyes lit up. He felt a rush of sweetness overwhelming his taste buds. Then, a charming smile surfaced at the corners of his lips. ¡°Enough.¡± ¡°Can I go back to my room and sleep now?¡± Quinn asked. Chapter 157 Another Nightmare Only then did Julius reluctantly let go of his hand. After Quinn had left the room, he gently brushed his fingers over his lips, as if her warmth was still lingering there. ¡°Quinnie,¡± he murmured, slowly closing his eyes as if savoring the kiss they had just shared. ¡°What am I going to do? If you give me a little, I¡¯ll just end up wanting more.¡± After returning to her room and barely finishing freshening up, Quinn received a call from Laura. The first thing Laura asked was, ¡°Is Julius with you right now?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m in my room, getting ready for bed,¡± Quinn replied. Upon hearing this, Laura finally rxed and asked, ¡°So, you¡¯re really dating Julius?¡± ¡°Yup!¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t pressure you into it, did he?¡± ¡°No, I chose to be with him.¡± Laura still sounded stunned. ¡°I mean, I know Julius is quite the looker, but you¡¯ve never been one to be swayed by a pretty face. What on earth do you see in Julius?¡± After some thought, Quinn replied, ¡°He¡¯s actually pretty decent.¡± ¡°Goodness, if you said that out loud, people might think you were being sarcastic!¡± In Jexburgh, rumors about Julius were everywhere, but not a single one portrayed him as a decent man. Quinn chuckled. ¡°Sometimes, people who seem good are just good at hiding their true selves. And the ones who seem bad? Maybe it¡¯s their good side we¡¯ve failed to notice.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯ve seen his good side?¡± Laura teased. ¡°He¡¯s not who I thought he was at first. Maybe I jumped into this a bit quickly, but I don¡¯t regret it.¡± ¡°Well, I hope it works out,¡± Laura said kindly. ¡°I hope Julius treats you right.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Quinn replied. However, no one could say what the future would bring for her and Julius. A few dayster, Sidonie was once again jolted awake from a nightmare in the middle of the night. ¡°Another nightmare?¡± Trent asked, stepping forward. Ever since they returned from Bridger Group, Sidonie had been acting strangely, often gued by nightmares at night. ¡°Yeah,¡± Sidonie responded, her forehead slick with cold sweat. Military 158 Chapter 158 Stay With Me Chapter 158 Stay With Me ¡°It¡¯s probably because of what Quinn did to you in public, right? I think you should see a therapist just to make sure you¡¯re okay,¡± Trent advised. ¡°All right,¡± Sidonie replied, taking a deep breath. Deep down, she knew it wasn¡¯t because of Quinn at all, but rather because of the text message she had received, the onebeling her a murderer. She had tried to find out who sent it, but all she uncovered was that the message came from a fake phone number. It had already been discarded, making it impossible to trace. Trent gently wiped the cold sweat from Sidonie¡¯s forehead. ¡°Hang on, I¡¯ll get you a ss of water.¡± Sidonie nodded. Just as Trent was about to leave the room, his phone suddenly rang. When he saw who was calling, he quickly stepped outside. Seeing that, Sidonie felt uneasy. What¡¯s going on? He never used to take calls away from me¡­ Feeling suspicious, she quietly got out of bed and followed him. LEE From inside the room, she saw Trent answering the call. ¡°It¡¯s me¡­ Any news on who saved me from drowning eight years ago?¡± Sidonie, who was by the wall inside the room, froze. What? Trent is secretly looking into what happened all those years ago? Why? He said he trusted me! But now, it¡¯s clear he doesn¡¯t! If he ever finds out that it was actually Quinn who had saved him back then, I might lose him forever. All my dreams of bing the wife of a powerful chairman of a listed would be ruined! Trent is the best option among the men in my life at this moment. I can¡¯t let him discover the truth! With that thought, Sidonie purposely let herself fall and cried out, ¡°Ouch!¡± Trent, who had been on a phone call, quickly ended it and rushed back to the room. There, he found Sidonie on the floor. ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, hurrying to her side. ¡°After you left, I felt a little uneasy,¡± Sidonie said, showing a bit of pain on her face. ¡°I wanted to find you quickly and tripped on the way. My foot hurts a little¡­ Could you carry me back to bed?¡± Trent carried Sidonie back to the bed and gentlyid her down. ¡°I still haven¡¯t gotten you a ss of water. Just give me a moment.¡± Just as he was about to straighten up and leave, Sidonie suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck. ¡°Trent, don¡¯t go!¡± Trent froze. Looking at her, he noticed how she softly bit her lip. There was still some worry in her expression. In Trent¡¯s memory, Sidonie had always been strong and direct. But now, she looked fragile and helpless, so different from how she used to be. ¡°I¡¯m just going to get some water. I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Trent said softly. But before he could leave, Sidonie suddenly kissed him. Trent froze. Even though he¡¯d been staying at her family¡¯s home in Yarburn, their rtionship had always stayed on the surface. Sidonie had dropped a few hints, but he never acted on it. Every time he thought of getting closer to her, Quinn¡¯s face would pop into his mind. Even though they were divorced, he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. Maybe it was because they¡¯de to Yarburn together, and he kept seeing her. When the kiss ended, Sidonie¡¯s clothes hade loose. Trent quickly turned his head away, but Sidonie only leaned in closer. ¡°Trent, it¡¯s all because of Quinn that I¡¯ve been having nightmares these past few days. I think she still mes me for your divorce. That¡¯s why she tried to embarrass me in front of everyone. Please¡­ stay with me.¡± At that moment, Sidonie deliberately brought up Quinn. Just as she expected, Trent looked guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Because of the problems between Quinn and me, you got caught in the middle.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. As long as I can be with you, I don¡¯t care about the embarrassment. I can handle it even if Quinn is here right now.¡± Then she leaned in and kissed him again. ¡°I¡¯ve had feelings for you ever since I saved you. I didn¡¯t fully realize it until now, after all these years.¡± While Sidonie was bold and open with her feelings, Trent was unsure. He hadn¡¯t had the chance to ask who exactly was the person who had saved him all those years ago. Sidonie¡¯s sudden fall had interrupted the call. Military 159 Chapter 159 He Is My Boyfriend Before learning the truth, Trent was already getting pulled deeper into things with Sidonie. Is this really how it¡¯s supposed to be? Just then, Sidonie¡¯s voice rang out once more. ¡°Trent, if you truly can¡¯t forget Quinn, it¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll wait. Let¡¯s just pretend I never said anything tonight. You should go back to your room. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it!¡± Trent quickly replied. ¡°How can I not worry about you? Quinn and I are divorced. I don¡¯t have any feelings for her anymore!¡± Sidonie chuckled and gently wrapped her arms around him. This time, Trent didn¡¯t refuse. Even though he hadn¡¯t been able to ask during the call, he was now sure that the person who saved him all those years ago was Sidonie. E He had been looking into the past only because he wanted to stop thinking about Quinn. And just like that, they shared an intimate moment for the first time. Later that night, after Trent fell sound asleep, Sidonie quietly got up. She reached into the pocket of Trent¡¯s jacket and took out his phone. Then, she quickly unlocked it with a passcode. Trent had never directly told her the code, but he also never tried to hide it from her, so she remembered it easily. She checked the call log and found the most recent iing number. S She wrote it down, then carefully slipped the phone back into his jacket pocket like nothing had happened. After wrapping everything up, she went back to Trent andy down next to him. Watching him sleep, she quietly said, ¡°Trent, please don¡¯t me me. People naturally think of themselves first, and that¡¯s how we survive.¡± All I want is to live a better life. What¡¯s wrong with that? The next morning, when Quinn saw Julius, he looked a little down. ¡°Didn¡¯t sleep well?¡± she asked. ¡°Not really¡­¡± He had kept thinking about the kiss she gave himst night. It made him feel so warm and restless that he got up a few times to take cold showers. ¡°You can catch a short nap in the carter.¡± That day, they were headed to the Whitethorn family¡¯spany in Yarburn, around a thirty¨Cminute drive from the mansion. Chapter 159 He Is My Boyfriend ¡°Okay,¡± Julius obediently responded. s Fabian, who was standing by the side, had gone from being shocked at first to feeling kind of numb as things kept unfolding. He couldn¡¯t believe that the usually arrogant and aloof Julius would act like a loyal puppy around Quinn. Of course, what shocked him the most was finding out a couple of days ago that Julius was actually dating Quinn. It felt like a jolt of electricity hit his brain. The thrilling sensation was something he would probably remember for the rest of his life. So now, whenever he saw them together, he managed to stay calm. After finishing their breakfast, Julius and Quinn got into the car. Quinn suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a nap first?¡± ¡°Can I lean on you while I sleep?¡± Julius asked. ¡°Sure.¡± Julius¡® upper body gradually leaned toward Quinn. However, he didn¡¯t rest his head on Quinn¡¯s shoulder. Instead, he slightly lifted his head, gazing intently at Quinn. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn asked, puzzled. ¡°Don¡¯t you¡­ want to kiss me?¡± His calm voice echoed in the car. Quinn was caught off guard, and Fabian, sitting in the front seat, realized he still wasn¡¯t used to these surprises. He didn¡¯t expect the serious and proud Julius to say something so bold. ¡°Mr. Wooley is here!¡± Quinn said. From the rearview mirror, Fabian caught a cold, warning re from his boss. ¡°I¡¯m just the driver. I didn¡¯t see or hear anything!¡± ¡°Do you want to?¡± Julius murmured. Maybe he was the only one still thinking about that kiss fromst night. He looked so good, and his voice was filled with a gentle pleading. It would¡¯ve made anyone¡¯s heart skip a beat. And this man was her boyfriend. Quinn nced at Fabian, who appeared very focused on the road, then turned to Julius, who stared at her hopefully. She let out a sigh. Well, he¡¯s my boyfriend, so it¡¯s only right I pamper him a little. She reached out, cupping his chin gently as she leaned forward and kissed him. In fact, kissing him felt quite nice. He even smelled really good. Though he was clearly a man of high status, kissing him made her feelpletely in charge. Military 160 Chapter 160 Do Not Shoot It even felt like he was willing to give her his whole world. When the kiss ended, Julius rested his head on Quinn¡¯s shoulder, still caught up in the moment. ¡°Quinnie, if you ever feel like kissing me again, you can do it anytime.¡± Quinn was at a loss for words. Is this¡­ some sort of invitation? The car continued on its journey, with Quinn gazing at the scenery passing by. Quinn hade to Yarburn to bury her parents¡® ashes in the ancestral hall andplete a protection job for the military. She didn¡¯t expect her rtionship with Julius to change during the trip. Now, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what would happen between them once she returned to Jexburgh. Their car soon pulled into the underground parking lot of the Yarburn branch of Whitethorn Group. Quinn was about to wake Julius when the car suddenly jolted and stopped. A loud bang echoed. Startled, Quinn froze in ce, while Julius, who had been napping, opened his eyes. ¡°I identally knocked into another car. I¡¯ll go check it out,¡± Fabian said as he opened the car door and stepped out. Through the windshield, Quinn saw a white sedan that had slightly scraped their car. A woman stepped out. Fabian went to talk to her. Just when Quinn thought it was a minor collision, she noticed something seemed off about Fabian. Since he was facing away from the car, all Quinn could see was his figure, which seemed to stiffen momentarily. However, it was just this fleeting moment that made Quinn feel that something was off. Immediately after, she saw Fabian copsing onto the ground. The woman, without missing a beat, raised a pistol, aiming it straight at them inside the car. ¡°Danger!¡± Quinn yelled, pulling Julius down. The woman fired into the car. Quinn flung the car door open, pulling Julius out of the vehicle to take cover behind a pir in the parking garage. The bodyguards, who were initially assigned to ensure Julius¡® safety, should have been tailing them in a car. However, there was no sign of any trailing vehicle at that moment. Something was clearly wrong. As the gunshots rang out, a sense of urgency welled up within Quinn. It wasn¡¯t just because her mission was to protect Julius. She was also worried that other cars might pass by at any moment, and the bullets Chapter 160 Do Not Shoot could easily hit innocent bystanders. ¡°Stay hidden. I¡¯ll distract her!¡± she whispered. Before Julius could respond, Quinn had already darted out from behind the pir. +10 Free Coins Julius stared nkly at Quinn¡¯s retreating figure. It felt like their video game session from the day before when she¡¯d told him to hide then too. Is she going to risk her life again? No! She shouldn¡¯t be doing that! With another gunshot echoing in the air, the bullet grazed Quinn¡¯s arm. Seizing the moment as the female assassin closed in, Quinn forcefully kicked the half¨Copen car door, using it to knock her straight to the ground. The female assassin awkwardly fell to the ground, her previously gripped gun nowy discarded on the floor. Seeing the female assassin trying to retrieve her gun, Quinn instantly lunged forward. The two of them immediately engaged in a fierce fight, using their most ruthless moves. Blood was rapidly streaming down Quinn¡¯s arm, yet she seemedpletely oblivious to it. All she could think was that she had to stop the female assassin from getting the gun. As the two were locked in an intense battle, a voice shouted, ¡°It¡¯s over!¡± The female assassin froze. Quinn turned to see Julius holding the gun he had picked up, aiming it at the back of the female assassin¡¯s head. Quinn heaved a sigh of relief. Julius wore a serious expression as he looked at Quinn¡¯s arm. The area where the bullet had grazed her was now soaked with blood, staining arge portion of her sleeve red. ¡°Did you get shot?¡± Julius asked. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch.¡± Suddenly, she heard the chilling click of Julius cocking the gun. His voice was cold with anger. ¡°How dare you hurt her!¡± He was furious that someone had harmed the woman he wanted to protect. ¡°Don¡¯t shoot!¡± Quinn shouted, running to him. She didn¡¯t want him to carry the burden of killing someone. At that moment, Julius¡® bodyguards arrived. Only four bodyguards stepped out of the car. One was missing. Military 161 Chapter 161 Everything Else About Me The four bodyguards rushed over and quickly took down the female assassin. Julius still had his gun pointed at her, his eyes filled with cold anger. Quinn reached out and pressed down on his hand. ¡°Give me the gun!¡± Julius finally let go, and Quinn took the gun. She handed it to a bodyguard and said, ¡°Give this to the policeter.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± The bodyguard took the gun. Julius took off his tie and quickly wrapped it around Quinn¡¯s bleeding arm to help stop the bleeding. ¡°I¡¯m taking you to the hospital right now!¡± he said, picking her up and cing her into the car. Two bodyguards jumped into the front seats. As the car rushed toward the hospital, Quinn reassured, ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just a small injury.¡± Julius, holding her tightly with shaking hands, looked more terrified than she was. His face was pale, and his lips were pressed together. Even though she said it wasn¡¯t serious, her sleeve was soaked in blood. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± he murmured. ¡°You have nothing to be sorry about. My job is to protect you.¡± Julius¡® heart was filled with guilt. In the beginning, he¡¯d used the bodyguard job just to keep her close. Even though he was aware that she might get hurt in the process of protecting him, he didn¡¯t mind at all. She was just interesting to him. He hadn¡¯t cared if she got injured. But now, he was full of regret. He should¡¯ve never let her take the job or put her in danger. At the hospital, doctors quickly treated Quinn in the emergency room. Outside, Julius leaned against the wall, staring at his hands. They were stained with her dried blood. The lead bodyguard came over. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I¡¯m sorry. There was a traitor in our team, and that¡¯s why we lost your car¡¯s location. Mr. Wooley only has broken ribs and was knocked out. He¡¯ll be okay. What should we do with the assassin?¡± ¡°Turn her in to the police. But before you do, break her right hand!¡± Juliusmanded, his gaze icy cold. ¡°Understood!¡± ¡°Also, get ready. I¡¯ve got things to take care of,¡± Julius added, his voice firm and dangerous. Quinn had five stitches in her arm, but to her, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. Back in her special forces days, wounds like this weremon. After her treatment, she changed into clean clothes. ¡°We¡¯ll keep you here for today. If things look good, you can go home tomorrow,¡± the doctor said and prescribed some medicine. Since the Whitethorn family owned part of the hospital in Yarburn, Quinn was put in a VIP room. Quinn felt that her injury was minor, just a scratch. The bullet had only grazed her. Julius, however, treated her like someone incredibly precious, as if he wanted to keep her safe forever. With a group of nurses and staff gathered around, Quinn felt overwhelmed. ¡°Can you ask them to leave? I¡¯m notfortable with so many people around me,¡± Quinn said. ¡°But your injury¡­¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t feel well, I¡¯ll press the call button. Besides, you¡¯re here now.¡± Julius¡® expression softened. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m here.¡± Once everyone else had left the room, Julius asked, ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± ¡°An apple, I guess,¡± she replied, ncing at the fresh fruit basket the hospital had delivered. ¡°All right.¡± Julius took an apple, washed it, and grabbed a small knife. He sat beside her bed, peeling the fruit. Quinn raised an eyebrow. It was her first time seeing Julius peeling an apple. The way the knife moved in his graceful fingers was like art. His hands are really beautiful. ¡°Do you still like my hands that much?¡± Julius¡® voice suddenly rang out. Startled, Quinn looked up and met his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m d you like my hands, but I hope you¡¯lle to like other parts of my body too,¡± Julius added softly. 18 Military 162 Chapter 162 Come Out Now Quinn felt her throat tighten, and her cheeks turned a little red. What does he mean by ¡®other parts of his body¡®? Does he know how suggestive his words are? Julius quickly finished peeling the apple and handed it to Quinn. Òµ Quinn took it with the hand that wasn¡¯t injured. ¡°By the way, how¡¯s Mr. Wooley doing?¡± ¡°Nothing serious. Just needs some rest.¡± E Quinn breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Also¡­¡± Julius hesitated. ¡°Don¡¯t protect me like that again.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked, holding the apple halfway to her mouth. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you hurt again,¡± he said, his eyes filled with guilt as he looked at the white bandage on her right arm. ¡°But I¡¯m supposed to protect you,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s just a small injury. It¡¯ll heal quickly.¡± ¡°Even a small injury is not okay!¡± Julius said firmly. ¡°From now on, you don¡¯t need to protect me. I¡¯ll tell the military myself.¡± Quinn didn¡¯t expect him to be so serious about this. ¡°But what about your safety¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it. And¡­ it will be settled right away.¡± That night, after taking her medicine, Quinn fell asleep quickly. Julius quietly watched her face as she slept, his eyes soft and full of care. He gently moved a strand of hair from her cheek. Then, he turned and left the room. Outside, two rows of bodyguards stood waiting. ¡°Make sure Ms. Bridger stays safe. If anything happens to her, you¡¯ll be held responsible!¡± Julius warned. ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the bodyguards replied. Only then did Julius walk to the elevator. The kindness in his eyes turned into cold fury. That same night, all the members of the Whitethorn family¡¯s side branches who had wanted the position of family head met disaster. Some lost all their wealth overnight and had to flee. At Whitethorn Manor, people who had been unhappy about Julius being the family head were now on their knees in front of him, begging. ¡°This has nothing to do with us. We don¡¯t know anything about it!¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know anything? Not even about the attempt on my life?¡± As Julius spoke, he threw a pile of documents at them. These were proof of their talks and payments to the assassins. ¡°I took care of the remaining assassins before I got here.¡± He hadn¡¯t acted earlier because he simply didn¡¯t care. Life or death didn¡¯t matter to him. Back then, he thought if someone managed to kill him, maybe that was fine. But now, things had changed. He wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to hurt Quinn. Because of her, he began to care about living. He wanted to live longer, to stay by Quinn¡¯s side until they both grew old. The people looked at the documents, then at Julius. Their faces turned pale. They knew it was useless to fight back. ¡°Are you going toe out now?¡± Julius said to a dark corner. He knew the people in front of him weren¡¯t the ones behind all this. ¡°Haha, I thought you¡¯d y along a bit longer.¡± Joaquin emerged from the shadows,ughing. Seeing his father¡¯s smile made Julius feel sick. ¡°Do you really not want me to be the head of the Whitethorn family?¡± He had suspected it for a while now. His own father was actually after his life. ¡°Indeed, I don¡¯t. But as my only son, you are bound to be the family head. I just gave you some challenges, to see if you could hold on to that position.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll hand you over to the military? The Whitethorn family has connections with them. If something happens to me, the project will be affected. Do you think the military won¡¯t hold you responsible?¡± Joaquin chuckled confidently. ¡°I didn¡¯t hire any assassins to kill you. Can you prove I did?¡± Julius pressed his lips together. Joaquin had been very careful. There was no solid proof to catch him. ¡°You never cared about any of this before. Is it because of that girl, Quinn?¡± Joaquin asked suddenly. ¡°She got hurt for you, and now you want to end all this?¡± Military 163 Chapter 163 Did I Hurt You ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Julius asked, narrowing his eyes. ¡°What if she had been hurt even worse?¡± Joaquin asked with a smug grin. Suddenly, Julius¡® whole body trembled. He reached out and grabbed Joaquin by the throat. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± ¡°Try me,¡± Joaquin replied, showing no fear. Instead, his smile grew even wider. ¡°You could kill me now and stop any future trouble.¡± Julius pressed his lips together, his grip getting tighter. Joaquin¡¯s smile didn¡¯t fade. It grew wider, as if he was looking forward to his own son strangling him. Everyone nearby was terrified. He¡¯s crazy! People had always said the Whitethorn family¡¯s direct descendants were mad, but this father and son were clearly the wildest of them all. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn!¡± one of the bodyguards called out. If Julius actually killed Joaquin, the entire Jexburgh would be stunned. The bodyguard¡¯s voice snapped Julius back to reality. His hand loosened. Joaquin staggered back, coughing. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you do it? Are you scared of being called a murderer who killed his father?¡± Julius stared at his hands, his eyes half¨Cclosed. His hands still had Quinnie¡¯s blood on them. He didn¡¯t fear killing his father; he feared bing someone unworthy of Quinn. She was pure and honorable. If he did this, he wouldn¡¯t be able to face her again and grow old by her side. ¡°I won¡¯t kill you,¡± Julius said coldly. ¡°But I¡¯ll do what Grandpa did. I¡¯ll lock you up so you can¡¯t hurt Quinnie.¡± ¡°What?¡± Joaquin¡¯s expression changed instantly. ¡°Shadow Guards!¡± Following Julius¡®mand, dozens of figures appeared in the living room of Whitethorn Manor. Joaquin was stunned, but then suddenly smiled. ¡°Ah, so you¡¯ve already made your choice.¡± The Shadow Guards were a special force only the head of the Whitethorn family couldmand. Back when Joaquin lost his wife, he started behaving erratically. He had once beaten his son so badly the boy nearly died. Chapter 163 Did I Hurt You +10 Free Coins Joaquin¡¯s father had finally stepped in and assigned the Shadow Guards to watch him, keeping him away from Julius. After Joaquin¡¯s father passed away, that order ended, and Joaquin returned. Julius had always known that Joaquin was using the Whitethorn side family members against him. He never cared until now. ¡°From now on, Joaquin is not allowed to leave Whitethorn Ind without my permission,¡± Julius instructed the Shadow Guards. ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the Shadow Guards answered in unison. Joaquin didn¡¯t resist. He just smiled and said, ¡°Do you really think locking me up will make things better? That it will clean your hands? Julius, you¡¯re my son. Your hands have been dirty for a long time, and they¡¯ll only get dirtier. Sooner orter, the woman you love will despise you.¡± Julius pursed his lips tightly, ignoring his father. He simplymanded, ¡°Take him to Whitethorn Ind!¡± Once Joaquin was gone, Julius looked down at his own hands again. ¡°Do you think Quinnie will despise me and leave me?¡± The bodyguard standing next to him was taken aback for a moment, then quickly responded, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you¡¯ve treated Ms. Bridger so well. Why would she leave you? She even risked her life for you this time.¡± Julius¡® eyes twinkled slightly. Yeah, she did risk her life to protect me. But would she have done the same for anyone else if it weren¡¯t me? When Quinn woke up the next day, Julius was fast asleep by her bedside. Without meaning to, her eyes wandered to his handsome face. His thick eyebrows rested above long eyshes, which cast soft shadows over his eyes. Even though he was asleep, there was a slight furrow in his brow, as if he was troubled by something. Without realizing it, Quinn reached out, wanting to smooth away that crease. But before her hand touched his brow, Julius¡® sharp, dark eyes suddenly snapped open. He grabbed her hand, then quickly let go, realizing what he¡¯d done. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Did I hurt you?¡± Military 164 hapter 164 Do You Have Any Proof ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was the one who woke you. When did you get here?¡± ¡°This morning, not long ago.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep wellst night?¡± she asked. Even though he had just arrived, he seemed to be able to fall asleep easily by her side. ¡°Yeah,¡± he responded nonchntly. He didn¡¯t tell her that he¡¯d spent the whole night traveling between Yarburn and Jexburgh, dealing with the Whitethorn family. ¡°How about you? Did you sleep well? Does your wound still hurt?¡± Julius asked with concern. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It doesn¡¯t hurt much,¡± Quinn replied. She got up to freshen up, but Julius just picked her up and carried her straight to the washroom. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked. Her arm was hurt, not her leg. ¡°You¡¯re injured. Let me help you,¡± he replied. He gently set her down in front of the sink, filled her cup with water, and squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush. If Quinn hadn¡¯t insisted on brushing her own teeth, she felt Julius would¡¯ve dly done that for her too. After she brushed her teeth, Julius soaked a towel, wrung it out, and gently wiped her face, carefully making sure to clean every spot. Then he picked up ab and started to tie her hair. Quinn was somewhat surprised. ¡°You know how to do hair?¡± A lot of men couldn¡¯t even manage a simple ponytail without messing it up. But Julius, though not perfect, clearly had some experience. ¡°When I was little, I used to help my mom with her hair. If she was in a good mood, she¡¯d let me do it.¡± Those were the few times his mother showed him kindness, and he treasured each one deeply. He did his best to learn how to do her hair properly, just to catch a glimpse of her smile. ¡°Your rtionship with your mother¡­¡± ¡°Not good. Most of the time, she just didn¡¯t want to see me.¡± Feeling guilty, Quinn said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have brought that up.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for apologies. Even if you hadn¡¯t brought it up, I would have told you eventually.¡± Once her hair was done, he leaned in close, resting his chin on her shoulder. Watching her in the mirror above the sink, he asked quietly, ¡°Quinnie, you don¡¯t think I¡¯m dirty, do you?¡± Quinn chuckled. ¡°Which part of you is dirty?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m not dirty,¡± he said softly. He and his father were different after all. In a downtown caf¨¦, Sidonie looked at the man across from her, who seemed to be in his thirties. ¡°Are you the one who¡¯s been helping Trent investigate the incident of someone falling into the water eight years ago?¡± ¡°Yeah, myst name is Lindgren. I¡¯m a private detective. Ie from the same town as Mr. Grafton. Ms. Stonehurst, you can just call me Lindgren.¡± He smiled, looking at Sidonic with a yful look. ¡°What really surprised me, though, was that you let Mr. Grafton believe you saved him, when actually it was someone else.¡± Sidonie¡¯s expression changed. She had thought there might be a chance he¡¯d found out something, but hearing it directly still made her heart jump. ¡°Do you have any proof?¡± she asked. ¡°Of course. That¡¯s why I said what I just said. I found the woman who helped Quinn look after Mr. Grafton that day.¡± Hearing that, Sidonie knew she couldn¡¯t deny it anymore. ¡°Back then, after Quinn saved Mr. Grafton, she had to leave for something urgent. She gave him first aid, called the ambnce, and asked a woman nearby to stay with him until help arrived. That woman had a strong memory of the event. She remembered how brave Quinn was, jumping into the river to save someone. What stood out even more¡­¡± Lindgren paused and looked hard at Sidonie. ¡°The woman was wearing a military uniform and left in a hurry, like she had a mission.¡± Sidonie¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Are you sure it was Quinn?¡± ¡°It was because Mr. Grafton mentioned her name that I showed the witness Quinn¡¯s photo when I found her. She immediately recognized her as the one who rescued Mr. Grafton.¡± Sidonie remained silent. She had also been by the river that day. But by the time she got there, Quinn had already gone. She only saw someone lying on the riverbank. Out of curiosity, she approached, and the unconscious Trent grabbed her skirt. When the ambnce arrived, she got in with them. The woman who had stayed with Trent simply told the paramedics that he had fallen into the river and been rescued. Military 165 Chapter 165 Nothing Serious Because Sidonie had been near the river, her clothes and hair were wet. So the paramedics assumed she was the rescuer. And she, wanting the credit, didn¡¯t correct them. She never imagined that the real person who had saved Trent all those years ago was actually Quinn. After a pause, Sidonie asked, ¡°How much does Trent know?¡± ¡°Mr. Grafton doesn¡¯t know anything yet,¡± Lindgren replied with a chuckle. ¡°Since you called me first the next day, I told him we¡¯d talk in person.¡± Naturally, Sidonie understood that Lindgren hade to her first hoping to gain something. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the daughter of the Stonehurst family and will marry Mr. Grafton eventually. Mr. Grafton is valuable. If he finds out you lied about saving him, he might not want to be with you anymore.¡± ¡°Name your price,¡± Sidonie said through gritted teeth. ¡°Fifty million!¡± Lindgren said without hesitation. ¡°What?¡± Sidonie¡¯s eyes widened. That was a ridiculous amount. ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of money. My family is just a side branch of the Stonehurst family. We only get a few million a year. Plus, I¡¯ve only recently started working as a co¨Cpilot. I haven¡¯t saved much.¡± ¡°But Mr. Grafton gave you a lot of jewelry, right? At the press conference where he and Quinn announced their divorce, Quinn said the jewelry he gave you over the years was worth around fifty million.¡± Clearly, Lindgren had done his research before meeting Sidonie. Sidonie clenched her teeth. Damn it! It¡¯s those jewels again! Quinn had used them to her advantage before, and now Lindgren was doing the same. ¡°I can¡¯t sell them. It¡¯d make Trent suspicious. I can only give you five hundred thousand in cash for now. Once we¡¯re married, I¡¯ll pay the rest.¡± ¡°Five hundred thousand? You think I¡¯m some kind of beggar?¡± Lindgren retorted bluntly. Sidonie held back her anger and stepped back. ¡°Fine, go ahead and tell Trent everything. You won¡¯t get anything from me! Even if Trent gets mad at me for lying, I can make him forgive me!¡± Sure enough, Lindgren hesitated when he heard that. ¡°Besides,¡± Sidonie added, ¡°you already know everything. If I don¡¯t give you the rest of the money, you could tell Trent anytime!¡± ¡°All right then,¡± Lindgren said. ¡°I want the five hundred thousand by tomorrow. And after you marry Trent, you must give me the remaining amount!¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Sidonie agreed quickly. What she needed most was time. As long as she could get Trent to marry her, she believed she could deal with the rest. Even if Trent found out the truthter, she was confident he would still choose to stay with her. As for Lindgren, he was dreaming if he thought he¡¯d really get the money. Sidonie smiled. In the end, she believed she would be the true winner. After being discharged from the hospital, Quinn returned to Julius¡® mansion. But ording to what Julius said, she wouldn¡¯t need to work as his bodyguard anymore. ¡°Why? Is it because I got hurt this time?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need anymore. The military sent you to protect me because some people in the Whitethorn family didn¡¯t support me. They worried something might happen to me that would affect our joint projects. But now, no one in the Whitethorn family is left to oppose me, so I¡¯m not in danger anymore.¡± Quinn looked at him with mixed feelings, unsure whether to fully believe him. ¡°You forgot what I promised? I said I wouldn¡¯t lie to you.¡± Just then, Quinn¡¯s phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was a call from Dominic. ¡°Mr. Zahn!¡± ¡°Quinnie, I heard you were hurt. You already left the service, and I feel bad for pulling you back and getting you injured,¡± Dominic said, sounding very guilty. ¡°It¡¯s just a small injury, nothing serious.¡± ¡°Still, you must take good care of yourself. From now on, your mission as a bodyguard is over. You don¡¯t need to protect Julius anymore.¡± Quinn was shocked. That was basically a direct order to end the mission. After the call, she turned to Julius and asked, ¡°Did you talk to the military about this?¡± Military 166 hapter 166 I Can Go With You ¡°Yup,¡± Julius admitted, knowing that an order from the military might convince her more than his own words. ¡°Quinnie, you don¡¯t need to protect me anymore. Let me protect you instead!¡± Even though he enjoyed the feeling of being protected by her, which gave him a special kind offort, he would rather be the one to get hurt than see her injured again. At that moment, Quinn¡¯s phone rang again. This time, the caller ID disyed Han¡¯s name. Just as she was about to answer, Julius quickly reached out and covered her hand. It was as if he was trying to prevent her from answering that call. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn asked, looking at Julius with a puzzled expression. He pursed his lips, pulling his hand back. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± He simply didn¡¯t want her to answer Han¡¯s call. Between Trent and Han, it was Han who really made Julius feel threatened. He had already found a way to get Han to leave Yarburn and go back to Jexburgh, just so Quinn wouldn¡¯t keep running into him. So when Han suddenly called, it made Julius feel worried again. Quinn answered the call and heard Han¡¯s voice on the other end. ¡°Quinnie, is your bodyguard job over?¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± Quinn asked in surprise. ¡°I just dropped by the military camp and overheard it. Now that your mission is over, when are youing back to Jexburgh?¡± Quinn paused. That¡¯s right. Since the mission is over, I should go back to Jexburgh! ¡°Want me to book a flight for you? I¡¯lle pick you up at the airport!¡± Han sounded excited. ¡°Not just yet. I still have some things to take care of here. I¡¯ll let you know when I¡¯m heading back.¡± Even though Han was a little let down that he couldn¡¯t see her right away, he figured he wouldn¡¯t have to wait too long. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your call. Let¡¯s meet up when you¡¯re back. I have so much I want to talk about.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn replied. After the call ended, Julius asked, ¡°Are you going back to Jexburgh soon?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together. ¡°Now that the mission is over, I do need to return to Jexburgh, but only after I¡¯ve handled some personal matters. There are still things I need to take care of there too.¡± ¡°How long do you n to stay in Yarburn?¡± ¡°Probably around ten days or so.¡± She wanted to take time to say a proper goodbye to Murren. ¡°Can¡¯t you stay a bit longer for me?¡± Julius asked. He really didn¡¯t want her to leave so soon and go see 3 18 Chapter 166 1 Han. He hoped she¡¯d like him more before returning to Jexburgh. That would help him feel more at ease. Quinn thought for a moment, then said, ¡°I can stay in Yarburn a bit longer for you, but not too much longer. And even after I return to Jexburgh, I won¡¯t stay there long either. I n to go to the border and search for clues about my brother. Maybe we¡¯ll have to live apart sometimes. If you think that kind of rtionship won¡¯t work for you, it¡¯s better to say so now.¡± Julius felt his heart skip. She was giving him a choice, but he hated the idea. It made him feel like she might leave him. Maybe she only liked him a little, not enough to stay. Maybe she didn¡¯t love him yet, so she could just walk away. But he couldn¡¯t ept that. ¡°Quinnie, we went through so much to be together. How could I even think about breaking up just because we¡¯ll be apart for a while? Don¡¯t say stuff like that,¡± Julius murmured, slowly lowering his head, his lips gently brushing against her bandaged arm. That was the arm she¡¯d hurt while trying to protect him. ¡°Besides¡­ if you¡¯re going to find your brother, I can go with you,¡± he added. ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°You want to go with me to the border?¡± ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°What about your job?¡± ¡°Nowadays, with the inte, I can work from anywhere. Besides, what¡¯s the point of all those people in the Whitethorn family if not to handle things?¡± Quinn thought about it and realized he was right. She¡¯d also nned to head to the border to look for her brother, bncing some work along the way. For five years, she had actually been searching everywhere, whether it was through military channels or on her own. She had even ventured to the border where her brother had disappeared, not once, but three times. Even though every clue she found online turned out to be useless, she never gave up hope. She truly believed her brother was still alive. Chapter 167 I Can Sue You Military 167 Chapter 167 I Can Sue You And so, she nned to visit the border for the fourth time. ¡°Quinnie, now that you¡¯ve said yes to dating me, don¡¯t even think about dumping me!¡± Julius looked up at her. His eyes, usually cold and distant, were now warm and gentle, full of charm. It was like they were made to catch her full attention. If it meant getting her to care more about him, he was ready to do anything. Whatever it was, he would do it. Over the next few days, Quinn stayed at Julius¡® mansion to heal her injured arm. The injury wasn¡¯t serious to her, but Julius acted like it was. He changed her whole diet and personally cleaned and bandaged her wound every day. He even moved all his work to the mansion so he could take care of her. Although he was being over¨Cthe¨Ctop, Quinn couldn¡¯t help but feel touched. She could see that he truly cared. A weekter, the wound scabbed over. She still had to be careful with her arm, but she was mostly back to normal. At the same time, she received an invitation from the orphanage, inviting her to participate in their activities. It was the same one they visitedst time on the ind. On the card, a line stood out, written in a child¡¯s shaky handwriting: Ms. Bridger, I hope you can watch my performance. It was written by Minnie, the child Quinn had saved from the seast time. ¡°Do you want to go?¡± Julius asked as he nced at the invitation in her hands. ¡°Of course I do!¡± Quinn replied, eager to see how the child was doing now. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go too.¡± To him, wherever she went, he would go as well. That weekend, they attended the event at the orphanage. To their surprise, Sidonie and Trent were there too. ¡°Quinn, what are you doing here?¡± Trent asked, frowning. ¡°Why? You cane and I can¡¯t?¡± Quinn joked. Trent was silent for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ve figured it out. It was Sidonie who saved me all those years ago, not you. Please stop spreading these lies. You¡¯re only making yourself look worse.¡± He turned to Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I hope you don¡¯t fall for this woman¡¯s act.¡± Julius smirked and replied, ¡°I always knew you were clueless, Trent. But I didn¡¯t know you were this clueless. Say one more thing against Quinnie, and I swear, I¡¯ll rip your tongue out.¡± Trent felt a chill run down his spine. Quinn looked at the quiet Sidonie, then faced Trent. ¡°I told you before, if you believe it was Sidonie, then fine. But you have no right to judge my character.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Trent wanted to argue, but seeing Julius standing beside Quinn, he backed down. Many of the same donors from thest ind visit hade to today¡¯s event. The children performed songs, dances, and poems to thank everyone. Some journalists were also present. After the performances, a sixteen¨Cyear¨Cold boy who was hosting the event stepped forward. ¡°Thank you to all of you who watched our performance today. We¡¯re also thankful for your donations fromst time. We¡¯re especially happy that Ms. Sidonie Stonehurst is here. We heard she¡¯s a pilot and was also a firefighting hero five years ago. We¡¯d like to invite Ms. Stonehurst on stage to say something!¡± Sidonie was taken aback, clearly unaware of this part of the event. However, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she still took to the stage. ¡°I¡¯m not a hero. I just did what anyone would do. I believe if anyone sees a fire, their conscience would tell them to help.¡± The audience pped loudly. Then, a reporter suddenly asked, ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, were you really part of the firefighting that day? I heard your colleague died right in front of you, and you didn¡¯t save him!¡± The atmosphere at the scene immediately turned chaotic, and Sidonie¡¯splexion changed dramatically. ¡°Do you have any proof to back up your ims?¡± Sidonie demanded sharply. ¡°If you can¡¯t provide any evidence, I can sue you for defamation!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not here to nder you in any way. However, before I came here today, I received an anonymous message. It stated that you, Ms. Stonehurst, once watched as your colleague was engulfed in mes, yet chose to flee instead of helping. Because of that, your colleague died!¡± Military 168 Chapter 168 You Were Amazing The reporter spoke and pulled out his phone, showing everyone the message he got that morning. Then he handed the phone to Sidonie. She stared at it, her face turning as pale as paper. She looked calm on the outside, but inside she was shocked. Who is it? Who sent the message? How did they know about what really happened back then? ¡°This number can¡¯t be traced,¡± the reporter said. ¡°All I want is the truth. Ms. Stonehurst, can you help exin this?¡± Sidonie took a deep breath and looked at the crowd in front of the stage. There were many donors and journalists there. If there was anything strange about her expression, it could give her away. ¡°Yes, I lost a colleague in that big fire back then, but it was an ident. I wasn¡¯t near him when it happened. By the time I noticed, he was already gone. All I could do was call the fire department and try to fight the mes with whatever tools I had. The police checked everything back then and found that it was my colleague¡¯s own mistake. He had smoked a cigarette and didn¡¯t put it out properly. That¡¯s why I want to remind everyone again. Fire safety is everyone¡¯s job!¡± Her voice was strong, and the audience broke into apuse. The color returned to Sidonie¡¯s face as she went on. ¡°I have no idea who would send such a prank message, but I believe in justice. If I really were as this message ims, then the government would not have awarded me back then, nor would I have received so many honors.¡± She looked around the room. ¡°I don¡¯t know if the person who sent the message is here, but listen up- people who try to ruin others in secret will never win!¡± Even louder pping followed. Sidonie lifted her chin proudly and walked off the stage to return to her seat. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Trent asked with concern. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Sidonie replied. But only she knew her palms were sweaty from nerves. Who could¡¯ve sent that message? It almost felt like the person had really been there that night. But how was that even possible? The only ones present were the co¨Cpilot and me. And the co¨Cpilot didn¡¯t survive the fire. The dead can¡¯t talk. I¡¯ve never told a single soul about what happened. Could it be that the same person who sent that reporter the message is the one who messaged me before? ¡°Should we head back first?¡± Trent asked. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Sidonie replied. If she left first, it might look like she had something to hide. It was better to stay and show she had nothing to be afraid of. The surprise moment passed, but Quinn looked down, lost in thought. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Julius asked. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just thought Sidonic looked a bit strange on stage.¡± ¡°She was pretending to be calm.¡± Taken aback, Quinn asked, ¡°So¡­ do you think what the message said might be true?¡± ¡°Hard to say. Maybe she really did ignore the situation. Or maybe there¡¯s more she¡¯s not telling. Either way, she didn¡¯t react like someone who¡¯spletely innocent.¡± As Quinn thought about it, a little girl came running over and jumped into her arms. ¡°Ms. Bridger, did you see me perform just now?¡± ¡°I did! You were amazing,¡± Quinn said, smiling and patting her head. Minnie grinned happily, then tugged at Quinn¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Ms. Bridger, would you y tag with us? You can be ¡®it¡®!¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Quinn said with a smile. She was about to follow the kids when Julius stopped her. ¡°Your arm is still hurt.¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty much better now.¡± Still, Julius looked worried. ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± ¡°But that¡¯ll make the kids really sad,¡± Quinn said, looking at the children¡¯s eager faces full of hope. 542 Military 169 Chapter 169 Out Of Line Julius pursed his lips. ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°You¡¯re going to be ¡®it¡®?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Quinn couldn¡¯t imagine Julius, of all people, ying tag with the kids. He just didn¡¯t seem the type. But to her shock, Julius was beingpletely serious. He even bent down and said to Minnie, ¡°Ms. Bridger hurt her arm, so I will y with you instead!¡± After saying that, Julius took off his suit jacket, removed his tie, unbuttoned his cuffs, and rolled up his sleeves. A few momentster, Quinn saw Julius running across thewn, ying ¡°it¡± while a group of kids ran around him. He looked nothing like his usual cold and distant self. Instead, he looked like a carefree young man just enjoying the moment. Everyone there, especially those who knew Julius¡® status, was stunned by the scene. No way! That¡¯s Mr. Whitethorn? The man known as the one you simply can¡¯t mess with in Jexburgh? And anyone who crosses him ends up in a bad way? But now, he¡¯s ying with the kids. This must be a dream! Quinn couldn¡¯t stop smiling as she watched. The more time she spent with Julius, the more she saw how different he was from what she¡¯d thought. She pulled out her phone to take a few quick photos of him. Just as she was about to put it away, a sudden thought crossed her mind. She opened her browser and started searching for information about the co¨Cpilot who died in the fire five years ago. It had been ruled that the fire was caused by his smoking. Even though he had already passed away, the inte had heavily criticized him, and his family had suffered a lot because of the bacsh. At the time, Nimbus Air had even paid a lot of money to cover up the story. If the man really did cause the fire that killed him, maybe that was karma. But still, she wondered what Sidonie was hiding. Just then, Sidonie¡¯s voice abruptly rang out. ¡°Quinn, were you the one who sent those nasty, hateful messages?¡± Quinn turned and saw Sidonie just a few steps behind her. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I must¡¯ve hit a nerve,¡± Sidonie said, stepping closer. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t you, then why were you reading news about the fire from five years ago? And it¡¯s even about my dead colleague!¡± She reached out to grab Quinn¡¯s phone, but Quinn quickly stepped aside, making Sidonie miss. ¡°So just because I looked up that news, you think I¡¯m the one who sent the message to the reporter?¡± Quinn scoffed. ¡°Who else would it be if not you!¡± Sidonic shouted. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. ¡°You¡¯re still angry that I took Trent from you. You knew I¡¯d be here today and wanted to destroy my reputation by sending that message to the press.¡± ¡°Sidonie, don¡¯t tter yourself,¡± Quinn replied mockingly. ¡°If you want Trent, have him. I gave up on him a long time ago. Why would I be jealous of you? But the way you¡¯re freaking out right now? If other people saw this, they might think everything you said on stage was fake, and that the message told the real story.¡± ¡°You-¡± Sidonie¡¯s expression changed. ¡°If you didn¡¯t set me up, then prove it. Let me see your phone!¡± Sidonie waspletely convinced Quinn was behind everything. Out of everyone she¡¯d had arguments with, Quinn seemed the most likely. Plus, Quinn was there all three times¨Cwhen the fire story aired on the ind, when Sidonie got the first anonymous message, and now when the reporter received one. What were the chances of all that happening by ident? ¡°Why should I let you check my phone?¡± Quinn said,ughing in frustration. ¡°If you¡¯re not guilty, then why are you scared?¡± Sidonie snapped. Quinn had had enough and turned to walk away. Sidonie wouldn¡¯t back down. She lunged toward Quinn, trying to grab her phone by force. But she couldn¡¯t match Quinn¡¯s speed. She lost her bnce and fell to the ground. ¡°Sidonie!¡± Trent ran over and helped her up. Then he looked at Quinn with anger in his eyes. ¡°Quinn, that was way out of line!¡± Military 170 Chapter 170 She Does Not Owe Anyone ¡°Out of line?¡± Quinnughed, clearly finding that ridiculous. ¡°I saw it with my own eyes. You tripped Sidonie!¡± Trent eximed in frustration. ¡°Why do you hate her so much? Why would you want to hurt her like that?¡± ¡°If you saw that, then howe you didn¡¯t see her trying to grab my phone?¡± Quinn shot back. ¡°And if I really wanted to hurt her, do you think she would¡¯ve just fallen to the ground?¡± At that, both Trent¡¯s and Sidonie¡¯s faces changed slightly. They¡¯d seen what Quinn could do. Trent himself had once been knocked over by one of her kicks. If she truly meant to harm Sidonie, there would have been no contest. ¡°Quinn, if you hadn¡¯t refused to give up your phone, I wouldn¡¯t have had to grab it!¡± Sidonie defended herself. Then she turned to Trent. ¡°I think Quinn¡¯s the one who sent that message to the reporter. She used the fire from five years ago to ruin my reputation. That¡¯s why I wanted to check her phone!¡± ¡°What?¡± Trent looked shocked and turned to Quinn. ¡°Did you really do that?¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you need proof to make usations?¡± Quinn asked coolly. ¡°If Sidonie says the message is nder, then using me without proof is also nder.¡± Trent hesitated for a second. ¡°But Sidonic wouldn¡¯t lie about something like this.¡± Quinn let out augh. ¡°Fine, believe whatever you want. I just hope you won¡¯t regret itter.¡± She turned to leave, tired of dealing with them, but Trent suddenly reached out and grabbed her injured arm. Quinn couldn¡¯t move fast enough to avoid him, and he got a grip. ¡°Let go,¡± she said coldly. ¡°Then hand over your phone. Or I¡¯ll call the police and report you for trying to frame Sidonie!¡± Quinn stared at him icily. ¡°If you choose to believe Sidonie, that¡¯s your business. But I don¡¯t have to go. along with it. This is yourst warning. Let go.¡± ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡± Trent asked, sq ueezing her arm tighter. Quinn raised her leg and kicked Trent hard. He flew backward andnded painfully on the ground. The noise drew attention. People nearby started looking over. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Julius walked over. He frowned when he saw the scene. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Quinn replied nonchntly. But Julius noticed her arm. Her light¨Ccolored sleeve had a red spot. Blood was soaking through. ¡°Did your wound reopen?¡± Julius asked anxiously. ¡°It probably tore when Trent grabbed me. I¡¯ll treat it when I get home.¡± The wound had merely split open, a bit of blood seeping out. To her, it was no big deal. However, Julius¡® face had turned frighteningly grim. He turned to look at Trent, who had just picked himself up from the ground. ¡°You did this?¡± Trent, already humiliated after being kicked down in front of so many people, was furious. Upon hearing Julius¡® words, he said, ¡°I suspect it was Quinn who sent the message to the reporter, ndering Sidonie. I only asked her for her phone!¡± Julius fixed his gaze on Trent, slowly closing the distance between them. ¡°You asked her for her phone?¡± ¡°Yeah, if she¡¯s innocent, then she should hand over her phone to prove it!¡± In the blink of an eye, Julius had already approached him. The towering figure of the other man gave him. a sense of overwhelming pressure. In Julius¡® deep, dark eyes, there was a coldness that sent a chill down Trent¡¯s spine. ¡°You grabbed Quinnie¡¯s arm, didn¡¯t you?¡± Julius nced at Trent¡¯s right hand as he spoke. At that moment, there were traces of blood on the fingertips of his right hand. It was only then that Trent noticed the blood stains. ¡°I didn¡¯t know her arm was injured. If she¡¯d just shown us her phone, I wouldn¡¯t have-¡± ¡°She doesn¡¯t owe anyone proof of her innocence!¡± Julius interrupted coldly. Then came a loud, cracking sound. Julius had grabbed Trent¡¯s right hand and broken it. Military 171 Chapter 171 Do You Like Me Like That Everyone was shocked. Trent cried out in pain. His right hand was bent at a strange angle and hung limp by his side. ¡°Julius!¡± Sidonie quickly helped Trent, her voice filled with anger. ¡°Even if you¡¯re the powerful Mr. Whitethorn, feared all over Jexburgh, you can¡¯t just do whatever you like!¡± Especially over someone like Quinn! ¡°If anyone has anything to say, talk to mywyer. Anyone who tries to hurt Quinn won¡¯t get away with it!¡± Julius walked straight to Quinn and picked her up in his arms. Quinn felt a little embarrassed. Her arm was hurt, not her leg, yet he liked to carry her. ¡°I can walk by myself.¡± ¡°I¡¯m worried.¡± Quinn was confused. Worried? About what? Julius gave a small nod to his team and the staff at the orphanage before leaving, still holding Quinn. In the car, Julius gently rolled up Quinn¡¯s sleeve to look at the bleeding wound. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± ¡°Not really.¡± But Julius still looked upset, as if he was the one feeling the pain. ¡°I¡¯m really fine,¡± Quinn said. ¡°By the way, did you really break Trent¡¯s right hand?¡± ¡°I did,¡± Julius replied, watching her reaction closely. ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together, and Julius suddenly felt nervous. After all, Trent was the man she once married to. Does she still care about him? If she does¡­ Jealousy started to build in his heart. ¡°What¡¯s there to be mad about?¡± Quinn said. ¡°Even though I don¡¯t agree with your way of doing things, I kicked Trent away myself. So if I¡¯m mad at you, I¡¯d have to be mad at myself too.¡± The jealousy inside Julius faded away instantly. ¡°But what if Trent sues you¡­¡± Quinn paused. ¡°Let him,¡± Julius said. ¡°It was just an ident that I broke his hand. Of course, the Whitethorn family will pay for his medical bills.¡± Quinn thought it over and realized it made sense. The Whitethorn family¡¯s legal team was one of the best in Jexburgh. They weren¡¯t just for show. Even if Trent sued, he probably wouldn¡¯t win. Once they were back at the mansion, Julius gently cleaned and bandaged Quinn¡¯s wound. ¡°If I had known they wereing after you, I never would have left.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not someone who needs protecting all the time,¡± Quinn replied with augh. ¡°This time I reopened my wound because of Trent. That was my fault. Also¡­ I really enjoyed watching you y tag with the kids. It felt like you were a different person.¡± ¡°Do you like me like that?¡± ¡°I do. Of course, I like you just the way you usually are. I just wish we had met earlier.¡± As she spent more time with him, she began to understand. Julius¡® distant, quiet nature came from his past and his family. If they had met sooner, would he have been more cheerful? More open? Would he have smiled more? Julius stopped and looked deeply at Quinn. After a moment, he murmured, ¡°Yeah, it would have been great if we had met earlier.¡± If they had, he wouldn¡¯t have let any other man get close to her. He would have been there for her, walking her to school, joining the military with her, and helping her in everything. He would have made himself the most important person in her life. But it wasn¡¯t toote. He could still stay by her side and make sure no other man got close. Trent¡¯s right hand was in a cast and wrapped in bandages. ¡°Quinn went too far. She used Julius to hurt you!¡± Sidonie said angrily. ¡°Julius is just some guy who uses the Whitethorn family¡¯s money. Trent, we can¡¯t just forget about this!¡± ¡°What? You want to sue him?¡± ¡°He hurt your hand that badly. Of course you should sue him. You¡¯re not scared, are you?¡± Sidonie wasn¡¯t just mad at Julius. She was even angrier at Quinn. If not for her, she and Trent wouldn¡¯t have ended up looking so bad in front of everyone. Military 172 Chapter 172 The Right Time ¡°If I really sue Julius, then I¡¯d bepletely going against the Whitethorn family, wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Trent said. Although he was angry, he understood that he was still far from being strong enough. If he were to sue Julius, he was worried thepanies he worked with might end their partnerships, afraid of the Whitethorn family¡¯s power. That could cause even more problems. Sidonie understood this too, but she couldn¡¯t ept it. ¡°So you¡¯re saying your injury means nothing?¡± ¡°Think of it as the price I paid for hurting Quinn.¡± Trent sighed with a bitter smile. At that moment, the blood on his fingertips had been cleaned away. If he¡¯d known earlier that Quinn¡¯s arm was injured, he never would have grabbed it. ¡°Do you still care about Quinn?¡± Sidonie asked indignantly. ¡°Even after she tried to ruin me, you still feel bad for her just because she bled a little?¡± Trent quickly exined, ¡°It¡¯s not that I care about Quinn, but we were married for three years. I never wanted her to get hurt! And are you sure she¡¯s the one who sent that message to the reporter?¡± ¡°Who else could it be? That time with the fire video showing up on the screen at the ind, and now this orphanage thing¨Cshe was at both ces. Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s just a coincidence! She¡¯s clearly jealous and trying to get back at me because I have you!¡± Trent stayed quiet. Is that really true? ¡°But she didn¡¯t have any proof. Why did she say you abandoned your colleague? Could she really have evidence?¡± ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Sidonie shouted, sounding more upset than usual. Trent looked at Sidonie in surprise. Realizing her tone was too harsh, Sidonie quickly added, ¡°I¡¯ve never done anything like that. Quinn can¡¯t have any proof. She¡¯s just saying things to ruin my name! Trent, you believe me, right?¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Trent replied. He had no reason to doubt Sidonie. Sidonie smiled and leaned into Trent¡¯s arms. ¡°So, we¡¯re officially a couple now. When do you think we should tell everyone?¡± Trent¡¯s heart sank. Is now really the right time? It has only been three months since my divorce. If I were to announce my rtionship with Sidonie now¡­ Noticing Trent¡¯s hesitation, Sidonie became upset. ¡°You¡¯re not nning to keep our rtionship a secret, are you? If so, why didn¡¯t you reject me that night? If you had, I never would¡¯ve been with you!¡± She angrily pushed Trent away and pretended to leave. Trent quickly stopped her. ¡°Sidonie, I didn¡¯t mean it like that. It¡¯s just that I got divorced recently. If we tell everyone right now, it might hurt your reputation. So maybe we should wait a bit and find a better time.¡± The displeasure on Sidonie¡¯s face gradually faded. ¡°All right then, we¡¯ll wait until the right time.¡± As she lowered her head, a hidden cunning look passed through her eyes. Chapter 17 The Right Time She knew his concern for her reputation was just an excuse. What he really cared about was how it might affect hispany and image. Since he cared so much about how things looked, she would make sure to find the perfect moment to force him to admit they were together. A few dayster, Quinn followed Julius to the office building of Whitethorn Group in Yarburn. Many of the staff had seen Quinn before. She used to act like a bodyguard, always staying close to Julius and keeping him safe. Julius had reced the entire security team after Quinn was shot in the underground parking lot. The Whitethorn family in Jexburgh had also gone through several changes. News of what happened to them had reached Yarburn, and people had heard bits and pieces of the story. Because of that, many people at the Yarburn office, especially the leaders and those connected to the Whitethorn family, were all nervous, worried they might get dragged into the trouble. Luckily, Julius hadn¡¯t beening to thepany muchtely, which helped calm things down a bit. But that day, when Julius and Quinn showed up together, many people started to feel something wasn¡¯t quite right. Nathan Lamorde, who had taken over Fabian¡¯s duties after he got hurt, especially, was shocked the moment he walked into the Chairman¡¯s office. He saw Julius kneeling in front of Quinn, gently holding her right foot with one hand and staring at it closely. Military 173 Chapter 173 The Helicopter Is Ready Chapter 173 The Helicopter Is Ready Is he really the same Mr. Whitethorn I hold in such high esteem? He¡¯s actually kneeling before a woman as if he¡¯s surrendering at her feet! Nathan even had this odd impression that any moment now, Julius would lean down and nt a kiss on the top of the woman¡¯s foot. ¡°Ah, Mr. Lamorde!¡± Quinn turned to look at Nathan with an awkward expression. ¡°I identally spilled some coffee on my shoes earlier, so¡­¡± Nathan quickly hid his shock and put on an understanding face. Quinn tried to pull her foot back, but Julius was still holding it firmly. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Quinn assured Julius. ¡°Your foot is still a bit red,¡± Julius said, promptly scooping up Quinn in his arms. Both Quinn and Nathan were dumbfounded. Inside the office, there was a small bathroom separated by a wall. Nathan watched as Julius carried Quinn over to the sink, turned on the faucet, and rinsed her foot with cold water. Meanwhile, the executives following Nathan saw that he hadn¡¯te back out after entering the office. So they gently pushed open the door and asked, ¡°Mr. Lamorde, is Mr. Whitethorn in there?¡± ¡°Yes, but¡­¡± Nathan replied, unsure of what to say. The executives suddenly became alert. Their minds went back to the time when Julius was in danger in the underground parking lot. They wondered if something had happened again. One executive quickly stepped into the room, pushing the door open. The others followed behind. What they saw left them speechless. The dignified Julius was actually washing Quinn¡¯s foot. Seeing everyone pour into the room, Quinn felt her headache get worse. ¡°All right, I¡¯m really okay now!¡± She was worried that more people might show up just to gawk. Julius looked at her right foot. The redness had faded under the cold water. Finally, he stopped, took out a handkerchief, and gently dried her foot. Then he helped her put on a spare pair of shoes from the office. Nathan and the executives werepletely stunned. Their feelings couldn¡¯t be described with a word like ¡°surprised.¡± ¡°You guys must be having a meeting, right? I¡¯ll step out then.¡± Quinn was about to leave when Julius suddenly held her back. ¡°You can stay here.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather sit outside for a while,¡± Quinn insisted. The way everyone was staring at her made her feel awkward. The seating area outside the office sounded much better. After a moment of hesitation, Julius finally said, ¡°All right then.¡± Then he picked up two boxes of medicine from his desk, nced at his watch, and said, ¡°In seven minutes, take your medicine. The two pills need to be taken five minutes apart.¡± Nathan and the executives looked on in disbelief. The same Julius who was usually brief and serious in meetings now sounded more like a chatty olddy. ¡°All right,¡± Quinn said, taking the medicine and leaving the office with Nathan. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn treats you really well,¡± Nathanmented. Julius acted in totally different ways around Quinnpared to how he behaved with Marley. Quinn gave a softugh. She already knew how kind Julius had always been to her. Being with him made her feel truly treasured. Over time, he had be more and more important to her without her even noticing. She wanted to kiss him and protect him, even when it wasn¡¯t part of a mission. She even wished she could one day help him heal from the pain of his past. It seemed she had fallen in love with him. ¡°Ms. Bridger, it¡¯s time for your medicine,¡± Nathan said, handing her a ss of water. ¡°Thank you,¡± Quinn replied as she took the water and got ready to take her pills. The two medicines were just for boosting her immune system and helping with blood replenishment. In Quinn¡¯s opinion, it wouldn¡¯t matter much if she didn¡¯t take them. But for some reason, Julius was convinced she was physically weak and insisted she needed proper care. After she took her pills, her phone rang. After a quick call, she turned to Nathan and said, ¡°Please let Julius knowter that something came up. I need to head over to Bridger Group.¡± With that, she hurried off. When Quinn arrived at Bridger Group, she ran into Marley. Seeing Quinn, Marley furrowed her brows. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°What I¡¯m doing here has nothing to do with you,¡± Quinn said, trying to walk past Marley. But then a voice called from behind. ¡°Marley, why did you call Quinn and me over?¡± Quinn turned and saw Sidonie and Trent walking into the building. Trent¡¯s right hand was in a cast. ¡°I didn¡¯t call her. She came on her own!¡± Marley quickly said, rushing toward Sidonie. ¡°You¡¯re finally here. The helicopter is ready. We¡¯ve been waiting for you toe and help with the rescue!¡± Something had gone wrong at a project site on the ind, and they needed immediate help. The police had already been contacted, but calling a helicopter through them would take hours. Bridger Group had its own helicopter, so Marley had asked Sidonie for help. After all, the incident happened because Marley had pushed too hard to speed up the constru schedule, which led to missed safety checks. ¡°So, you want me to help save someone?¡± Sidonic said, looking smugly at Quinn. ¡°Then tell Q apologize to me and to Trent first.¡± ¡°What?¡± Marley was taken aback. Quinn narrowed her eyes, locking eyes with Sidonie, whose look was full of malice. Military 174 Chapter 174 I Will Go ¡°Sidonic, what¡¯s going on? Why exactly do you want Quinn to apologize?¡± Marley asked, baffled. ¡°A few days ago, Trent and I attended an event at an orphanage,¡± Sidonie began. ¡°That¡¯s when I started suspecting Quinn was the one leaking information to reporters to drag my name through the mud. I asked to check her phone, but she refused. And then she treated both Trent and me with outright hostility.¡± She intentionally paused for a moment. ¡°Marley, Trent¡¯s wrist is broken now, and it¡¯s all because of Quinn. If she hadn¡¯t stirred things up, why would Julius have snapped Trent¡¯s wrist like that?¡± Marley¡¯s expression changed instantly. Julius broke Trent¡¯s wrist for Quinn? Julius, who has never once stepped in for anyone, has now done it more than once for her¡­ With that thought, Marley turned to Quinn and snapped, ¡°Apologize to Sidonie and Mr. Grafton right now!¡± But Quinn didn¡¯t look the least bit concerned. Just minutes ago, Moldred had called to fill her in on the situation and ask her to pilot a helicopter for a rescue mission to the ind. She had no intention of wasting time here. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t you dare walk away!¡± Marley rushed to block her. Marley needed Sidonie to go on that rescue mission, not just to save people, but to cover up her own mistake. If any Bridger Group employees stranded on the ind ended up hurt, Marley would also be responsible for it. ¡°And why shouldn¡¯t I leave?¡± Quinn asked with augh. ¡°Quinn!¡± Sidonie stepped in. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be this discharged soldier with a heart of gold? Here¡¯s your chance to prove it. Apologize to me, and if I¡¯m satisfied with your apology, I¡¯ll go fly that helicopter. Refuse, and if I change my mind mid¨Cflight, well¡­ nobody¡¯s getting rescued.¡± ¡°If anyone from Bridger Group dies because of a dy,¡± she added, shamelessly pinning the me on Quinn, ¡°that blood¡¯s on your hands!¡± Trent, who had stayed quiet all this time, finally spoke. ¡°Quinn, forget apologizing to me, but you owe Sidonie one. She¡¯s a hero who saved lives in that fire. She doesn¡¯t deserve to be ndered like this.¡± ¡°Hero?¡± Quinn scoffed. With Sidonie, I really wonder if she¡¯s truly a hero. Her behavior at that orphanage event raised serious questions. She clearly has something to hide! ¡°Whether she¡¯s a hero or not, if you¡¯re going to use me of ndering her, how about you show some proof first? I don¡¯t have time to argue.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere until you apologize!¡± Marley shouted, signaling security to block Quinn¡¯s exit. Quinn frowned. Marley raised her voice, as if she had the moral high ground. ¡°Do the lives of those Bridger Group employees mean nothing to you? Every minute you dy puts them in more danger! If something happens, I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re held responsible!¡± Quinn shot back, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be holding Sidonie responsible? She¡¯s refusing to help just because of some personal grudge. Does that look right to you?¡± Marley faltered for a moment, then snapped, ¡°That¡¯s only because you won¡¯t apologize!¡± ¡°And why should she?¡± Julius cut in. Quinn turned to see him walking over. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she asked. ¡°Nathan said you were headed to Bridger Group,¡± he said. ¡°So, I figured I¡¯d check things out for myself.¡± He shot Marley a sharp nce that made her skin crawl. Sidonie stepped forward. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, don¡¯t you think Quinn should apologize to Trent and me for what she pulled at the orphanage? Or are you going to apologize for her?¡± Julius let out a shortugh. ¡°You think you can handle an apology from me?¡± ¡°Whether we can handle it or not is none of your business,¡± Sidonie replied coldly. ¡°If you want me to do the rescue, she apologizes first.¡± A flicker of anger passed through Julius¡® eyes, but before he could speak, Quinn stepped forward. ¡°Sidonie, other people¡¯s lives aren¡¯t leverage. If you don¡¯t want to go, fine. I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°What?¡± Marley stared at her. ¡°You¡¯ll go?¡± Sidonie sneered. ¡°Oh, stop trying to show off. You? Even if you flew aircraft back in the military, that was three years ago. You¡¯re rusty. That ind¡¯s got tough winds. Can you even handle it?¡± Military 175 Chapter 175 I Am Going Too ¡°Whether I can fly or not, that¡¯s my concern, not yours,¡± Quinn answered tly. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯ve been waiting for you,¡± Moldred said as he walked up. ¡°Uncle Moldred, I can pilot the helicopter and head to the ind for the rescue any time,¡± Quinn told him. ¡°Good. Come with me. The helicopter¡¯s on the rooftop helipad,¡± he said. The security team that had blocked her path earlier didn¡¯t dare stop her now. ¡°Uncle Moldred, you¡¯re really letting her take the helicopter for the rescue mission?¡± Marley asked in disbelief. ¡°Who else would I trust with it? Sidonie?¡± Moldred nced her way. He¡¯d clearly overheard her trying to ransom an apology for lives, and he wasn¡¯t impressed. Marley had noeback. Quinn and Julius followed Moldred into the elevator. Marley turned to Sidonie. ¡°Since Quinn¡¯s going on the rescue mission, you-¡± ¡°Hmph. You think she¡¯ll actually pull it off? She probably won¡¯t even make it to the ind,¡± Sidonie said, striding toward the elevator. ¡°I want to be there when she falls t on her face!¡± ¡°Exactly! They¡¯lle crawling back to you,¡± Marley said, rushing after her. Trent trailed behind, quiet. Inside the elevator, Sidonie looked over. ¡°Trent, why are you so quiet? Quinn¡¯s just setting herself up for humiliation. Just wait. I¡¯d like to see how she saves herself from this.¡± Trent stayed silent. Humiliation? Honestly, the ones getting humiliated might end up being us. I¡¯ve seen Quinn fly before. Her skills are on another level to Sidonie¡¯s. Soon, they reached the rooftop. Quinn was about to climb into the helicopter when Julius grabbed her arm. ¡°I can find another pilot. It doesn¡¯t have to be you,¡± he said, terrified she¡¯d get hurt. ¡°There¡¯s no time. The sooner I get there, the better the odds of rescuing them,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Then I¡¯m going with you,¡± he said firmly. ¡°You¡¯re not trained for rescue missions. You¡¯d only slow me down,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯ll be fine.¡± Julius looked her straight in the eye. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you toe back.¡± Quinn climbed in, and momentster the helicopter lifted smoothly off the rooftop and headed toward the ind. Sidonie stood there, watching the chopper disappear into the sky. Quinn actually flew it. And not just flew¨Cit was a clean, steady takeoff. Chapter m Going Impossible! Quinn was bluffing. I¡¯m supposed to be the one exposing her. So why does it feel like I¡¯m the one getting pped in the face? If Quinn brings those employees back safely, all eyes will be on her, and I¡¯ll be overshadowed. Absolutely not. I won¡¯t let that happen! Sidonic¡¯s eyes locked onto the second helicopter. ¡°I¡¯m going too!¡± ¡°What? You¡¯re going as well?¡± Marley lookedpletely caught off guard. ¡°Sure, Quinn can fly,¡± Sidonie said, ¡°but she¡¯s no licensed pilot like I am. Those winds are unpredictable. She might end up putting herself in danger before getting to the employees on the ind. I¡¯ll go, just to be safe.¡± She had to rescue those people before Quinn did. ¡°Fine, you go too!¡± Marley said loudly. ¡°Quinn¡¯s been discharged for years. Who knows how rusty she is!¡± Thatst part was clearly aimed at Julius. Seeing how things were unfolding, Moldred gave a small nod. ¡°Let Sidonie go as well.¡± He quickly arranged for another rescuer to apany her. ¡°Trent,e with me,¡± Sidonic said. ¡°Me?¡± Trent hesitated. ¡°My wrist is injured. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d be much help. ¡°You don¡¯t need to do anything,¡± she replied. ¡°I just feel safer with you there.¡± What she really wanted was for Trent to see firsthand how much better she was than Quinn. ¡°Mr. Grafton, go with Sidonic,¡± Marley chimed in, backing her up. She also hoped Sidonie would rescue those people before Quinn did. Trent wanted to say, Julius isn¡¯t going, so why should I? But with both of them pressing him, he bit the bullet and climbed aboard. Military 176 hapter 176 Turning Back Moldred figured extra hands could only help the rescue mission, so he didn¡¯t stop them. Sidonie flew the second helicopter, with Trent and the rescuer beside her, heading for the ind. Marley turned to Julius. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s head back downstairs. Sidonic will bring them back soon.¡± Then Julius would finally see for himself that Quinn was all talk. But Julius didn¡¯t budge. His eyes stayed fixed on the sky, watching the direction Quinn¡¯s helicopter had gone, like he was trying to see straight through the clouds. What is it about Quinn that made Julius care so much? ¡°Julius, stop staring!¡± Marley reached for his hand, then stopped cold, staring at his strong right hand in hers. That hand had always been striking, even beautiful, but for her, it had once been the stuff of nightmares. Those fingers had nearly taken out her eye. They¡¯d felt like des back then. It was as if nothing could make that hand tremble. It took her years of therapy to get over the fear of those hands. But right now, his hand was trembling. Julius quickly pulled it away. ¡°Julius, what¡¯s going on? Are you sick or something? Your hand is shaking,¡± Marley asked. Julius pressed his lips into a tight line and looked down at his hand, still trembling. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s shaking,¡± he murmured. Because he was scared. Scared she¡¯d be in danger and he couldn¡¯t do a thing to help. The fear had wrapped itself around him, tight. ¡°Turns out I love her that much,¡± he whispered into the open air. Moldred, standing nearby, overheard it and was stunned. He¡¯d always had a hunch about Julius and Quinn, but hearing it spoken aloud was something else. Did he just admit to loving Quinn? Then Marley¡­ Moldred nced over at her. She was clenching her teeth so hard her jaw twitched, her face twisted with jealousy. He gave a quiet sigh and led her a few steps away. ¡°Let it go. You can¡¯t force something that just isn¡¯t meant to be.¡± Marley didn¡¯t answer, but the hatred burning in her eyes only deepened. Why? I¡¯ve sacrificed an eye, so why can¡¯t I get what I want? Quinn has given up nothing, and yet she got Julius. Marley couldn¡¯t stand it. She wouldn¡¯t allow it. Chapter 176 Turning Back +10 Free Coins Two helicopters flew in close session toward the crash site on the ind. The closer they got, the worse the wind became. It was wild, erratic, and strong. One wrong move and a helicopter could go straight into the ocean. Sidonie¡¯s hands gripped the controls tightly. Her palms were soaked with sweat. She¡¯d logged plenty of flight hours, even if most of them were spent as co¨Cpilot while the pilot made the final calls. She had always believed that when the day came, she¡¯d handle the pressure just fine. She¡¯d never thought those other pilots were better than her. But now, facing violent crosswinds and chaotic air currents, her confidence started to slip. One wrong judgment on the wind shear and they could all end up in the sea. I just wanted to beat Quinn to the punch and outshine her, not risk my life! ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, why aren¡¯t we moving forward?¡± the rescuer asked from the back. Sidonie forced a smile. ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous. We can¡¯t push through right now.¡± Dangerous? The rescuer looked ahead. The other helicopter was still flying forward, steady and smooth, cutting through the gusts. ¡°But the one ahead-¡± ¡°That¡¯s their aircraft. This is mine,¡± Sidonie snapped. ¡°Maybe they¡¯re just lucky.¡± She gave him a sharp look. ¡°Are you doubting my call?¡± The rescuer fell silent. Trent tried to calm the mood. ¡°Sidonie, don¡¯t worry. I believe in you. You¡¯ve got this.¡± But Sidonie didn¡¯t believe in herself at that moment. Her mouth was drawn in a tight line. Will it be okay if I keep going forward? What if¡­ we crash? Her fingers froze on the cyclic, and then, without warning, she swung the helicopter around and started heading back. The sudden turn made Trent and the rescuer jolt in their seats. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, aren¡¯t we going the wrong way?¡± ¡°Sidonie, where are we headed?¡± Trent asked, confused. ¡°Quinn¡¯s already there,¡± she said tly. ¡°Let her rescue those people. She volunteered to go, anyway. No reason for us to risk our lives.¡± Trent sat frozen. He hadn¡¯t expected that from her. This was the same woman who once saved him from a freezing river, who charged into burning forests on the border without a second thought. She was supposed to be the type to run into danger, not turn away from it. For a moment, he felt like something was terribly wrong. Chapter 176 Turning Back +10 Free Coir ¡°You risked everything to save me before,¡± he said quietly, ¡°and you ran into that fire without blinking. Why won¡¯t you take the risk now?¡± Military 177 Sidonie¡¯s face tightened for a moment. Why? Because my life matters to me, that¡¯s why. Putting myself on the line for strangers was never part of the n But when Trent challenged her, she responded, ¡°Because now there¡¯s someone I care about even more?¡± ¡°What?¡± Trent blinked. Sidonie ignored the rescuer and confessed, ¡°Trent, I care about you. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you. If you weren¡¯t on this helicopter, I¡¯d fly straight in, danger be d*mned. But you¡¯re here, so I made a different choice. Quinn¡¯s already gone in. We¡¯ll wait. If she really can¡¯t pull it off, I¡¯ll drop you off and go back in.¡± Trent felt his chest tighten. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sidonie. I shouldn¡¯t have doubted you. I-¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just don¡¯t question how I feel about you.¡± The rescuer rolled his eyes so hard that it nearly gave him a headache. First, Sidonic insisted she had to pilot this mission. Then she dragged along a guy with a cast on his wrist. And now she was backing off the flight for his sake. This is ridiculous. The guy even looks touched. What an idot. It¡¯s obvious Sidonie¡¯s just scared. She¡¯s probably not that good of a pilot either. And frankly, I don¡¯t want my life in her hands. Sneering inwardly at the couple, the rescuer radioed the team on Quinn¡¯s helicopter. ¡°What¡¯s the situation on your end?¡± ¡°We¡¯re on site, preparing to rappel.¡± ¡°Copy. Good luck.¡± Once the call ended, Sidonie and Trent exchanged a look. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, since you¡¯re so worried about this gentleman¡¯s safety,¡± the rescuers said dryly, ¡°maybe we should just head back. If things go sideways over there, you won¡¯t make it back in time after dropping him off.¡± Sidonie didn¡¯t have a reply for that. By the time Quinn¡¯s helicopter touched down on Bridger Group¡¯s rooftop helipad, medics were already standing by. They gave the victims a quick assessment and rushed them to the hospital. Only then did Quinn let out a breath and climb out of the cockpit. It was done. Everyone had been safely rescued. A secondter, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her. That familiar scent made her shoulders drop. It was Julius. He locked his arms around her waist and back, his face tucked into the curve of her neck. ¡°You¡¯re finally back safe!¡± His hoarse whisper shook with relief. Quinn ran a hand gently through his dark hair. They¡¯d only been apart for an hour, but he held her like it had been much longer. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m back, safe and sound,¡± she said with a softugh. He clung to her even tighter, as if only that alone could keep his world steady. Marley watched with her jaw clenched, eyes burning with jealousy. Trent also stared at the way Quinn fit into Julius¡® arms, his mind reying how she¡¯d flown straight into turbulent winds for total strangers. Just like on the ind, she¡¯d dived into the sea to save a kid she didn¡¯t even know. If, back then, she¡¯d actually leapt into the river to save me¡­ Get a grip. What is wrong with me? I¡¯ve already hired a private investigator. Eyewitnesses confirmed Sidonie was the one who rescued me. Even if Quinn was fearless, she didn¡¯t save me. Besides¡­ His eyes dropped to the hand she was now running through Julius¡® hair. That hand had once touched his. Now that tenderness belonged to someone else. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice came sharp with jealousy. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Quinn had stolen the show, while Sidonie herself was humiliated. Faced with this loss, she was burning inside. Military 178 Chapter 178 I Want To Sleep With You What unsettled Sidonie even more was the way Trent had just looked at Quinn, Only after she called out to him did Trent tear his gaze away and give a small nod. Inside the elevator, Sidonie suddenly asked, ¡°Trent, if the timing¡¯s right, will you really announce our rtionship?¡± Trent paused for a beat. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Good.¡± Sidonic dropped her gaze. If he can¡¯t find the right moment, I will. Quinn hadn¡¯t expected Julius to show up at her bedroom door that night. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she asked. ¡°Can¡¯t sleep,¡± Julius said honestly. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her lifting off in that helicopter. He knew she was an excellent pilot, but the panic wouldn¡¯t let go. And when he¡¯d asked toe with her, her reasoning had left him. speechless. She was a woman of principle and courage. She shone so brightly that it made him feel small. He hated that she would risk herself for others, but that was exactly why he was attracted to her. The conflict inside. him was tearing him apart. Quinn looked him over. ¡°You can¡¯t sleep, so you came here for a bedtime story?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a kid,¡± he muttered. ¡°So?¡± ¡°I want to sleep with you.¡± Quinn stared at him. Sleep? What does he mean by that? ¡°You want to sleep with me?¡± she echoed. ¡°Yeah.¡± He nodded and stepped in closer. ¡°I can¡¯t sleep on my own tonight. I¡¯m scared¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re scared?¡± She raised an eyebrow. This man had already dealt with the Whitethorns who opposed him. She¡¯d even just upgraded the security system at the mansion recently. ¡°I¡¯m scared that I¡¯ll wake up and you¡¯ll be gone. I¡¯m scared that something might happen to you,¡± he said quietly. Quinn remembered his reaction when she was headed for the rescue mission. ¡°But I came back safe,¡± she reminded him. ¡°Even so, the fear¡¯s still there,¡± he murmured. ¡°Quinnie, let me sleep next to you, will you? I swear I won¡¯t touch you unless you ask me to.¡± His dark eyes were full of pleading and unease. Whatever refusal she might¡¯ve had got stuck in her throat. After a moment, she relented. ¡°All right. You can sleep with me tonight.¡± His anxiety was because of her, after all. He smiled andy down beside her. The bed that usually felt so spacious now felt just a little too tight. As Quinn leaned over him to pull the nket up, Julius caught her wrist. ¡°Quinn, I won¡¯t do anything you don¡¯t want, but¡­ don¡¯t you want to do something to me?¡± She froze, staring down at him with one hand braced beside his torso, the other stretched across him to grab the nket. Her body was leaning over his, making it look like she was on top of him. He tipped his head back, lips parting, the usual coolness on his face softening into something almost seductive and dangerously appealing. ¡°Quinn, is there nothing you want to do to me?¡± This man¡­ he¡¯s doing it on purpose! Quinn raised an eyebrow. She¡¯d never seen this side of Julius before. It was rare and fascinating. ¡°You want me to do something to you?¡± she asked, her fingers gliding up his neck until they rested lightly on his Adam¡¯s apple. His lips parted a little more, his throat moved under her touch, and a faint blush crept up the sides of his ears. Quinn was caught off guard. He was usually so high and mighty, so detached. But right now, with her above him, he lookedpletely surrendered, like every emotion and every reaction was hers tomand. ¡°You can do anything to me, anything at all,¡± Julius whispered. Even her lightest touch filled him with joy. He wanted to be closer to her, and he wanted more¨Cmore of her affection, more of her desire, more of her love. Military 179 hapter 179 They Are Not Ugly Chapter 179 They Are Not Ugly For a moment, Quinn couldn¡¯t take her eyes off his face. Hisshes trembled as he looked up at her, eyes dark and filled with longing. ¡°Quinnie, are you¡­ going to do something to me?¡± His lips were slightly wet,pletely irresistible. Indeed, she did want to do something to him. She leaned in and kissed him. Hisshes fluttered, then lowered as he kissed her back, careful yet eager for more. When the kiss ended, the look in his eyes still rippled with emotion, as if one kiss hadn¡¯t been nearly enough. ¡°All right. Time to sleep,¡± Quinn said, taking a deep breath as she pulled the nket over them andy back beside him. ¡°What?¡± Julius blinked. That was it? One kiss and that was the end of it? Was that really all she felt for me? ¡°Am I not charming enough? Or did I do something wrong?¡± he asked, anxious. Herck of desire rattled him. I ¡°No. You¡¯re very charming, and you didn¡¯t do anything wrong,¡± Quinn said. If he weren¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t have kissed him in the first ce. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you keep going?¡± Quinn looked at him, amused by how much he resembled a nervous newlywed. ¡°Because it wouldn¡¯t be fair to you.¡± He was puzzled. ¡°I like you,¡± she said honestly, ¡°but I¡¯m not sure I love you yet.¡± She knew how real his feelings were. That was why she didn¡¯t want to get intimate if her heart wasn¡¯tpletely there, not when she wasn¡¯t certain yet. Julius stared at her, stunned by how honest she was. For her, liking someone wasn¡¯t enough. She wouldn¡¯t give herself fully unless she truly loved him. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll wait.¡± He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. His cool kiss lingered, as if he couldn¡¯t get enough of her warmth. ¡°Quinnie, I¡¯ll wait until you love me.¡± He would wait as long as it took, until her love for him was so deep she couldn¡¯t bear to be without him. And for that, he¡¯d do whatever it took. The warmth from his kiss flooded her palm, and her heart picked up speed. That night, Julius held her hand as he drifted off to sleep. Quinn, on the other hand,y awake thinking about him, only falling asleep during the early morning hours. When Quinn woke up the next day, her head was still foggy. She padded into the bathroom to freshen up, opened the door, then froze. Julius was standing with his back to her, just about to pull on a robe. He¡¯d clearly just showered, water still clinging to his hair. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t realize someone was in here!¡± Quinn blurted, instinctively stepping back to close the door. ¡°Ugly, isn¡¯t it?¡± Julius¡¯s voice cut through the room. ¡°What?¡± Quinn paused, confused. ¡°The scars on my back. They¡¯re ugly, aren¡¯t they?¡± He didn¡¯t move to cover up, letting her see the full view. His back was mapped with old, jagged scars. They were faded now, but still a testament to the brutalshings he¡¯d endured. He¡¯d been only a child then. Quinn¡¯s eyes stung. She¡¯d seen them before, but every time, they hit her like a punch. The pain, the rage, the heartache returned. She regretted not hitting his father harder when she¡¯d had the chance. She should¡¯vended more blows. Maybe even used a whip herself, just to make him understand what he¡¯d done. ¡°If you really think they¡¯re ugly, I can always-¡® ¡°They¡¯re not ugly,¡± Quinn cut him off. She stepped forward and reached out, tracing one of the scars with her fingers. His body went stiff. ¡°You really don¡¯t think they¡¯re ugly?¡± ¡°If scars are ugly, then I have a bunch, too. Do you think mine are ugly?¡± Quinn asked. She¡¯d sustained them during her military missions. ¡°Of course, not!¡± he said quickly, almost in panic. ¡°Exactly. Yours aren¡¯t either. The people who gave them to you¨Cthat¡¯s where the ugliness is. These scars just make me want to treat you better.¡± She only wished she could erase every painful memory from his past. Then her lips touched one of the scars. A soft, deliberate kiss, as if to tell him she didn¡¯t mind the scars at all. Julius stood frozen. The warmth of her mouth seemed to soak right through his skin, straight into his blood. Slowly, he lifted his head and looked at the mirror above the sink. In the reflection, he saw Quinn, bent over, gently kissing his scars with such care that it made his chest ache. His eyes started to shimmer. He knew what he was doing; he was using her kindness to win her heart a little more. It was selfish, even maniptive. But he wanted her love so badly. But if she ever finds out how calctive I¡¯m being right now, what would she think? ¡°Quinnie, I-¡± Military 180 Chapter 180 Steamy Bathroom Vows ¡°Hmm?¡± Quinn looked up, puzzled. Julius turned to her, took both her hands in his, and said, ¡°If you¡¯re okay keeping me around, then you¡¯ve got to stick to your promise, and treat me even better, all right?¡± Quinn burst intoughter. The powerful Mr. Whitethorn suddenly looks like a pitiful puppy. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll spoil you even more.¡± That was all it took. Julius couldn¡¯t hold back his excitement anymore. He slid one arm around her waist and kissed her. His lips were cool and soft, and he moved with gentle care, as if afraid a sudden move might scare her off. Only when she kissed him back did he deepen it. By the time they stepped out of the bathroom, Quinn¡¯s cheeks were flushed deep red, her breath uneven, lips swollen and bright, and a trail of fresh love bites lined her neck. This man¡­ he¡¯s like a siren! I finally get why they say sirens are so irresistible. It clearly applies to men, too. Back in the shower, I almost lost control and¡­ Quinn cut her thoughts short and refused to revisit what had happened in the bathroom. Julius, on the other hand, looked perfectlyposed. There was no flush, no fluster. ¡°What is it? Why are you staring at me like that?¡± he asked, changing right in front of her like nothing had happened. ¡°I¡¯m just amazed you¡¯re so calm, like all of this is just¡­ normal.¡± She couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it. Julius had no known public scandals, yet with his status, women should¡¯ve been throwing themselves at him for years. ¡°Normal?¡± He chuckled, lifted her hand, and pressed it against his chest. ¡°None of this is normal for me. I¡¯m not calm at all. I¡¯m nervous.¡± Beneath her palm, his heart pounded, loud and fast. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re the first woman I¡¯ve ever really wanted. First kiss, first night sharing a bed¨Cyou¡¯re the first. And you¡¯ll be thest,¡± he confessed. Quinn¡¯s eyes went wide. She couldn¡¯t believe it. Even dayster, the idea still stunned her. Did he just say I was his first kiss? Who would¡¯ve thought the head of the Whitethorn family hadn¡¯t had his first kiss before this? Thinking back to that kiss, she remembered how awkward he¡¯d been. She¡¯d taken the lead the entire time. Still, credit where it was due¨Che learned fast. Over the following days, he found every excuse to steal kisses, each more confident and practiced than thest. Quinn never stopped him. The kisses felt good, she liked him, and they were dating. Since that first night, Julius had been slipping into her room every evening, insisting they sleep side by side. She tried refusing, but the man was ridiculously good¨Clooking. Eventually, she caved. One night or a hundred, what difference does it make? Even sharing a bed, he never crossed the line. He¡¯d tease her a little, hold her hand, and then just fall asleep. It felt like, unless she gave him the go¨Cahead, he¡¯d never take it further. Meanwhile, news of the Bridger Group rescue went viral. The inte was full of glowing articles praising thepany¡¯s quick response and the sessful extraction of their trapped employees. One night, while Quinn was scrolling through headlines on her phone, she got a surprise call from a TV station. ¡°Ms. Quinn Bridger? We¡¯re with the Yarburn TV station. We heard you were involved in the rescue operation five days ago and would love for you to share your experience on our show.¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m not interested,¡± Quinn replied. She had never liked being on camera. ¡°But all the other rescuers have agreed. Are you sure?¡± ¡°The other rescuers?¡± ¡°Yes, including co¨Cpilot Sidonie Stonehurst. You both flew helicopters that day. Your bravery wasmendable, and we¡¯re hoping to highlight some uplifting stories on our show.¡± Quinn¡¯s expression cooled. So Sidonie still has the nerve to show up on television? ¡°Fine, I¡¯lle,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Fantastic. We¡¯ll see you soon.¡± Military 181 Chapter 181 Confrontation On Camera After she ended the call, Julius asked, ¡°You¡¯re doing a talk show?¡± ¡°Yeah. And Sidonie will be there. Since she¡¯s such a spotlight chaser, perfect¨CI¡¯ve got something to show her.¡± Julius raised an eyebrow. ¡°If you don¡¯t like her, I can take care of it.¡± Sidonie was just the overlooked daughter of the Stonehurst family¡¯s second branch. Even with her role as a co¨Cpilot at Nimbus Air, she couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Julius. If he wanted her out of the picture, it wouldn¡¯t take much. ¡°No need,¡± Quinn said. ¡°If someone needs handling, I¡¯ll do it myself. She¡¯s not worth your effort.¡± He didn¡¯t argue. ¡°All right. But if you ever want anything, just say the word.¡± Whatever she needed, he¡¯d make sure it got done. On the day of the taping, Julius went with Quinn to the station. The moment staff recognized him, they froze. Ms. Bridger didn¡¯t mention that Mr. Whitethorn was ! The legendary Mr. Whitethorn! An employee approached hesitantly. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you¡¯re¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll sit in the audience,¡± Julius said. The employee looked like he¡¯d swallowed his own tongue. Sure, talk shows had live audiences, but to have someone like Mr. Whitethorn among the audience? That¡¯s unimaginable! He could already picture the ratings breaking records. With staff guiding them, Julius and Quinn entered the studio. Sidonie was already sitting on the couch. The moment she saw Quinn, she gave a smug little sneer. ¡°I thought you were supposed to be all selfless, risking your life without wanting attention. Yet here you are, chasing screen time.¡± ¡°At least I actually saved lives,¡± Quinn shot back. ¡°You didn¡¯t rescue a single person, so why are you here?¡± Sidonie flushed, then forced a smile. ¡°You should be grateful I didn¡¯t have to step in. If I did, that would mean you messed up. Didn¡¯t you know I was right behind you that day? I was relieved you managed to save them. In fact, I was worried you wouldn¡¯t be able to pull it off.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Quinn raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. ¡°So that stalled chopper behind me was yours? I figured the pilot just didn¡¯t have the skills to handle the ind winds.¡± Sidonie¡¯s face turned crimson. ¡°Quinn, be reasonable,¡± Trent interrupted. ¡°Sidonie was just assessing the situation. If you¡¯d failed, she would¡¯ve stepped in.¡± Quinn let out a coolugh. ¡°Believe whatever you want.¡± ¡°Folks, we¡¯re about to begin,¡± the smiling host called out as a reminder to everyone. Chapter 181 Confrontation On Camera Julius leaned close to Quinn and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m heading to my seat.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± He made his way to the front row of the audience, with Trent trailing after him. +10 Free Coins Once everyone was seated and the opening remark wrapped up, the host grinned at the camera. ¡°Both pilots brought guests today. Would you mind telling us who they are to you?¡± The cameras panned over to Julius and Trent. The host clearly only cared about Julius; Trent was just background noise. Their faces appeared on the giant screen, and even viewers unfamiliar with the name were stunned just by Julius¡®manding presence. ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend,¡± Quinn said with calm, steady confidence. The moment she acknowledged him publicly, Julius¡® eyes lit up. A slow smile spread across his face. Right here, in front of everyone, Quinn had finally imed him. She¡¯d given him his ce beside her, out in the open. The host stared for a second, then saw Julius¡® smile and realized she was telling the truth. What a scoop. This is pure gold. Our ratings are going to go through the roof! Military 182 At the thought of that, the host was thrilled. ¡°Would you mind sharing how you met and started dating?¡± the host asked, nearly bouncing with excitement. ¡°Today¡¯s show isn¡¯t about my private life. That¡¯s a bit of an inappropriate topic, isn¡¯t it?¡± Quinn said with grace. Turning to Sidonie, the host said, ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, is the gentleman with you a friend?¡± ¡°He¡¯s Trent Grafton, founder and CEO of Grafton Technologies, and my fianc¨¦,¡± Sidonie announced, her voice solemn and proud. So what if Quinn¡¯s boyfriend is Julius? Dating could end any day. But an engagement? That pointed straight to a wedding. No one looked more stunned than Trent. The cameras caught the moment his face went stiff. ¡°So, he¡¯s your fianc¨¦. We heard your fianc¨¦ joined the rescue flight because he was worried about you. He must love you a lot,¡± the host added. ¡°Yes, Trent loves me very much,¡± Sidonie said, eyes locked on him. ¡°Right, Trent?¡± Trent¡¯s thoughts were a mess. Sidonie had dragged him here, and now she¡¯d just announced their engagement on national TV. He¡¯d never agreed to go public this soon, and definitely not about marriage. A fresh engagement right after a divorce would cause people to talk. Worse still,tely, he wasn¡¯t even sure if he really loved her. Having her nearby didn¡¯t fill the emptiness. But with the cameras on him and Sidonie staring so hopefully, he forced a smile. ¡°Yes, I love you.¡± Sidonie lit up with joy. Once this episode aired, the whole country would know they were engaged. There¡¯d be no backing out. Even if heter learned she wasn¡¯t the woman who had saved him, it would be toote. Quinn noticed the way Trent¡¯s smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes. It felt like he didn¡¯t want to go public with Sidonie. Isn¡¯t Sidonie his precious first crush? Well, whatever the reason, it¡¯s not my concern. The interview officially began. ¡°Could you tell us what went through your mind when you learned people were trapped? Did the danger make you hesitate?¡± the host asked. ¡°Hesitate? Never!¡± Sidonie replied boldly. ¡°When lives are on the line and I can help, I go. No questions asked!¡± The audience apuded her confident, righteous tone. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst is more than just a Nimbus Air co¨Cpilot,¡± the host said, brimming with praise. ¡°She also helped battle the border fires five years ago. A real hero! Let¡¯s give her a hand!¡± Another wave of apuse rolled in, and Sidonie soaked up every second of it. Then the host turned to Quinn. ¡°And you, Ms. Bridger?¡± ¡°Well¡­ I just knew lives were at risk, and every second mattered,¡± Quinn said lightly. ¡°Sidonie isn¡¯t the only pilot. Since she decided to use the lives of those employees as bargaining chips, I took on the mission instead.¡± ¡°What?¡± The host froze. Sidonie jumped to her feet, her face burning red. ¡°Quinn, that¡¯s nder!¡± Quinn held her gaze and pressed y on her phone. A recording echoed through the studio. Military 183 Chapter 183 A Hero¡¯s Mask Shattered ¡°Quinn, aren¡¯t you a veteran? Don¡¯t you love showing off how kind¨Chearted you are? Well, I¡¯m giving you that chance right now.¡± From the recording, Sidonie¡¯s voice poured through the speaker. The noisy studio fell instantly silent. Sidonie¡¯s face, already crimson, darkened further as she lunged forward, frantic to yank Quinn¡¯s phone away. Quinn lifted her free arm and blocked Sidonie with calm precision. The phone remained aloft, and Sidonie¡¯s recorded voice rolled on without interruption. ¡°As long as you apologize to me¨Cand I mean apologize to my satisfaction¨Cmaybe I¡¯ll go save them. But if you refuse and spoil my mood, I might make a mistake at the controls, and then no one gets rescued. If any Bridger Group employee trapped up there is harmed because the rescue is dyed, that will be entirely your fault!¡± When that segment of audio ended, every audience member and crew member stared at Sidonie, disbelief etched on their faces. Who could have imagined that the woman celebrated as a firefighting hero would say something so mean? ¡°N¨Cno, this isn¡¯t real¨Cnone of it is real!¡± Sidonie denied in a rush. ¡°I never used the trapped people as bargaining chips. Quinn once ndered me, so I only wanted her to apologize.¡± ¡°And what exactly did I nder you with? Do you have proof?¡± Quinn shot back. ¡°If you don¡¯t, couldn¡¯t I say the very words you¡¯re speaking now are ndering me?¡± Sidonie red daggers at Quinn. ¡°You have plenty of ways to hide evidence. Regardless of what I said that day, I did fly the ne to save them!¡± ¡°Save people? Your helicopter never even reached the rescue site,¡± Quinn replied, her tone ice¨Ccold. ¡°I was assessing the situation! If something went wrong on your end, I¡¯d naturally fly over,¡± Sidonie argued. ¡°But that day, Ms. Stonehurst, you said on board that, because of your fianc¨¦, you didn¡¯t dare move forward. You insisted that if anything happened ahead, you¡¯dnd somewhere safe first, let your fianc¨¦ off, and only then continue the rescue.¡± The rescue worker who had shared Sidonie¡¯s helicopter suddenly stood and spoke. The moment those words left his mouth, the studio erupted again. Sidonie¡¯s flushed cheeks drained to chalk white. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, wasn¡¯t your fianc¨¦ on that helicopter to help in the rescue?¡± the Host asked at once. Although the on¨Cair fiasco was unexpected, the potential ratings boost was undeniable. ¡°Y¨Cyes¡­ he was there to help in the rescue,¡± Sidonie answered awkwardly. She certainly couldn¡¯t admit that she had brought Trent along merely so he could witness Quinn¡¯s failure firsthand. ¡°Then why n to drop your fianc¨¦ somece safe before proceeding? Did you consider that such a Hero¡¯s Mask Shattered +10 Free Coins detour would dy the rescue?¡± the Host pressed. A chorus of murmurs rose from the audience. The same rescue worker added, ¡°If Ms. Stonehurst cared that much about her fianc¨¦, she shouldn¡¯t have taken him on board at all. The helicopter never approached the rescue site, so I¡¯m not even sure she meant to rescue anyone.¡± He had already disapproved of Sidonie¡¯s conduct during the flight; hearing her self¨Crighteous words earlier only deepened his frustration, and now he poured everything out. Every gaze in the studio converged on Sidonie. ¡°Exactly¨Cif she was rescuing people, why not fly straight there?¡± ¡°And she brought her fianc¨¦ along while his hand was bandaged¨Chow¡¯s an injured man supposed to help?¡± ¡°Maybe they were just showing off their love up in the air!¡± ¡°She even used trapped workers as leverage to force an apology. That¡¯s sick. How does someone like her daree on a talk show?¡± The whispers from the audience grew louder and louder. Sidonie stood rigid, her body locked, herplexion now a ghastly white. She opened her mouth, yet no exnation formed. How did it this? She had joined the program only to burnish her r¨¦sum¨¦ and publicly announce her rtionship with Trent, hoping to make it official in front of the cameras. She had never imagined Quinn would record her coercive words that day. Nor had she foreseen that a rescue worker would speak up on live television. Now every eye¨Cand every camera lens¨Cwas pointed directly at her. Sidonie suddenly rounded on that rescue worker. ¡°How much did Quinn pay you to say these things?¡± The man answered, expression solemn, ¡°I didn¡¯t take a cent from anyone. Everything I said today came straight from my conscience.¡± The other rescue workers all nodded in firm agreement. Military 184 hapter 184 Retreat And Reckoning They, too, had heard about Sidonie¡¯s behavior during the mission and had long felt she was unworthy of today¡¯s guest seat. Sidonie staggered, as though her legs might buckle, then covered her face and suddenly bolted backstage. ¡°Sidonie!¡± Trent sprang from his chair and hurried after her. Quinn watched the pair leave with cool detachment, then sat back down. ¡°Honestly, I believe the true heroes are the rescue workers seated here. They risk their lives to save others; such spirit is worthy of our respect and emtion.¡± With that single sentence, she steered the show neatly back to its original theme. The Host seized the cue and continued the interview. Meanwhile, when Sidonie burst into the green room, Trent rushed in right behind her. ¡°It¡¯s all Quinn¡¯s fault¨Cevery bit of it!¡± Sidonie raged. ¡°She set me up on purpose. She recorded me, then aired it during the taping just to humiliate me in front of the whole country!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle everything for you,¡± Trent said. Sidonie¡¯s heart lurched, and she clutched Trent¡¯s sleeve as though she had just seized a lifeline. ¡°You have a way?¡± ¡°The show is prerecorded,¡± Trent exined. ¡°Once we¡¯re done, I¡¯ll have a word with the production team and tell them to cut every single frame and topic that mentions you. Problem solved.¡± Sidonie¡¯s eyes flew wide as the obvious finally hit her. That¡¯s right¨Cit¡¯s a taped show, not a livestream. ¡°But will they agree?¡± she asked, the hesitation clear in her voice. ¡°With enough money, nothing¡¯s impossible,¡± Trent replied. In his view, the issue was hardlyplicated, and if all footage of Sidonie were deleted, then her public im that the two of them were engaged would never actually be revealed. Atst Sidonie exhaled, the tension easing from her shoulders. ¡°Stay here and rest for a bit; I¡¯m going to look for whoever¡¯s in charge of the production team,¡± Trent said. ¡°Alright,¡± Sidonie answered softly. After Trent left, she was alone in the green room. Just then her phone rang. The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number, but the moment she tapped the answer button, the voice that spilled through the speaker drained all color from her face. The caller was using a voice changer. ¡°Murderer¡­ Sidonie Stonehurst, you¡¯re a murderer. Did you think no one would ever find out what you did? Plenty of people know. I¡¯m cing the evidence inside the studio right now. Once the show starts, everyone will see you¡¯re no firefighting hero at all¡­¡± Sidonie¡¯s hand jerked so hard she nearly dropped the phone. ¡°Who are you? I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about!¡± Chapter 184 Retreat And Reckoning +10 Free Coins ¡°You don¡¯t have to understand. What matters is that the evidence will show everyone you¡¯re no hero.¡± With that, the caller hung up. Panic wed at Sidonie¡¯s chest. If that person really has evidence¡­ No¨CI absolutely cannot let them bring it into the studio. With that thought, she bolted out of the green room¨Conly for a baseball bat to swing at her head the instant she crossed the threshold. The blow sent her staggering forward. As she fell, she twisted desperately, trying to scream, trying to see who had struck her. Before darkness swallowed her, she caught only a blurred glimpse of a grotesque, menacing mask. During the mid¨Cshow break of the talk show, Julius Whitethorn strolled over to Quinn¡¯s side. ¡°Once this episode airs, everyone will know we¡¯re seeing each other. You won¡¯t regret it?¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to regret?¡± she answered with a lightugh. Since she had chosen to be with him, hiding the rtionship had never been part of the n. ¡°Or are you the one who doesn¡¯t want it made public?¡± ¡°Not a chance,¡± Julius said, tly denying it. He was eager for the whole world to know he and Quinn were together, eager for everyone to realize that Quinn had chosen him, thereby cutting off anyone else¡¯s designs on her. Especially Han. In Julius¡¯s mind, Han Ingram was the greatest threat¨Ca man who had known Quinn longer than he had, who had once served alongside her in the military, arade to whom she could literally entrust her life in dangerous moments. With a man like that around, how could I ever feel at ease? That was why he wanted to im Quinn publicly as his. Coming here today, he had calcted that the production team would never pass up a sensational topic and would certainly ask about their rtionship. The only variable had been how Quinn would respond once the question was raised. She would never know just how ecstatic he¡¯d been when she answered without the slightest hesitation and acknowledged they were dating. Military 185 Chapter 185 Public Deration Julius bent down, his lips almost brushing Quinn¡¯s car, and murmured, ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m thrilled that you announced our rtionship to everyone.¡± Heat red across her ears, and every nearby gaze immediately swung toward them. At that moment, Trent charged over, demanding, ¡°Where did you take Sidonie?¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn blinked, utterly confused. Julius straightened, a chill settling over his expression as he stared at Trent. When Trent tried to step closer for another question, Julius thrust out an arm to block him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong -looking to have your other hand broken too?¡± A shiver raced down Trent¡¯s spine, and he had no choice but to retreat a step, though he still red venomously at Quinn. ¡°You¡¯d better hand Sidonie over¨Cand fast!¡± ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. I¡¯ve been recording the show the whole time. I don¡¯t have any magical clone to whisk Sidonie away,¡± Quinn said, irritationcing her tone. ¡°Sure, you¡¯ve been filming, but couldn¡¯t you hire someone?¡± Trent shot back, raising the phone in his hand. ¡°This is Sidonie¡¯s phone. It was lying right outside the green¨Croom door, but Sidonie herself is nowhere to be found! And thest call on it was from an unknown number. I tried calling back, but nobody picked up! Quinn, even if you hate Sidonie, kidnapping her is going way too far. You¡¯d better have her brought back immediately!¡± While speaking, Trent never stopped leveling a ferocious re at Quinn. ¡°You should be talking to the police, not me,¡± Quinn replied icily. ¡°And if you use me of kidnapping Sidonie without evidence, I can sue you for defamation. Also, what exactly do you think I resent her for?¡± ¡°Obviously, you resent-¡± Quinn cut him off. ¡°Resent her for ying the mistress and worming her way into our marriage? Resent her for driving us to divorce? Or perhaps resent you, who during our marriage would only buy your wife a twenty¨Cdor flea¨Cmarket ring for a wedding band, yet turned around and gave Sidonie jewelry worth fifty million?¡± The moment those wordsnded, every person present stared in shock. Some of the crew who had never known about Quinn and Trent¡¯s past now looked at Trent as though he were the very picture of a cheating husband, So it turns out the fianc¨¦ of this so¨Ccalled firefighting hero is anything but decent! And that same hero¡¯s First Officer is actually his mistress! ¡°Trent Grafton, I don¡¯t hate Sidonie Stonehurst!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice rang out, clear and unwavering. ¡°Hatred is an emotion far too intense¨CSidonie is not worth that kind of passion from me. In fact, I¡¯m grateful to her. She opened my eyes to what sort of man you truly are and gave me the resolve to end our three¨Cyear marriage once and for all!¡± Coins Trent¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. ¡°Then in Yarburn, aside from you, who else would want to kidnap her or go after her?¡± From where he stood, Quinn was the only person with any reason to sh with Sidonie. And now that Julius Whitethorn was at Quinn¡¯s side, the moment she so much as entertained the notion, someone would naturally step in to act on her behalf. ¡°Who knows? You can call the police and let them investigate,¡± Quinn said evenly. At that precise moment, the massive screen at the front of the studio flickered; the idle screensaver disappeared, reced by footage of a chaotic, debris¨Cstrewn space that looked unmistakably like an abandoned factory. What shocked everyone most was the figure that filled the frame¨CSidonie. Shey bound hand and foot on a floor nketed in dust. Suddenly, a hand swung down, pping Sidonie hard across the cheek and jolting her awake. Her eyes were bleary for an instant, then she screamed, ¡°Y¨Cyou¡­ who are you?! Why did you bring me here? Let me go!¡± The kidnapper¡¯s silhouette stepped into view of the camera. He was lean and not particrly tall, clearly male, his face hidden behind a mask. ¡°Why, I¡¯m here to im your life, of course!¡± The kidnapper¡¯s voice, obviously altered through a changer, dripped with mockery. ¡°Firefighting hero¨Chowughable. You¡¯re a murderer who watched someone die, yet they crown you a hero. Absolutely hysterical!¡± Sidonie struggled frantically, but the ropes were viciously tight. All she could do was cry out, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not a murderer. Th¨Cthere must be some kind of misunderstanding!¡± ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± He let out a scornfulugh, then hit y on an audio clip. ¡°D¨Cdon¡¯t leave¡­ Sidonie, hurry, bring the fire extinguisher. I¡¯m on fire, hurry¡­ hurry¡­¡± Amid the chaotic background noise, a hoarse male voice screamed itself raw. The instant Sidonie heard the recording, every trace of color bled from her face. Military 186 Chapter 186 Burning Truths Exposed At that very moment, every single person inside the brightly lit studio, eyes fixed on the giant screen, wore the same expression of dazed bewilderment. A celebrated Firefighting Hero is actually a murderer who watched someone die? How could that possibly be true? And who on earth switched the studio¡¯s live feed in the first ce? Where have Sidonie and the kidnapper been taken? Trent snapped out of his trance, yanked his phone from his pocket, and jabbed at the keypad. ¡°Police, I need to report a kidnapping¨Csomeone¡¯s been taken¡­¡± Right then, a voice shot up from the audience section, ¡°This is live¨Cmy God, it¡¯s a livestream!¡± The crowd finally caught on. They whipped out their phones and, within seconds, located the kidnapper¡¯s streaming channel. The tform had not yet shut the feed down, and viewers were already pouring into the room by the thousands. Comments flooded the chat: What is this? Have streamers really sunk this low just to blow up a channel? Netizen A: Staging a fake kidnapping? Enjoy getting your ount banned! Netizen B: Kidnappers are this brazen now? Don¡¯t they care that the police can trace them? Netizen C: Can anyone exin what¡¯s happening here? A little summary, please! Quinn narrowed her eyes at the grainy figure on the screen, a thread of recognition tugging at her mind. Julius bent down, his breath grazing her ear. ¡°Did something ring a bell?¡± he whispered. ¡°He looks familiar, but I can¡¯t ce where I¡¯ve seen him,¡± Quinn muttered, still studying the man¡¯s posture and build. ¡°Remember the text that the reporter got during the orphanage event? Turns out it wasn¡¯t baseless. There¡¯s something about Sidonie¡¯s Firefighting Hero. Maybe the same person sent that message,¡± Julius said, voice low. A blurred silhouette from the orphanage shed in Quinn¡¯s memory and merged seamlessly with the kidnapper¡¯s outline on the screen. She pressed her lips together, realizing she had missed something vital back then. Quinn unlocked her phone in a rush, typing furiously as she searched for the piece of information she suddenly needed. Meanwhile, terror churned inside Sidonie. ¡°Don¡¯t go¡­ Sidonie, don¡¯t leave¡­ It¡¯s all because of you¡­ I¡­ Ah! Ah! Ah!¡± The man pressed y, and the guttural, desperate screams sted through hidden speakers, reverberating around the studio and scraping against every listener¡¯s spine. C Those were the tortured cries of someone being burned alive. The piercing howls dragged on, echoing for what felt like forever, until the voice thinned to a faint whimper and died away. Silence fell, and everyone understood that the owner of that voice had been consumed by mes. There was only audio¨Cno footage, and yet the sound alone painted an agonizing picture. Just that recording was enough to let them imagine the unspeakable pain of being swallowed by fire. The dying man had clearly screamed Sidonie¡¯s name¨Cso was the so¨Ccalled hero actually someone who refused to help? ¡°N¨CNo, that audio is fake!¡± Sidonie shouted, voice raw. She could never admit the truth; confession would mean utter ruin. ¡°Fake?¡± The kidnapperughed, a harsh rasp. ¡°You can¡¯t even recognize your old colleague¡¯s voice? When you joined Nimbus Air, he mentored you, rmended you, opened doors for you¨Cand this is how you repay him?¡± Sidonie¡¯splexion turned an even ghastlier shade of white. He continued, ¡°Run a forensic test. You¡¯ll see it¡¯s genuine. The time stamp matches the border wildfire. Your colleague was phoning his son when the mes caught him. The phone hit the ground, and by sheer chance, the boy recorded every second.¡± Sidonie¡¯s body trembled. ¡°T¨CThere must be some misunderstanding!¡± ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± The man fisted her hair, yanking her head up, then whipped his palm across her face. Smack! Smack! Smack! Each pnded harder than thest, merciless and deliberate. Her cheeks ballooned, reddening and splitting; blood seeped from the corner of her mouth. ¡°Do you know what it felt like for his son to hear those final screams? Why didn¡¯t you save him? Why? There was a fire extinguisher right there¨Cwhy didn¡¯t you put out the mes?¡± ¡°I¨CI don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about! We were separated. I wasn¡¯t beside him. I don¡¯t know why he called my name. Maybe¨Cmaybe the fire made him hallucinate¡­¡± Military 187 Chapter 187 mes of Retribution Chapter 187 mes of Retribution +10 Free Coins ¡°Hallucinate?¡± The kidnapper released her, and Sidonie copsed with a dull thud, face down on the grimy floor. A sudden ssh followed. Through the camera lens, everyone watched the kidnapper lift a white stic bucket and drench Sidonic in a clear, shimmering liquid. Sidonie screamed, ¡°No¨Cah! What are you doing?¡± ¡°What am I doing? Letting you taste the fire yourself. We¡¯ll see if you hallucinate while you burn.¡± He opened a second bucket and poured the contents over her again, soaking her hair, her clothes, her skin. Netizen D: It¡¯s fuel! Oh God, that¡¯s gasoline! Trent¡¯s heart contracted violently. He stared at the monitor, powerless, clinging to one hope¨Cthat the police would trace the signal, find the hideout, and rescue Sidonie in time. ¡°D*mn it!¡± he growled, crushing Sidonie¡¯s abandoned phone in his fist. ¡°Why is this happening to her?¡± He looked toward Quinn, eyes zing with fury. ¡°This is all your fault, Quinn. If anything happens to Sidonie, it will be on you!¡± ¡°I¡¯m the one who caused this?¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knitted as she shot Trent a look that mixed disbelief with rising anger. ¡°Grafton, have youpletely lost it?¡± ¡°Everything is on you!¡± Trent advanced until scarcely a step separated them, usation crackling in his voice. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t yed that recording on purpose during the talk¨Cshow interview¨Cif you hadn¡¯t teamed up with the others to corner Sidonie¨Cshe never would have bolted back to the green room. None of this would have happened, and she wouldn¡¯t have been kidnapped. You dragged Sidonie into this nightmare!¡± A harsh, incredulousugh spilled from Quinn¡¯s lips. ¡°Same old Trent,¡± she said, voice icy yet mocking. ¡°Whenever trouble strikes, you pass the me to anyone standing nearby. You im I drove Sidonie off, which supposedly led to her being abducted¨Cso why don¡¯t you me yourself? Weren¡¯t you the one who left with her? Why wasn¡¯t her loving fianc¨¦ at her side, guarding her?¡± ¡°I-¡± Trent¡¯s face darkened with humiliation that quickly red into fury. ¡°Quit twisting things, Quinn. I¡¯m warning you: if Sidonie so much as suffers a scratch, I¡¯ll never let this go!¡± Bang! Trent¡¯s threat had barely hit the air when Julius¡¯s boot mmed into him, sending him crashing to the floor with bone¨Cjarring force. A sharp wave of pain shot through Trent¡¯s body. His right hand was still wrapped in bandages; forced to rely on his left, he tried to push himself upright. He had barely lifted his torso when Julius strode forward, raised his leg again, and drove another merciless kick into Trent¡¯s ribs. Trent hit the ground a second time, harder than before, the breath knocked clean out of him. ¡°You say you won¡¯t spare Quinn? Fine¨Cthen I won¡¯t spare you right now.¡± Julius¡¯s expression was lethal, eyes so cold and intent they seemed capable of murder. Chapter 187 mes of Retribution Free Coins Ice¨Cwater dread washed over Trent; sweat burst across his skin despite the studio¡¯s climate¨Ccontrolled air. ¡°Julius!¡± Quinn hurried forward and caught Julius by the arm. ¡°What? You¡¯re going to shield scum like him?¡± Julius asked, voice still edged with violence. ¡°I¡¯m not protecting him¨CI¡¯m protecting you,¡± Quinn said firmly. With so many people on set, a full¨Con beating would spark exactly the kind of scandal Julius didn¡¯t need. Julius pressed his lips into a thin line, then looked down at Trent sprawled on the floor. ¡°Touch Quinn again,¡± he said, voice low but ringing, ¡°and I swear¨CI will hunt you until one of us is dead.¡± The vow sounded like a blood oath, irreversible and absolute. People in the audience seats couldn¡¯t hear him, but everyone on stage did. Shock shed across every face. Who could have imagined that the lofty Mr. Julius would utter such a deadly promise¨Cfor a woman? I will hunt you until one of us is dead. The weight Quinn held in Julius¡¯s heart was shockingly clear. Trent stared, frozen, feeling as though dozens of des were leveled at him¨Cone twitch, and they would slice him open. Quinn regarded Julius with wide¨Ceyed surprise. She¡¯d known he cared; his everyday actions left little doubt. She simply hadn¡¯t realized that his feelings ran deeper than she¡¯d ever guessed. Warmth pooled in her chest; if not for the crowd surrounding them, she might have kissed him then and there. Trent finally regained his voice and shouted, ¡°You¡¯re just hiding behind Julius, Quinn! If Sidonie is burned -or dies¨Cshouldn¡¯t you feel at least a shred of guilt?¡± ¡°If guilt¡¯s involved, you should feel it first,¡± Quinn shot back without hesitation. ¡°She¡¯s your fianc¨¦e. Her fianc¨¦ doesn¡¯t me himself, yet somehow I¡¯m supposed to? Exin the logic.¡± Trent¡¯s retort stalled in his throat. Quinn lifted her chin toward the giant screen mounted in the television studio. ¡°Besides, we don¡¯t even know if Sidonie is truly an innocent victim in this kidnapping.¡± ¡°Of course she¡¯s innocent!¡± Trent insisted. ¡°She¡¯s kind¨Cshe risked her own life to save someone! She¡¯d never stand by and watch someone die. There must be a reason behind all this.¡± Military 188 Chapter 188 Shifting Allegiances ¡°Is that so?¡± Quinn¡¯s tone was cool,ced with contempt. When the recording had yed earlier, Sidonie¡¯s fleeting expression of guilt had said plenty. The kidnapper¡¯s audio clip was likely authentic. Back then, Sidonie must truly have refused to help. Now the kidnapper had drenched her in gasoline¨Cwas he genuinely set on burning her alive in revenge, or did he harbor another n? On the screen, Sidonie trembled violently, struggling against her restraints while shouting, ¡°No¡­ don¡¯t! Whoever hired you, I can pay more. I¡¯m the Stonehurst heiress, and my fianc¨¦ is loaded¨CTrent of Grafton Technologies, the new darling of the tech world. Hispany¡¯s gone public; he loves me and will pay whatever you want, any amount!¡± ¡°Money?¡± The kidnapperughed, a hollow, chilling sound. ¡°I don¡¯t want money. You said your coworker hallucinated from the mes and called your name¨Cthat¡¯s why you ignored him. So let¡¯s see if you hallucinate when you burn. If you do, maybe I¡¯ll believe you.¡± As he spoke, the kidnapper produced a lighter. Snap! A bright me leaped from the lighter. Sidonie¡¯s shaking grew frantic. One stray spark on the fuel soaking her clothes would turn the ce into an inferno, roasting her alive. The image of that co¨Cpilot burning to death before her eyes¨Chis agony, his screams¨Cflooded her mind, ramping her terror beyond measure. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, murderer? Even killers get scared?¡± The lighter inched closer, its me wavering near Sidonie¡¯s gasoline¨Csoaked body. Sidonie¡¯s face drained of color; staring at the dancing fire, she squeezed her eyes shut. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not a murderer. It had nothing to do with me¡­¡± ¡°Nothing to do with you? Are you iming you weren¡¯t right beside him?¡± The kidnapper¡¯s voice turned menacingly low. ¡°Sidonie, that man treated you well¨Che mentored you like family¨Cand this is how you repaid him? When he was engulfed in mes, begging for help, why didn¡¯t you save him? You could have grabbed the extinguisher. You could have doused the fire-¡± ¡°N¨CNo! The mes were too big. Even with the extinguisher, it wouldn¡¯t have worked!¡± Sidonie screamed, desperation cracking her voice. All at once, the air itself seemed to freeze; a sudden, uncanny hush swallowed every echo, and the kidnapper¡¯s voice died away as though a switch had been flipped. Sidonie¡¯s heart gave a violent thud, a single dull ng inside her chest, and in that instant, she realized with brutal rity that she had just blurted out the wrong words. ¡°Ha¡­ hahahaha¡­¡± A chilling peal ofughter detonated beside Sidonie¡¯s ear, jagged and merciless. ¡°So you really were standing right next to him that day. Why didn¡¯t you grab the fire extinguisher? Why did you stand there and watch him burn alive? Why! Why!¡± Each harsh, barked usation struck Sidonie like ash, sending her into panicked disarray. ¡°B¨Cbecause¡­ the mes were too¡­ too big. I¡­ I didn¡¯t dare get close! So¨Cso I ran. I¡­ I never meant to abandon him, I was¡­ I was just terrified¡­ Please, have mercy, please let me go¡­ Sidonie begged over and over, and the very moment those words left her trembling lips, the entire livestream erupted in a roar of outrage. Netizen E: What, she let him die just because she was scared? She could clearly reach the extinguisher, and still gave no basic aid? Netizen F: My God, she watched her coworker burn to death right in front of her? Anyone who didn¡¯t know better would think the poor guy had some vicious vendetta against her! Netizen G: She kept something this serious under wraps all this time? And still had the gall to pose as a Firefighting Hero and ept public ! At that very moment, Sidonie had no idea her confession was being streamed live, watched by countless viewers, including Trent. Only minutes ago, Trent had insisted that Sidonie would never stand by while someone died, that there had to be some terrible misunderstanding. Now he stared at the screen in nk shock, unable to believe what he was hearing. The hero who lived in his heart¨Cthe fearless woman who soared through blue skies, the one bold enough to dive into a rushing river to pull him to safety¨Chad, during that border inferno where she waster honored as a Firefighting Hero, chosen to do nothing. She had simply stood there and watched her own colleague burn to death. Yet Sidonie¡¯s constant pleas for mercy¨Cher repeated excuse that she had been ¡°too frightened¡°-kept flowing through the speakers, each word stabbing at Trent¡¯s faith in her like a cruel joke. For one shattering moment, Trent felt as though something massive inside him was copsing in on itself. The instant Sidonie fully admitted that she had indeed failed to save a life, the livestream window snapped shut. It was not the tform that had cut the feed. The kidnapper had deliberately switched it off. Quinn frowned, trying to piece together the kidnapper¡¯s true objective. It almost seemed he didn¡¯t intend to kill Sidonie at all; instead, he wanted her to confess¨Cpublicly and unmistakably¨Cthat she had once stood by and let someone die. Lowering her gaze, Quinn studied the files she had pulled up on her phone; by now, she was nearly certain of the kidnapper¡¯s identity. Military 189 Chapter 189 The Orphanage Connection On her phone screeny a photograph she had taken during an event at the orphanage years ago. In the image, a teenage emcee from the orphanage was inviting Sidonie onto the stage to speak. The build of that teenage host was strikingly simr to the silhouette of the kidnapper in the video. It had to be the same person. So that teenager¨Ccould he be the kidnapper? And the orphanage¡­ Quinn recalled the sudden broadcast of the five¨Cyear¨Cold firefighting footage on the ind, the orphanage function where reporters received anonymous texts and confronted Sidonie on the spot. Every incident seemed to circle back to the orphanage somehow. That connection made the young man an even stronger suspect. Her search had also turned up information about the co¨Cpilot who died in the border ze five years ago. His wife had passed away earlier, leaving him to raise their only son alone; at the time of the ident, the boy was eleven. By age, that teenager could very well be the dead co¨Cpilot¡¯s son. Quinn dialed the police and ryed every detail of her discovery. When she ended the call, Trent stared at her, stunned. ¡°Why are you helping Sidonie? I thought you couldn¡¯t stand her.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like Sidonie,¡± Quinn answered coolly, ¡°but I was a soldier. I know what a soldier ought to do.¡± Even though she was now retired, she still saw herself as a soldier at heart, bound to the code she had once sworn to uphold. A tremor ran through Trent¡¯s chest, and for a moment, he found he couldn¡¯t tear his gaze away from Quinn. A soldier¡­ He had never truly respected her military background; to him, she had been little more than someone who once did a stint in the service. He had even looked down on her, assuming that aside from enduring hardship, she possessed no special talents. He had married Quinn during the lowest point of his life, meeting her just after she had lost both parents. Around her, he felt less wretched, and being with her had always given him a strange sense of calm. So he proposed and privately vowed to treat her well¨Cif he chose her to be his wife, then he would stay loyal to her and to their marriage. But when had everything begun to change? Had the distance grown because he was busyunching apany, because he heard Sidonie wasing home, or because he saw Sidonie stride through the airport in her captain¡¯s uniform? Even he couldn¡¯t say. When they divorced, he had no regrets; in fact, he assumed Quinn would be the one to regret it, convinced his future was bright while she was merely a retired soldier with nothing to her name. Now, however, he could not even articte how he felt. He only knew that the upright integrity shining from Quinn made him feel deeply ashamed. A member of the production team led Trent away from the set to calm him down, and with the livestream cut off, the talk¨Cshow interview resumed its scheduled taping. Yet, most people in the audience were already distracted, so the remainder of the interview ended in a hurried, perfunctory wrap¨Cup. Once the program went off the air, Quinn received a call from the police informing her that they had already located the kidnapper. ¡°They found him?¡± Quinn froze in surprise; the officers were moving far faster than she had expected. ¡°Yes. It seems he was waiting for us to show up from the very beginning,¡± the officer said. ¡°Just as you predicted, Ms. Bridger, the suspect is the son of the deceased co¨Cpilot. When we arrived, he offered no resistance, and what he sshed on Sidonie wasn¡¯t real gasoline at all¨Cit was a syntheticpound that, even if ignited, produces only a low¨Ctemperature me.¡± Quinn pressed her lips together. ¡°May I speak with the suspect?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. At the moment, he¡¯s not allowed to meet with anyone except legal counsel, and he hasn¡¯t retained an attorney yet,¡± the officer replied. When the call ended, Quinn looked over at Julius. Before she could open her mouth, Julius spoke first. ¡°I¡¯ll send awyer over right away and see what we can do for that kid.¡± Julius had overheard most of the conversation. ¡°Thank you!¡± Quinn said. Because the boy hadn¡¯t used real gasoline¨Conly a low¨Cheatpound, it meant he had never truly intended to burn Sidonie alive. All he wanted was for Sidonie to reveal the truth in front of everyone. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. Anyone you want to help, I¡¯ll help,¡± Julius told her. As long as it was her wish, he would make it happen for her. The moment Trent learned that Sidonie had been rescued, he rushed to the hospital without a second¡¯s dy. Sidonie had already been cleaned up and changed into a hospital gown; aside from a few superficial injuries, she had suffered nothing serious. Military 190 Chapter 190 Repercussions Of Truth After the police finished taking Sidonie¡¯s statement, they left the room. Trent stepped into the ward, and the instant Sidonie saw him, she struggled upright on the bed. ¡°Trent, I never imagined something like this would happen to me! That kidnapper was utterly deranged. If the police hadn¡¯t arrived in time, I might never have seen you again!¡± Trent looked at the woman in his arms withplicated eyes. ¡°How¡¯s your body holding up?¡± ¡°The doctor says they¡¯re only surface wounds,¡± Sidonie answered. ¡°But even so, I¡¯m pressing charges. I want that kidnapper in prison, paying the price¨Cthere¡¯s no way I¡¯ll let him off!¡± The tone in which she spoke dripped with vicious resentment. Trent felt the woman before him had suddenly be a stranger. ¡°You certainly can sue, but¡­ the kidnapper is likely yourte colleague¡¯s son. All he wants is the truth about his father. After all, you really did leave his father to die back then, didn¡¯t you?¡± Quinn had mentioned this in her earlier call to the police, and Trent had overheard every word. ¡°What?¡± Sidonie¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How do you know the kidnapper is my colleague¡¯s son? And what do you mean I left his father to die? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about!¡± Trent dampened his dry lips. ¡°You don¡¯t know yet, do you? The whole incident was livestreamed after you were taken. The viewers¨Cand everyone in the studio¨Csaw you admit, right in front of the kidnapper, that you abandoned his father.¡± Sidonie froze in ce. After a long moment, she asked in a dazed voice, ¡°Livestream? You¡¯re saying¡­ while I was kidnapped, it was being streamed live?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Trent said quietly. ¡°Impossible. I¨CI never saw any streaming equipment, I¡­¡± The instant she recalled everything she had said during the abduction, Sidonie¡¯s face drained of color. ¡°My phone¨Cgive me my phone! I want to see that footage!¡± Trent produced the phone Sidonie had dropped at the scene. Sidonie snatched the device, powered it on, and began searching immediately. The kidnapper¡¯s livestream channel had already been shut down, but the incident had rocketed straight onto the trending list. Countless viewers had clipped the broadcast and uploaded those video snippets across the inte. Finding them took Sidonie no effort at all. As she watched herself being beaten, begging, and ultimately confessing that she had left someone to die, Sidonie¡¯splexion turned deathly pale. She had assumed only she and the kidnapper had heard those words¨Cno one else. Once the police rescued her, she could simply deny everything. Chapter 190 Repercussions Of Truth Now, however, everyone knew she had once stood by and watched a man perish. +10 Free Coins Sidonie frantically scrolled through the threads, reading the avnche ofments¨Ceach one an insult or a sneer. Netizen H: So much for your ¡®Firefighting Hero¡®-pathetic! Netizen I: She¡¯s practically a murderer! Netizen J: How did Nimbus Air ever hire trash like her as a co¨Cpilot? If they don¡¯t fire her, I¡¯ll never fly Nimbus Air again! Netizen K: If not for the kidnapping, we¡¯d never have known how fake she is. Good on the kidnapper! Netizen L: Somebody should¡¯ve let her feel the mes herself! Reading thosements, Sidonie¡¯s hands began to tremble uncontrobly. In the past, everyone had done nothing but tter and praise her, and she had grown ustomed to being ced on a pedestal. And yet now¨Cafter only a few brief, dizzying hours¨Ceverything around her seemed to have turned inside out. She had plummeted from the heights of heaven straight into the fiery pits of hell. Moments ago the world had praised her as a fearless Firefighting Hero; now those same voices were moring for her downfall, calling her a contemptible coward who had watched others perish without lifting a hand. Sidonie hurled the phone away as though it were burning her. Panting and frantic, she begged, ¡°Delete them¨Cdelete every single one of those videos. Trent, please, you have to help me! Help me!¡± Trent¡¯s expression tightened with unease. ¡°The story is too hot right now,¡± he said, voice low. ¡°Pushing those clips off the feeds will be almost impossible. Give it some time¨Cwhen the buzz dies down, people will stop talking.¡± ¡°Yes, time¡­ just give it a little time!¡± Sidonie echoed, almost chanting the words as though they were a charm against disaster. If she could simply outwait this wave of outrage, she would once again be the celebrated female co¨Cpilot everyone adored¨Cand life would go back to being more thanfortable. ¡°Sidonie, try to rest, all right? Don¡¯t overthink. I need to stop by the police station and give my statement,¡± Trent said gently. He had only turned toward the door when Sidonie grabbed his wrist. ¡°Trent, the things I said in those videos¨Cthey¡¯re not true!¡± ¡°What?¡± Trent froze, startled. ¡°I mean¡­ the part about me letting people die¨Cthat¡¯s not real. I only said it to appease them!¡± She spoke in a rush. ¡°Trent, you believe me, don¡¯t you?¡± Military 191 Chapter 191 Crisis Of Trust Trent stayed silent; in this moment, he knew perfectly well she was lying. Back in the livestream, Sidonie¡¯s reaction hadn¡¯t been about pleasing anyone. It had sounded as if she¡¯d slipped up, let the truth tumble out, and once her psychological defenses crumbled, the rest had followed. Seeing Trent hesitate, Sidonie¡¯s face turned an even paler shade. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± ¡°Sidonie, even if you did make a mistake¨Ceven if you truly failed to help¨CI¡¯m in no position to condemn you. I¡¯ll stand by you.¡± Trent pressed his lips together, stepped forward, and sped her hand as though sealing a vow. Yes, he would help her. After all, she had once saved his life, and he had sworn to protect her in return. Sidonie shoved him away with sudden force. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me at all! Trent, I thought even if the whole world turned its back on me, you would still have faith. But now, even you doubt me!¡± Trent¡¯s smile was bitter. Believe her? How? ¡°Even if I do, will anyone else? You saw it yourself¨Chalf the inte watched that stream.¡± Sidonie¡¯s knuckles whitened around the nket draped over her. Stubbornly, she said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if they believe me¨CI only need you to.¡± The crisis had spiraled so far that losing Trent was simply not an option. He was her strongest, perhaps herst, bargaining chip. Lifting her chin, Sidonie fixed her gaze on him. ¡°Trent, if you don¡¯t believe me, feel free to break up O with me. Pretend we were never together. Whatever happens to me afterward is none of your concern. Even if the whole world spits on me, I won¡¯te begging you for help.¡± The moment the words left her mouth, she saw exactly what she wanted in Trent¡¯s eyes¨Cguilt. As expected, retreating in order to advance worked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Sidonie,¡± Trent murmured. ¡°I spoke out of turn. I believe you.¡± Whatever the real story, they were already together, and he owed her his life. Only then did Sidonie¡¯s smile return. ¡°I knew I chose the right person. As long as you believe me, Trent, I can face whateveres.¡± Trent managed a strained smile, but anxiety churned in his chest. The challenges awaiting Sidonie were bound to be far heavier than she imagined. And he could he truly stay at her side and face them all? The memory of that tidal wave of online abuse suddenly made him less certain. That night, Quinn sat curled on the couch, scrolling through her phone. Sidonie¡¯s kidnapping saga still dominated the trending lists. The Fire Commission and Stridora¨Cwhere she had been hailed as ¡°Firefighting Hero¡± after the massive border wildfire five years earlier¨Chad both issued statements promising inquiries. Nimbus Air announced that Sidonie was presently suspended; whether she would ever return as a co¨Cpilot would depend on the investigation¡¯s oue. Everyone understood that decision hinged on whatever the Fire Commission and Stridora uncovered. Meanwhile, someone had uploaded footage from today¡¯s talk¨Cshow taping. The shaky video, evidently shot from the audience, captured Sidonie and Trent publicly dering themselves engaged, then showed Sidonie iming she had flown a rescue mission, only to be confronted on¨Cstage by other rescue workers who revealed she never even reached the disaster site. Once online, the clip unleashed another torrent of fury at Sidonie. Somementers even predicted Grafton Technologies¡® stock would nosedive at tomorrow¡¯s opening bell. ¡°Quinn, it¡¯ste¨Cwhy aren¡¯t you in bed?¡± A strong arm slipped around Quinn¡¯s waist; an instantter, her back sank against a broad, warm chest. Julius rested his cheek against hers, nuzzling softly, his breath stirring her hair in intimate little sweeps. The phrase ¡°cheek by jowl¡± flickered through Quinn¡¯s mind. She opened her mouth to speak, but her phone suddenly rang, the screen flipping to an iing call. The caller ID read: Han. Quinn had just lifted her finger to ept when Julius sped her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t answer,¡± he murmured, his husky voice brushing her ear. Sheughed under her breath. ¡°Quit it,¡± she said, tapping the button anyway and lifting the phone to her ear. ¡°Quinnie.¡± Han¡¯s voice rang. ¡°Mm? What is it?¡± Quinn answered, feeling Julius¡¯s arms around her waist tighten ever so slightly. ¡°Are you really seeing Julius?¡± Han blurted without any preamble. Quinn instantly understood. Earlier today, someone in the audience had secretly recorded the talk¨Cshow taping and posted the clips online. Besides the moment when Sidonie publicly announced her engagement to Trent, there was also the shot of Quinn being asked by the host about her rtionship with Julius. Military 192 Chapter 192 Public Confession Goes Viral Right there on stage, she had answered point¨Cnk that she and Julius were officially dating. Han must have seen those videos. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s true,¡± Quinn admitted without hesitation. Silence hung on the other end of the line. ¡°Han?¡± Quinn finally coaxed. ¡°Quinnie, I-¡± Han had only managed the first word when Quinn suddenly drew a sharp breath. Julius had dipped his head and pressed a swift kiss to the soft curve of her earlobe. His warm lips and the gentle rush of his breath against her neck sent a tickling heat racing through her ear. ¡°Quinn¡­¡± Julius¡¯s voice, low and rough, rumbled in her ear. ¡°How long are you going to keep talking on the phone? It¡¯s bedtime.¡± ¡°Quinnie, is Julius right there with you?¡± Han sounded as though he were grinding his teeth. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s right here. What were you about to say?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°You and he¡­¡± Han paused, then snapped, ¡°Forget it!¡± He hung up. Quinn stared at the darkened screen. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Julius murmured. He slipped the phone from her hand, set it on the coffee table, and with an unmistakably predatory grace boxed her in between the couch cushions and his own body. ¡°Nothing,¡± she muttered. ¡°I was on the phone with Han when you randomly kissed my ear and said that. He probably heard everything¨Ctotally mortifying.¡± ¡°Do you hate when I do this?¡± He bent again, brushing soft, deliberate kisses over the shell of her ear. That feathery, tingling sensation exploded along her nerves. Cheeks warming, Quinn tried to push him away, but her shove only encouraged Julius to roll to the opposite end of the couch, one arm still looping her waist. Suddenly, she was sprawled across his chest, breath mingling with his. ¡°Do you hate it?¡± His obsidian eyes locked on hers. She felt the arm at her waist go taut, as though he were bracing himself for her verdict. ¡°What if I said I did?¡± she teased, a tiny revenge for his mischief during her call. To her surprise, those dark eyes dimmed; his longshes trembled, and he murmured with a trace of self- mockery, ¡°If you hate it, I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Quinn froze, her chest giving a faint, inexplicable ache at the sight of his sudden dejection. ¡°So, Quinn, don¡¯t hate me, okay?¡± he pleaded softly. The ache sharpened. She regretted her words at once. ¡°I don¡¯t hate you, or what you just did. I was just¡­ a little embarrassed, that¡¯s all.¡± Raising one hand, she stroked his face, unwilling to see that lonely expression again. ¡°If you really must do things like that, just avoid doing them while I¡¯m on the phone.¡± His eyes lit up. ¡°So you don¡¯t hate it.¡± ¡°No, I don¡¯t hate it.¡± With the words, she bent and whispered in his ear, ¡°It just tickles, and I¡¯m not used to it yet.¡± Imitating him, she parted her lips and gently took his earlobe, nting a tender kiss. She watched his ear flush red, the color spreading to his cheeks until a faint rose hue tinted his entire face. ¡°Quinn¡­¡± His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed; his breath hitched. The midnight¨Cdark phoenix eyes shimmered with a glossy, half¨Clidded daze that was somehow both seductive and bewildered. At that moment, lying beneath her, Julius looked breathtakingly beautiful. Quinn had only intended to let him sample what it felt like to have one¡¯s ear kissed; she hadn¡¯t expected to find herself ensnared by him instead. Especially when he rasped her name in that husky voice and stared up at her with those bewitching eyes- he was pure temptation. Quinn was at a loss for words. Did he have any idea that looking at her like this made it almost impossible to hold back? That night, Quinn had no idea how much self¨Ccontrol it took to restrain herself. It wasn¡¯t that they weren¡¯t married; she simply wanted to be absolutely certain of her feelings before taking that step, not driven by a fleeting impulse or sheer physical attraction. Julius, however, seemed a little crestfallen. When they finallyy down to sleep, he wrapped an arm around her waist and murmured in her ear, ¡°Quinn, I love you, so I¡¯ll wait until you fall in love with me. When that happens, you¡¯ll want me too, right?¡± He sounded like an oversized puppy begging for affection. She had never known that a man like Julius could have such a clingy, coaxing side. The next morning, Quinn needed to visit the Bridger residence out in the vige, so Julius drove her there. Military 193 Chapter 193 Just In Time For Lunch By the time they reached the little township, the hour had slid neatly into lunchtime. Quinn asked softly, ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be able to get used to the food in a tiny diner like this?¡± Julius answered without hesitation, ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t get used to.¡± He had gone several days with nothing to eat before; back then, even a dirty crust of bread had seemed like a feast. Quinn went on, ¡°There¡¯s a little diner I used to visit all the time. I¡¯m not even sure it¡¯s still open, but every time our family came into town, we always ate there together.¡± As the words left her mouth, she could not stop a bitter smile from tugging at her lips. ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± Julius said. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± She blinked in surprise, then smiled. The car rolled to a stop in front of the little diner¡¯s entrance. The ce was still there, almost exactly as Quinn remembered it from five years ago; only the owner looked a little older. ¡°It¡¯s Quinn, isn¡¯t it? I haven¡¯t seen you in years¨Chow have you been?¡± The owner recognized her at a nce. ¡°I¡¯ve been well,¡± Quinn replied with a small smile. ¡°What about your mom, your dad, and your brother? Didn¡¯t theye with you?¡± the owner asked. Quinn¡¯s eyes dimmed. ¡°They didn¡¯te back this time. I¡¯m here alone, taking care of a few things.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. Well, have a seat first and decide what you¡¯d like to eat.¡± The owner ushered them in. Julius and Quinn sat down. Julius¡¯s gaze drifted to one wall of the cozy dining room, where dozens of Proid snapshots were pinned in neat rows. Each photo showed different faces, taken right here in the diner¨Chappy customers capturing a memory. ¡°Those photos are sort of a check¨Cin tradition,¡± Quinn exined. ¡°A lot of guests take a picture and stick it on the wall.¡± ¡°Do you have one up there, too?¡± Julius asked, genuinely intrigued. beside me is my brother.¡± ¡°I do.¡± Quinn pointed to a particr snapshot. ¡°See? That¡¯s me, and the person beside me is Following the direction of her finger, Julius found the photo. The instant his eyesnded on the tall yet finely featured man standing next to Quinn, his expression shifted almost imperceptibly. ¡°That¡¯s your brother?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s Rowan,¡± Quinn said, failing to notice Julius¡¯s sudden tension. ¡°Rowan and I don¡¯t look much alike, do we? I take after my father, Montague; my brother looks more like our mother, Arlene.¡± Julius pressed his thin lips together, his gaze heavy on the photograph of the broad¨Cshouldered, refined- looking man. He had long known that her brother was missing¨Chad even ordered his subordinates to look for Rowan¡¯s Chapter 193 Just In Time For Lunch whereabouts¨Cbut this was the first time he had ever seen a picture of the man. If the man in that photograph truly was her brother, then¡­ ¡°Have you picked your dishes yet?¡± the owner called out again. +10 Free Coins Quinn¡¯s attention finally returned to the menu. She asked Julius, ¡°Take a look¨Csee if anything catches your eye.¡± But Julius didn¡¯t answer; his eyes remained glued to the photos on the wall. ¡°Julius?¡± Quinn raised her voice slightly. ¡°Huh?¡± Only then did Julius snap out of it. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look a little pale¨Care you feeling sick?¡± she asked. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Maybe I didn¡¯t sleep wellst night,¡± he offered casually, only then realizing that his palms were damp with a thinyer of cold sweat. How strange¨Che had never imagined there woulde a day when he would know what it felt like to have sweaty palms. ¡°See if there¡¯s anything you¡¯d like,¡± Quinn said, pushing the menu toward him. ¡°You choose. I¡¯ve never eaten here, so I don¡¯t know what¡¯s good,¡± he replied. ¡°All right, then.¡± Quinn ordered several of the home¨Cstyle dishes she and her parents and brother used to get every visit. The owner jotted down the selections and walked off with the menu. ¡°Are you and¡­ your brother very close?¡± Julius asked abruptly. ¡°Yes, very,¡± Quinn murmured, her gaze drifting back to the wall of photos, her eyes filled with nostalgia. ¡°That picture was taken five years ago, thest time Rowan and I ate here together. It was just for fun at the time, but now I realize it might be thest photo we ever took together. After that, Rowan returned to the Jexburgh Military District, and not long afterward, he was dispatched to the frontier on a mission. ¡°Ever since we were little, he had always protected me. If anyone bullied me, even if he was smaller than they were andpletely outnumbered, he¡¯d still fight tooth and nail to get justice for me. He always said, ¡®No one gets to push around Rowan Bridger¡¯s little sister!¡± Quinn said. Quinn¡¯s lips curved into a smile as she spoke, but her eyes grew increasingly moist. ¡°Tell me, isn¡¯t he a wonderful brother?¡± Julius wetted his suddenly dry lips. ¡°Yes, he really is a wonderful brother.¡± ¡°When I finally find Rowan, I¡¯m definitely going to introduce the two of you properly,¡± Quinn said, blinking hard to keep the tears from spilling over. Military 194 Chapter 194 I Will Find Rowan Julius lowered hisshes, careful not to let Quinn notice how unsettled he was. There were certain things he had to verify. If Quinn¡¯s brother truly was the man he once met, then¡­ Just then, the owner began bringing their dishes to the table one after another. ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Quinn suggested. ¡°All right,¡± Julius answered, lowering his head and eating in silence. While Quinn ate, she kept chatting with Julius about old memories involving her parents and her older brother; whenever her brother came up, the warmth in her voice and the softening of her features made it perfectly clear just how deeply she cherished him. Throughout the entire meal, Julius felt as though he were chewing on dry wax; afterward, he could not even recall what any of the dishes had tasted like. He simply moved his fork up and down in a purely mechanical rhythm. ¡°By the way, Quinn, what brings you here especially today?¡± the restaurant owner asked with friendly curiosity while ringing up the bill. ¡°I came to take care of the old house,¡± Quinn answered. She had already transferred the Yarburn city apartment into her own name, but the Bridger family¡¯s old house out in the town still hadn¡¯t been processed. Before heading back to Jexburgh, she intended to settle the paperwork and officially put that property under her name as well. ¡°So you¡¯re here to handle the relocation procedures, right? I heard a lot of folks in your neighborhood have already signed off, and the whole block is scheduled for demolition in just a few days,¡± the owner added. ¡°What?¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Demolition?¡± ¡°Yeah, demolition. You didn¡¯t know?¡± the owner replied. Quinn fell silent. She truly hadn¡¯t known a thing about any uing demolition and had never received a single notice. After they stepped out of the little diner, Julius nced at her. ¡°Are we still going to your family¡¯s old house?¡± ¡°No, first we¡¯re heading to the Relocation Office,¡± Quinn said. Over the next twenty¨Cfour hours, Sidonie¡¯s scandal snowballed; despite both the Stonehurst and Bridger families¡® efforts to bury it on Twitter¡¯s trending list, their suppression barely made a dent. Sidonie¡¯s parents even rushed to Yarburn overnight, hoping to persuade the Bridger family to intervene; the Bridgers wield considerable influence here, and if they poured enough resources into it, the story might yet be smothered. While Lana was pleading nonstop with her elder male cousins to shield her daughter from the headlines, Quinn pushed open the office door. ¡°Quinn, what brings you here?¡± Moldred asked, surprised to see her¡ªand even more surprised to see Julius stride in at her side. ¡°I¡¯m looking for Uncle Melvin,¡± Quinn said, her gaze locking onto Melvin. ¡°I¡¯d like to know why the old house of our fifth branch is being demolished, yet every consent form forpensation lists nothing but Uncle Melvin¡¯s information.¡± The moment those words left her mouth, every person in the room turned to stare at Melvin. A stab of regret shot through Melvin; the instant Quinn had shown up outside the ancestral hall, he¡¯d sensed she would be trouble. And sure enough¨Chere that trouble was. ¡°Melvin, what exactly is going on?¡± Moldred¨Cthe eldest of this generation¨Cdemanded. ¡°The old house of the fifth branch is technically ancestral property,¡± Melvin said righteously. ¡°The fifth branch only has Quinn, a single girl. How could we hand down ancestral assets to a girl? If the relocation money goes to her, she¡¯ll marry, and an outsider will reap the benefit. Naturally, the funds must stay with a Bridger male.¡± Quinn almostughed from sheer anger. ¡°What century are we in that a woman can¡¯t inherit? And why should a third¨Cbranch member inherit property that belongs to the fifth branch? Exin that!¡± ¡°me your dad and your brother for having short lives. If they were still around, of course, they¡¯d inherit,¡± Melvin retorted. The phrase ¡°short lives¡± sliced across Quinn¡¯s nerves. Her eyes flushed crimson as she red at him. ¡°The fifth branch¡¯s old house is not yours to control! Besides, my brother is still alive!¡± ¡°Ha! He¡¯s been missing for five years¨Cno way he¡¯s alive. If he were, why hasn¡¯t he shown up? Keep fooling yourself all you want; your brother is nevering back,¡± Melvin mocked. Quinn¡¯s hand, hanging at her side, shot upward; elder or not, she could no longer hold herself back. But another hand moved even faster, lunging toward Melvin. In the blink of an eye, long fingers mped unyieldingly around Melvin¡¯s throat. Military 195 hapter 195 The Grip Of Fury Before everyone¡¯s eyes, Julius simply closed his hand around Melvin¡¯s neck. Melvin struggled, trying to pry those fingers away, but Julius¡¯s grip was like a steel bar¨Cutterly immovable. Melvin¡¯s face turned a deep, suffocated red before the onlookers finally snapped from their stupor. ¡°Julius, let go! My dad can¡¯t breathe!¡± Marley rushed forward. ¡°Even if you¡¯re sticking up for Quinn, you can¡¯t do this!¡± Julius lowered hisshes almostzily. He simply didn¡¯t want Quinn¡¯s hands to be dirtied; if someone needed to act, he could act for her. When he showed no sign of releasing, Marley turned her ire on Quinn. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re disgusting¡ª actually using Julius to do something like this!¡± Moldred added, ¡°Quinn, whatever the dispute, tell Julius to let your Uncle Melvin go first!¡± Julius lifted his gaze to Quinn. ¡°Do you want me to let him go?¡± It was as though, should she answer no, he would simply take Melvin¡¯s life then and there. Every eye in the room shifted to Quinn, tension coiling in the air. Quinn¡¯s heart gave a hard thump. She knew Julius understood the legal consequences of killing a man, yet he still handed the decision over to her. ¡°Let him go,¡± she said quietly. ¡°All right.¡± Julius obeyed, uncurling his fingers. Melvin staggered back several steps. Pointing at Quinn in humiliated fury, he shouted, ¡°How dare you let Julius humiliate me like this! If you don¡¯t apologize, I¡¯ll¡ª¡± Bang! The fistnded squarely against Melvin¡¯s torso, knocking the wind out of him. Melvin went down hard, mming face¨Cfirst onto the floorboards, sprawling there inplete disgrace. Marley exploded. ¡°Quinn, how dare you hit my dad?¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I dare?¡± Quinn lifted her chin and shot back, ¡°Even if he¡¯s my uncle, the moment he insults my parents or my brother, I¡¯ll beat him all the same! My dad didn¡¯t ¡®die young¨Che sacrificed himself for the country. My brother isn¡¯t ¡®doomed¡® either¨Che¡¯s a soldier carrying out a mission for the nation. As long as no one produces his body, then my brother is still alive!¡± Her words reverberated in the room. Instantly, the entire room fell deathly silent. Marley¡¯s brows knit together. No matter how much resentment she held toward Quinn, at this moment, Quinn¡¯s deration left her neither able nor willing to argue back. After all, the ceremony where Quinn¡¯s parents¡® ashes were interred at the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden was still vivid in Marley¡¯s memory. Behind Quinn stood the military district¨Cand the government itself. Moldred spoke up. ¡°Melvin, apologize to Quinn!¡± ¡°What?¡± Melvin stared,pletely thrown. ¡°Moldred, you want me to apologize to her?¡± ¡°Yes, apologize.¡± Moldred¡¯s tone was sharp as a chisel striking stone. ¡°They won¡¯t allow you to speak that way.¡± Melvin bristled. ¡°What did I say that was wrong? If her family were still around, I¡¯d never touch the fifth branch¡¯s old house. But they¡¯re gone, and Bridger property must nevernd in a woman¡¯s hands. This girl keeps insisting her brother¡¯s still alive¨Cclearly she just wants to hog the family assets!¡± ¡°Enough!¡± A stern shout cracked through the air from the doorway, followed by the heavy thump of a cane striking the floor. Everyone jumped. Murren, leaning on his cane, stepped through the door. ¡°Grandpa, weren¡¯t you still recuperating? Why did youe all the way here?¡± Moldred hurried forward. ¡°If I hadn¡¯te, would I never know what you people are up to?¡± Murren fumed. ¡°You¡¯ve even got the gall to covet the fifth branch¡¯s property! Wonderful¨Ctruly wonderful. When did the Bridger family be like this?¡± Feeling awkward, Moldred rubbed the bridge of his nose. He¡¯d known the old house was ted for demolition, but he¡¯d left every detail to Melvin. Only today did he realize his cousin had transferred the house and the entire relocation payout into his own name. ¡°Grandpa, that old house belongs to the Bridger family, and inheritance goes through the sons, not the daughters. Quinn¡¯s just a girl¨Cwhat right does she have to im it? There¡¯s no one left in the fifth branch; I took the ce, what¡¯s wrong with that?¡± Melvin still argued brazenly. Smack! The old man¡¯s palm cracked across Melvin¡¯s cheek. ¡°No one in the fifth branch? Isn¡¯t Quinn part of the fifth branch? That house belongs to her. If you dare set your sights on it again, get out of the Bridger family!¡± Melvin clutched his stinging face, furious yet too cowed to utter another word. Murren turned to Quinn. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m sorry. This old great¨Cgrandfather failed to raise your uncles properly and let you suffer such grievances. But rest assured¨Canything that belongs to the fifth branch, if they so much as touch a corner of it, I¡¯ll treat it as though the Bridger family never had them at all.¡± 2/ Military 196 hapter 196 An Ultimatum His words were meant not only for Quinn but for every Bridger present. He wanted everyone to understand that as long as he drew breath, Quinn¡¯s greatest shield within the Bridger family was him. And he meant to snuff out, once and for all, any lingering designs on the fifth branch¡¯s property. ¡°Thank you, Great¨CGrandpa,¡± Quinn said softly. Marley watched the scene, jealousy twisting in her chest. She suddenly turned to Lana Bridger, Sidonie¡¯s mother and her own aunt. ¡°Aunt Lana, Sidonie ran into trouble all because of Quinn. That day, Sidonie flew the helicopter to rescue those trapped workers at my request, yet during the talk show, Quinn humiliated her, so Sidonie walked off set midway and got kidnapped.¡± At once, every eye in the room swung back to Quinn. Lana red at Quinn with bitter anger. The brilliant daughter she had nurtured so carefully had been ruined because of Quinn¨Chow could she possibly swallow that? ¡°Quinn, right? I¡¯m your aunt, and Sidonie¡¯s your cousin. Why did you treat Sidonie that way?¡± Lana challenged in front of everyone. Because Lana had married early, by the time Quinn was born, she was already living in Jexburgh and seldom returned to Yarburn; nor had the two households had much contact in the capital. It was only on this trip back to Yarburn that Quinn learned she and Sidonie were even rted. ¡°During the interview, I simply told the truth. As for her kidnapping, Aunt Lana, you should ask your daughter why she refused to save a life when she had the chance,¡± Quinn replied coolly. Lana¡¯s expression shifted. She quickly countered, ¡°Even if she really did walk away, that¡¯s not a crime. Now requires someone to perform a rescue in dangerous circumstances. But you¨CSidonie¡¯s own cousin¡ª went after her so aggressively on¨Cair. If not for you, she wouldn¡¯t be condemned by the whole world. Quinn, shouldn¡¯t you take responsibility and help Sidonie remove the negative publicity?¡± ¡°I have no such obligation,¡± Quinn rejected tly. Lana turned toward Murren. ¡°Grandpa, no matter what, my daughter Sidonie is half a Bridger. Now, because of Quinn, she¡¯s being attacked from all sides. My perfectly good daughter is still lying in a hospital bed¨Cdoes Quinn bear no responsibility at all? I hope you¡¯ll see justice done for Sidonie!¡± It was obvious Lana intended to leverage the Bridger family¡¯s power to make Quinn clean up her daughter¡¯s public mess. The Bridgers and the Stonehursts had tried to suppress the stories and trending topics, yet they simply wouldn¡¯t stay down. Matters were snowballing; if this continued, Sidonie would lose not only her Firefighting Hero title but even her job at Nimbus Air. The urgent task was to bury the bad press. And standing behind Quinn now was Julius. If Julius were willing to act, the issue could be squashed immediately. Marley seized the chance. ¡°Exactly, Great¨CGrandpa. Sidonie had such a bright future, and now she¡¯s like this because of Quinn. Shouldn¡¯t she take responsibility? Or is it that because Quinn has Julius shielding her, Great¨CGrandpa intends to protect her no matter what?¡± Marley¡¯s words made Murren¡¯s brows draw together. His gaze sharpened as it locked onto her. ¡°I never realized you had such a¡­way with words.¡± Facing that stare, Marley lifted her chin. ¡°I just think Sidonie is pitiful. She worked so hard for everything she had, yet Quinn destroyed it all so easily.¡± ¡°What destroyed her wasn¡¯t Quinn¨Cit was Sidonie herself.¡± The uproar over Sidonie these past days had hardly escaped Murren¡¯s notice. ¡°So Quinn bears no fault at all? She and Sidonie are family, yet she pressed her so relentlessly on the talk show. If not, Cousin wouldn¡¯t have walked off set, wouldn¡¯t have been kidnapped! Or is the Bridger family allowed to do whatever it wants as long as the backing is strong enough?¡± Marley shot back, unwilling to yield. The ¡°backing¡± she spoke of was obviously Julius. She was determined to turn Quinn into the target of everyone¡¯s ire. She wanted every single member of the Bridger family to harbor resentment toward Quinn. She also meant to avenge the humiliation her dad, Melvin, had just suffered because of Quinn! Yet, in the very next second, the person who spoke was not Murren but Julius. ¡°So, as long as someone has me standing behind them, they¡¯re free to do whatever they like in the Bridger residence, is that it?¡± His clear, cool voice driftedzily through the air. Marley stiffened, then swung her gaze to Julius. ¡°Isn¡¯t Quinn relying on you¡ªthat¡¯s the only reason she can run rampant in the Bridger family! She even dared to hit my dad just now. He¡¯s her elder, and she showed him zero respect. Julius, she¡¯s treating you as nothing more than a convenient tool. Can¡¯t you see that?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Julius¡¯s lips curved in a faint, almost amused smile. ¡°If she really does regard me as a tool she can make use of, that would actually make me very happy.¡± Military 197 Chapter 197 Happy To Be Her Shield At the very least, it would mean Quinn needed him. +10 Free Coins ¡°W¨Cwhat did you just say?¡± Marley stared at Julius in disbelief, as though she could not fathom such wordsing from a man so famously proud and self¨Ccontained. All around them, the other onlookers wore equally astonished expressions. The remark sounded exactly like something a love¨Csick fool might blurt out. But Julius¨Ca love¨Csick fool? With that face and all those rumors about him, no one on earth would ever peg him as a man blinded by romance! ¡°I said that if Quinn wants to use me, I will ept it as sweet as honey!¡± Julius¡¯s voice rang out, crisp and unmistakable, while his gaze rested on Quinn with undeniable tenderness. It was as if, to him, being used by Quinn was the best fortune imaginable. Marley ground her teeth; Julius¡¯s words felt like a vicious pnding hard across her face. The effect was all the worse because so many Bridger rtives were present! Until today, everyone in the family had assumed that Marley was destined to end up with Julius. Then, Julius had gone on a talk show and publicly acknowledged he was dating Quinn¨Cnow he was saying this as well. The message could not be clearer: the only woman in Julius¡¯s heart was Quinn. And Marley¨Cshe was nothing at all. How could she possibly swallow that? ¡°Julius, have you forgotten what happened to your parents? Do you honestly believe Quinn can handle the kind of love thates from the Whitethorn family? If one day she betrays you, then you-¡± Julius¡¯s expression changed in an instant; a murderous gleam shed through his eyes. Just as he was about to strike, Quinn grabbed his hand, stepped forward, and fixed her gaze on Marley. ¡°Whether I can handle his feelings is a matter between Julius and me; it¡¯s not your ce to judge. And as for what happened to his parents, that is even less your business, so keep your mouth shut. Marley, if you insist on spouting useless trash, I¡¯ll hit you. Say it once, I¡¯ll hit you once¨Cfeel free to test me!¡± ¡°You-¡± Marley bit her lip. Remembering how Quinn had just thrashed her dad, she couldn¡¯t help a flicker of fear. Julius stared at Quinn, momentarily dazed. Her fingers were gripping his hand with fierce determination, wordlessly telling him that no matter what happened, she would stand by him. Quinn turned back to Murren. ¡°Great¨CGrandpa, I came today only to reim the house that belongs to the fifth branch. I¡¯ll mail all the paperwork to the office afterward, and I hope Uncle Melvin won¡¯t get in the way.¡± ¡°If he dares interfere, he can get out of the Bridger family!¡± the old man dered. With Murren¡¯s promise in ce, Quinn felt reassured. ¡°Then Julius and I will head back for now. Please take good care of yourself, Great¨CGrandpa. I¡¯lle visit again soon.¡± ¡°All right, but you muste see this old man more often,¡± Murren replied with a smile. Quinn agreed and, still holding Julius¡¯s hand, started toward the exit. Julius suddenly spoke, his gaze icy as it locked onto Marley¡¯s resentful face. ¡°Since you just imed that, with me as your backing, you can act recklessly, then from this moment on, Marley, you have nothing whatsoever to do with me or with the Whitethorn family.¡± In other words, he would be the backup for Quinn alone. Marley stared at Julius, utterly shocked. ¡°Julius, what are you talking about? What do you mean I have nothing to do with you or the Whitethorn family?¡± Melvin panicked as well. If failing to secure the fifth¨Cbranch residence merely meant losing some relocation money, Julius severing ties with his daughter was practically a death sentence for him. ¡°Exactly, Mr. Whitethorn, how can you say that? Back then, you nearly blinded Marley in one eye. All these years, she¡¯s never onceined. Even though the treatments have done nothing, she¡¯s always insisted she doesn¡¯t me you. And now you¡¯re treating her like this? Don¡¯t tell me Quinn¡¯s been trash¨Ctalking Marley behind your back!¡± Melvin seized the chance to fling mud at Quinn. Julius¡¯s eyes turned cial as he looked at Melvin. In that instant, Melvin felt every hair on his body stand on end, as though a wild beast had zeroed in on him¨Cone more word against Quinn and he would be finished. ¡°I nearly blinded Marley years ago, and all this time I havepensated her and the Bridger family more than enough. In the past, I didn¡¯t care; from now on, there will be no more.¡± With that, he nced at Marley, his gaze void of the slightest warmth. ¡°Everything you enjoy in the Bridger family exists only because the Whitethorn family granted it to you. You should never have dared use what the Whitethorns gave you to attack Quinn!¡± Military 198 hapter 198 Compensation Ends Marley¡¯splexion turned a ghostly white. She charged forward in a rush and mped both hands around the sleeve of Julius¡¯s suit jacket. ¡°Julius, you can¡¯t treat me like this! I sacrificed an eye for you¨Chow can you simply cut ties as though none of it matters?¡± Julius stared at her with arctic detachment. ¡°Your eye was never sacrificed for me. That night, you were merely cornered, toote to run. If you¡¯d had any chance of escape, you would have taken it. Because of that injury, I¡¯vepensated you all these years¨Chasn¡¯t that been enough?¡± Marley¡¯s body quivered. She wanted to refute him, yet with so many rtives gathered, how could she possibly argue back? ¡°But¡­ my feelings for you¡­¡± Her lips trembled as she forced the words out. Before she could finish, his tone cut like a de. ¡°Marley, I have never harbored a single shred of affection for you. Everything I gave you was merely repayment for your injured eye. Now, that debt is settled.¡± With that, he pried her fingers free and walked off with Quinn at his side. Marley stumbled and nearly copsed onto the marble floor. All around, people stared¨Cespecially the Bridger cousins, who once gazed at her with envy. Now their looks brimmed with pity, ridicule, or disdain. Ever since Julius ruined one of her eyes, her status in the Bridger family had soared, and everyone scrambled to tter her. Overnight, she had risen from hell to heaven. And now¨Cwas she really plummeting from heaven back into that same hell? ¡°Marley, why are you standing there? Go after him! If you beg Mr. Whitethorn properly, he¡¯ll surely take back what he said!¡± Melvin urged in a sharp whisper. ¡°Isn¡¯t this embarrassment enough?¡± Murren mmed his cane against the floor, the crack echoing through the lobby. He then turned to Lana. ¡°I¡¯ve heard about Sidonie¡¯s incident. The Bridger family has done all it can. Your job now isn¡¯t to pin responsibility on Quinn¨Cit¡¯s to obtain forgiveness from the family of the girl who was burned alive.¡± Lana¡¯s face darkened; Melvin didn¡¯t dare utter a word. Marley stood rigid, face ashen, hardly hearing Murren¡¯s rebuke. Her fists clenched so hard her nails bit deep into her palms. She had already lost an eye and paid so dear a price¨Chow could she be shoved back into that same nightmare? Quinn and Julius walked out of the Bridger Group. Once seated in the car, Quinn found her gaze drifting toward him again and again. ¡°What is it? Why do you keep looking at me like that?¡± he asked. ¡°The things you said back there were you serious? You won¡¯t regret themter?¡± ¡°Which part? That if you can use me, I¡¯d wee it?¡± he countered. ¡°Not that. I know you said it to give me face in front of everyone,¡± she said quickly. Julius¡¯s lips curved faintly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just for show. I meant it. If you ever wish to use me, do it¨CI¡¯ll be d. It means I¡¯m useful to you, doesn¡¯t it?¡± His words sounded almost like a tender confession. Yet, Quinn felt a sting behind her eyes. The deeper she understood him, the more clearly she saw a twist in his view of emotions. That twist had to be the shadow of his childhood. ¡°Don¡¯t be d there¡¯s no reason to be.¡± Quinn¡¯s tone was soft yet firm. ¡°True feelings should never revolve around utility. I like you whether you¡¯re useful to me or not, because liking someone isn¡¯t measured by ¡®useful¡® or ¡®useless.¡± Julius¡¯s fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on the steering wheel. ¡°But since I was little, everyone told me I had to be useful to be allowed to exist,¡± he murmured. Because he¡¯d been useless, he hadn¡¯t been able to keep his mother from ending her life; afterward, his father had hated him. Later, precisely because he was useful, his grandfather took him in and groomed him to inherit the vast Whitethorn empire. His world had always been divided into two camps¨Cuseful and useless. Now she was saying that even if he were useless, she would still like him. ¡°You¡¯re right¨Cbeing useful is fine, but love shouldn¡¯t depend on it,¡± Quinn said gently. ¡°Feeling happy just because you¡¯re being used is wrong. If the affection you receive is rooted in utility, then the day you¡¯re no longer useful, won¡¯t you be discarded? How long could such lovest?¡± Military 199 Chapter 199 Fear Of Abandonment All color drained from Julius¡¯s face; his hands on the wheel trembled almost invisibly. With a sudden jerk, Julius spun the steering wheel and mmed on the brakes. The car screeched to a halt at the curb. ¡°Why did you stop so suddenly-¡± Quinn hadn¡¯t finished speaking when Julius unbuckled his seat belt, leaned across the console, and closed the distance between them. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn stared into the strikingly handsome face that had eased close to hers. Right then, hisplexion was ghost¨Cwhite, and unmistakable anxiety darkened his eyes. ¡°If I be useless, will you throw me away?¡± he asked, his gaze locked tight on her. Quinn froze, then, as though something clicked in her mind, said softly, ¡°No. Even if you really did be useless, I would never abandon you.¡± ¡°Really?¡± He still sounded far from reassured. Quinn pressed her red lips together, knowing some wounds¨Csome deeply embedded influences- couldn¡¯t be erased by a handful offorting words. Still, she and he had plenty of time ahead; she could case those doubts bit by bit. She cradled his face in both hands and met his icy thin lips with her own warm kiss. ¡°Julius, whether you¡¯re useful or not, I like you¨CI like you, the person.¡± Her heat seemed determined to thaw the chill clinging to his mouth. The trembling unease and tension in his heart slowly unraveled beneath her deration. Julius¡¯s eyshes fluttered; after a brief pause, he closed his eyes and answered her kiss. When Quinn finally broke away, Julius felt the warmth on his lips fade, leaving behind a vague sense of loss. ¡°All right, let¡¯s drive home,¡± Quinn reminded him; this wasn¡¯t a spot where they could park for long. Of course, she had never imagined she would someday kiss Julius in a car pulled over at the curb while pedestrians flowed past the windows. But a moment ago, all she¡¯d wanted was to soothe his anxiety and tell him how much she cared. Julius gave Quinn a long, deep look, then started the engine once more. The vehicle eased away, and, roughly twenty minutester, rolled up to the front gate of the mansion. At that moment, a lone figure was standing outside the gate. Quinn blinked; through the windshield she clearly saw who it was. It was¨CHan! Surprise shed in her eyes. Han had only called herst night, and now he was suddenly in front of the mansion. The car stopped. Quinn released her seat belt and was reaching for the door when Julius suddenly caught her hand. ¡°What is it?¡± Quinn turned to him. Julius pressed his lips together. ¡°Nothing¨Cjust surprised he showed up.¡± ¡°It is surprising. Let¡¯s get out and ask.¡± Quinn slipped her fingers free of his, opened the door, and stepped out. Julius stared at the emptiness her hand had left, then shifted his gaze outside the window to settle on Han. In truth, Julius wasn¡¯t especially shocked by Han¡¯s appearance. Since the man had feelings for Quinn, once he learned she was dating Julius, he would never have stayed in Jexburgh; of course, he woulde to Yarburn. And Han¡¯s rushed arrival only proved how high Quinn ranked in his heart. A sense of impending threat crept through Julius¡¯s chest. Trent he could ignore, but Han he could not. Quinn walked up to Han. ¡°What brings you here? You didn¡¯t even call.¡± ¡°I wanted to surprise you,¡± Han said. ¡°Back in Jexburgh, hearing you were dating Julius was shock enough.¡± As his words faded, his eyes lifted past Quinn to Julius, who had climbed out and was walking their way. The two men¡¯s gazes collided in mid¨Cair. ¡°You¡¯ve been in Yarburn such a short time¨Care you sure you really want to date Julius?¡± Han asked. Quinn smiled. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it either, but I¡¯m certain I want to be with him.¡± Han¡¯s eyes dimmed; her forthright answer left him no room to im she was threatened or unwilling. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re together,¡± Julius stepped to Quinn¡¯s side and, as though staking a im,ced his fingers tightly through hers. Staring at those interlocked hands, Han found the sight unbearably harsh. ¡°Quinnie, why choose Julius? What¡¯s so good about him?¡± he demanded, glowering at Julius. At the question, Julius¡¯s grip on Quinn¡¯s hand tightened; clearly, he was tense about her reply. Military 200 Chapter 200 Pledge Of Devotion ¡°Because I like him, so I¡¯m dating him. As for what¡¯s good about him¡ªwell, he treats me very well,¡± Quinn said after thinking it over. ¡°Then I can treat you¡ª¡± Han¡¯s words were cut short by Julius. ¡°Why stand at the gate? Let¡¯s go inside and talk.¡± Julius¡¯s tone was smooth. ¡°Strictly speaking, Han, you¡¯re Quinn¡¯s little brother, so if you like, you could call me brother¨Cinw.¡± ¡°Ahem!¡± Quinn coughed twice and shot him a speechless look. Brother¨Cinw? How¡¯d hee up with that? Han red at Julius. ¡°Aren¡¯t you in a hurry? You two aren¡¯t married yet. Besides, who can predict the future? Something you like today might not appeal to you tomorrow.¡± ¡°But I know Quinn won¡¯t change. What she wants is mutual devotion, never leaving, never forsaking. If I stay, she won¡¯t leave¨Cright, Quinn?¡± While he spoke, Julius lifted their still¨Cinteced hands and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. Han ground his teeth so hard he nearly cracked them. Quinn¡¯s cheeks turned a faint rose as she pulled her hand back. ¡°All right, enough¨Clet¡¯s head inside.¡± The three of them walked into the mansion. Quinn was about to brew some coffee for Han when Julius caught her wrist and said, ¡°Let me handle the coffee.¡± Quinn considered it and agreed¨Cafter all, Julius¡¯s coffee¨Cmaking skills far surpassed her own. Moving with unhurried grace, Julius prepared the coffee while watching Han. ¡°Mr. Ingram drops in without warning, and Quinnie and I haven¡¯t prepared anything special. May I ask when you n to return to Jexburgh?¡± Each time Julius sweetly called her ¡°Quinnie,¡± the sound jabbed at Han until a vein pulsed on his forehead. If Quinn hadn¡¯t been present, the little warlord would probably have flipped the entire coffee table by now. ¡°Quinnie, when are you heading back to Jexburgh?¡± Han countered instead of answering. ¡°Me?¡± Quinn blinked. ¡°I¡¯ll return once the demolition paperwork for the old Bridger residence is finalized.¡± Her parents were already buried, and their remaining estate matters were nearly settled. When the ownership of the house ted for demolition officially transferred to her, it would be time to go back to Jexburgh. ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll head to Jexburgh with you,¡± Han said with a slight smile. Julius¡¯s brows knit together. Quinn asked, ¡°Then why did youe to Yarburn?¡± ¡°To see you, of course,¡± Han replied. ¡°My business in Jexburgh is wrapped up, and I suddenly have free time. You once promised that if I ever had a break, you¡¯d give me a proper tour of Yarburn. Since you¡¯re here too, I hope you won¡¯t refuse.¡± ¡°Of course I won¡¯t,¡± Quinn said. Back when she¡¯d still been in the military, she¡¯d chatted with Han about her hometown and promised to show him around if the chance arose. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for my personal tour guide,¡± Han said with a bright smile. ¡°Deal,¡± Quinn replied. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Han. ¡°Oh, the umbre you lent mest time¨Cyou¡¯re here today, so I¡¯ll go upstairs and fetch it for you.¡± With that, Quinn hurried up the stairs. The vast living room now held only Julius and Han. Julius finished brewing the coffee and slid a cup toward Han. ¡°Please, Han.¡± Han red back icily. ¡°Julius, whatever tricks you used to make her date you, you don¡¯t deserve her. You and she were never meant to walk the same road!¡± Julius¡¯s phoenix¨Cshaped eyes darkened; mockery curled across his lips. ¡°Whether I deserve her or share her path isn¡¯t for you to decide. Quinn is in love with me now, and the man who will grow old beside her will also be me.¡± ¡°In your dreams!¡± Han shot to his feet, leaned over the table, and yanked Julius by the cor, eyes zing. ¡°What, ready to throw punches, Han?¡± Julius arched a brow. ¡°Jealous that Quinn¡¯s dating me? To her, you¡¯ll always be a little brother. From the first day you called her ¡®sis,¡® your fate was sealed.¡± ¡°You¡ª¡± Han¡¯s gaze grew even more menacing; he let out a cold, furiousugh. ¡°Julius, you sabotaged my mother¡¯sw firm just to force me back to deal with the fallout, clearing the way for you to manipte Quinn. If she knew how low you¡¯d sink, what do you think she¡¯d feel?¡± As he spoke, Han¡¯s eyes slid past Julius and fixed on Quinn, who had just stepped onto thending. He raised his voice¨Cloud enough for her to hear every word. Realizing what was happening, Julius whipped around and followed Han¡¯s gaze toward the stairs¡­ 4 Military 201 Chapter 201 Subtle Schemes And Unspoken Confessions The instant Quinn¡¯s silhouette shed across Julius¡¯s sharp, amber eyes, all colors drained from his face. Did she hear everything Han just said? Then what is she thinking now? Does she see me as utterly despicable? Even if every other soul on earth branded him despicable, it would not shake him in the least¨Cyet the thought of seeing disappointment in her gaze terrified him. At this moment Quinn¡¯s features remained perfectlyposed, revealing no discernible shift in emotion. She stepped forward and said to Han, ¡°Let go of him first.¡± Han¡¯s thin lips moved. ¡°I always listen to you, Quinnie!¡± With that, he cheerfully released the fist that had been gripping Julius¡¯s cor. Quinn asked, ¡°How are things going at yourw firm?¡± Julius¡¯s body gave a faint shudder; he understood then that she truly had overheard their earlier exchange. ¡°Everything¡¯s been handled¨Cnothing serious,¡± Han replied, then added, ¡°But Quinnie, some people are experts atying traps. You¡¯d better keep your guard up.¡± Quinn offered a mild smile and, changing the subject, said, ¡°The umbre you lent mest time¨CI¡¯m returning it to its rightful owner.¡± She extended the umbre toward Han. Han stared at it in silence; back when he left Yarburn, he had lent it to her, telling her to bring it back to him in Jexburgh. He knew this gesture meant farewell. That farewell had felt like missing a once¨Cin¨Ca¨Clifetime chance. If he had known then that it was Julius¡¯s calction¨Chad known what he was destined to lose¨Che would never have left Yarburn, no matter the cost. He would have stayed by Quinnie¡¯s side, confessed first, and left Julius, not even a sliver of opportunity to covet her. Sadly, it was only after he saw the news confirming Quinn was dating Julius that understanding finally dawned. So heunched a thorough investigation into why hisw firm had, so ¡°coincidentally,¡± run into trouble and why he alone had been summoned back to Jexburgh to resolve it. Every clue pointed straight at the Whitethorn family. Thus he realized it had been Julius¡¯s deliberate ploy, executed solely to drive him out of Yarburn. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you taking it?¡± Quinn urged. Only then did Han give a wry smile, ept the umbre, and say, ¡°All right, I¡¯ll head back to the hotel for now. I¡¯lle see you again tomorrow, Quinnie!¡± Chapter 201 Subtle Schemes And Unspoken Confessions ¡°Okay, travel safely,¡± Quinn replied. +10 Free Coins After Han had left, Quinn turned to Julius and asked, ¡°Was it you who deliberately meddled with thew firm on Han¡¯s mother¡¯s side of the family?¡± Julius¡¯s eyshes trembled; he slowly lowered his gaze, unable, for that moment, to meet her eyes. ¡°You once told me that whenever I asked, you would never hide anything from me,¡± she reminded him. His body went rigid. Yes, he had said that¨Che had given her his word. Julius pressed his slender lips together, the hands hanging at his sides bunching into tight knots of tension, and admitted in a voice that almost trembled, ¡°¡­it was me.¡± Quinn asked softly, ¡°Why would you do something like that?¡± ¡°I was afraid that as long as Han was around, he would stand in the way of my pursuing you,¡± he answered in a low, muffled tone. ¡°To you he¡¯s different¨Che¡¯s therade you could entrust with your life when things turn deadly, someone you can rely on without hesitation.¡± ¡°And so?¡± she prompted. ¡°And so I¡­¡± He looked up, and at that exact moment, his gaze collided with hers. Her eyes were clear, upright, bright as the noonday sun;pared with that shimmering candor, he felt himself sunk in shadow, shabby and base. ¡°So¨Csopared to me, you¡¯re bound to prefer Han,¡± he forced out painfully. Quinn held his gaze without flinching and said, ¡°Yes, I do like Han, but only the way you like a younger brother, the way a soldier respects therade who has had your back. If I truly felt that sort of romantic attraction toward him, then it wouldn¡¯t matter whether he was still in Yarburn or had already returned to the capital¨Clocation would make no difference! Do you really think that if I were truly interested in him, his leaving Yarburn would somehow give me permission to turn around and like¨Cmuch less love- someone else?¡± ¡°Julius, do you honestly imagine my feelings are that casual, that easily reced? If one day you and I were separated for a while, would you assume I¡¯d just look around and pick another man the moment your back was turned?¡± Her words were scarcely out when Julius¡¯s expression changed abruptly. ¡°No¨CQuinnie! Don¡¯t go loving anyone else!¡± Quinn pressed her reddened lips together. ¡°Julius, I like you. I chose you. That won¡¯t change easily. But I can¡¯t ept the way you drag the people around me into your schemes.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The man who always stood atop the world, who never apologized for anything, forced the words out. Yet in front of her, he resembled a child who had done wrong and feared abandonment, blurting out an apology simply because she asked for it. Quinn looked at the man before her¨Chead lowered, loneliness written across every line of his face¨Cand her heart gave an involuntary, aching throb. He¡¯s the one in the wrong, and still, seeing him like this makes me ache for him¨Chow contradictory can feelings get? She sighed, lifted her hand, and brushed his cheek with gentle fingers. ¡°Don¡¯t do it again. Not to Han, not to any of my friends. I don¡¯t want you using tricks like that on people I care about. If you do, I really will¡­¡± Long, elegant fingers pressed softly against her lips, stopping the words from spilling out. 1 Military 202 Chapter 202 A Promise Of Restraint Chapter 202 A Promise Of Restraint +10 Free Coins ¡°Never again, I won¡¯t do it again,¡± Julius murmured, pressing his other hand over the one she still cupped against his face, nuzzling his cheek into her palm as if seeking warmth. ¡°Quinnie, I¡¯ll behave¨CI¡¯ll do exactly as you say.¡± The rasp of his whisper fell like a honeyed confession. Quinn¡¯s body went rigid; the man before her suddenly felt like an oversized pup begging for affection. Especially with the way his eyes fixed on her¨Cstraight, unblinking, positively seductive. ¡°Th¨Cthat¡¯s¡­ good,¡± she stammered, mouth suddenly dry, and tried to pull her hand back. But his fingers remained locked around hers, unwilling to let go. ¡°I want some coffee,¡± she said. ¡°Let go first.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± As he spoke, his free hand stretched out, picked up a cup of fresh coffee, and tilted it to his own lips; he held a mouthful on his tongue. ¡°What are you-¡± She froze, but when he lowered his head toward her she understood at once, a faint blush blooming across her cheeks. ¡°I can do it myself¡­¡± The refusal caught in her throat because his eyes seemed to beg her not to turn him away. Quinn exhaled softly, slipped the hand he had not seized around the back of Julius¡¯s neck, and drew him closer. After all, he was her boyfriend. If her boyfriend wanted things that way, then pampering him was the only sensible response. His lips came down on hers, and the warmth of the coffee slipped between them, blooming across their tongues in tandem with that intoxicating kiss. It was lingering yet zing hot, all at once. The kiss seemed to tell her, without words, just how profoundly he adored her. Although Sidonie had been kidnapped, the injuries she suffered were no more than superficial cuts and bruises, so after two days of observation she was allowed to leave the hospital. Victor arrived to bring his daughter home, apanied by his wife Lana and Sidonie¡¯s fianc¨¦, Trent. Whilepleting the discharge paperwork, Sidonie was still cursing under her breath. ¡°That kidnapper- I swear I¡¯ll see him rot in prison! This cannot just blow over. The humiliation he subjected me to, I¡¯ll pay back double! Trent, find me awyer, the best in the field, and make sure he spends the rest of his life behind bars!¡± ¡°But Sidonie, that man-¡°Trent began. Before he could finish, Lana snapped, ¡°Trent, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re thinking of letting that kidnapper go. You and Sidonie are engaged, remember? If this is the attitude you take, how can I ever entrust my daughter to you!¡± Trent opened his mouth to exin, but a sudden surge of reporters barreled toward them, shutters clicking in a deafening volley. One journalist thrust a microphone toward Sidonic and demanded, ¡°Ms. Sidonie, during the kidnapping you revealed that you once stood by while a senior coworker who had been kind to you was left to die. What was going through your mind at that time?¡± In an instant Sidonie¡¯s spine went rigid, herplexion draining of color. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, please tell us what you were thinking back then!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve heard the kidnapper was the son of that deceased coworker¨Cwill you forgive his actions?¡± ¡°Will Nimbus Air terminate your employment because of this incident?¡± ¡°Reports out of Deepport City say the Fire Commission has opened an investigation into your alleged failure to render aid. If your Firefighting Hero title is revoked, will you ept the decision or lodge a protest?¡± The barrage of questions exploded in her ears like rolling thunder, every camera lens and sh aimed squarely at her. Flustered, she threw up an arm to shield herself, but the reporters and photographers only pressed in harder. ¡°Move! All of you, get out of my way¡ªI have nothing to say!¡± Sidonie shouted, trying to escape the crush. It waspletely useless. Trent attempted to cover her, yet the swarm shoved him away, and Victor and Lana were squeezed so tightly their faces were nearly distorted. Lana shrieked, ¡°My earring¨Cmy bag, my Chanel bag! If it¡¯s ruined can any of you afford to pay for it? Get back¨Cback, I said!¡± Only when hospital security finally arrived did they manage to force a gap between the mob; Sidonie and her parents practically fled into the car. Sidonie¡¯s hair was in disarray and terror clouded her eyes, while Lana¡¯s makeup had been smeared beyond recognition; one earringy ttened, and her luxury handbag was bent out of shape. ¡°Mr. Grafton, you¡¯re a grown man¨Cif you won¡¯t protect me that¡¯s one thing, but how could you fail to shield Sidonie? She¡¯s your fianc¨¦e!¡± Lana snapped. ¡°I-¡°Trent started, only to be cut off again. ¡°Trent, this is on you,¡± Victor chided. ¡°How could you let those reporters harass Sidonie? You should¡¯ve handled them long before now!¡± ¡°Exactly¨Cno foresight at all. You should have anticipated that the press would lie in wait for Sidonie¡¯s release today!¡± ¡°And look at my earrings¨Cand this handbag, too. They cost me quite a bit of money, and now they¡¯repletely ruined. Since you¡¯re going to be my future son¨Cinw, the least you can do is buy me brand- new ones, don¡¯t you think?¡± Chapter 203 Rising Doubts Military 203 Chapter 203 Rising Doubts Victor and Lana¡¯s voices kept wafting into Trent¡¯s ears; every single syble was either another demand for recements or a pointed reproach. A heavy irritation pressed against Trent¡¯s chest, and Sidonie sat right beside him without speaking a single word in his defense. When he had been with Quinn, no one had ever dared to scold him or pester him for gifts. On the contrary, it had always been his own mother, Penelope, and his sister, Jacinda, who found fault with Quinn and expected her to handle every little chore for them. Trent suddenly froze, a question shing through his mind: Back then, did I ever defend Quinn at all? It seems I simply kept my mouth shut, just like Sidonie is doing now. He had even grumbled whenever Quinn balked at their demands, using her of being inconsiderate- You¡¯re already married to me, so why won¡¯t you do a little more for my mother and sister? The weight of those memories settled on his lungs until he could scarcely draw a full breath. Once they reached the hotel, Trent escorted Victor and Lana to their room, then apanied Sidonie to hers. No sooner had they stepped inside than Sidonie clung to him, panic threading through her voice. ¡°Trent, what am I going to do? I¡¯m finished. Those reporters¨Cwho knows what kind of garbage they¡¯ll print next? It¡¯s all that kidnapper¡¯s fault, and Quinn¡¯s. I bet the two of them are in cahoots, out to destroy me on purpose!¡± ¡°There¡¯s no evidence the kidnapper and Quinn conspired,¡± Trent answered quietly. ¡°Give it time; once this storm blows over, no one will be watching anymore.¡± ¡°But what about my career? If Deepport City really takes back my Firefighting Hero title, Nimbus Air will cancel my contract. All these years of hard work will have been for nothing!¡± Sidonie ground her teeth in fury. ¡°Honestly, if you¡¯d rified your coworker¡¯s death from the start, none of this might be happening. It was dangerous back then; even if you couldn¡¯t save him-¡± Sidonie shoved him so hard he staggered. ¡°What, you want to defend that kidnapper now? nning to use me like everyone else?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean! I just think that if you¡¯d exined yourself earlier, maybe you wouldn¡¯t have earned the Firefighting Hero¡¯s title, but things wouldn¡¯t be this disastrous either,¡± Trent blurted, trying to calm her. ¡°What did I do wrong? I saved myself, so of course I deserved that title. As for the man I didn¡¯t rescue¡ªhe was unlucky, that¡¯s all. The mes were too fierce for me to pull him out. How is that my fault? I¡¯m not guilty of anything! I only failed to save someone; I didn¡¯tmit a crime!¡± she muttered again and again, as though chanting a mantra. A flicker of disappointment shed in Trent¡¯s eyes. The woman he had once ced on a heroic pedestal no longer matched the figure within his imagination. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie seized him with sudden desperation. ¡°You¡¯ll stand by me, won¡¯t you?¡± Chapter 203 Rising Doubts +10 Free Coins Lowering his gaze, Trent felt her fingers mp onto his wrist like iron manacles. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll stand by you. You dragged me back from death¡¯s doorstep; how could I not?¡± Her body stiffened, and then she forced a smile. ¡°Right. I saved you back then, so of course you¡¯ll side with me. You¡¯re no ingrate¨Cthat¡¯s why I love you.¡± Trent fell silent, sensing that something between them was quietly, irrevocably changing. Inside the study, a bodyguard ced a thick stack of documents on Julius¡¯s desk. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, this is the information you asked for,¡± the guard said. ¡°All right, you may go,¡± Julius dismissed him. Only after the guard had left did Julius begin leafing through the file. Tucked among the pages were numerous photographs; had Quinn been here, she would have recognized the man in every single shot at a nce¨Cher brother, Rowan Bridger. Julius studied the photographs in his hands with painstaking care, and the moment his gaze fell upon one particr picture, his entire expression shifted in a sharp, unmistakable jolt. His long, elegant fingers, almost trembling, lifted that single photograph. The image showed Rowan bare¨Cchested, and on Rowan¡¯s shouldery a hideous scar that shed across the skin like a jagged brand. That scar looked uncannily like the one Julius remembered. So back then, the man I ran into really might have been Rowan¨Cthe very brother Quinn has been searching for all this time, and if that¡¯s true, then¡­ A sudden, crushing tightness seized his chest; for an instant, he felt as though he could not breathe. If Quinn finds out, will she me me? Or¡­ will she leave me forever? No, that cannot happen! The possibility of Quinn walking away is something I don¡¯t even dare imagine! Just then, two soft knocks sounded on the study door. Startled, Julius snapped, ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Quinn pushed the door open and stepped into the study. All colors drained from Julius¡¯s face; on reflex, he reached for the photos and documents beside him, intending to shove everything into the drawer. Yet his fingers seemed to revolt, and instead he knocked the entire pile to the floor. In a heartbeat, photographs and papers sprawled in every direction. Military 204 Chapter 204 Secrets Scattered Across The Floor Julius¡¯splexion turned even more deathly pale. Quinn now stood right in front of him; even if he wanted to hide the material, it was already far toote. ¡°What¡¯s wrong¨Care you feeling sick?¡± Quinn didn¡¯t so much as nce at the mess on the floor. She darted forward in a single stride, her eyes fixed on Julius¡¯s ashen face, worry etched between her brows. Julius¡¯s lips quivered; he tried to say something, yet no words came. Quinn raised a hand to his forehead and muttered, ¡°No fever¡­ Have you just not been getting enough resttely?¡± ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just a little tired,¡± Julius murmured. ¡°Could be. Look, everything¡¯s spilled everywhere.¡± With that, Quinn bent down to gather the scattered files and photographs. ¡°Don¡¯t¨CI¡¯ll do it myself¡­¡± Julius hurried to stop her, but he was already toote. Quinn had lifted the documents, and when her gazended on the photograph lying on top, a soft ¡°Huh?¡± slipped from her lips. ¡°This photo¡­¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes locked onto the image. At that instant, Julius wentpletely rigid; it felt as though the blood in his veins had frozen solid. He wanted to snatch the photograph from her hand, to make her stop looking this very second! Or at least think of a believable exnation¨Cquickly! But should I¡­ lie to her? She¡¯s already told me how much she despises deception, and I promised her I would never lie! But once she truly uncovered certain truths, would that not also signify that any possibility between the two of them was gone forever? ¡°How do you have pictures of my brother?¡± Quinn rifled through the photographs she had just scooped from the floor; every single shot featured Rowan, and the scattered documents she gathered as well- every page centered on him. ¡°I¡­¡± Julius opened his mouth, yet his mind went utterly nk. ¡°Is it because you¡¯re helping me look for him?¡± Quinn asked while lowering her head again, eyes gliding over images even she had never seen. ¡°Julius, thank you!¡± That single word of thanks jolted him back to himself. Yes, he was helping her search for Rowan, yet these files were never prepared for her alone. ¡°By the way, could you make me another set of these photos?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°Of course¡­ you can,¡± he replied. Lifting one particr picture, Quinn murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be able to see my brother again. I miss him so much, you know? The scar on his shoulder¨Che got that while protecting me.¡± Julius froze; the hand hanging beside him clenched so hard it trembled. At that moment, he could only think, Thank goodness she¡¯s still staring down at those pictures; she has no idea Chapter 204 Secrets Scattered Across The Floor how frightened I am. +10 Free Coins ¡°Back then, Rowan and I were overseas with Dad and Mom when a terrorist assault broke out. Amid the shelling, he shielded me with everything he had, pressing me into his arms until he nearly lost half his life. If it hadn¡¯t been for him, I might have died.¡± Staring at the picture that revealed the scar on her brother¡¯s shoulder, Quinn felt her eyes sting and turn red. ¡°You really love him,¡± Julius muttered. ¡°Of course I do, and that¡¯s why I have to find him!¡± she dered. ¡°What¡­ if you can¡¯t?¡± he asked. ¡°No matter how many years it takes, I¡¯ll keep searching until I do,¡± Quinn answered without the slightest hesitation. Julius fell silent, then murmured, ¡°Quinn, if someone once wronged Rowan, would you forgive that person?¡± Quinn lifted her eyes, giving Julius a puzzled nce. ¡°What kind of question is that? If someone wronged my brother, it¡¯s up to him to decide whether to forgive.¡± ¡°And you? Would you forgive?¡± he pressed, uncase hiding in his tone. ¡°It depends on what they did. If it threatened his life, I would never forgive¨Cno matter what,¡± Quinn replied. Julius¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed; the words that remained felt wedged in his throat, impossible to voice. Setting the photos aside, Quinn noticed the pallor on his face. ¡°You really don¡¯t look well¨Cgo back to your room and rest.¡± ¡°Mm.¡± The low sound left his throat just as she reached out and sped his hand. ¡°Your hand is ice cold!¡± Quinn eximed softly, cupping his fingers within both of hers. It was autumn, the airfortably mild, and the indoor climate control kept the room pleasantly warm, yet his hand was shockingly frigid. ¡°Are you cold?¡± she asked. ¡°A little,¡± he admitted. She bent her head, rubbing his hands between her own and breathing warm air over them, hoping the heat of her palms and breath would chase away the chill. Julius stood dazed while, under her gentle kneading, his fingers slowly warmed. Military 205 apter 205 Craving The Warmth Does it always follow that the colder one bes, the more ravenously one longs for warmth? And once that long- sought warmth finally settles into one¡¯s palms, it grows all the harder to surrender it. He murmured in a voice so soft it was nearly lost to the night, ¡°Quinn, I¡¯ll find your brother.¡± Maybe only after I¡¯ve located Rowan will I have the courage to tell her everything. A few dayster, apanied by herwyer, Quinn atst came face¨Cto¨Cface with the teenager who had kidnapped Sidonie. Standing here without the mask he had worn during the livestream, the boy looked slender¨Cthin to the point of seeming fragile¨Cand the delicate lines of his face were a far cry from the menacing expression he had aimed at Sidonie that day. The difference was so stark it was hard to believe this was the same person at all. ¡°I heard you wanted to see me?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Caleb Lamont fixed his gaze on her, unblinking. ¡°I want to know why you¡¯re helping me. I know Mr. Griffin is only defending me because of you.¡± He had seen Quinn before, both on Whitethorn Ind andter at the orphanage. Although Andrew Griffin was the Whitethorn family¡¯swyer, Caleb was well aware of the rumors the media spun about Julius. He had even asked Andrew outright why he had taken this case. The reply had been brief. Mr. Whitethorn is helping at someone¡¯s request. After turning it over in his mind, Caleb concluded that the only person close enough to Julius to make such a request was Quinn; only then would Julius instruct Andrew to defend him. ¡°I simply felt you needed help,¡± Quinn said. Suspicion clouded Caleb¡¯s eyes. ¡°So what do you want from me?¡± He had met far too many adults whose kindness came with a price tag. Charity events served to polish reputations, and orphanage visits were merely stages on which to parade their supposed benevolence. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I just don¡¯t want you to ruin your life in the process of chasing the truth.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re really that kind?¡± Caleb¡¯s wariness never left his face. Quinn let out a smallugh. ¡°If it will set you at ease, assume I¡¯m not that kind. Maybe one day I¡¯ll ask you for something¨Cbut that will have to wait until you¡¯re free again.¡± She had turned to leave when Caleb suddenly called after her, ¡°Wait! If you truly mean well, I want you to clear my father¡¯s name!¡± With that, right there in the visitation room of the detention center, Caleb dropped to his knees before her. Quinn froze in astonishment; the guard beside them hurried forward and pulled Caleb back to his feet. She signaled the guard to stand down, then said to Caleb, ¡°Whatever you have to say, say it straight. There¡¯s no need to kneel.¡± Caleb gave a bitter smile. Speak inly? Back then, when he had spoken inly, no one had believed a word he said. Everyone had dismissed his words as the ramblings of a desperate child. Even when he had knelt before those same people, begging them to investigate the truth, they had driven him away. # His father was already dead, and the dead could not cry out for justice. But Caleb knew his father had been framed. ¡°Everyone said the fire was my father¡¯s fault,¡± Caleb said, his voice trembling yet stubborn. ¡°They imed he was smoking, that a single ash started the ze and it spread out of control. But he¡¯d promised me he¡¯d quit. When my father made a promise, he kept it. So it couldn¡¯t have been him who caused the fire!¡± Quinn knit her brows; back when that devastating fire had broken out, she had sifted through every news report she could find, so of course she also knew that the Fire Commission had ultimately ruled the ze was started by a cigarette butt that had not been fully extinguished. Because the first person to perish had been the co¨Cpilot, Howard Lamont. Investigators, taking that fact together with other pieces of evidence, finally concluded that he had been smoking, failed to snuff the cigarette, and in doing so ignited the inferno. ¡°Even if he promised you he would quit, there¡¯s no guarantee he wouldn¡¯t have slipped up and lit one anyway,¡± Quinn said. ¡°No way!¡± Caleb insisted. ¡°When my dad gave me his word, he kept it. Besides, doctors had already found a ground¨Css nodule in his lung, and it was in such a tricky spot they couldn¡¯t operate. He told me he wanted to live longer so he could watch me grow up¨Che absolutely stopped smoking!¡± By the end, his voice grew hoarse. ¡°Please, Ms. Bridger, I¡¯m begging you¨Cclear my dad¡¯s name. I don¡¯t want him to carry a crime he nevermitted to his grave!¡± As Quinn studied the teenager before her, she couldn¡¯t help thinking that the fire might well be tied to Rowan¡¯s disappearance. There wasn¡¯t any direct evidence yet, but her brother had gone missing right after the ze. If the fire hadn¡¯t been started by the co¨Cpilot, then who was responsible? She wanted the truth every bit as much as Caleb did. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take a look,¡± Quinn agreed, ¡°but I can¡¯t promise the oue will be what you¡¯re hoping for.¡± After all, five full years had slipped by; even if evidence had once existed, it might already have been erased. And with the co¨Cpilot gone, many details could no longer be rified. Military 206 apter 206 An Earnest Plea Tears streamed down Caleb¡¯s checks; he choked out again and again, ¡°Thank you¡­ thank you¡­¡± So far, she was the only person genuinely willing to help him. How could he feel anything but profound gratitude? Leaving the visitation room, Quinn spotted Julius waiting for her in the corridor. ¡°All done talking?¡± he asked. She nodded. ¡°He says the ze five years ago wasn¡¯t caused by his dad¡¯s smoking. His dad had a lung nodule and had promised to quit, so he believes there¡¯s no way his father would have lit a cigarette, much less let one start the fire.¡± A subtle light flickered in Julius¡¯s eyes. ¡°So you mean to help him uncover the truth?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she replied. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve always felt that ze was connected to Rowan¡¯s disappearance; I was already thinking of reopening the investigation, so I can look into it for him at the same time.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll investigate with you,¡± Julius said. ¡°Good.¡± Quinn didn¡¯t refuse; on a matter like this, one more set of hands increased the odds of finding a useful lead. ¡°Actually, let me help Quinnie,¡± Han¡¯s voice suddenly echoed across the lobby. Quinn turned and saw that, at some unknown moment, Han had walked into the detention center¡¯s lobby. ¡°Why are you here? I thought we agreed to meet tomorrow so I could show you around?¡± ¡°I had nothing else to do,¡± Han replied lightly. ¡°When I heard you¡¯de here, I figured I¡¯d drop by. Whatever you¡¯re investigating, let me handle it with you.¡± Because he¡¯d only just arrived, he hadn¡¯t caught the conversation Quinn and Julius had been having earlier. So, Quinn recounted her entire exchange with Caleb. Han pondered for a moment. ¡°Digging into something from five years ago won¡¯t be easy, but we can still hunt for clues. And¡­ if Sidonie was at the co¨Cpilot¡¯s side when he died¨Cif she witnessed everything yet chose not to help¨Cthen she might know something.¡± Quinn had considered the same possibility. ¡°Even if she does know anything, I doubt she¡¯ll talk.¡± After all, it was the co¨Cpilot¡¯s own son who had kidnapped Sidonie, forced her in front of a livestream, and pressured her into confessing¨Con camera¨Cthat she had stood by and watched someone die. With the whole inte now denouncing Sidonie, how could she possibly step forward and tell the real story that would clear the co¨Cpilot¡¯s name? ¡°If that¡¯s the case, dig deeper¨Cinvestigate Sidonie right alongside him. Maybe we¡¯ll turn up something useful,¡± Han suggested. ¡°We really don¡¯t have any better option than to start digging and see whether there¡¯s anything we can use,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Quinn, you seem to feel sorry for Caleb. Why don¡¯t I hire a defense attorney for him?¡± Han added. ¡°Julius already found him awyer,¡± Quinn told him. ¡°Quinn, have you forgotten what kind of family my grandfather¡¯s side is? I can get him the very best. defense attorney in Jexburgh,¡± Han said breezily ¡°The attorneys on the Whitethorn legal team already are the best Jexburgh has to offer,¡± Julius answered without the slightest courtesy. The two men locked horns again. Quinn rubbed her temples, wondering why Julius and Han simply could not get along. After they left the detention center, Quinn headed toward the old Bridger residence that had belonged to the fifth branch of the family. The Relocation Office had already transferred the title of the entire property to her name alone. She understood that the demolition was part of the city¡¯s urban nning initiative. Still, the house held so many of her family¡¯s belongings¨Ceach a piece of memory. She intended to sort and pack everything herself, then hire a movingpany to store the boxes temporarily at her ce in downtown Yarburn. Julius and Han insisted on apanying her to help with the packing. And so, in Quinn¡¯s childhood home, two ordinarily aloof, impably dressed men shrugged off their jackets, rolled up their sleeves, and went to work like hired movers¨Clifting, wrapping, and taping boxes at her side. Watching the contents of the house disappear one item at a time into neatlybeled cartons, Quinn felt an ache of reluctance. Every other time she hade back here, there had been four of them¨Cher whole family under one roof. Now she was the only one left. She picked up a framed family portrait that was lying on the table. Staring at the smiling faces, she felt her eyes sting and turn red. ¡°Quinnie, are you all right?¡± Julius¡¯s voice sounded behind her. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing,¡± she answered quickly, drawing a deep breath so they wouldn¡¯t see how much it hurt. ¡°You¡¯ve both been working awhile and must be thirsty. I¡¯ll run to the corner shop and grab some water.¡± She slipped the frame containing the portrait into one of the packing boxes and hurried out of the house. The moment she was gone, only Julius and Han were left amid the half¨Cpacked rooms. They red at each other in silence. ¡°Quinn is still the same as she was back then¨Churting, yet refusing to let anyone see it. Julius, she was looking at her family photo. Couldn¡¯t you tell she was upset?¡± Han asked irritably. Julius pressed his thin lips together and said nothing. ¡°Of course, how long have you even known Quinn? Dating her doesn¡¯t change the fact that you barely understand her. Give it time¨Cshe¡¯ll probably grow tired of you. I¡¯ve known her for years, liv with her in the military¨CI know exactly what she likes and what she can¡¯t stand.¡± Han¡¯s voice wasnguid, but the look he gave Julius seemed to say wordlessly that it was o time before Quinn discarded him. Julius¡¯s gaze darkened; he was keenly aware that the man across from him had known Quin than he had. He even found himself resenting those years they had spent together on base¨Cyears he co touch. ¡°Then do you also know,¡± Julius shot back coldly, ¡°that Quinn is very fond of my body?¡± Chapter 207 A Fist Flies Military 207 Chapter 207 A Fist Flies Han¡¯s gaze snapped into razor focus as he demanded, ¡°What did you just say?¡± Julius answered evenly, ¡°Quinn is quite taken with my body¨Cand with me. Our rtionship willst a very long time. When the moment is right, I intend to ask her to marry me.¡± Han¡¯s brows knotted; he seized Julius by the cor and growled, ¡°What have you done to her?¡± Julius lifted his eyes slowly. ¡°She can do whatever she pleases with me¨Ceven anything intimate. Whatever delights her, I cooperate. I¡¯m fortunate this body of mine appeals to her. As for you¡­you will never know what it feels like to be desired by her as a man.¡± ¡°You-!¡± mes red in Han¡¯s eyes; the thought of Julius and Quinn being intimate sent an unnamed fury surging through him. He reminded himself that Quinn was now involved with Julius, that whatever they did was none of his business, yet Julius¡¯s words still pierced him. ¡°Forget it, Han. Quinn and I will never break up, so stop dreaming that you can have her,¡± Julius said bluntly. In the next second, Han¡¯s fist shot toward Julius¡¯s face. At that exact moment, the door to the room swung open. Catching sight of Quinn in his peripheral vision, Julius made no effort to dodge; he let Han¡¯s fistnd squarely on his face. Bang! The punch hit its mark. ¡°Stop it!¡± Quinn¡¯s voice rang out. Startled, Han loosened his grip; Julius staggered two steps back. Quinn stepped forward, frowning at the swelling on Julius¡¯s cheek and the thin line of blood at his lip. She turned to Han, ¡°What happened? Why are you fighting?¡± Han pressed his lips together, suddenly unsure how to exin. If I tell her I lost control because I like her and Julius provoked me, she¡¯ll only pull further away. Then I¡¯ll have even less of a chance to get close. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Julius volunteered. ¡°Something I said must have displeased Han, that¡¯s all.¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze softened with concern; she brushed away the tiny bead of blood at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you dodge?¡± With his skills, he easily could have. ¡°Han is your friend. If he needed to vent, I let him,¡± Julius replied. Han was so pissed off. He clenched his jaw so hard, it felt like his teeth would shatter. Chapter 207 A Fist Flies Why didn¡¯t I see how tricky this guy was before? He took the punch on purpose! +10 Free Coins Quinn sighed; the water she¡¯d just bought was ice¨Ccold¨Cperfect for casing the swelling on Julius¡¯s face. ¡°Hold this against your cheek to bring the swelling down,¡± she said, handing him the bottle. ¡°Alright.¡± He took it obediently and pressed it to his face. Quinn drew Han to one side. ¡°What exactly did Julius say to make you swing at him?¡± Han hadn¡¯t cooled off yet. He red at Julius. He¡¯s pretending to be the wounded one¨Cwhat kind of man does that? ¡°Nothing,¡± he ground out. 1 NANU A Seeing his attitude, Quinn understood he didn¡¯t want to talk. ¡°If Julius says something wrong again, tell me ¡ªI¡¯ll make him apologize. But please don¡¯t hit him again.¡± Han shot a nce at Julius, still ying the innocent victim. ¡°You¡¯re really dating him? Do you even know what kind of man he is?¡± Han snapped. ¡°Of course, Han. I know some of who he is¨Cmaybe not everything. That¡¯s what dating is for: to learn more. And¡­ What matters most is I¡¯m into him,¡± Quinn said sincerely. Her words made Han feel his throat go dry and tight. The jealousy, anger, and resentment he¡¯d been clutching crumbled beneath those three quiet words: ¡°I¡¯m into him.¡± If I hadn¡¯t left Yarburn back then¨Cif I¡¯d confessed the moment she divorced¨Cwould I have had a chance? He had waited so long for her marriage to end, believing their moment hade¨Conly for Julius to cut in. One stepte¨Cwas every step now destined to bete? ¡°Here, have some water. I¡¯ll treat you both to dinner in a bit,¡± Quinn said, handing Han a bottle as well. Lowering his head, Han took it, using the motion to hide the bitterness in his eyes. Over the next few hours, the three of them packed everything in the Bridger residence that could be taken. After scheduling a movingpany, Quinn led Julius and Han to dinner at Heritage Restaurant downtown. Military 208 Chapter 208 An Unexpected Encounter While they waited for their table, Quinn stepped into thedies¡® room¨Cand unexpectedly came face¨Cto- face with Marley. Marley looked equally startled; clearly, she had not expected to see Quinn here. But the surprise in her eyes quickly curdled into resentment. All because of Quinn, Marley had fallen overnight from the Bridger family¡¯s pampered little princess to their favorite target of ridicule. Although, for now, only insiders knew the Whitethorn family had cut off her allowance, Marley¡¯s standing within the conglomerate had already begun its very public slide. At strategic meetings, her chair was simply gone, and the cousins and uncles who once scrambled to tter her now greeted her with ice¨Ccold faces. In the past, the moment she needed a favor, they practically tripped over themselves to volunteer. Now, whenever she asked for help, people dodged with excuse after excuse; one man even barked, ¡°Marley, do you really think you¡¯re the Bridger princess? You only had Julius backing you. Without Julius, what have you got left?¡± Suddenly, it felt as though everyone could step on her. Even without Julius, I¡¯ve still got my own connections! So, these days, she clung to her trust¨Cfund circle, eager to leverage theirworks and bundle resources for a new venture. I¡¯ll prove to them all that, Julius or not, I¡¯m still the most capable of my generation. She hadn¡¯t expected to bump into Quinn at today¡¯s lunch with those same friends. Marley remembered the first time Quinn arrived in Yarburn: they¡¯d met in a restaurant too, but back then, Marley had the entire Whitethorn n and Julius behind her, while Quinn had nothing at all. Now, however, their positions had flipped as though fate had spun them around. ¡°¡°¡°Quinn, don¡¯t think you can do whatever you please just because Julius is standing behind you,¡± Marley sneered. ¡°¡°Do you really believe you deserve him? So you can fly a ne, know a fewbat moves, so you used to be in the military¨Cbig deal. The Whitethorns have plenty of pilots and bodyguards already!¡°¡°¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes turned to ice. ¡°So you¡¯re treating Julius¡¯s attempts to make amends as your permission slip to push people around? I¡¯m my own person. I need no one to hold me up, and I have never asked whether I ¡®deserve¡® someone. If you have to weigh love on that scale, it¡¯s beyond sad.¡± That frosty stare made Marley flush with a mix of humiliation and fury, ¡°You¡¯re just lying to yourself. One day you¡¯ll end up exactly like me¨Cthrown away by Julius!¡± Before Quinn could answer, Julius¡¯s voice sliced through the corridor. ¡°That day will nevere, Marley. Speak to Quinn like this again, and I¡¯ll see to it you have no foothold left in Yarburn.¡± Marley whirled; Julius had appeared out of nowhere, Han sauntering a step behind him. All the color drained from her face, a flicker of fear darting through her eyes. But almost at once, fear morphed into jealousy. Why is Julius protecting Quinn? She hasn¡¯t sacrificed a thing for him! Marley lunged in front of him. ¡°Julius, what¡¯s so great about a divorced woman like Quinn? What can she possibly do for you? Would she give up an eye, or anything else? No¨Cshe¡¯d never sacrifice the way I did!¡± Julius let out a coldugh. ¡°I don¡¯t need her to sacrifice anything. And as for her divorce? I¡¯m grateful for it -it gave me a chance. As for you¡­¡± He paused, eyes filled with contempt. ¡°You and I both know that eye of yours was never lost ¡®for me. You simply didn¡¯t have the guts or ability to run.¡± Flustered, Marley stammered, ¡°T¨CThat¡¯s not true. Even if I could¡¯ve escaped, I¡¯d never have left you behind¡­¡± ¡°Really? Back then, I begged you to stay, remember? Yet you still crawled away as fast as you could.¡± Marley fell mute, pain twisting her features. ¡°I was too young; I didn¡¯t understand. But my feelings for you. were real, Julius¨CI love you!¡± At that moment, Marley no longer cared that Quinn was standing there; all she wanted was to w back whatever she could with Julius. ¡°Love, huh?¡± Julius snorted. ¡°Yes, love! From the day I first saw you as a child, I adored you. I¡¯ve loved you for years. How can Quinnpare?¡± she cried. His eyes remained indifferent. ¡°Even if you do love me, the moment troublees you still abandon me. Quinn is nothing like that, and you can¡¯t hold a candle to her.¡± With that, Julius¡¯s gaze softened as it settled on Quinn¨Ca warmth entirely absent when he looked at Marley a moment earlier. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to the private room; the dishes we ordered will be cold,¡± he said. Military 209 Chapter 209 Shifting Loyalties Quinn shot a nce at Marley, whose face had gone ashen, then nodded. Turning toward Han, who lounged against the wall, she asked, ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Need the restroom. I¡¯ll be back in a minute,¡± Han drawled. Quinn said nothing more and followed Julius toward their private dining room. But instead of heading for the men¡¯s room, Han strolled straight up to Marley. Marley shrank back two steps, unease flickering in her eyes. ¡°W¨CWhat do you want?¡± Han smiled and, without warning, pinched Marley¡¯s chin. ¡°You¡¯re the woman who tripped up my sister Quinnie at the ancestral hall and kept her from entering, right? You even ruined an eye for Julius, didn¡¯t you?¡± Hiszy, teasing tone slithered like a viper¡¯s hiss. His fingertips pressed the skin right next to her eye, as though they might plunge inside at any moment, sending shivers across her whole body. ¡°Care to test me? Say one more bad word about Quinn and you won¡¯t keep the other eye either.¡± As his words fell, the pressure of his fingers increased, as if he truly meant to gouge. Terror flooded Marley¡¯s gaze. ¡°If you do that, you¡¯ll go to prison!¡± ¡°Feel free to find out whether I blind you faster than the police can cuff me,¡± Han said. Marley¡¯s teeth chattered uncontrobly. This man is even more unhinged than Julius. ¡°P¨CPlease¡­ spare me. I¨CI won¡¯t say another word about Quinn,¡± she pleaded, finally surrendering. She knew he wasn¡¯t bluffing. Only then did Han let go. With an expression of distaste, he walked to the sink and washed his hands. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what you promised.¡± Grinding her teeth, Marley slunk back toward the private room where her friends were waiting. Yet, when she pushed the door open, those friends were no longer eager; they stared at her with open mockery instead. ¡°So, Marley, turns out you¡¯ve already lost Julius as your safety, huh?¡± ¡°I kept wondering why you¡¯ve been glued to us these past few days¨Cdoes the mighty Bridger Group have that much free time? Now I get it: you¡¯ve fallen from grace.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re scrambling tounch some new project, right? nning to use us as your stepping- stone? What a slick little scheme!¡± The crowd jeered in chorus. One of the women rose and sauntered over to Marley. ¡°Sorry, Marley, but I overheard your chat with Julius in the restroom hallway and told everyone the moment I got back. Honestly, why didn¡¯t you let us know earlier?¡± Chapter 209 Shifting Loyalties +10 Free Coins Marley looked at her. It was her best friend, Pam, a woman who normally followed her lead without question. ¡°Pam, I-¡± Before she could finish, Pam snatched a wine bottle from the table and upended it over Marley¡¯s head. Marley froze, wine dripping past her ears, while Pam¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°If you¡¯d told us sooner, we wouldn¡¯t have wasted time buttering you up!¡± ¡°You¡­ what did you just say?¡± Marley stared at her friend in disbelief. Pam curled her lip. ¡°Marley Bridger, do you know why we ever bothered to stay around you? Surely you don¡¯t think an ex¨Cillegitimate daughter has enough charm to rule our circle. We humored you only because Julius backed you. Now he¡¯s publicly distanced himself, so how do you still have the nerve to sit with us?¡± Laughter erupted on every side. Hair stered with wine, Marley stood wretched and dripping; in the eyes of her former friends, she had be a clown. Quinn examined the lingering swell on Julius¡¯s cheek, the split at his lip, and even pried his mouth open to be sure no teeth were loose. After all, Han¡¯s punch had been anything but light. ¡°Next time someone swings at you, don¡¯t just stand there. At least dodge,¡± Quinn advised. ¡°Okay,¡± he agreed. ¡°But if it¡¯s you throwing the punch, I won¡¯t move¨CI¡¯ll let you hit me as long as you like.¡± Quinn chuckled. ¡°And why would I want to hit you?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­ because I¡¯ll have done something wrong?¡± he ventured. She arched a brow. ¡°Such as?¡± Hisshes quivered; how could he exin that ¡°such as¡±? ¡°Quinn!¡± He suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist. Seated while she stood, his face pressed naturally against her abdomen. ¡°If one day I mess up and make you angry, you can hit me, curse me, do whatever you want¨Cjust don¡¯t leave me. Please?¡± Military 210 Chapter 210 A Plea For Forgiveness Chapter 210 A Plea For Forgiveness The whispered words carried a desperate entreaty. ¡°If you already know it¡¯s wrong, then simply don¡¯t do it,¡± Quinn said. +10 Free Coins ¡°But what if¡­ I¡¯ve already done it? Maybe I didn¡¯t realize at the time it was wrong.¡± He shifted uneasily. ¡°Quinn, before I met you I wasn¡¯t a good man. I cared about nothing, not even whether people lived or died, but¡­¡± He paused. ¡°From now on I¡¯ll be good. So¨Cno matter what I did before, will you forgive me?¡± Quinn studied him; unease, anxiety, and a rare urgency crowded his features. It felt as though her answer meant everything to him. Yet why did he care so fiercely about her forgiving his past? Pressing her lips together, Quinn said, ¡°As long as your past didn¡¯t betray our country or vite basic human decency, I¡¯ll forgive you¨Ceven if you made mistakes.¡± She understood that a man like him must carry aplicated history. There were shadows she had never yet stepped into. To Julius, her reply sounded like music from the heavens. He tightened his embrace. ¡°Thank you, Quinn. Thank you for being willing to forgive me.¡± If he could help her find Rowan, then even when she learned the whole truth, surely, she would still forgive him. If only he had known the woman he would love would be someone like her, he would have chosen from the very beginning to be a principled man¨Cone capable ofpassion and mercy. Over the next few days, Quinn moved everything she¡¯d cleared from the Bridger residence into her city apartment. When she stepped out afterward, she nced back at the door, hoping the next time she returned it would be with Rowan beside her. She then took Han sightseeing around Yarburn¡¯s famousndmarks¨Cand Julius insisted on tagging along. ¡°What, the mighty head of the Whitethorn family has this much free time? Nopany matters to handle, so you tail other people all day?¡± Han mocked from the back seat. Julius shot back, ¡°That¡¯s still better than a certain Mr. Ingram who abandons hisw firm just to y tourist in Yarburn.¡± ¡°Oh, cut it out! All the chaos at the firm started with you, didn¡¯t it?¡± Han red at him. ¡°If you can¡¯t sort out a trifle like that, maybe the firm should close its doors,¡± Julius retorted. The two grown men bickered heatedly in the rear while, up front, Quinn drove toward the next attraction. Initially, both men had insisted on driving so she could ride shotgun. For the sake of peace and quiet, she banished them to the back and took the wheel herself. The car rolled to a stop in front of Yarburn¡¯s famous old city wall. Quinn stepped out first, with Julius and Han right behind her. She said, ¡°There¡¯s a wishing tree here. People love to stand beneath it and pray¨Cword is, the wishes oftene true.¡± At her words, both men stiffened a little, as though some private thought had shed across their minds. ¡°Come on,¡± Quinn urged, striding toward the old city wall that glowed gold in the afternoon sun. Julius and Han exchanged a silent look, then followed. When they had finished wandering along the battlements, the three of them stopped beneath the sprawling oak that served as the wishing tree. Quinnced her fingers together, closed her eyes, and began to pray. If wishes are real, please let me find Rowan soon. Han tipped his head back, studying the towering trunk. Do wishes really work? If I ask to be with Quinn one day¨Ctruly with her¨Cwill it ever happen? Augh slipped from him. What am I thinking? I¡¯ve never believed in this stuff. His gaze drifted to Quinn¡¯s serene face. Why can she fall for Julius yet look at me as nothing more than a younger brother? Exactly where am I with him? From the corner of his eye, Han nced at Julius beside her. To his surprise, Julius also stood with fingers interlocked, the picture of devotion. Han froze. Julius believes in this, too? That¡¯s¡­ unexpected. Momentster, Quinn opened her eyes, turned, and met Julius¡¯s steady gaze. ¡°You made a wish as well?¡± she asked, genuinely curious; a man like him could seemingly obtain anything he wanted without divine help. Julius¡¯s eyes warmed. ¡°I wished that we would grow old together.¡± Quinn blinked. Han frowned. ¡°You two have barely been dating¨Chow can you already talk about spending a lifetime together with Quinnie?¡± 18 Military 211 hapter 211 A Solemn Vow Ignoring Han¡¯s sarcasm, Julius kept his eyes on Quinn. ¡°In this life, the only person I want by my side forever is you, Quinn. There has never been anyone else, and there never will be.¡± ¡°Easy to say,¡± Han snorted. ¡°Feelings change. You¡¯ve known her only a few months. If the dayes when you break up, are you telling me you¡¯ll never date another woman?¡± Julius answered calmly, ¡°There will be no one else. Besides, Quinnie and I will never break up.¡± The final words rang out like nails driven into wood. If they ever parted, he knew every day afterward would be nothing but a hollow, walking death. Han started to retort, but Quinn cut in, ¡°That¡¯s enough. We¡¯ve seen most of the sights¨Clet¡¯s head back. Han, I¡¯ll return to Jexburgh in a couple of days. If you n on staying in Yarburn¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re going back to Jexburgh?¡± Han asked. ¡°Mm¨Chmm. Everything here is nearly wrapped up. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll visit Great¨CGrandpa at the old house, then I need to arrange the trip home,¡± Quinn exined. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Han said at once. That night, in the bedroom, Julius told her, ¡°I¡¯m going back with you too.¡± ¡°But your work¡­¡± ¡°The ind development project here is basically settled. The branch manager can handle what¡¯s left,¡± Julius said. He refused to be separated from her; distance only bred trouble. Besides, she merely liked him right now, and that was far from enough. He wanted her to fall in love with him soon. ¡°By the way, tomorrow Great¨CGrandpa wants to see what Rowan looks like. I¡¯ll bring those photos of my brother that you found,¡± she told him. ¡°Of course,¡± Julius replied. The next day, Julius apanied Quinn to the Bridger residence. Because Murren¡¯s health was fragile, Julius waited in the reception hall while Quinn went alone to the old man¡¯s bedroom. As she entered, she saw Marley bent over the bed, fussing attentively with the covers. Marley¡¯s face darkened the instant she spotted Quinn. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re here,¡± Murren said, sitting up. He looked even more gaunt than he had at the Bridger Group office. ¡°Great¨CGrandpa, how are you feeling?¡± Quinn asked softly. ¡°Same as always. I¡¯m an old man; thises with the territory,¡± he said with a thin smile. Then, he nced at Marley. ¡°Marley, give us a moment, will you? I¡¯d like to speak with Quinn alone.¡± Chapter 211 A Solemn Vow Resentment shed in Marley¡¯s eyes. She had served him for years, yet he still favored Quinn! Was it just because Quinn came from the fifth branch, because her parents were fallen heroes? It wasn¡¯t fair! Still, she managed a strained smile, murmured assent, and slowly walked out. +10 Free Coins No sooner had she left the room than she overheard a maid mentioning that Julius was waiting in the reception hall. Marley¡¯s expression shifted. Life had grown harsher these days; once her friends learned she no longer enjoyed Whitethorn¡¯s backing, their attitude toward her had spun a full one¨Ceighty. The morevishly they once praised her, the more mercilessly they belittle her now. If I can make Julius soften, I can still cling to this life of silk and diamonds. With that thought zing in her chest, Marley hurried into the parlor and, just as she¡¯d hoped, found Julius already inside. Marley stepped forward. ¡°Julius, I¡¯ve been desperate to see you again. I know I was wrong that day in the restaurant¨C1 never should have said those things. Will you forgive me, please?¡± Julius¡¯s gaze rested on her with icy detachment. ¡°There¡¯s nothing left between us, Marley. There¡¯s nothing to forgive.¡± Marley bit down hard on her lip. No¨Cthere¡¯s no way it can be over! ¡°Is it really because I ran away when we were kids? Because I was terrified? I was only a child then! Abandoning you was nothing but instinct!¡± she argued, her voice trembling. Yet, Julius¡¯s eyes stayed remote, as though whatever she said meant absolutely nothing to him. ¡°What about Quinn?¡± Marley snapped. ¡°If she were in real danger, are you telling me she wouldn¡¯t leave you behind?¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t.¡± At the mention of Quinn, a fleeting tenderness softened Julius¡¯s otherwise indifferent eyes. Marley¡¯s hatred deepened. ¡°You trust her thatpletely?¡± ¡°I do.¡± His stare turned cial. ¡°And unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary, don¡¯t appear in front of me again. The Whitethorn family and I have repaid you for that eye of yours for nearly twenty years¨Csurely that¡¯s payment enough.¡± Military 212 Chapter 212 Cruel Words And Desperation Julius¡¯s wordsnded like vicious ps, stinging her cheeks with shame and pain. Enough? How could it possibly be enough? She ground her teeth. If he insisted on such cruelty, she would simply y dirtier than he could imagine. Quinn showed Murren a stack of photographs of her brother, Rowan. Murren examined each picture with care while Quinn stood beside him, sharing little stories about her brother. ¡°When I find Rowan, I¡¯ll bring him here so he can visit you,¡± Quinn promised. Murren looked at Rowan¡¯s image. ¡°I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ll live long enough to see that day.¡± ¡°You will!¡± Quinn said brightly. ¡°I¡¯ll locate him soon. You¡¯re definitely going to meet him.¡± ¡°Good, good,¡± the old man nodded. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait.¡± A momentter Murren asked, ¡°Are you together with Julius now?¡± ¡°Mm¨Chmm,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°He¡¯s a deeply guarded man,¡± Murren warned gently. ¡°And he carries the Whitethorn blood. Years ago his father did terrible things to win his mother¨Cruined the man she¡¯d loved first, even¨Che¡­¡± ¡°Great¨Cgrandpa!¡± Quinn cut him off. ¡°Julius is not his father. They¡¯re different people.¡± She knew Murren meant well, yet she couldn¡¯t bear to hear Julius spoken of that way. ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯m biased,¡± Murren conceded. He¡¯d seen with his own eyes how kindly that Whitethorn boy treated Quinn, and she clearly cared for him. Their feelings, naturally, were not the same as the previous generation¡¯s. By the time Quinn left Murren¡¯s room, a full hour had slipped by. She checked her watch, wondering whether Julius was growing impatient in the parlor. Just then she noticed a cluster of servants rushing down the corridor in the same direction. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong¨Cthe parlor!¡± one cried. ¡°It¡¯s Mr. Julius and Ms. Marley!¡± another added. Quinn¡¯s heart lurched. Julius and Marley? What on earth was happening? She broke into a sprint toward the parlor. The doorway was jammed with servants. Quinn squeezed through the crowd¨Cand froze at the sight before her. Julius stood there, panting, a wildness twisting his features. His hand was mped around Marley¡¯s throat. Marley¡¯s back was pressed against the wall, feet dangling above the floor, mouth gaping, her face chalk- white. Around the room several servantsy sprawled, groaning where they¡¯d fallen. Quinn had no time to think. Julius was clearly not himself, and another second of choking might kill Marley. ¡°Julius!¡± she shouted. He didn¡¯t even nce at her, fingers tightening on Marley¡¯s neck. Marley¡¯splexion darkened, her struggles growing feeble. ¡°Julius!¡± Quinn rushed forward. ¡°Whatever¡¯s going on¨Clet her go first!¡± He acted as though he hadn¡¯t heard her; his once¨Cfamiliar dark eyes were now utterly unfocused. Desperate, Quinn grabbed his arm, trying to pry his fingers loose. He did release Marley¨Conly to swing at Quinn, attacking her instead. ¡°Julius, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± she cried, blocking his blows as best she could. Yet he kept attacking, wild as a beast. Quinn¡¯s brows knit tight. She darted aside, evading the blow, then pivoted sharply and used her momentum to pin Julius against the wall. Just as she wondered whether to knock him out first, the madness in his eyes cleared a fraction. ¡°Quinn¡­ Quinn¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± Quinn answered. Atst, his long, slightly upturned eyes seemed to lock onto her face. He rasped, ¡°The fragrance¡­ tie my hands. Don¡¯t let me hurt you¡­¡± He sucked in ragged breaths, fighting to keep hold of his senses. Is he drugged? Quinn¡¯s eyes narrowed. That scent¡­ I noticed it on Marley when I tried to pry Julius¡¯s fingers loose. She yanked off Julius¡¯s tie and bound his wrists. Though pain contorted his features, he let her tie him without resistance. ¡°Once she had finished, Quinn braced Julius with one arm, then turned a zing stare on Marley, whoy on the floor coughing so hard she could barely raise her head. ¡°What¡¯s with that scent on you? What did you do to Julius?¡°¡°u Marley¡¯s eyes flickered with guilt. ¡°I¨CI did nothing, Quinn, stop using me!¡± Military 213 Chapter 213 Perfume Of Nightmares Quinn¡¯s eyes zed. Though Julius had regained a hint of lucidity, his lids stayed shut, sweat beading on his brow while the veins at his temples throbbed with agony. She had been apart from him for barely an hour, and he was already reduced to this. Just as Marley struggled to rise, Quinn lifted a foot and stamped between her shoulder des, driving her face¨Cfirst onto the floor. ¡°Marley, I¡¯ll ask one more time. What exactly did you do to Julius, and what is that fragrance on you?¡± Marley writhed, but Quinn¡¯s foot felt as heavy as lead; she simply could not get up. She snapped at the servants around them, ¡°What are you idiots waiting for? Pull Quinn off me!¡± But none of them dared move. Everyone knew Marley had fallen from favor, while Quinn was the old patriarch¡¯s cherished granddaughter. Word of the fifth branch¡¯s sacrifice had spread among the staff, and many already felt protective toward Quinn. Seeing no one respond, Marley flushed with humiliation and rage. ¡°You all want to be fired? Quinn, if you humiliate me again, I swear I¡¯ll make you pay!¡± ¡°Marley.¡± Quinn¡¯s tone was icy as she looked down at her. ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me what you did and something happens to Julius, I¡¯ll make sure you never know another peaceful day.¡± Her foot pressed even harder as she spoke. Marley felt as though her spine might snap, and Quinn¡¯s expression was pure frost and loathing. It was impossible to doubt that, if she kept silent, Quinn really would break her back. ¡°I¨CI only sprayed some perfume¡­ I didn¡¯t do anything!¡± Marley cried. ¡°If it¡¯s only perfume, why is Julius in this state?¡± Quinn demanded. Marley¡¯splexion alternated between red and white; in Quinn, she suddenly saw the same terror she had felt moments ago when Julius¡¯s hands closed around her throat. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ the same perfume his mother wore when she died. I¨CI don¡¯t know why he reacted like this!¡± Quinn stiffened. The perfume from the day his mother died? She knew that tragedy had left the deepest scar in his heart. And now Marley had deliberately doused herself in that scent¨Cwhat was she after? But she had no time to unravel motives. Supporting Julius, she hurried out of the Bridger residence. The parlor was left in utter disarray. Marley staggered to her feet, shooting the servants a vicious re. Years ago, she and Julius had watched his mother take her own life. The perfume bottle shattered on the floor, flooding the air with that cloying scent. She knew that smell had be Julius¡¯s living nightmare; he had even bought the perfumepany just to destroy the form. Recently, she¡¯d learned someone had recreated the discontinued fragrance as a hobby. Marley spent a hefty sum to buy a bottle. She remembered how, in the months after the suicide, Julius would grow panicked and incoherent whenever he caught the scent, clinging desperately to anyone nearby. ¡°So after he rebuffed her and left the parlor, she had sprayed herself with the perfume and stationed a maid at the door. Her n was simple¨Cwait until the scent muddled his senses, strip off her clothes, and either truly sleep with him or at least create the perfect illusion in front of witnesses.¡± What thrilled her most was the certainty that this would ruin Julius and Quinn¡¯s rtionship. But she had never imagined that, instead of panic, Julius would be a savage whirl of violence, intent on murder. The memory of his fingers closing around her throat sent a chill racing down her spine. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Marley snapped at the servants. The maids dropped their gazes. One of them bent to gather several photos that had skittered across the floor. ¡°Wait¨Cwhat¡¯s that?¡± Marley called. ¡°They¡­ they fell from Miss Quinn¡¯s pocket just now,¡± the maid stammered. Marley snatched the photographs from the maid¡¯s hand. She could hardly believe Quinn had been carrying them around; well, she would find out whose face was captured in these prints! Let¡¯s see whose picture Quinn is hiding! Military 214 hapter 214 The Fallen Photographs Only three photographs had slipped to the floor. Each picture showed the same man. In two, he wore a crisp military uniform; in the third, he was stripped to the waist, muscles taut as he pushed through a workout. Marley narrowed her eyes, focusing on the jagged scar carved across his shoulder. Why does that scar look so familiar? Where have I seen it before? Quinn drove Julius straight to the hospital. After the doctor injected a sedative, Julius finally settled down. The moment Fabian learned his boss had been admitted, he ignored his own injuries and hurried over. Quinn said, ¡°Fabian, what are you doing here?¡± When assassins had targeted Julius earlier, Fabian had been caught in the crossfire, so he was supposed to be resting. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Fabian answered anxiously, ¡°but why was Mr. Whitethorn rushed to the hospital so suddenly?¡± ¡°A perfume scent sent him spiraling,¡± Quinn exined, ¡°The doctor sedated him; once he wakes, he should be all right.¡± ¡°Perfume?¡± Fabian nched. ¡°You mean that perfume?¡± Quinn asked, ¡°The one his mother wore before she died?¡± Fabian stared at her. ¡°You know about that?¡± Quinn ryed everything she had forced out of Marley. Fabian¡¯s expression turned grim. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Marley dared set Mr. Whitethorn up. Only a handful of people know that fragrance unhinges him¨Cand the form was destroyed when the Whitethorns bought thepany.¡± ¡°Then please look into how Marley got her hands on it,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Of course,¡± Fabian agreed. Quinn nced at Julius lying on the bed. ¡°Whenever he sniffed that perfume before, did he try to kill whoever was nearby?¡± Fabian blinked, then shook his head. ¡°No. After his mother died, whenever he caught that scent, he became terrified¨Che¡¯d clutch the nearest person and sometimes hurt himself, but that was when he was still a kid.¡± Quinn frowned; that waspletely different from what she had seen today. Has his reaction changed simply because he¡¯s grown older? Or is something else at work? From Fabian, she learned that three years after his mother¡¯s death, Julius had caught the scent by chance and lost control. At first, they thought it a coincidence, but every subsequent encounter with the fragrance ended the same way. A psychologist diagnosed trauma, yet half a year of therapy yielded no progress. Eventually, the Whitethorns bought the perfumepany and destroyed the form. Yet, Marley somehow possessed a bottle. Quinn now guessed why Marley had sprayed it. Marley herself probably never imagined that instead of clinging to her, Julius would wrap his hands. around her throat. Night fell. Julius had been sleeping more than six hours on the sedative; the doctor said he might wake in another two or three hours. Quinn checked the time. Just as she decided to wash up, Julius moaned from the bed, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ don¡¯t leave me¡­ please¡­ don¡¯t leave me¡­¡± Quinn froze mid¨Cstep and looked back at him. His eyes remained closed, yet his brows knotted and his head tossed as though he were trapped in a nightmare. Quinn approached the bedside and noticed a sheen of sweat on his face. She reached to wipe his forehead, but the moment her hand hovered above him, his eyes flew on her with startling rity. Quinn gasped, and his fingers mped around her wrist. The room tilted; in an instant, he had flipped her onto the bed beneath him. Knees braced on either side of her hips, he pinned both her wrists to the mattress. open, fixing Quinn started to push him away, then realized his gaze, though aimed at her, had no focus, and his breathing was ragged. Even the fingers locked around her wrists were trembling. It felt as though he were gripped by some nameless terror. What is he so afraid of? ¡°Don¡¯t leave me¡­ it¡¯s so dark, I¡¯m¡­ scared. Blood¡­ so much blood¡­¡± Military 215 Chapter 215 The Pleas Of A Child At that moment, Julius sounded like a helpless child. Quinn suddenly recalled her afternoon conversation with Fabian. Could the lingering perfume still be triggering him? Is he trapped inside that nightmare again, not yet truly awake? Quinn softened her voice, ¡°Julius, let go of my wrist first so I can find a doctor to take a look at you.¡± ¡°No. I won¡¯t let go. You¡¯ll leave me. All of you will leave me¡­¡± he murmured. Montague had left him, Arlene had left him, and even the people who swore all day they loved him eventually left as well. ¡°A useless tool doesn¡¯t deserve to exist!¡± His father¡¯s voice kept echoing beside his ear. Quinn stared at Julius¡¯s striking face, now contorted and broken. He had clearly been born a golden boy who should have possessed everything, yet at this moment he made her ache with pity¨Cand seethe with rage. Back when she punched his father, she truly should have hit the man harder. ¡°Julius, I am not leaving you¨Cdo you hear me? I will never leave you. Never!¡± She repeated that promise over and over, tirelessly. Hisshes trembled, as though he had finally heard her. Atst a focal point returned to those dark phoenix eyes. ¡°Quinn¡­¡± He stared nkly at her, gradually surfacing from the haze. ¡°Did I lose control just now?¡± ¡°No. You only gripped my wrist¨Cyou did nothing else and you never hurt me,¡± Quinn answered. His gaze drifted upward to her wrist, still locked inside his fingers. Reason told him to release her, yet he dreaded that once he opened his hand, he might never catch her again. ¡°I¡¯m not leaving, Julius. You¡¯re my boyfriend now,¡± she whispered beside his ear. He shuddered, then slowly unclenched his hand. Freed, Quinn did not push him away. Instead, she wrapped both arms around his waist. ¡°You were having a nightmare, right? Don¡¯t be scared¨CI¡¯m here. And the next time I see your father, I¡¯ll punch him again.¡± Stunned, Julius lowered his eyes, and then gave a faint smile. ¡°Yes¡­ you¡¯re here.¡± The nightmare had been nothing but darkness, blood, and silhouettes walking away. He reached for them, yet they never looked back. Only when her voice seeped into his ears did he feel alive again. ¡°Quinn¡­¡± Exhausted, he buried his head against the curve of her shoulder. ¡°Thank you for staying. As long as you¡¯re here, I¡¯m not afraid of anything.¡± The only thing I fear is you leaving me. ¡°So you must keep your word¨Cnever abandon me,¡± he murmured, the vow drifting through the air like the deepest covenant. The next day Julius was discharged; his body was already fine. His first order to Fabian was, ¡°Trace the source of the perfume Marley used, then destroy every bottle. And if the Bridger family insists on keeping Marley at Bridger Group, Whitethorn Group will end all cooperation with them.¡± Naturally, the Bridgers would not offend Julius over Marley. This meant Marley would lose all standing in her own family. ¡°Have you seen a therapist about your reaction to that perfume?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°I did. I thought I was cured. Apparently not.¡± Julius sighed. ¡°I must have looked awful out of control.¡± ¡°Not awful. But I don¡¯t want the past to keep harming you,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± He epted quietly. She would never know how deeply every one of her sentences affected him. On the third day, Quinn, Julius, and Han flew back to Jexburgh. Laura met them at the airport and almost whistled at the sight¨Cher best friend nked by two men every woman normally chased after. Too many handsome men, too little personal capacity; what a bittersweet dilemma. ¡°How about dinner first?¡± Laura suggested. It was already near six in the evening. ¡°Dinner sounds good,¡± Quinn agreed, and the two men had no objections. The four of them entered a restaurant, drawing immediate attention. Julius and Han, in particr, walked through a gauntlet of admiring female gazes. They sat and ordered, and dishes soon arrived one after another. Just after Quinn swallowed a bite of fish, she suddenly covered her mouth. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Laura asked, worried. ¡°A little queasy¨Cmaybe my old stomach issue is-¡± Quinn¡¯s words stopped as her friend blurted out the next line. ¡°Queasy? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re¡­ pregnant?¡± Yes, Laura actually said that. tter! Han¡¯s chopsticks hit the floor, his expression frozen in shock. Military 216 Chapter 216 False Pregnancy rm ¡°Quinn, are you pregnant?¡± Han stared straight at her. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m not¡­¡± Quinn began, but before she could finish, Han had already yanked Julius to his feet. ¡°Julius Whitethorn, how could you treat her so casually? What underhanded trick did you use?¡± Han roared. If Quinn really is pregnant, does that mean Julius crossed the line with her before I even left Yarburn? Did Quinn start dating him because he forced her? Han¡¯s mind painted its own worst¨Ccase scenario. Julius collected himself and met Han¡¯s zing eyes. ¡°If Quinn is carrying my child, it¡¯s only because she wanted to. You¡¯re meddling in things that aren¡¯t your concern, Han.¡± ¡°What did you just say?¡± Han¡¯s fury spiked. ¡°We¡¯re a couple, and you are only her kid brother. Don¡¯t forget your ce,¡± Julius shot back. Han swung his fist without warning, and the two men erupted into a brawl in the private dining room. Quinn clutched her aching head. ¡°Knock it off¨Cboth of you!¡± Julius knows perfectly well I¡¯m not pregnant. Why is he ying along? Laura, adding fuel to the fire, chirped, ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re really pregnant? Since when? Remember, I want to be your baby¡¯s godmother!¡± Laura¡¯sment made Han hit Julius even harder. Quinn shot her instigating friend a re; Laura only blinked back innocently. ¡°I am not pregnant!¡± she dered, rose, and strode between the two Her words made both men cycle through a kaleidoscope of expressions in seconds. ¡°All right, all right¨Clet¡¯s just eat,¡± Laura interjected, slicing through the awkward silence. Only then did the four of them/resume eating. When the meal finally ended, Julius turned to Quinn. ¡°We¡¯re stopping by the hospital.¡± ¡°Are you feeling unwell?¡± Quinn assumed the lingering perfume from earlier was still bothering him Chapter 216 False Pregnancy rm ¡°Your stomach¡¯s acting up; get it checked,¡± he replied. ¡°No need, a couple of tablets will do¡± ¡°Hospital,¡± he cut her off, leaving no room for debate. ¡°Quinn, just let a doctor take a look. It¡¯s safer than grabbing random pills,¡± Laura chimed in. ¡°Fine.¡± Quinn nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll-¡°Han started, only for Laura to yank him back. ¡°Han, mypany has some legal issues. I need your help¨Clet¡¯s talk,¡± she said quickly. Han shot Laura a look but swallowed his words. +5 Free Coins Once Quinn and Julius left the private room, Han turned to Laura. ¡°There aren¡¯t any legal issues, are there?¡± Lauraughed. ¡°If you¡¯re that smart, why insist on being a third wheel? You¡¯re only torturing yourself.¡± Han pressed his lips into a thin line, then asked, ¡°When did you find out they were together?¡± ¡°I found out bit by bit, from my phone calls with Quinn.¡± ¡°Exactly when?¡± Han pressed. ¡°Around¡­st month, I think.¡± Han¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me then?¡± Laura raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s not my job to broadcast my friend¡¯s love life.¡± ¡°But you know that I¡ª¡± ¡°Han!¡± Laura cut him off. ¡°Whatever you feel for Quinn, she¡¯s chosen Julius. They¡¯re together now.¡± Han went rigid, then forced a bitter smile. ¡°So¡­ I¡¯mte again?¡± Laura sighed. She did not expect the notorious Jexburgh tyrant to look this heart¨Csick. ¡°Love¡¯s like that. Who¡¯d have guessed Quinn would end up with Julius?¡± Han lowered his eyes to his empty palm. ¡°Yeah¡­ who¡¯d have guessed¡­¡± He¡¯d reached out to hold on to her, yet in the end hade away with nothing at all. Quinn and Julius made a quick trip to the hospital and left with a prescription for antacids. O Military 217 Chapter 217 Unexpected Encounter Chapter 217 Unexpected Encounter s Outside the hospital, Julius wore a somber expression. He said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ever tell me you had this lingering problem?¡± Quinn replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really. Soldiers alle away with one ailment or another. Why? Does it bother you?¡± ¡°It does!¡± Julius gripped her hand, his fingers tense with worry. ¡°I want you perfectly healthy. From now on I¡¯m taking charge of your meals and nursing that stomach back to shape.¡± She caught the earnest fear in his eyes and smiled. Years ago, while she was building a start¨Cup for Trent, her gastritis had red again and again; on the worst nights she slipped into the ER at two in the morning, and Trent cared only about whether the contract was signed or the proposal finished. He had sworn every sacrifice was for their future¨Cbut now, Quinn realized, the difference between someone who loved her and someone who merely said he did was a world apart. Meanwhile, Laura apanied Han to a neighborhood bar. The kid looked like a thundercloud, and she couldn¡¯t leave him brooding over whiskey alone, so she kept himpany. Before long, he was unmistakably drunk. Laura said, ¡°Up you get. I¡¯ll order a driver and send you home.¡± She herself had downed a few sses and was in no condition to drive. ¡°Home, right¡­ need to go home,¡± Han mumbled. He fumbled out his phone, dialed, and slurred, ¡°I¡¯m smashed. I¡¯m at the bar next to your office. Come get me.¡± The moment the call ended he tipped back another shot. ¡°Stop,¡± Laura scolded. ¡°Any more and you¡¯ll be the one headed to the ER.¡± ¡°Rx, I-¡± Han doubled over and vomited. Laura leapt aside just in time. Nonended on her¨Cgood¨Cbut the couch was ruined, and his jacket was sttered too. He let his head loll and passed out cold. Laura stared at him. Seriously? Out like a light? The mess on his clothes couldn¡¯t stay. She dragged him to the other end of the sofa, unfastened his jacket, and peeled the soiled garment away. Noticing the cor tight against his throat, she thought loosening a couple of buttons might help him breathe. She had slipped the second button/free when the door flew open and a voice sliced through the room. ¡°What now, Laura? Got your eye on Han and n to strip him the way you once stripped me?¡± Laura jolted. No way¡­ that voice¡­ Han must have called Weston¨Cher ex¨Cboyfriend. She turned, and there he was: tall, lean, a tailored ck suit molding every sharp line, his handsome face. the very image that fueled half the daydreams in Jexburgh society. O Chapter 217 Unexpected Encounter s Weston Windore. Perfect. Just perfect. She forced a brittle smile. ¡°What a coincidence.¡± ¡°Indeed. Quite the coincidence.¡± He stepped inside, towering over her. She pursed her dry lips. Weston¡¯s features were sculpted, and his long, dark eyes carried an almost suffocating pressure whenever they fixed on someone. The man radiated disciplined restraint. His gaze slid past her to the unconscious Han. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t walked in, were you nning to strip my nephew bare? You did the same to me back then, didn¡¯t you?¡± Laura¡¯s cheeks med. That is not the same thing! Back then, she¡¯d peeled his clothes off because she was shamelessly lusting after him; tonight she was performing a public service. ¡°I didn¡¯t strip him. He threw up and got it on his jacket. I¡¯m doing the decent thing and removing the dirty coat.¡± ¡°Then why undo his shirt buttons?¡± Weston¡¯s eyes were sharp as scalpels. ¡°To let him breathe,¡± she answered, meeting his stare with what she hoped was pure sincerity. A top attorney¡¯s stare could make even a saint feel guilty. Seeing his skepticism, she hurried on. ¡°I have zero designs on him. Han is not my type. Even if he danced naked in front of me, I¡¯d feel nothing.¡± Weston raised an eyebrow but let the matter drop. He bent and hauled Han upright. ¡°How much did he drink?¡± ¡°Not quite three bottles,¡± she said. 219 Military 218 Chapter 218 A Ride Home ¡°And you?¡± he asked. ¡°I had three or four shots¨Cnothing that can knock me out.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll drive you home,¡± Weston said. At that, Laura froze as though a bolt of lightning had struck her. Laura had zero intention of letting her ex drive her home. She waved her hands and said, ¡°No, thank you. Just take him. I can get back on my own¡­ uh, I¡¯ll call a driver!¡± Weston¡¯s dark, imposing eyes narrowed, and his thin lips spat out two chilly words, ¡°Follow me.¡± His car sat right in front of the bar. Weston settled Han on the backseat, then opened the passenger door for Laura. ¡°Get in.¡± ¡£ Laura considered bolting, but Weston¡¯s next sentence pinned her in ce, ¡°Will you get in as told, or should I sue you for making indecent advances toward little Han?¡± Laura¡¯s steps faltered. So this is what I get for being kind, huh? Society sure educates you the hard way! Awkwardly, Laura climbed into the passenger seat. Weston started the engine and eased the car away from the bar. ¡°Address.¡± His deep, pleasant voice filled the car. She reluctantly told him her address, and silence immediately wrapped the interior. Staring straight ahead, Laura stole sideways nces at Weston behind the wheel. He looked even better than when they broke up¨Cyouthful edges sanded away, reced by steady calm and an almost ascetic allure. He makes me want to rip that suit right off him and turn his world upside down¡­ Stop! Laura scolded herself, What am I thinking? We are already over! The car rolled to a halt in front of her building. Laura murmured her thanks, unbuckled, and was about to step out when his voice cut through the air. ¡°After we broke up, did you ever regret it?¡± Laura froze. ¡°No. I¡¯m actually relieved we ended things.¡± She pushed the door open, but his hand snapped around her other wrist. ¡°Relieved? Was dating me that unbearable?¡± He red at her, a rare darkness clouding his otherwise refined features. Even so, he stayed meticulously controlled; his grip precise¨Cfirm enough to hold her, gentle enough not to bruise. s ¡°I didn¡¯t dislike dating you; in fact, I yearned for your body back then.¡± Laura smiled. ¡°But like someone who eats steak and lobster every single day, I got tired of it. That¡¯s all¨Cjust bored.¡± He fixed his gaze on her. ¡°Mr. Windore, could you let go now?¡± Laura asked. Weston pressed his lips together and released her. Laura stepped onto the pavement. ¡°By the way, if nostalgia ever hits, I don¡¯t mind another roll in the hay. A dish you¡¯re sick of can still taste nice once in a while.¡± As expected, she saw an icy glint sh in his eyes. She shut the door and walked into the residential area without a single backward nce. A man as proud as Weston was bound to despise a woman who spoke like that. They had never walked the same path. He loathed trouble; she was the kind of woman it clung to. At that thought, Laura gave a bitterugh andforted herself, He¡¯s just a man! Her life contained plenty besides men. The next day, Laura went with Quinn to the mall to pick up a few things. ¡°By the way, you didn¡¯t crash at my cest night. Did you stay with Julius?¡± Laura asked. ¡°Mm¨Chmm,¡± Quinn replied. She had meant to return to her friend¡¯s apartment, but Julius had looked pitifully in need ofpany and said, ¡°Quinnie, you know that perfume incident just sent me spiraling. I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have nightmares again tonight.¡± The refusal stuck in her throat. ¡°So are you moving in with him?¡± Laura asked, curiosity gleaming. ¡°Looks that way,¡± Quinn admitted. ¡°Just remember birth control. Unless you¡¯re ready for a baby¨Cthen forget I spoke,¡± Laura said. ¡°Where is your mind? Even if I live with Julius, we¡¯re nowhere near that stage!¡± Quinn protested. Laura shrugged. ¡°Maybe not now, but give it time. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve never wanted to devour him, body and soul.¡± Quinn¡¯s guilty silence said it all. Okay, maybe a little. While they chatted, Quinn suddenly stopped, brows knitting. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Following her gaze, Laura spotted Penelope and Jacinda approaching, their arms with shopping bags, Sidonie walking between them. This world is really small! Military 219 Chapter 219 Mall Confrontation Chapter 219 Mall Confrontation Sidonic spotted Quinn and her friend the moment they stepped off the esctor. Her expression changed. and Jacinda strode over in her designer heels, greeting Quinn with a bright, brittle smile. ¡°Quinn, fancy mecting you everywhere I go.¡± Quinn gave her a cool once¨Cover. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you have time to shop. Then again, once the court date rolls around, you probably won¡¯t be able to shop anymore.¡± Jacinda tossed her hair with practiced arrogance. ¡°You¡¯re just hoping Mom and I end up behind bars. Hate to disappoint you¨Cmy brother hired an excellent attorney. Nothing will happen to us.¡± Lauraughed outright. ¡°Only fools stay that naive. You and Penelope lured Quinnie to a hotel rooth and paid someone to drug her. Your faces were sshed across the hotel¡¯s jumbo screen for the whole lobby to see. What third¨Cratewyer told you you¡¯d walk away unscathed?¡± Jacinda¡¯s mouth opened, but no sound came out. Penelope barged forward instead. ¡°Watch your tongue. My son has money to burn¨Che¡¯d never hire a bargain¨Cbinwyer.¡± ¡°Money?¡± Laura sneered. ¡°Everyone in the industry knows Grafton Technologies is scrambling for cash. Any money Trent makes, he makes because of Quinnie. Without her, how much could he earn?¡± Penelope snapped, ¡°Hah! What can Quinn do? My son built his sess on his own. Thank heaven he divorced that woman. Now he¡¯s with Sidonie. Only a female pilot like her belongs in our family.¡± ¡°A female pilot?¡± Laura¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Let¡¯s see how long that titlests.¡± Sidonie¡¯s brows knit. ¡°Quinn, no matter what, you shouldn¡¯t let your friend nder me like this.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t consider it nder.¡± Quinn¡¯s tone stayed light. ¡°The Stridora Fire Department should release its investigation any day now. We¡¯ll see whether you¡¯ll still be co¨Cpilot after this.¡± A flicker of guilt shed across Sidonie¡¯s eyes. Jacinda and Penelope exchanged baffled looks. ¡°What investigation report?¡± Sidonie forced a smile. ¡°Nothing. Don¡¯t listen to her nonsense.¡± Quinn noted Sidonie¡¯s evasive tone at once. So Penelope and Jacinda have no idea Sidonie abandoned her colleague. Figures. Jacinda never reads the news¨Cshopping¡¯s her only hobby. Penelope barely uses her phone except for calls and video¨Cchatting rtives back home. Laura folded her arins. ¡°Sidonie, you watched a coworker go up in mes and chose not to help. You admitted that on a livestream. Think the airline will keep you after that?¡± The color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face. Trent¡¯s familiar voice rang out behind them. ¡°Even if Sidonie chose self¨Cpreservation in a crisis, she did nothing wrong. Her coworker¡¯s death was tragic bad luck, that¡¯s all. There¡¯s no need to tarnish her reputation.¡± Quinn met Sidonie¡¯s gaze, icy calm. ¡°Are you sure leaving him to die is all you did? Positive his death had nothing to do with you?¡± ? O 1/2 Chapter 219 Mall Confrontation Sidonie¡¯s pulse hammered. ¡°What are you implying? If I¡¯d broken thew, the police would have arrested
  1. me.
Quinn¡¯s answer carried a razor¡¯s edge. ¡°Give it time. They might reallye after you.¡± Sidonie¡¯s shoulders stiffened. She can¡¯t know. No one else was there. She forced herself to lift her chin. ¡°Quinn your nder only shows how jealous you are. I live an upright life, and the police don¡¯t arrest innocent people.¡± ¡°Innocent?¡± Quinn¡¯sugh was low and cold. Trent¡¯s brows drew together. ¡°Quinn, that¡¯s enough. You shouldn¡¯t speak to Sidonie like that.¡± Penelope sniffed in contempt. ¡°No manners whatsoever. Thank goodness my son divorced you¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Jacinda chimed in. ¡°Sidonic treats us to luxury boutiques and designer bags. You were married three years and only gave us cheap trinkets you thought were treasures.¡± Quinn¡¯s smile turned cutting. ¡°Take that up with your brother. He insisted the cheap ring he bought was precious enough to be a wedding band.¡± Trent¡¯s face flushed an ugly shade. Penelope¡¯s expression darkened. She lifted her hand to smack Quinn. ¡°You shameless girl, how dare you insult my son!¡± Quinn caught Penelope¡¯s wrist mid¨Cair and flung it aside. Penelope clutched her arm, wailing, ¡°Quinn, you hurt me! I¡¯m calling the police¨Cyou assaulted an elderly woman!¡± ? Military 220 Chapter 220 A Public Fall From Grace Chapter 220 A Public Fall From Grace Quinn watched Penelope¡¯s theatrics with icy detachment. Trent¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°Quinn, apologize to my mother¨Cnow.¡± ¡°She attacked me first. I have nothing to apologize for.¡± ¡°She¡¯s your elder. Even if she yelled at you or hit you, you should¡¯ve taken it,¡± Trent snapped. 5 Free Coins Laura burst outughing. ¡°That¡¯s the funniest thing I¡¯ve heard all year. Trent, you¡¯re divorced¨Cwhy on earth should Quinn take it?¡± Sidonie interjected calmly. ¡°Even after a divorce, Mrs. Grafton is still a senior. Quinn, you shouldn¡¯t argue with your elders. If it were me, I¡¯d endure it¨Ceven if she pped me.¡± Penelope¡¯s mood brightened at once. ¡°Sidonie, you¡¯re nothing like Quinn. I could never bring myself to raise a hand against you.¡± Sidonie¡¯s lips curved in quiet triumph. Laura pretended to retch. Quinn scoffed. ¡°I hope you all live up to those noble principles. Jacinda huffed. ¡°You just can¡¯t stand Mom treating Sidonie well. Why should she treat you kindly? What do you have thatpares to Sidonie?¡± Before Quinn could answer, every screen in the center of the mall flickered, then switched to a live news bulletin. ¡°After a full investigation into the border wildfire five years ago, the Stridora Fire Department has submitted its findings to the city council. The council has decided to revoke Sidonie Stonehurst¡¯s Firefighting Hero title¡­¡± The announcer¡¯s voice droned on, but Sidonie¡¯s face went sheet¨Cwhite. Her knees buckled, and she swayed, barely managing to stay upright. How could this be? I¡¯ve pulled strings, and those people I contacted swore that Nimbus Air would never strip me of my Firefighting Hero title! If that honor really disappeared¡­ what would happen to me? Just then a second news item shed across the giant screen. It was Nimbus Air¡¯s live press conference! Sidonie¡¯s eyes locked onto the electronic billboard, unblinking ¡°After a thorough investigation, Nimbus Air has decided to terminate Ms. Sidonie Stonehurst; effective immediately, she no longer holds any post with thepany¡­¡± Sidonie¡¯s face drained of color. No. This can¡¯t be real! Fire me without even notifying me first? Impossible! 111 O 1/2 10:28 Sat, 12 Jul CO Chapter 220 A Public Fall From Grace At that very moment her phone buzzed. Hands trembling, she opened the text¨CNimbus Air¡¯s official notice ending her contract stared back at her. Her fingers shook so violently she nearly dropped the handset. ¡°Sidonie, what¡¯s this about your Firefighting Hero title being revoked? And why is Nimbus Air saying they¡¯re letting you go?¡± Penelope demanded, baffled. Sidonie¡¯s mind was nk; she had no idea how to answer. ¡°Mom, stop asking,¡± Trent interjected. ¡°How can I not ask? Does this mean Sidonie¡¯s no longer a pilot?¡± Penelope pressed. After all, whenever she bragged to the neighbors she always imed her future daughter¨Cinw was Nimbus Air¡¯s youngest co¨Cpilot; if Sidonie lost that badge of honor, Penelope would be embarrassed. ¡°Sidonie, what on earth happened?¡± Jacinda chimed in, equally anxious. ¡°Jacinda, weren¡¯t you the one who said it was no big deal that Sidonie left her colleague to die? Still think it¡¯s ¡®no big deal¡® now?¡± Laura¡¯s voice dripped sarcasm. ¡°Your dear Sidonie had a fire extinguisher right next to her yet refused to lift a finger¨Cran off instead. That¡¯s why her Firefighting Hero title got yanked, and why Nimbus Air booted her along with it. Let¡¯s be honest: the only reason she climbed to co¨Cpilot at her age was that heroic badge. Without it, of course thepany pulled the plug. Who knows if any airline will still hire her after this.¡± Every sentence Laura uttered twisted Penelope¡¯s and Jacinda¡¯s expressions anew. She wasn¡¯t exactly whispering; shoppers all around had already seen the breaking news on the central screen, and now curious fingers pointed straight at Sidonie. Sidonie¡¯s face flushed. ¡°Trent, I want to go home,¡± she whispered. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll drive you right now,¡± Trent said softly. But Penelope lunged forward, yanking her son out of the way and glowering at Sidonie. ¡°So that¡¯s why you were so generous¨Cdragging Jacinda and me out shopping. Turns out you¡¯d already been canned, and you figured once our hands were full of your gifts we¡¯d be too embarrassed to scold you!¡± -Even though Sidonie had indeed nned to use money to curry favor with Jacinda and Penelope, she could never admit it now. ¡°Mrs. Grafton, that¡¯s not true¡­¡± Military 221 Chapter 221 Turning Against Each Other Chapter 221 Turning Against Each Other ¡°Not true? You¡¯re no longer a pilot, and now you have such a stain on your reputation¨Chow could you possibly deserve my son?¡± Penelope snarled, her earlier approval evaporated. ¡°Trent, I won¡¯t let you be with this woman!¡± ¡°Mom!¡± Trent flushed with embarrassment; her outburst, especially in front of Quinn, made his head throb. Sidonie¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°Mrs. Grafton, Trent and I love each other. You have no right to tear us apart!¡± Now that disaster had struck, she clung to Trent all the more¨Che was her only ticket back to the top. Smack! A crisp pnded squarely on Sidonie¡¯s cheek. Her cheek red with pain as Penelope¡¯s contemptuous voice followed. ¡°Love? You seduced my son like the scheming homewrecker you are!¡± Humiliated, Sidonie covered her stinging cheek. ¡°Even if you are Trent¡¯s mother, you can¡¯t treat me this way!¡± ¡°Oh, she can¡¯t?¡± Lauraughed from the sidelines. ¡°Sidonie, weren¡¯t you lecturing Quinn just now about respecting her elders? By your own logic, even if Trent¡¯s mom curses you and ps you, you ought to swallow it, right?¡± Sidonie felt the words lodge in her throat. She had indeed said that, purely to belittle Quinn and butter up Penelope. Now, like a boomerang, the speech came whipping back, stabbing her mercilessly. Desperate, she clutched Trent¡¯s sleeve, hoping he would speak for her. ¡°Trent¡­¡± Before Trent could get a word out, Quinn spoke coolly. ¡°Trent, since you¡¯re so devoted to your mother, you should be telling Sidonie that your mom¡¯s an elder, and she¡¯s entitled to scold or even hit her¨Cand Sidonie should endure it, right?¡± Trent faltered. His throat tightened as he met Quinn¡¯s mocking gaze, and he couldn¡¯t find the words. Penelope kept up her relentless tirade. Sidonie finally snapped, hurling insults in return. That only fanned Penelope¡¯s fury, and even Jacinda jumped into the shouting match. ¡°Mom, Sidonie, please¨Cstop this!¡± Fearing they¡¯de to blows, Trent wedged himself between them. Watching the farce, Quinn murmured to Laura, ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡± They had finished shopping, after all. ¡°But I¡¯m not done with the show,¡± Laura said, eyes gleaming with wicked amusement. Just moments ago Penelope, Jacinda, and Sidonic had been allies; now they were tearing each other apart -a spectacle Laura found amusing. ¡°You can stay and watch if you like,¡± Quinn quipped, one brow arched. ¡°Forget it.¡± Laura rubbed her nose, noticing several bystanders already raising their phones to record. ¡°I¡¯m sure the footage will be online in no time.¡± The two women stepped out of the mall. Quinn¡¯s gaze swept the parking lot and froze on a familiar ck sedan idling a short distance away. The moment Julius spotted her, he pushed open the driver¡¯s door and strode over, making it perfectly clear he hade for no one but her. Laura took in the scene andughed, ¡°All right then, I won¡¯t y the third wheel¨Csee youter!¡± With a carefree wave, she turned on her heel and headed for her own car. ¡°Finished shopping?¡± Julius asked, ncing at the bags in Quinn¡¯s hand. He took them from her with easy familiarity and set them gently in the back seat of his car. ¡°Mm¨Chmm, all done.¡± Quinn nodded. ¡°By the way, the big screen in the mall¡¯s atrium suddenly started running news about Sidonie a moment ago. Was that your doing?¡± If I remember correctly, this mall belongs to the Whitethorn family. There¡¯s no way that kind of coincidence just happens¨Cof all times, the screen ¡°just happens¡± to air Sidonie¡¯s headlines right when we¡¯re in the middle of an argument? ¡°It was,¡± Julius admitted, his eyes glinting. ¡°She upset you, so she doesn¡¯t deserve a moment¡¯s peace.¡± No one is allowed to bully my Quinnie.. Elsewhere, Marley sat on her bed, looking at the three photographs she had found the other day again and again. Murren had already told her the man in the pictures was Rowan, Quinn¡¯s older brother. But she couldn¡¯t remember ever meeting Rowan. Why, then, did his face feel so familiar? Suddenly, as if struck by a revtion, Marley sprang up and began rifling through her room. Atst she -tugged a photo album from the bottom of a drawer. If he really is the person I once met¡­ O Military 222 Chapter 222 Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining Chapter 222 Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining ?? $10 Free Coins As Marley flipped through the album, her gaze stopped on one particr snapshot; her pupils contracted, then she nced at the three photographs of Rowan that sat nearby. A slow, triumphant smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. When one door shuts, another opens, indeed. After considerable effort, Trent finally soothed Sidonic enough to send her home first; only then did he drive his mother and his sister back to the mansion. Ever since the divorce from Quinn, Penelope and Jacinda had left their previous ce and moved in here. Penelope fumed, ¡°Sidonie is useless! I thought we were getting ourselves a morous female pilot¨Ca daughter¨Cinw we could brag about¡ªbut she was fired, and now, the news says she ran away while a colleague burned right in front of her. If the folks in our hometown find out my son wants to marry a woman like that, they¡¯ll gossip me to death!¡± Had Quinn was the only one who muttered about the story of her cowardice, Penelope would not have worried. But now, the incident had made national news, and on the drive back, Jacinda had even found the kidnapping video online Sidonie herself admitting she saw mes licking her co¨Cpilot, noticed an extinguisher nearby, yet bolted because she was too terrified. A tidal wave of condemnation flooded thements section beneath the clip. Jacinda casually read a handful of the nastier remarks aloud, and Penelope clutched her chest from the stress. Those strangers cursed with such viciousness. If Sidonie really married into the family, all that venom would be hurled at the Graftons instead. How could Penelope ever hold her head up in the vige then? ¡°Trent, let me make this crystal clear,¡± Penelope snarled. ¡°I will never allow that woman into our home. If you dare marry her, I¡¯ll die right in front of you!¡± ¡°Mom!¡± Trent¡¯s temples throbbed. ¡°Sidonie panicked that day, that¡¯s all. She didn¡¯t mean to abandon anyone. You really want me to dump her just because Nimbus Air fired her? What will people think of me?¡± ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? She¡¯s the one at fault. No one will me you for breaking it off,¡± Penelope insisted. ¡°Trent, listen to Mom,¡± Jacinda chimed in. ¡°Sidonie¡¯s reputation is awful. If you marry her, we won¡¯t be able to walk outside without being pointed at.¡± ¡°But didn¡¯t you both used to approve of us?¡± Trent argued. ¡°Mom, Jacinda, this is only a temporary setback. Sidonie will reim her glory; I know she will. Besides, she saved my life. How can I abandon her when she needs me most?¡± ¡°So you really mean to drive me to my grave?¡± Penelope wailed, throwing her hands in the air, Trent rubbed his forehead, utterly helpless. O 12 07:43 Wed, 16 Jul ¨C ¡ö Chapter 222 Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining +10 Free Coins ¡°Trent, she saved you, sure, but you already gave her loads of jewelry. That¡¯s more than enough to repay her,¡± Jacinda said matter¨Cof¨Cfactly. She remembered the press conference after Trent¡¯s divorce, when Quinn had flung that itemized list in his face, close to millions worth of jewels bestowed on Sidonie. The figure still made Jacinda¡¯s eyes burn with envy; her brother had never evenvished that kind of treasure on her. Just then, Trent¡¯s phone rang. He answered, and his expression shifted at once. ¡°Something¡¯s up at the to Sidonie¡¯s apartment, night had already settled over the city. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie threw herself into his arms the moment she opened the door. ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t ¡°How could I not?¡± he murmured. ¡°I never imagined things could spiral like this. Yes, I failed to help my colleague, but I still fought that fire. How can they strip me of the Firefighting Hero title just like that?¡± Her voice trembled with resentment. ¡°And Nimbus Air¨Cfiring me without even a courtesy call! I¡¯ll show them. I will not be defeated so easily.¡± She lifted her gaze to Trent. ¡°Do you believe I¡¯ll rise higher than ever¨Cso high that the people sneering at me now won¡¯t even dare reach?¡± Trent forced a smile. ¡°I believe.¡± Sidonie exhaled in relief. ¡°How are your mom and Jacinda? They went too far at the mall today, but I won¡¯t hold it against them. Once this uproar calms down, let¡¯s get engaged, all right? We¡¯ve wasted enough time already.¡± A shadow crossed Trent¡¯s face. ¡°Can we discuss the engagementter?¡± Sidonie¡¯s eyes turned frosty. ¡°Have you changed your mind?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡­¡± Trent hesitated. ¡°Because of today, Grafton Technologies took a hard hit, and my mom and sister are still reeling. So¡­¡± Military 223 Chapter 223 A Promise Under Pressure Chapter 223 A Promise Under Pressure +10 Free Coins ¡°So you want to break up?¡± Sidonie stepped out of his embrace and red at him. ¡°I thought you were different, but you¡¯re just the same as the rest. Fine. Let¡¯s end it. Pretend I never saved you¡± ¡°No! That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Trent eximed. ¡°Sidonic, I¡¯ll never forget that you saved my life. I only engagement. want to wait until thepany stabilizes and the scandal blows over, then we¡¯ll announce the By then, I¡¯ll persuade my parents, I swear.¡± ¡°Really?¡± She searched his face. ¡°Really. I swear,¡± Trent said, raising his right hand. ¡°If I ever fail you, may lightning strike me, and I¡¯ll be left forever wanting what I cannot attain.¡± Only then did Sidonie smile, nestling back against him. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare forget that oath. I don¡¯t care how others treat me, but you must never betray me!¡± Trent¡¯s lips tightened as he held her close. Yes, he could not betray Sidonie. In the beginning, he had treated her well simply to repay a debt of gratitude. Yet now, that gratitude felt like a mountain pressing on his chest, so heavy he could scarcely breathe. For the moment, Quinn was staying in Julius¡® apartment, though he had originally wanted her to move into the Whitethorn residence. In her view, however, they were not yet married; taking up residence in the family estate would be inappropriate. ¡°So, when do you n to marry me?¡± Julius asked with a half¨Cteasing smile. Quinn almost sprayed the mouthful of coffee she had yet to swallow. ¡°Marry?¡± ¡°Or are you only toying with me¨Cready to toss me aside once you¡¯re bored?¡± Julius bent low, hands braced on the couch, caging her between his arms with a raw, feral dominance. In that instant, Quinn felt like prey caught in a predator¡¯s sights. ¡°Hmm?¡± He was waiting for her reply. She pushed at his chest and set her cup on the coffee table. ¡°We haven¡¯t been together that long. Talking about marriage feels way too soon,¡± she said. The next second, Julius¡® arm wound around her waist. His face hovered a breath away. ¡°You¡¯ve never pictured marrying me?¡± His voice held a faint aggression, yet those normally cool eyes shimmered with seduction. Quinn swallowed the sudden rush of saliva in her throat. Julius, at this moment, was impossibly alluring¨Cand unmistakably dangerous. She could read the hunger and gentleness in his gaze. However, when it came to marriage, they had moved from strangers to lovers in a blink; she hadn¡¯t truly C 172 Chapter 223 A Promise Under Pressure known him yet. 410 Free Coins ¡°I¡¯ve been divorced once, so I¡¯m extra cautious the second time,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Julius, I like you, but I¡¯m not sure that like is deep enough yet for marriage. Let¡¯s wait until we¡¯ve spent more time together until we understand each other better. Then we can talk vows.¡± As she spoke, a thought struck her. She lifted her hand and stroked his cheek. ¡°Maybe after a while, you¡¯ll realize I¡¯m not as wonderful as you think. Maybe you¡¯ll be the one to ask for a Her words were cut off when his lips sealed over hers. He kissed her, swallowing her every unfinished word. Only after a long moment did he pull back. His voice was hoarse and carried a sense of reluctance. ¡°Don¡¯t mention breaking up. I won¡¯t, and you can¡¯t either. I¡¯ll make you love me even more. We will get married.¡± A misty sheen veiled his eyes. This version of Julius always softened her heart. This time, Quinn leaned in first and kissed him. ¡°I think I¡¯m already falling harder for you.¡± At least, she knew her feelings for him were deepening¨Cfar deeper than when they¡¯d begun. Julius lowered his gaze, letting it drift, almost absently, over her abdomen. She still hasn¡¯t promised we would marry. Is her love for me not strong enough yet? What must I do to keep her by my side for good? If she carried my child¡­ would she stay? Just like Father once tried¨Cusing me to bind Mother to him¡­ The notion jolted him; his body went rigid. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn asked, having felt him tense during their kiss. ¡°N¨CNothing,¡± he responded. Studying his suddenly pale face, she murmured, ¡°Julius, I told you before¨Cno secrets between us. I want a rtionship built on trust.¡± He fell silent, then confessed in a bitter whisper, ¡°I¡¯m terrified of turning into my father. One day, you might leave me as decisively as my mother left him.¡± Military 224 Chapter 224 Shadows Of The Past Chapter 224 Shadows Of The Past What was I thinking just now¨Cusing a child to lock her beside me? I once despised Father for that very act. Yet, I nearly copied him a moment ago. I disgust even myself. +10 Free Coins Quinn cupped his face. ¡°Listen to me. You will never be your father, and I am not your mother. I will never choose to end my own life.¡± Julius stared at her; after a while, the corners of his mouth lifted. ¡°You¡¯re right. You¡¯re nothing like her- you¡¯re far stronger.¡± She brimmed with life; even when cornered, she would fight to survive, not seek release in death. ¡°My mother disliked¨Cmaybe even loathed¨Cmy father. But you like me¡­ You might even love me, won¡¯t you?¡± he asked, as if begging for assurance. ¡°Yes. I like you, and¡­ I will love you,¡± Quinn answered. Maybe I already do! Julius wrapped her in his arms, burying his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent. She could unsettle him so easily¨Cand soothe him just as quickly. And he was bing someone who simply could not lose her. The next day, Sidonie arrived at Nimbus Air, hoping to persuade the executives to reconsider their decision. But the very managers who usually greeted her with warm smiles now looked at her as though she were something distasteful. The leader did not bother to soften the blow, saying, ¡°Nimbus Air is merely terminating your contract- that is already generous. Do you have any idea how much damage your actions have done to thepany¡¯s reputation?¡± Sidonie protested, ¡°But I didn¡¯t endanger anyone. I only secured my own safety first. How is that a crime?¡± The leader countered, ¡°If, in a moment of crisis, all you can think about is protecting yourself, how can passengers possibly trust you with their lives? Besides, if you hadn¡¯t been named the Firefighting Hero five years ago, do you really believe you¡¯d have been promoted to co¨Cpilot so quickly?¡± ¡°What?¡± Sidonie blinked, feeling stunned. ¡°Your flying skills and personal aptitude are ordinary at best,¡± he went on. ¡°Nimbus Air invested in you only because of that honor. Now, thepany no longer has any reason to keep you.¡± Humiliation surged across Sidonie¡¯s face. Once, she had brimmed with confidence, proud to be Nimbus Chapter 224 Shadows Of The Past +10 Free Coins Air¡¯s first female pilot¨Ceven if the title was only co¨Cpilot. Among all the women in the cockpit, she had been the standout. Yet, in her supervisor¡¯s mouth, she was suddenly mediocre. She refused to ept it. Leaving the office, she felt every former colleague whispering behind cupped hands; their eyes shone with contempt and ridicule. Sidonie clenched her fists. One day, you¡¯ll all look at me with respect¨Cno, with envy. Just then, her phone rang. When she saw the caller ID, her expression changed. Laura had arranged to meet Han at a caf¨¦. The moment he sat down, she demanded, ¡°You were drunk that night. Why did you make your unclee pick you up?¡± Han lounged in his chair. ¡°Why am I not allowed to call him?¡± ¡°You know perfectly well what he and I used to be. Didn¡¯t it cross your mind I might feel awkward?¡± She scowled. ¡°I figured your skin was thick enough not to care,¡± Han replied. Laura rolled her eyes. ¡°Spoken like a true gentleman. By the way, did he say anything to you afterward?¡± Han arched a brow. ¡°Why should he?¡± ¡°No reason,¡± she said, forcing a smile. It¡¯s better if he hadn¡¯t. At that moment, Laura¡¯s peripheral vision caught Sidonie across the street, ducking into a shabby motel with a man, as though desperate not to be recognized. Who on earth is that guy? Why are they sneaking into a motel? Suspicion narrowed her eyes. She seized Han¡¯s wrist. ¡°Come with me!¡± ¡°Where?¡± Han was baffled. ¡°That motel across the road.¡± For the first time in his life, Han found himself skulking toward a budget motel like a petty thief. ¡°What exactly are we doing?¡± he muttered, annoyed. In Jexburgh, he usually strode wherever he pleased; he did not do so furtively. ¡°Keep your voice down. Don¡¯t draw attention,¡± Laura warned. Han rolled his eyes. As if sneaking around like this isn¡¯t attention¨Cgrabbing already. U/.43 vved, To Jun Military 225 Chapter 225 Suspicious Encounter Chapter 225 Suspicious Encounter Fortunately, Laura¡¯s next words imed his full interest. 88% +10 Free Coins ¡°I just saw Sidonie slip into that motel with some guy,¡± she whispered. ¡°They look so shady. Let¡¯s find out what she¡¯s hiding.¡± A woman¡¯s intuition screamed that Sidonie and the stranger were up to no good. ¡°Sidonie?¡± Han¡¯s eyes narrowed. He despised that woman. If he could dig up more dirt on her, why not? The two conspirators exchanged a look and headed for the motel. Not far away, a car was about to clear the intersection when the passenger in front said, ¡°Hey, Sterling, isn¡¯t that little rascal of yours walking with a woman? Did he get himself a new girlfriend?¡± Seated in the back, Sterling Windore lifted his gaze. The next second, his pupils contracted; he locked onto the woman beside his nephew. Even from behind, he knew her¨Cit was Laura. ¡°Huh? They just went int¨° a motel! If the kid wanted a room, shouldn¡¯t he pick a five¨Cstar hotel?¡± the man in front eximed. ¡°Turn around. Pull over,¡± Sterling ordered icily. ¡°What?¡± The man, Calvin Reed, nced back. ¡°Your nephew¡¯s chasing a girl. Do you really have to worry that much?¡± Sterling¡¯s tone froze the air. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± From the rear¨Cview mirror, Calvin saw his friend¡¯s handsome face darken as though he¡¯d just lost the most critical case of his career. In fact, Sterling had never lost a case. In all their years of friendship, Calvin had seen that expression only once¨Cwhen Sterling got a breakup call from his ex, and what followed¡­ The memory made Calvin shiver. Who would have thought a man soposed could, on rare asions, be absolutely terrifying? The driver pulled over to the curb. Sterling stepped out first and strode toward the motel, Calvin hurrying beside him and muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re here to bust your nephew. He¡¯s a grown man. Still, that woman who went in with him looked awfully familiar¡­ I swear I¡¯ve seen her somewhere before¡­ Wait- wasn¡¯t that the girlfriend you dated back in the day¡­¡± Calvin¡¯s words cut off mid¨Csentence. Sterling radiated an icy aura. Calvin clicked his tongue. No way¡­ Could it really be Sterling¡¯s ex¨Cgirlfriend? Back then, everyone had assumed Sterling would dump that girl in no time. ? 88% Chapter 225 Suspicious Encounter +10 Free Coins After all, he was heir to a dynasty of attorneys, running the biggestw firm in Jexburgh, while she was a sheltered nobody¨Cit looked mismatched from every angle. Yet, to everyone¡¯s shock, the first to say ¡°we¡¯re through¡± had been the girl herself. And since that breakup, Sterling had never dated another woman. People who knew the story used to whisper that maybe he still couldn¡¯t forget her. But Sterling never so much as mentioned her name, and whenever others brought her up, he acted utterly indifferent, leading Calvin to believe the whole affair was nothing more than a footnote in his friend¡¯s life. Looks like it wasn¡¯t a footnote at all¡­ Calvin realized. Inside the motel, Sidonie followed Lindgren into one of the shabby rooms. Disgust clouded her eyes. If Trent hadn¡¯t ordered this man to investigate who saved him from drowning years ago, she would never have let him get leverage on her, much less sneak into a dump like this with him. ¡°What exactly do you need to say to me?¡± Sidonie asked, her patience fraying. ¡°With pleasure,¡± Lindgren replied with a half¨Csmile. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the bnce you owe me. You said I¡¯d get the rest after you and Trent made it official, but right now, your reputation¡¯s hanging by a thread. Whether that happy ending ever happens is anyone¡¯s guess. I suggest you pay up sooner rather thanter.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sidonie¡¯s face went white. The forty¨Cnine point five million? Where on earth am I supposed to find that kind of cash? Besides, back then, she¡¯d only been stalling him; she¡¯d never intended to pay a cent. Once Trent married her, whether she was his savior or not would be irrelevant. Even if this man told Trent the truth, she was confident she could keep the marriage intact. But the wedding hadn¡¯t happened yet, and Trent must never learn the truth now. ¡°I¡¯m not Trent¡¯s wife yet,¡± she said through clenched teeth. ¡°I don¡¯t have that kind of money.¡± ¡°You¡¯re still a Stonehurst,¡± Lindgren saidzily. ¡°If you really want the money, you¡¯ll find a way. I¡¯ll give you one month. Fail to pay in full, and I tell Trent he¡¯s been living a lie. Then your dream of bing his wife will disappear for good.¡± Military 226 Chapter 226 Hidden Leverage Chapter 226 Hidden Leverage 70007 +10 Free Coins Sidonie bit her lip hard. Lindgren was right¨Cthe Graftons already disliked her. If Trent learned she wasn¡¯t the one who saved him, he would drop her without hesitation. Not yet. First, I have to pacify Lindgren, then figure out the money. ¡°Fine, I agree, but no one else can ever know about our deal,¡± Sidonie said. ¡°Of course.¡± Lindgren grinned, perfectly pleased with himself. Next door, Laura pressed her ear¨Cand a drinking ss¨Cagainst the wall, the rim of the ss cupped to her ear in hopes of amplifying every sound. After several minutes, she still heard nothing. Since when does a cheap motel have this kind of soundproofing? she grumbled silently. Han growled, ¡°So you dragged me here just to book a room with you?¡± ¡°I wanted to hear what they¡¯re discussing,¡± Laura replied. She had even bribed the front desk to learn which room Sidonie and that man had taken. Han sneered, ¡°You could eavesdrop till sunrise and still get nothing. If you ask me, we should just kick the door down and see what Sidonie¡¯s up to.¡± ¡°That would alert them!¡± Laura objected. A knock sounded. Laura and Han exchanged a look; atst, Laura said, ¡°I¡¯ll get it.¡± She inched the door open and froze. Thest person she wanted to see stared back at her. It was Sterling. Laura¡¯s heart jumped. Sterling? What is he doing here? His gaze, icy and prating, met hers through the crack. She wavered. Should she invite him in or m the door and pretend she hadn¡¯t seen him? The door to the adjacent room suddenly opened. Startled, Laura yanked Sterling inside. ¡°What are you-¡± Sterling frowned, but before he could finish, Laura pped a hand over his mouth, silencing him. She left the door ajar by a sliver and peered out. Sure enough, Sidonie and Lindgren emerged. Lindgren chuckled. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, my patience is short. I¡¯ll wait one month. If the money isn¡¯t in my hand, you¡¯ll face the consequences.¡± Sidonie shot him a murderous re. ¡°Fine. And keep out of my sight for that month. If Trent gets suspicious, you won¡¯t see a dime.¡± Lindgren shrugged and watched her leave before retreating into his room. 1/2 07:43 Wed, 16 Jul D Chapter 226 Hidden Leverage 884 +10 Free Coins Laura closed the door atst, then turned to Han, who lounged on the couch. ¡°See? I told you. Sidonie and that guy are hiding something.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t catch a word out there,¡± Han said, amused, ¡°but I do know you¡¯re in trouble.¡± Laura blinked, then felt the warmth in her palm. Oh, dear Lord! Her hand was still covering Sterling¡¯s mouth. As if scalded, she jerked her hand away and gave Sterling an awkward smile. ¡°Well¡­ fancy meeting you again.¡± Sterling said nothing. He simply fixed Laura with a cial stare, the force of it so oppressive that she felt as if she were a defendant standing before a judge. ¡°Are you here for Han?¡± she ventured, grasping at anything that might break the tension. ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave you two to talk.¡± With that, she snatched up her purse, desperate to flee the room. ¡°I never realized my nephew had be so fascinating to you,¡± Sterling drawled, his gaze flicking from Laura to Han and back again. ¡°Last time, you were taking off his clothes; this time, you¡¯re booking a hotel room together?¡± A note of jealousy edged his voice, one he failed to notice. Han, who had been lounging on the couch and enjoying the drama, nearly slid to the floor. ¡°Laura, when did you ever strip me?¡± Laura broke into a cold sweat. ¡°You were drunk and threw up on yourself. I was doing you a favor by getting your shirt off, okay?¡± Sterling nodded helpfully. ¡°Exactly. If I¡¯d arrived a bitter, you¡¯d probably have stripped everything off.¡± Between the two men¨Cone gaze zing, the other icy¨CLaura felt caught in a vise. This uncle¨Cand¨Cnephew duo is here to make my life miserable. Handsome men do not necessarily make life pleasant; sometimes, they make you utterly miserable. 07:43 Wed, 16 Jul ¡ö ¡¤ R Military 227 Chapter 227 Unexpected Jealousy Chapter 227 Unexpected Jealousy 88% +10 Free Coins ¡°I only wanted to undo two buttons on his cor so he could breathe,¡± she protested, jabbing a finger at Han. ¡°Besides, I already said that even if he danced naked in front of me, I wouldn¡¯t be the least bit interested.¡± Sterling¡¯s brows lifted, the tension in his face easing. Han, however, red. ¡°Seriously? Me dancing naked? What on earth is going through your head?¡± Fine, yell all you want. I just need to clear my name. ¡°Since you¡¯re not interested in Han, why book a room with him?¡± Sterling asked. ¡°Because¡­ I was tailing someone. The woman who just left¨CSidonie¨Cis my best friend¡¯s mortal enemy¡± ¡°It¡¯s true, Uncle Sterling,¡± Han chimed in. ¡°Why else would I bring her to a ce like this? You know my type.¡± Sterling knew indeed. Han¡¯s heart had always belonged to Quinn, his former squad captain. After Quinn married, Han even fled the country for a while. ¡°If we¡¯re done here, I¡¯m leaving,¡± Han said, rising from his seat. ¡°Wait up!¡± Laura called. ¡°Find out who the man who left with Sidonie is. It looks like they have a transaction, as if he¡¯s holding something over her.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Han replied, waving as he strode out. Silence soon fell. Only then did Laura realize that she and Sterling were alone. ¡°Heh, I¡¯ll go too,¡± she muttered, moving for the door. Sterling¡¯s arm shot out, blocking her path. ¡°Don¡¯t you think you owe me an exnation?¡± he asked, eyes fixed on her. She blinked. ¡°Uh¡­ What exactly? Oh. Don¡¯t worry about the bill. I already paid for the room.¡± A vein throbbed at Sterling¡¯s temple. For years, only this woman could ignite his temper so easily. ¡°Laura, do you always go to hotel rooms with men just to dig for information?¡± ¡°I booked it with Han, not some random guy,¡± she shot back. ¡°Han isn¡¯t a man?¡± Not in that sense! To me, he¡¯s a kid brother, period. ¡°If Han hadn¡¯t been there¨Cif it were a coworker or some other man¨Cwould you have dragged him in here too?¡± Sterling leaned closer, his gaze scorching. Laura hunched her shoulders. That look unsettled her. ¡°Of course not. Han and I both care about Quinn and dislike Sidonie. That¡¯s why I brought him. Besides, I don¡¯t have feelings for Han. I¡¯d never a finger on him.¡± 07:44 Wed, 16 Jul 0 Chapter 227 Unexpected Jealousy ¡°Then who do you want toy a finger on?¡± 10 Free Coins ¡°It certainly won¡¯t be you.¡± The words slipped out before she could stop them, and Sterling¡¯s expression darkened at once. After leaving the military district, Quinn had two tasks- first, to brief Dominic on Julius¡® protection detail; second, to gather any news on her brother, Rowan. ¡°We¡¯ve found a lead,¡± a technician reported. ¡°A military drone was spotted, and its serial number matches the one your brother used to operate. A team is retrieving it now. We¡¯ll keep you updated.¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes shone with excitement. One drone¨Cone tiny clue¨Cbut it brought her another step closer to Rowan. Back at the apartment she shared with Julius, he studied her face. ¡°You look cheerful. Did something good happen?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she said, smiling. ¡°There¡¯s new information about my brother.¡± In that split second, Julius¡® hand twitched, and the coffee he had meant to pass to Quinn sshed hot across his own fingers. 07:44 Wed, 16 Jul Chapter 228 Scalded Hand Military 228 Chapter 228 Scalded Hand +10 Free Coins Quinn let out a startled cry, hauled Julius toward the sink, and cranked the faucet wide open so that a cool stream rushed over the spots the boiling coffee had burned. A broad patch of angry red spread across the back of his right hand¨Cproof that the beverage had been far from lukewarm. ¡°There¡¯s news about your brother?¡± Julius muttered. Quinn blinked. ¡°The military has a lead, yes, but right now, you should be worrying about your hand! Next time, hold your cup steady. With a burn like this, you¡¯ll probably blister.¡± Head lowered, Julius asked, ¡°What kind of lead? Are they close to finding him?¡± ¡°The military recovered one of the drones Rowan flew five years ago,¡± Quinn exined. ¡°A team is bringing it in, and if the onboard memory still holds anything useful¡­ well, I have a feeling it won¡¯t be long before I see my brother again!¡± Julius¡®plexion turned a shade paler, and the hand Quinn kept beneath the cold water trembled faintly. ¡°Does it hurt a lot?¡± she asked. ¡°If I said it hurt, would your heart ache for me?¡± he countered. Quinn raised her eyes to him. ¡°You¡¯re my boyfriend. Of course I ache when you¡¯re in pain. But I don¡¯t want you thinking that just because I care, it¡¯s all right to get hurt. I need you to take good care of yourself.¡± His shoulders went rigid as their gazes locked. No one had ever told him they hoped he would look after himself. His parents had never bothered; his grandfather, for all his affection, wanted him only to grow powerful enough to lead the Whitethorn family one day. Even his most loyal subordinates treated him with reverent distance more than concern. Furthermore, he had never cared. No matter how grave the injury, he had always shrugged it off- sometimes even thinking death might be a release. But now, because of her, everything seemed to have changed. When the water had run cold for long enough, Quinn blotted his hand dry with tissues and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the first aid kit?¡± ¡°There isn¡¯t one,¡± he said. ¡°No first aid kit?¡± She sounded genuinely surprised. ¡°I don¡¯t live here often.¡± The apartment had always been a ce to crash when he didn¡¯t feel like returning to the Whitethorn residence./ Only then did Quinn understand why the rooms were so sparsely furnished, why there were hardly any 07:44 Wed, 16 Jul D Chapter 228 Scalded Hand personal items. 100% +10 Free Coins Thankfully, modern delivery services were efficient. She ordered burn ointment through an online service and asked, ¡°What do you feel like cating tonight?¡± ¡°Anything is fine. What do you want?¡± he asked in return. ¡°If you¡¯re fine with anything, let¡¯s have pasta. I can cook two tes for dinner,¡± Quinn suggested. ¡°You¡¯re cooking pasta?¡± Julius eyed her doubtfully. ¡°What¡¯s this? You don¡¯t trust my skills?¡± Smiling, she added vegetables, beef, and pasta to the same order. ¡°I used to make pasta for my colleagues on base. They loved it.¡± ¡°Did Han eat that too?¡± he asked out of nowhere. She paused, thenughed. ¡°Are you that concerned about Han?¡± He pressed his thin lips together. ¡°He¡¯s been through many things with you than I have.¡±. ¡°He¡¯s myrade and a brother. I knew him long before I met you,¡± Quinn replied. A shadow flickered through Julius¡® eyes. Why didn¡¯t I meet her sooner? If only I had met her earlier¡­ ¡°But you¡¯re my boyfriend,¡± Quinn went on, ¡°and we¡¯ll share far more days and far more stories together.¡± Her gentle voice drifted over him like a warm breeze, sweeping away the unease that had begun to rise. Before long, the delivery arrived. Quinn carefully applied ointment over his burn, then carried the groceries to the kitchen. Julius rose to follow, but she said, ¡°Your hand¡¯s hurt. Sit in the living room and rest.¡± ¡°But I want to be in the kitchen with you. I¡¯ll stay quiet and just watch. I won¡¯t get in your way,¡± he insisted. ¡°All right, then.¡± Quinn suddenly realized he was even more clingy than she had imagined. Once inside the kitchen, she washed vegetables, sliced meat, and busied herself with the prep while Julius leaned against the wall, silently watching her every move. He had never thought there was anything appealing about someone working in a kitchen. Yet, now he found he couldn¡¯t pull his gaze from her. The apartment that had always felt icy cold seemed to warm simply because she was there. If they married one day, would their home feel this cozy too? She wouldn¡¯t need to do these chores; he could make her soup every day. Whatever she liked to eat, he would learn to cook for her. Military 229 Chapter 229 Wistful Daydreams Chapter 229 Wistful Daydreams +10 Free Coins He pictured their childrenughing and racing around their legs¨Can image so lovely it felt like a dream. When the two tes of pasta were ready, Quinn turned to call him over, but a pair of arms slipped under hers and circled her waist from behind. ¡°Watch your hand!¡± Quinn eximed in a low voice.. ¡°Quinn, I feel so blessed right now,¡± Julius murmured, pressing his check gently against hers. Having tasted this rare sweep of happiness, he found himself all the more terrified of losing it. ¡°I feel blessed too, having a boyfriend like you,¡± Quinn replied with a radiant smile. ¡°Really?¡± he asked, unable to hide the flicker of yearning in his voice. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s true, Julius. I hope that one day we can be like my mom and dad¨Cwalking side by side, never parting with one another!¡± Julius¡® eyes suddenly shone. ¡°You have to keep your word!¡± ¡°Yes! All right!¡± She smiled sweetly. He tightened his arms around her, drawing her even closer. So even if I truly make some unforgivable mistake one day, she¡¯ll forgive me and stay, won¡¯t she? The day Laura stepped out of that dingy motel with Sterling, his face looked so frigid it was as though she owed him a mountain of debt. Seriously? A former girlfriend who draws a clean line doesn¡¯t deserve at least a little apuse? Does he want me to admit I still want him, then he¡¯ll be satisfied? Back then, she had overheard one of his friends teasing, ¡°Sterling, why are you dating a in¨CJane like Laura? Are you tired of beauties and decided to some try some in girl for a change?¡± Another friend chimed in, ¡°Exactly! There¡¯s nothing special about Laura, and her looks are so¨Cso. Do you know how many campus belles chase Sterling?¡± A third personughed. ¡°Sterling, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re actually serious about her!¡± She had stood outside the private room that night, praying to hear him answer that he was serious¨Cthat even if she was ordinary, he still liked her. But all she heard was his careless drawl, ¡°She¡¯s just someone to kill time with, nothing more.¡± In that instant, a cial chill swallowed her whole. The romance she had treasured turned out, to him, to be nothing but a way to pass a dull afternoon. The luck she once bragged about now looked pitifully tragic. She remembered how she fled down the corridor; she hadn¡¯t even gathered the courage to push the door open and confront him. Later, one phone call ended everything between her and Sterling. When she said she wanted to break up, he merely asked, in the lightest of tones, ¡°You won¡¯t regret it?¡± Chapter 229 Wistful Daydreams ¡°Mm¨Chmm, I won¡¯t,¡± she had answered, and that was the end of them. +10 Free Coins In all the years that followed, they never crossed paths again. Just as he had said, she had been nothing but a toy to kill time with; without her, he could simply find someone else to amuse himself. Never had she imagined that yearster, she and Sterling would meet twice in such mortifying circumstances. After leaving the motel, she hadn¡¯t even bothered with a perfunctory goodbye, striding straight across the road, climbing into her car, and driving away. After all, she and Sterling were better off never seeing each other again. ¡°What¡¯s with you? You¡¯ve been spacing out these past two days.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice drifted to Laura¡¯s ears. ¡°Ah!¡± Laura was taken aback. No matter how deliberately she tried to avoid thinking about Sterling, her mind kept sliding toward him of its own ord. So it¡¯s true¨Cfirst love is impossible to forget. But even if it¡¯s difficult, I¡¯m still going to forget! ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was just wondering when Han will uncover who that guy was who went to the motel with Sidonie,¡± Laura said. That question had indeed upied her thoughts these past two days. Quinn already knew the gist from her best friend, and her instinct told her there was definitely something fishy between Sidonie and that man. ¡°Whatever it is, it can¡¯t be anything good,¡± Quinn muttered. She couldn¡¯t shake the sense that Sidonie was still hiding something¨Cbesides impersonating Trent¡¯s lifesaver, the ze years ago likely held secrets too. After all, Sidonie had been thest person to see Nimbus Air¡¯s co¨Cpilot alive, and he was the first victim to die, snuffed out by a still¨Csmoldering cigarette butt. Quinn had examined the site of the fire; the ce was rarely visited. If Sidonie had watched that co¨Cpilot burn to death, she probably knew who had been smoking and tossed the butt into the dry grass. So why hadn¡¯t she spoken up? Why, when everyone concluded the co¨Cpilot¡¯s own cigarette caused the ze, had she imed she¡¯d seen him smoking and allowed the me to fall squarely on him? Any normal person would feel at least a pang of guilt after letting someone die¨Cunless she was covering for the real smoker¡­ or perhaps she was the smoker herself. Military 230 Chapter 230 Smoldering Suspicion Chapter 230 Smoldering Suspicion Quinn shuddered, then blurted, ¡°Hey, does Sidonic smoke?¡± ¡°Eh?¡± Laura blinked in surprise. ¡°Where did that questione from?¡± +10 Free Coins Quinn said, ¡°When I think back to that inferno on the border, it feels as though she did far more than simply stand there and watch someone die.¡± Laura stiffened, then nodded thoughtfully. ¡°We¡¯ll have to look into it. That said, I¡¯ve never once seen Sidonie with a cigarette in her hand.¡± Quinn pressed her lips together. She, too, had never caught Sidonie smoking, yet that hardly proved the woman had never done it. The possibility formed a legitimate trace in her mind, one that definitely deserved a good investigation. Laura suddenly remembered something and asked, ¡°By the way, are you free tonight?¡± Quinn shrugged. ¡°More or less free.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Do you already have ns?¡± ¡°Not really. I¡¯d only promised Julius I¡¯d be home for dinner. I can phone him in a bit and tell him to eat without me.¡± Laura clicked her tongue in mock disapproval. ¡°Anyone overhearing you two would swear you¡¯re already married. You sound exactly like a pair of newlyweds.¡± Quinn blinked, and the more she thought about it, the more theparison rang true. Every evening after work, she would stop by the supermarket, pick up fresh groceries, and cook dinner herself. Julius¡® scalded hand was still healing, yet he insisted on hovering in the kitchen as her sous¨Cchef. When they finished eating, he cleared the dishes and loaded the dishwasher. Together, they watched TV, caught the news, and sometimes even read the same book, debating its ideas. Julius¡¯s range of interests was astonishing, and their conversations could go on for hours. If work called, they settled into the study side by side; an extra desk and chair had appeared there since he moved in. I have to admit, sharing a home with Julius is¡­ surprisingly . Laura leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°Speaking of which, have you and Julius, you know¡­ done it?¡± Quinn rolled her eyes. ¡°No. Is that all you think about?¡± ¡°I just think you¡¯re missing out. A gorgeous man right next to you and you only look¨Cnever touch.¡± Missing out? Does that really apply here? Laura patted her on the shoulder ¡°Since you¡¯re so fond of looking, let¡¯s have some eye¨Copening experience tonight. Try something different.¡± That evening, Quinn apanied Laura to the Jexburgh Grand Theater. Onstage, a troupe of foreign men writhed in a feverish dance, the audience roaring in delight. Quinn nced at the gleam in her friend¡¯s eyes. ¡°This is the eye¨Copening experience you promised me?¡± wea Chapter 230 Smoldering Suspicion +10 Free Coins ¡°Absolutely!¡± Laura beamed. ¡°They¡¯re the famous ndian Male Dance Troupe. Their choreography is killer, the set design gorgeous, and they¡¯ve got a water curtain that makes the whole stage look like it¡¯s raining¨Cmuscled men dancing in the rain! Tell me that isn¡¯t art.¡± The spectacle, Laura hoped, would also distract her and help her forget that scoundrel, Sterling. Quinn watched the half¨Cnaked dancers¨Cbare torsos, sleek ck leather pants that hugged every line- moving in perfect rhythm. The energy in the theater was infectious. Rain¨Clike sheets of water drifted down, sshing onto hair, faces, torsos, then exploding into brighter sprays at their feet. The sight made countless hearts in the audience flutter. The atmosphere grew warmer, louder. Laura screamed herself hoarse, showering the men with unabashed praise. Beside her, Quinn remained markedly calmer. She could appreciate the artistry, but nothing about it stirred her pulse. These days, only one man could do that. Julius¡® face rose unbidden in her mind. Right at that moment, her phone rang. It was Julius calling. Quinn lifted it to her ear. ¡°Hi, Julius. What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on over there? It¡¯s deafening.¡± Before she could answer, Laura leaned in and shouted, ¡°Quinn, look at that guy! Those muscles could kill. up close!¡± They¡¯re picking a lucky audience memberter. We might get to meet them Quinn shed her friend a quick hand gesture for silence. Julius¡® voice rang out again. ¡°Where are you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m with Laura at a show. It finishes around ten. I¡¯ll head home afterward.¡± ¡°I¡¯lle pick you up.¡± ¡°But- He had already hung up. Laura tilted her head. ¡°Who was that? Julius?¡± ¡°Yeah. He said he¡¯ll pick me up when it¡¯s over.¡± ¡°So sweet!¡± Laura waggled her brows, but her attention quickly swung back to the men onstage. The energy climbed higher and higher¨Cuntil, at its very peak, the lights suddenly went out. Military 231 Chapter 231 Sudden ckout Chapter 231 Sudden ckout ¡°What happened? Why did the power cut?¡± someone shouted. A mor swept the theater, and every dancer onstage froze in ce. +10 Free Coins The emergency generators kicked in with a low rumble, and a staff member¡¯s voice echoed through the loudspeakers. ¡°We¡¯re terribly sorry, but because of a technical malfunction, we¡¯re unable to continue tonight¡¯s performance.¡± ¡°How can you just cancel? We came here especially to see this!¡± someone shouted. ¡°Exactly! Didn¡¯t you do a proper equipment check beforehand?¡± another voice chorused. Grumbles rose on every side, but the next announcement wiped them out in an instant. ¡°Topensate,¡± the staffer continued, ¡°we¡¯ll refund you triple the price of your ticket. In addition, for any future showing of this production at the Jexburgh Grand Theater, simply present tonight¡¯s ticket and you may attend free of charge¨Cyour seats will be automatically upgraded as well.¡± The moment the words left the speakers, smiles broke out everywhere; a triple refund plus a free upgraded show¨Cwho could stay angry? Under the ushers¡® guidance, the crowd filed toward the exits in tidy rows. Laura muttered, ¡°What lousy luck. A breakdown on the very night I finally get to admire those gorgeous dancers up close. I was hoping they¡¯d pick me as tonight¡¯s lucky audience member.¡± ¡°Next time, then,¡± Quinn said with a lightugh. ¡°Next time it is.¡± Laura sighed. As they chatted their way to the doors, she added, ¡°It¡¯s only a little after nine. Julius probably isn¡¯t here yet. Why don¡¯t you call him? I can drive you home.¡± Quinn was about to agree when she spotted a familiar Maybach parked a short distance away. A tall figure stepped out and began walking toward her. How did he get here so early?¡± Quinn blinked, surprised. Then she noticed a man climbing from the sedan idling behind Julius¡® car, Sterling. Is this a coincidence or¡­ The thought made her nce at Laura. Laura looked equally stunned, watching Julius and Sterling stride over while women spilling from the theater stared after the two men With their striking looks¨CJulius¡® aloofness and Sterling¡¯s elegance¨Cthey easily outshone everyone around them. Had Julius not radiated that frosty aura, half those women would already be begging for his number. 172 Chapter 231 Sudden ckout ¡°Since Julius is here for you, Quinn¡­ I¡¯ll just get going,¡± Laura whispered, eager to slip away. +10 Free Coins Quinn knew her friend had a history with Sterling. Laura had adored himi once; after a year of dating. she¡¯d suddenly announced the breakup. When Quinn asked why, Laura had onlyughed it off. ¡°We weren¡¯t right. Nobody sticks to one romance forever these days.¡± Since then, Laura had thrown herself into work,unched a start¨Cup, chased pop idols, and admired handsome men whenever she pleased. It was as if her past with Sterling was nothing but a distant memory. Yet, she never mentioned his name, and whenever they risked bumping into him, she made sure to keep her distance. Quinn sometimes wondered whether Laura had truly let go. Before Laura could leave, Sterling¡¯s cool voice rang out,ced with displeasure. ¡°What¡¯s this? You see me and immediately run?¡± Laura gave a dryugh, squared her shoulders, and replied, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is here for Quinn. If I stay, I¡¯m just a third wheel, aren¡¯t I?¡± Sterling pressed his lips. Julius looked at Quinn. ¡°Come on.¡± ¡°Laura, are you¡­¡± Quinn began, worry tugging at her. ¡°Go on. I actually have a few things to say to Mr. Windore,¡± Laura said. Quinn tugged her aside and murmured, ¡°You¡¯re sure you¡¯ll be okay?¡± Laura shrugged. ¡°Sterling¡¯s not a monster, Quinn. He won¡¯t eat me. Rx, and I really do need to talk to him. You two hanging around would make it awkward.¡± ¡°All right, then. I¡¯m off.¡± Quinn finally followed Julius toward the Maybach. Laura turned back to Sterling. ¡°Indulge my vanity. Did you actuallye here just to see me?¡± Sterling¡¯s mouth tightened again. Earlier that evening, at a business reception, he had bumped into Julius by chance. While Julius phoned his girlfriend, Laura¡¯s loud talk of handsome guys and bulging muscles had carried clear across the room to him. The words had soured his mood in an instant. Does she really take that much pleasure in eyeing every man she sees? Military 232 Chapter 232 Unspoken Feelings Chapter 232 Unspoken Feelings +10 Free Coins She was only an ex, and he had long since moved on, so why had he tailed Julius¡® car all the way here? ¡°Suppose I dide for you. What, then?¡± Sterling countered. Laura lifted a brow. ¡°After all these years, are you still hung up on me?¡± He narrowed his eyes. Hung up on her? Impossible. Back then, he had agreed to date her only because she¡¯d pursued him relentlessly. Throughout their year together, she had seemed utterly devoted, yet when she ended things, he realized he¡¯d been aplete fool. She had broken up without a shred of reluctance. It was though she¡¯d simply grown tired of her toy. ¡°Laura, do you honestly think that¡¯s possible?¡± he asked, his voice frosty. ¡°Then why did youe looking for me?¡± she shot back. His eyes stayed fixed on her, dark and unreadable, and for a moment, he, too, wondered. Why did I here? After a long silence, his thin lips parted. ¡°Have you¡­ really grown tired of me?¡± Laura stood there, stunned. Did this man seek me out just to ask that? ¡°Yes. I¡¯m tired of you.¡± She nodded without the slightest hesitation. Sterling¡¯s face turned an unsightly shade, anger and disbelief mingling beneath hisposed exterior. ¡°I¡¯ve answered your question. I hope you won¡¯t appear in front of me again. Sure, exes can keep things friendly, but if my boyfriend keeps bumping into you, he¡¯ll get jealous. So let¡¯s not meet anymore.¡± ¡°You have a boyfriend?¡± Sterling¡¯s eyes darkened at once. ¡°Of course.¡± Laura smiled. ¡°Did you think that after all these years, I¡¯d still be hung up on you, mourning the past all alone and refusing to date?¡± Sterling said nothing. They had broken up years ago, so she could certainly have a new man. Still, he was close with Han, and Han had never mentioned she was seeing anyone. ¡°You¡¯re here watching these men dance. Does your boyfriend not mind?¡± he asked. ¡°He¡¯s a great guy, very open¨Cminded. He lets me enjoy my hobbies. If he weren¡¯t busy tonight, he¡¯d be here watching with me.¡± Laura checked the time. ¡°I¡¯m off to meet him now, Mr. Windore. Bye!¡± With that, she turned on her heel and left. Chapter 232 Unspoken Feelings Sterling stared at her retreating back, his lipspressed into a single hard line. 10 Free Coins His greatest strength had always been his cool self¨Ccontrol; even in court, the wildest reversals or a hostile witness never ruffled him. Yet, the moment she said she had a boyfriend, his heart clenched in sharp, rhythmic spasms. Why does it hurt like this? An unnamed sensation spread from his chest through every inch of his body, leaving him strangely numb. Elsewhere, Quinn and Julius got into the car. ¡°How did you happen to be waiting right outside the theater? I thought you¡¯d arrive closer to ten¡­¡± Quinn began, then her voice faltered. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the equipment failure tonight wasn¡¯t an ident.¡± She remembered how Julius hadn¡¯t even asked why she and Laura left early; his expression had looked as though he¡¯d expected it. ¡°Mm¨Chmm,¡± he murmured. ¡°You arranged it?¡± she asked. When he nodded, she stared at him, speechless. ¡°Why? Just so I¡¯de out earlier?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want you staring at those men, and I didn¡¯t want you getting close to them,¡± Julius whispered. ¡°Does that make me sound petty?¡± He was afraid that if she saw enough attractive men, she might fall for someone else. Though he knew she wasn¡¯t fickle and treated love with solemn sincerity, the fear still gnawed at him. It was a dark thought he kept buried; whenever unease surfaced, it sprang up and magnified his anxiety. Quinn studied his face; beneath his calm, she could see a faint trace of worry, She understood he was waiting, tense, for her reaction. She sighed, lifted her hand, and lightly stroked his cheek. ¡°I only went with Laura to watch the show. Those dancers don¡¯t interest me, so there¡¯s no need to worry. And you¡¯re my boyfriend. You don¡¯t have to tiptoe around me.¡± Julius¡®shes quivered. He was cautious precisely because he cared so much. Only by caring this deeply had he learned what it meant to walk on eggshells around someone. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re only interested in me?¡± he whispered, lips barely moving. Heat crept up Quinn¡¯s cheeks. The driver was right there, yet Julius gazed at her with unabashed hope. Military 233 Chapter 233 Quiet Confessions Chapter 233 Quiet Confessions Ordinarily, she disliked speaking intimate words in front of others, but she couldn¡¯t bear to see him uneasy any longer. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m only interested in you,¡± she said. At her words, his mouth curved into a smile. He drew her hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to her fingertip. ¡°Then from now on, you can only be interested in me. No more looking at other men.¡± In the front seat, the driver kept his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Should I even be hearing this? Who would have imagined that the once¨Carrogant, aloof Mr. Whitethorn could turn into a nervous young lover the moment he fell in love? Back at the apartment, Quinn¡¯s fingertips still tingled with residual warmth. ¡°By the way, don¡¯t ever do that again,¡± she cautioned. ¡°If you don¡¯t like me watching that kind of show, just tell me. There¡¯s no need for such a grand operation, and I don¡¯t want our issues inconveniencing other people.¡± After a pause, she added, ¡°I also hope you¡¯ll trust me more and respect the things I do with my friends. Even if I watch a performance, I won¡¯t swoon over the dancers. I¡¯m only admiring their choreography.¡± Every couple had a period of adjustment, and this, she supposed, was theirs. Julius¡® gaze softened, ¡°All right. I hear you. I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Quinn let out a quiet breath of relief. ¡°But I also hope you can give me a little more assurance,¡± Julius said. ¡°Assurance?¡± Quinn blinked, caught off guard. / ¡°For instance¡­ look at me more often and let me feel that the only man who captures your interest is me. And¡­ allow me to believe you will fall in love with me, deeply and irrevocably.¡± When he deliberately lowered his voice, it carried a maic lilt that could slip straight into a person¡¯s heart. Quinn¡¯s eyes clouded with confusion. ¡°Then what do you want me to do?¡± Out of nowhere, Julius asked, ¡°Did you enjoy tonight¡¯s show?¡± ¡°It was pretty good,¡± Quinn answered honestly. ¡°Those performances were professional¨Cfull of beauty and raw strength. If you feel uneasy, we can always watch them together.¡± Julius lowered his gaze. ¡°Instead of watching together, I would prefer that if you wish to see a man dance, I be the one who dances for you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn stared, stunned that he would say such a thing. ¡°You? Dance?¡± ¡°What? Do you think I can¡¯t?¡± he shot back. Quinn had never seen him dance before. I can¡¯t even picture what he¡¯d look like moving to music. Julius loosened the tie at his throat, then unfastened the button of his tailored jacket, and finally began on the buttons of the shirt beneath. With everyyer he removed, Quinn felt the muscles of her own body tighten one by one. She was no stranger to men taking off their clothes¨Cthe military camp had shown her plenty, and even tonight, the foreign dancers had whipped off their shirts and tossed them into the crowd, drawing waves of shrieks. Yet, she had merely watched them, emotionless, thinking at most that those dancers were indeed well- built. But now, as Julius removed his clothing piece by piece right in front of her, her gaze refused to leave him, and her heartbeat drummed faster and faster. Bare¨Cchested, he stepped to her, lowered his head, and looked at her with burning eyes. ¡°What kind of dance do you like?¡± ¡°Have you ever learned to dance?¡± she asked. ¡°I haven¡¯t, but I can learn. I¡¯ve always picked things up quickly. If you want to watch a dance, I¡¯ll study until I can perform it for you,¡± he responded. His obsidian eyes were both alluring and heavy with yearning. Quinn froze for a heartbeat¨Cthis man who usually stood so high above everyone else was willing to attempt things he had never done, simply for her. ¡°But I have scars,¡± he murmured. ¡°When I dance, they might look unsightly. If you think they spoil the view, I can have themsered off. Scar¨Cremoval surgery is very advanced now¡­¡± If he could, he wanted to present her with an even better version of himself; he was always afraid that the man he was now might not be worthy of her. ¡°Julius!¡± Quinn abruptly cut him off. ¡°Whether you have scars or not, the only man I¡¯m interested in is you.¡± His eyshes quivered. Quinn lifted her arms, wrapped them around his neck, and pressed her lips to his. She refused to see that tentative, faintly self¨Cconscious look on his face. Have I been so cautious in this rtionship that I¡¯ve given him no confidence at all? Is he afraid I¡¯ll back out at any moment and that I¡¯ll detach myself? she wondered. Even now, he responded to her kiss with such careful, almost appeasing gentleness. A faint sting pricked the tip of Quinn¡¯s nose. ¡°Julius, I want you!¡± She heard her own voice speak the words aloud. Military 234 Chapter 234 A Passionate Night Julius felt a tremor race through his entire body, and for a while, he could only stare at the woman in front of him, wide¨Ceyed. ¡°What¡­ did you just say?¡± he asked, his voice quivering so badly it barely qualified as sound. The instant the question left his lips, even his breathing stalled. Did I mishear her? Did I misunderstand? Please, don¡¯t let this be some sweet illusion I¡¯ve cooked up for myself. Quinn smiled, calm yet unmistakably resolute. ¡°Julius Whitethorn, I want you. What about you? Do you want me too?¡± His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed hard. How could he not want her? ¡°I do, Quinn. I want you so much,¡± he breathed. In the next moment, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the edge of the bed. She had shared this bed with him every night sinceing back to Jexburgh, yet until now it had been nothing more than a piece of furniture. Tonight, faced with the promise of what was about to happen, her pulse rattled and color crept into her cheeks. Heid her down gently. ¡°Have you truly decided?¡± he asked. ¡°You won¡¯t regret?¡± ¡°What if I change my mind?¡± she countered. His lips pressed together. He gazed at her as if imprinting every line of her face into his memory. ¡°If you genuinely regret it, then no matter how much I want you, I wouldn¡¯ty a finger on you,¡± he said. Desire zed in his eyes, but determination reined in his need. He would wait until she weed him freely. Quinn¡¯s answering smile was mischievous and certain. She grabbed his arm, tugged, and sent him tumbling beside her onto the bed. With one fingertip poised against his chest, she murmured, ¡°I won¡¯t regret this, so you¡¯re not allowed to regret it either.¡± Then she lowered her head and kissed him, while her other hand slid downward to unfasten his belt Wherever her fingers skimmed, his muscles went taut. Warmth surged beneath his skin, and a soft flush spread, apanied by the faintest tremor. He understood that at As she drifted toward sleep, she sensed a pair of lips brush against her forehead in careful devotion. ¡°Quinn, from now on you mustn¡¯t ever leave me,¡± Julius murmured, his ragged voice close to her ear. Silly thing, why would I ever leave you? she answered in the fading corridors of her mind. That was thest thought shing across her consciousness before she surrendered to sleep. The next morning, when Quinn cracked her eyes open, a familiar voice sounded beside her. ¡°Are you up?¡± Julius asked. ¡°If you want to sleep longer, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve already called in and arranged for a day off.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn blinked, still fuzzy. ¡°You did?¡± ¡°Mmhm. Laura phoned earlier, wondering why you hadn¡¯t shown up at the office. I told her you were exhaustedst night and needed the day off. I¡¯m sorry. I made the decision on my own.¡± Quinn rubbed her temples. Given Laura¡¯s inventive imagination, her friend would have definitely leaped to the correct, yet most embarrassing, conclusion. She wasn¡¯t embarrassed by the truth; she had no reason to hide what she herself had initiated. Still, picturing Laura¡¯s sly grin and inexhaustible appetite for gossip made her head throb faintly. She sat up and at once discovered a deep, satisfying ache in every limb. One nce downward revealed a constetion of purplish¨Cred marks mottling her skin. Good grief¨Chow many times had they gone at itst night? With a mortified gasp, she yanked the covers over herself. Julius, in stark contrast, was already showered, dressed, and radiating the vigor of a man who had slept like a saint. There¡¯s such a big difference between a man and a woman after a night of sex! Military 235 Chapter 235 The Morning After ¡°Are you still in pain?¡± Julius asked, concern clouding his expression. ¡°It¡¯s not really pain. I¡¯m just sore all over,¡± she admitted. Only then did she realize her body felt fresh and clean, not the slightest trace of stickiness. He must have washed her afterward. Quinn found herself staring at him, seemingly dazed. ¡°What is it?¡± he asked, as unease crept into his eyes. ¡°Did I go too far? You didn¡¯t like it? Or¡­ I didn¡¯t make you feel good enough? It was my first time, but I promise I¡¯ll learn. I¡¯ll do better.¡± ¡°No, you¡­ You were wonderful,¡± she said, cheeks zing. Last night, his movements had been awkward now and then, yet unfailingly gentle. The only problem had been his seemingly endless appetite. Every time she thought they were finished, he wanted her all over again. Whenever she tried to stop, one nce at the hunger and longing zing across his face dissolved every ounce of her resistance, so she let him have his way, and that was why she ended up utterly spent. ¡°I just realized I trust you far more than I ever imagined,¡± Quinn said. Given how alert she usually was, even if she had been exhaustedst night, she still should have woken the moment Julius began washing her. Yet she had slept straight through until broad daylight. It felt as though, with him keeping watch beside her, she could feel safe! A faint smile tugged at Julius¡¯s lips as he replied, ¡°Let me help you get dressed.¡± Color rushed to her cheeks. ¡°No, ¡®I can manage.¡± ¡°Your muscles are still sore. Let me do it. I want to take care of you,¡± Julius insisted. Her blush deepened. That kind of ¡®care¡® really isn¡¯t necessary! ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself,¡± she dered. ¡°Could you just hand me the clothes I brought?¡± Julius pulled her clothes out from the wardrobe¨Cunderwear and all. Quinn nced at his calm, unruffled face; he didn¡¯t look even slightly embarrassed. Sometimes he seemed tentative and uneasy, yet other times hisposure left her in awe. ¡°Turn around first,¡± Quinn ordered. Julius obediently presented his back to her. Only then did Quinn push off the sheets and start dressing. Sure, he had already seen everythingst night, but if he actually helped her get dressed, she might have died of embarrassment! Her body felt as if it hade apart at the joints, every muscle aching. She really needed to start working out¨Cotherwise, next time she would be just as sore. Next time? Quinn froze. Was she actually looking forward to another round with Julius? On second thought, that didn¡¯t sound so bad. Everything between them felt very natural. ¡°Are you done?¡± ulis called. ¡°All set. Quinn answered. Fully dressed, she was about to slip into her slippers. Julius was already kneeling before her, slippers in hand, gently casing them onto her feet. Quinn blinked. ¡°I can-¡± ¡°I know,¡± Julius cut in. ¡°I know you¡¯re not fragile and need others to take care of things for you. I know you¡¯d rather rely on yourself. But, Quinn, this is something I want to do for you, so please don¡¯t turn me down.¡± Sometimes he even wondered this. If she were more delicate, would she depend on him for everything? Would that have made him indispensable? Could he then be able to hold her firmly in the palm of his hand? But if that happened, she wouldn¡¯t be the woman she is. She wouldn¡¯t be the Quinn I love. After Quinn had her slippers on and followed Julius to the dining room, he said, ¡°Sit for a moment. I¡¯ll bring breakfast out.¡± ¡°Breakfast?¡± ¡°I made some porridge. Try it. If it¡¯s not to your taste, tell me what you like and I¡¯ll learn to make it next time,¡± he told her. She was surprised, since she hadn¡¯t expected him to get up early and cook. ¡°Did you wear an apron?¡± she asked suddenly¨Cshe could hardly picture him in a kitchen. ¡°No. Why?¡± Disappointment flickered in her eyes. ¡°Nothing. I was just curious what you¡¯d look like in one.¡± He smiled. ¡°If you¡¯d like to see, I¡¯ll put one on.¡± With that, he went to the kitchen to fetch an apron. ¡°No need.¡± Quinn grabbed his arm. ¡°I was only teasing you.¡± ¡°Then the next time I cook for you, I¡¯ll definitely wear one.¡± He set the bowl of porridge before her. She tasted it; it was warm and surprisingly sweet. Spending the rest of her life with this man suddenly seemed like a wonderful idea! That afternoon, Quinn arrived at the office. As expected, Laura sidled over, eyes sparkling with mischief. ¡°Come on, spill it. Did you do it with Juliusst night?¡± Military 236 Chapter 236 Morning Banter ¡°Yup. I did,¡± Quinn replied without hesitation. Laura muttered, ¡°What finally changed your mind? I thought you were going to hold out till the end of time.¡± Quinn merely answered with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. Laura said. ¡°By the way, we never finished yesterday¡¯s performance. Want to go back and catch the rest some other day?¡± Quinn replied, ¡°Find someone else to keep youpany. If I go along, the show will probably get shut down halfway all over again.¡± Laura froze, then seemed to put two and two together. ¡°Wait¨Cyou¡¯re telling me Julius was the one who stopped it yesterday?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Quinn said. Laura clicked her tongue. ¡°Figures. When Mr. Whitethorn makes a move, it¡¯s always a grand gesture. Fine, I¡¯ll rope in somebody else.¡± ¡°Oh, right¨Chow did things go with Wesleyst night?¡± Quinn asked, concerned. Laura shrugged. ¡°What could happen? We spelled everything out, said our goodbyes, and that¡¯s the end of it.¡± ¡°You and he-¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Quinn.¡± Laura patted her friend¡¯s shoulder. ¡°We were over ages ago. If I can bring it up, I can let it go. I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I got word this morning,¡± Laura went on, ¡°that the venture capital firm backing Grafton Technologies is pulling out. Trent must be running around like a headless chicken. If he can¡¯t nail more investments, he¡¯ll have to sell thepany for pennies.¡± ¡°His firm was never worth much to begin with,¡± Quinn answered mildly. ¡°Exactly. A techpany lives and dies by its talent pool, and he still hasn¡¯t figured out that brains¨Cnot bluster¨Cgot him to an IPO in the first ce.¡± Scorn colored Laura¡¯s tone. ¡°Someone like him even wanted to exploit your patent. As if he could do anything with it!¡± Quinn smiled. ¡°I¡¯d never actually let him use my patent.¡± ¡°Divorcing you was the biggest mistake he could make. Give it a little time, and Trent will have nothing left,¡± Laura dered, already picturing his downfall. ¡°And divorcing him was the best thing that happened to me,¡± Quinn said. Men like Trent always want too much. In the end, they got nothing at all. She was deeply grateful she had finally seen him clearly and then walked away for good. Inside the CEO¡¯s office at Grafton Technologies, Trent hurled his phone to the floor with a vicious snap. How could this be happening? I swallowed my pride and begged them, yet they still insist on withdrawing their funds! They knew perfectly well what their exit would do to hispany, but they refused to leave the slightest room for negotiation. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonic burst through the door, almost taking the flying phone to the face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What happened?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­nothing.¡± Trent forced down his fury. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I know someone who offers unsecured credit loans,¡± Sidonic said. ¡°The interest is higher than a bank¡¯s, but you need cash now. Borrow it first. Once thepany rebounds, you can pay it back.¡± ¡°Unsecured credit?¡± Trent frowned. Such loans normally required steady operations and healthy annual revenue. Since Quinn quit, it had been one setback after another. The stock price kept diving, and the firm¡¯s reputation in the industry was in tatters. What reputable bank would extend arge loan to apany in that state? ¡°I¡¯m afraid it¡¯ll be hard to secure,¡± he muttered. ¡°Not hard at all. I mentioned your firm, and they said they could lend you about fifty million,¡± Sidonie told him. ¡°What? Really?¡± Trent looked stunned, then suspicion flickered. ¡°You¡¯re not talking about a loan shark, are you?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not. The annual rate is under thirty¨Csix percent,¡± Sidonie assured him. Trent¡¯s heart sank. It wasn¡¯t a loan shark, yet the rate sat right at the legal ceiling. ¡°At that rate, it¡¯s still too expensive for me. I should look for another way¡­¡± ¡°Trent, my uncle is keen on the drone sector. If you take this money and revive thepany, you¡¯ll have leverage to negotiate with him. Once he invests, paying off the loan will be no problem. Besides, in two months, your shares will no longer be locked up. Sell a portion and you¡¯ll have the cash. You could unload all of them for, what, about two hundred million?¡± Sidonie urged. That projection was exactly why she still believed in Trent. Hearing her, Trent hesitated, then said, ¡°All right. I¡¯ll take the loan.¡± With the venture capital firm pulling out, he needed stopgap money. Two months from now, he could sell some stock and repay principal plus interest. ¡°Fantastic!¡± Sidonie beamed/¡°I¡¯ll let them know.¡± After the call, she sent a text to Detective Lindgren, the man ckmailing her. ¡°You¡¯ll get the 49.5 million in three days.¡± At the same time, Quinn received a call from the military district. ¡°Quinn, could youe by? The drone Caleb Bridger left behind has been officially recovered. The SD card is in better shape than expected. Our tech team has restored part of the data¨Cyou may want to see it for yourself.¡± Military 237 Chapter 237 The Border ze Clue Quinn hurried to the military district, her heartbeat racing as fast as the car that had brought her here. The SD card inside the drone her brother Rowan had piloted five years earlier still held the full log of that final mission. The instant Quinn heard Rowan¡¯s voice on the recording and saw the footage he had captured, tears burst from her eyes in an uncontroble rush. Five years. At , I¡¯m hearing the voice I¡¯ve missed every single day. Themander said, ¡°Certain images connected to your brother¡¯s assignment are ssified, so we can¡¯t let you watch them. I hope you understand.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Quinn answered, teary¨Ceyed. ¡°From the data we could retrieve, we¡¯re sure Rowan¡¯sst mission was linked to the border wildfire five years ago. He encountered the fire mid¨Coperation, the drone crashed, and after that, he disappeared.¡± Quinn pursed her lips, her hands hung at her sides, knuckles white around clenched fists. So my initial suspicion was right. Rowan¡¯s disappearance really is tied to that wildfire! If the ze had never started, maybe my brother would never have gone missing! Themander hesitated. ¡°We¡¯ll travel to Stridora again to verify the lists of those injured or killed that year.¡± After all, Rowan had vanished during the fire and had not been seen for five years. It was possible he had perished in the mes. Many people died in that inferno; the disaster zone was vast, and it was entirely feasible that some victims were never recorded. Quinn clenched her teeth and said nothing. I don¡¯t believe my brother is dead! Rowan survived gunfire and warzones¨Chow could a single fire im him? He¡¯s still alive. He has to be. Seeing her silence, themander realized she could not ept any talk of her brother¡¯s death. ¡°I want the coordinates of thest location the drone recorded for Rowan,¡± Quinn said suddenly. ¡°Of course, that¡¯s no problem,¡± themander replied. ¡°And I¡¯d like to watch the footage you just showed me again,¡± Quinn added. ¡°Certainly.¡± He ordered a technician to rey the video on theputer. Quinn watched closely. The drone was filming from high above. At that moment, the forest had yet to catch fire. Suddenly, her eyes sharpened. One frame captured the very point where the ze had ignited. It was the spot Nimbus Air imed first officer Howard Lamont had set aze while smoking. If the drone caught that moment, then maybe¡­. ¡°Rey that section,¡± Quinn told the technician. The clip rolled again. When the ignition point appeared, she ordered, ¡°Pause!¡± The technician froze the frame. ¡°Please zoom in,¡± Quinn said. The image was erged repeatedly until a vague human silhouette appeared, but it was still too blurry to identify. ¡°Five years have passed. This is as clear as we can make it,¡± the technician exined. Quinn pondered over this, then addressed themander. ¡°May I have a copy of this clip? I want to see if I can restore the resolution further.¡± ¡°You may take this clip. The rest is ssified and must stay here,¡± themander said. ¡°I understand,¡± Quinn replied. Leaving the base, she gripped the USB drive containing the clip so tightly her knuckles were white. The truth about the wildfire might be hidden in this very video. Military 238 Chapter 238 Unbroken Faith The wildfire had led to Rowan¡¯s disappearance, and Quinn refused to believe her brother had simply vanished from the world. She drove back to the apartment. Julius was already there, seated on the couch with a stack of documents. When he saw here in, he set the papers aside and stood up. ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± he said warmly. Quinn stepped closer, eyeing him. Julius paused, noticing her reddened eyes. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Have you been crying?¡± Before he could finish, Quinn wrapped her arms around him and buried her face deep against his chest. Surprise shed across Julius¡® features.. In his mind, Quinn was always the strong one. No matter how much pain she endured, she rarely shed tears. Yet her eyes were unmistakably swollen, indicating that she had wept for a long time. Did someone hurt her? Was she wronged out there? The woman he cherished so much deserved nothing but happiness, and he wanted nothing more than to see her smile again. And yet now, she had been crying in public, no less. ¡°Who was it? Who made you cry? Tell me!¡± Julius demanded, a rare re of anger sharpening his low voice. He had always been a man of cool detachment, indifferent to almost everything and everyone around him. But the sight of Quinn¡¯s swollen eyes ignited a fury he scarcely recognized in himself. ¡°It¡¯s not what you think,¡± she murmured, her face still buried against his chest, her voice rough with emotion. She had broken down at the military district because she heard Rowan¡¯s recorded voice and watched drone footage he had shot five years earlier. For a fleeting second, it felt as if the long, aching gulf of time between her and her brother had never opened at all. Then, when she returned to the apartment and saw Julius sitting alone on the sofa, she suddenly felt the sting of her tears again. Since Rowan¡¯s disappearance and their parents¡® deaths, she had been orphaned in every sense that mattered. She once believed Trent would give her a family, but he had not. Even after three years of marriage, the Grafton family had never truly epted her. Yet the instant she opened the door to this apartment and saw Julius waiting, she was swept by the sudden certainty that she had, atst,e home. ¡°Julius, let me hold you for a while,¡± she whispered. ¡°All right,¡± he answered softly, allowing her to hug him. Time stretched. Only after a long while did she loosen her arms and lift her head. Her apricot¨Cbrown eyes looked even redder now, a silvery mist gathering until it seemed one more word might make her cry again. ¡°What happened? Don¡¯t cry.¡± Julius brushed gentle fingers along her cheekbone, his thumb gliding across the corner of her eye. ¡°Whatever trouble you¡¯re facing, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± Her eyes stung a bit more, yet an unbidden smile graced her lips. ¡°Julius, when you¡¯re like this¡­ how can I not love you?¡± ¡°What?¡± He froze, staring at her. ¡°You love me?¡± The cool steadiness of his voice cracked on thest two words, as his voice quivered on the final sybles. Quinn blinked hard, wiping away the moisture clouding her vision. With clear, unwavering conviction, she said, ¡°Yes. Llove you, Julius Whitethorn. I love you!¡± In that instant, a single, crystalline tear slipped from the corner of his eye before he could stop it. Startled, she hardly had time to react before he pulled her into a bruising embrace. ¡°Quinn, you can¡¯t lie to me. Now that you¡¯ve said it, you¡¯re not allowed to take it back, and not allowed to regret it,¡± he breathed. She raised her hand and stroked his tense back, soothing the man who clung to her like a teddy bear. ¡°I said it, and I won¡¯t take it back or regret it. Julius Whitethorn, I love you.¡± Her words were music to him, purer than any hymn. He had believed that what happenedst night was already a gift from the heavens. Even if she had surrendered merely because he tempted her, or because she pitied his relentless devotion, he would have epted it gratefully¨Cso long as it bound her to him a little more. But now she was telling him she had truly fallen in love with him. He felt so blessed and ever so grateful. ¡°Quinnie¡­¡± He repeated her name over and over, tightening his hold as though afraid she might vanish if he eased his grip, desperate to feel her living warmth and prove this moment was real. ¡°Enough,¡± she said atst, cupping his face between both palms. She wiped away the tear on his cheek with her thumb. ¡°You told me not to cry, and now look. You¡¯re the one in tears.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ so happy,¡± he confessed. ¡°I never knew I could feel happiness like this.¡± She could feel his joy radiating over her. She smiled, brushed away thest of the tears on hisshes, and said, ¡°From today on, let¡¯s stay happy. When we find Rowan, I¡¯ll tell him that you¡¯re the man I chose, and the man I love.¡± Military 239 Chapter 239 Echoes Of The Past Julius¡¯s eyshes flickered, and he lowered his eyes to hide the hint of guilt that shed through them. Quinn continued, ¡°I went to the base today and retrieved the drone my brother used before the ident. I watched the video files saved on the SD card and heard his voice¨Cthat¡¯s why I cried.¡± Julius¡® arms tightened around her. ¡°Did you find any useful clues?¡± A flicker of disappointment shed in her eyes. ¡°It confirmed that Rowan¡¯s disappearance is linked to the border wildfire. The military now leans toward believing he was killed in action.¡± ¡°Your brother isn¡¯t dead!¡± Julius burst out. She stared at him, startled. He seemed suddenly aware of how abrupt he sounded. ¡°I believe in him. He¡¯s your brother. A man like that wouldn¡¯t die so easily. He must still be alive.¡± As long as Rowan is alive, there¡¯s still room for Quinn and me to turn things around. ¡°Yes,¡± she agreed softly, ¡°Rowan must still be alive.¡± Julius pursed his lips and said, ¡°I had people investigate Sidonie Stonehurst and First Officer Howard Lamont. We uncovered something interesting.¡± He picked up a folder from the coffee table and handed it to her. ¡°Five years ago,¡± he exined, ¡°Sidonie smoked. Not heavily, but at parties or when she was under pressure, she¡¯d light one up. Yet after that border wildfire five years ago, she quitpletely¨Cno one has seen her touch a cigarette since. Back then, her mission was to fly to the border with Howard and bring stranded civilians home. The pressure was enormous; the border was in chaos, and the assignment was dangerous.¡± ¡°When the ne made itsyover in Stridora, someone actually saw Sidonie smoking,¡± Julius said softly. Quinn listened in silence, eyes lowered to the folder she held. Every new clue seemed to be leading toward the same person¨CSidonie. ¡°I know the Whitethorn family has top¨Cgradeputers and restoration gear,¡± she said atst. ¡°I¡¯d like to borrow them to restore a video clip.¡± ¡°Anything of mine is yours to use,¡± Julius replied without hesitation. Quinn¡¯s heart warmed. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Quinn, you never have to thank me,¡± he murmured. I¡¯m only afraid I still haven¡¯t given you enough to make you stay beside me. Han lounged on a barstool, drinking as though he had wandered in for no reason at all. At the next table, a man had his arm around a woman, both of them working through an impressive number of sses. From time to time, the woman leaned close and whispered, making the man roar withughter. Had Sidonie been present, she would have recognized the man immediately¨CDetective Lindgren, the very same man ckmailing her. ¡°Lindgren, you¡¯re spending big tonight,¡± the woman cooed, nestling against him. ¡°What¡¯s the happy asion?¡± ¡°Happy?¡± He pped the table, beaming. ¡°Of course I¡¯m happy. I¡¯m about to strike it rich! If you keep me in a good moodter, your tip won¡¯t be small either.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll thank you in advance.¡± She poured him another drink. ¡°But tell me¨Cwhat¡¯s the good news?¡± Alcohol loosened his tongue. ¡°Ha! I¡¯ve struck gold. Someone hired me to investigate a certain matter. Turns out a woman has been pretending to be a savior. I was smart enough not to tell my employer a word. Instead, I went straight to the woman herself. If she wants my mouth shut, she has to pay me¨Da lot!¡± He gloated on, utterly unaware that every word was drifting to Han at the next table. Once he had heard enough, Han arched a brow, slid from his seat, and walked out. The woman on Lindgren¡¯sp soon excused herself and followed. They passed each other in the hallway. Without breaking stride, she murmured, ¡°Mr. Ingram, I¡¯ve done what you asked.¡± ¡°Appreciate it,¡± he answered coolly. ¡°You¡¯ll get what I promised.¡± The woman smiled, satisfied, and disappeared through another door. When Laura received Han¡¯s report, she frowned. ¡°So this Lindgren character threatened Sidonie. The ¡®fake savior¡® must be her.¡± ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Han asked. ¡°I only learned it that day at the airport with Quinn,¡± Laura said. ¡°Years ago, Quinn pulled Trent out of the river after he¡¯d been stabbed. Somehow, Trent got it into his head that his rescuer was Sidonie.¡± Military 240 Chapter 240 The Truth Surfaces Laura took a breath. ¡°I know Quinn wouldn¡¯t misremember. That leaves only one possibility¨CSidonie lied.¡± ¡°Interesting,¡± Han snorted. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see Trent¡¯s face when he finds out. Frankly, Quinn should¡¯ve let the man drown in that river.¡± ¡°Indeed.¡± Laura nodded grimly. ¡°So what next? We can¡¯t let that pair keep living the high life.¡± The very thought of what Quinn suffered at Trent¡¯s hands for three years made her clench her teeth. ¡°Rx. I¡¯ll stage a fine little drama for Trent and Sidonic,¡± Han said absent¨Cmindedly. Yet, there was no mistaking the hardness in his gaze. Sidonie worked fast. Two dayster, she escorted Trent to the lender¡¯s office. As soon as the fifty millionnded in his ount, Trent let out a long breath. ¡°Tonight we should celebrate properly,¡± Sidonie suggested. ¡°From now on, yourpany can only grow stronger. I know I chose the right man.¡± Moved, Trent pulled her into his arms. ¡°Sidonie, I¡¯ll prove you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll show everyone I seeded on my own.¡± I¡¯ll prove I didn¡¯t need Quinn¨Cmy startup, my future listing, all of it from my ability alone. Sidonie smiled. With that money, she could silence Detective Lindgren and patch Trent¡¯s cash flow in one. stroke, truly killing two birds with one stone. Back at the vi, she uncorked a bottle of red wine to celebrate. After several sses of wine, Trent¡¯s eyes grew hazy. ¡°Sidonie¡­ I¡¯ll show them all. Without¡­ without Quinn, I¡¯ll be even better!¡± ¡°Of course you will.¡± Sidonie raised her ss but only pretended to drink. She watched until his eyelids fluttered shut and he slumped across the sofa. Half a ss of wine sshed onto the rug; the ss rolling onto the floor. Still smiling, Sidonie picked it up. She stroked Trent¡¯s face. ¡°Trent? Trent!¡± He did not stir. Satisfied, she took his phone, pressed his fingertip to the sensor, and opened the online banking app. A wave of nausea rose so suddenly that she mped a hand over her mouth and rushed to the bathroom. She retched into the sink until nothing remained. Atst, she rinsed her mouth, lifted her head, and met her reflection. The smile on Sidonie¡¯s face only grew wider. She let her palm drift over her lower belly. Her menstrual cycle had always run like clockwork. It should havee a week ago, yet it stubbornly refused to show. And now this sudden bout of nausea felt as though her body were announcing the very miracle she had been praying for She murmured, ¡°Trent, if I really am carrying your child, you¡¯ll marry me right away, won¡¯t you? And everything I¡¯ve done¡­ You¡¯ll forgive all of it, yes?¡± If there truly was a tiny life inside her, that child would be her most powerful bargaining chip. She had already lost her job and her reputation; even the friends who used to crowd around her had drifted off, as though being near her might bring them bad luck. So she had to keep Trent firmly in her grasp no matter what it took. Quinn sat before herputer, using specialized software to restore the video she had obtained from the military district. Bit by bit, the once¨Cblurry images sharpened. On¨Cscreen, a shadowy figure walked into frame, and a momentter, a pinprick of light red. If that sh came from a lighter flicking on a cigarette, then perhaps this was the real smoker. The drone the military had deployed carried a high¨Cdefinition camera with superb resolution. If she could fully restore the footage, she could finally see who that person was. Military 241 Chapter 241 Hidden Truths Emerge Chapter 241 Hidden Truths Emerge Quinn worked straight through to dusk before her phone rang without warning. ¡°How¡¯s everything going? Want me to pick you up?¡± Julius¡¯s voice drifted through the speaker. ¡°No need. I¡¯m just about finished for today and will pick it up again tomorrow,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I¡¯ll drive back myself. Having youe all the way out here is pointless.¡± ¡°All right, I¡¯ll wait for you at the apartment,¡± Julius said. ¡°Okay.¡± She ended the call, packed her things, and headed for the car. On her way home, Laura phoned. ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve got something to tell you¡± Laura ryed what Han had uncovered about Sidonie and that Lindgren man. ¡°Looks like Sidonie¡¯s finally getting what she deserves. She stole your credit as the one who saved a life, and now she¡¯s being ckmailed. Karma spares no one! Han says he¡¯s setting up quite a show.¡± Laura didn¡¯t know exactly what Han had in mind, but if he was this confident, Sidonie and Trent probably had rough days ahead. ¡°Sidonie¡¯s wickedness may run deeper than that,¡± Quinn said, her fingers tightening on the steering wheel. If the video reached full rity and the person lighting the cigarette really was Sidonie, Quinn would never let her walk away unpunished. ¡°What else has she done?¡± Laura asked. ¡°Still digging. I need absolute confirmation,¡± Quinn answered. For now, every link in the chain pointed toward Sidonie, but it remained confecture¨Cthere was no decisive proof yet. While they spoke, Quinn¡¯s car rolled to a stop outside the upscaleplex where the apartment was located. After she parked and stepped out, she spotted Marley in the distance, and her eyes narrowed. Marley saw her too, hesitated, then strode over. Quinn said, ¡°Something just came up. I¡¯ll call you back.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Laura hung up. Quinn slipped her phone and earpiece away, her gaze frost¨Ccold as Marley stopped in front of her. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°I came to see Julius, but since I¡¯ve run into you, I have a few things to say.¡± Marley lifted her chin haughtily. ¡°I have nothing to say to you.¡± Quinn stepped around her. Marley clenched her teeth, then darted in front of her again. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re feeling pretty pleased with yourself now that you¡¯re with Julius, aren¡¯t you? But what if Julius does something to betray you? Will you 1/2 O Chapter 241 Hidden Truths Emerge still stay with him?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was icy. ¡°If he ever betrays me, he¡¯ll be the one to tell me, not you.¡± ¡°Ha! Do you really think he¡¯d confess? A man like Julius can keep a secret for a lifetime if he wants Quinn ignored her and walked on. Marley shouted after her, ¡°Quinn, think about it. If he hurts you, could you still stay with him? I¡¯m telling you-¡± A different voice cut her off. ¡°I¡¯d like to know that, too. Exactly what unforgivable thing have I done to Quinn?¡± Marley froze. That was Julius¡® voice. Quinn looked up to see Julius striding toward her, his handsome face icy. He reached Quinn¡¯s side, sped her hand, and stared coldly at Marley. ¡°Well? What is this terrible thing? I¡¯d love to hear it.¡± Sweat prickled down Marley¡¯s spine. Instinct warned her that if she revealed what she had discovered, she might not leave this ce alive tonight. That discovery was her ticket to aeback; she meant to leverage it for greater benefits from Julius and w her way back to the center of power in the Bridger family. ¡°Julius, I¨CI¡¯m only saying that if one day you did betray Quinn¡­ She¡¯d never tolerate it, knowing her. She¡¯d cut ties instantly. A woman who can¡¯t overlook the smallest w isn¡¯t right for you. You need someone who truly loves and epts you¨Cwho¡¯ll stand by you no matter what,¡± she said defensively. Julius¡¯s expression darkened, his lips pressing into a thin, unforgiving line. Her words felt like an insinuation¨Chad Marley uncovered something? Back in those days at the border, Marley had worked with her, and she had even met Rowan, Quinn¡¯s elder brother. At that memory, Julius¡¯s hand trembled ever so slightly while it sped Quinn¡¯s fingers. Quinn nced at Julius in puzzlement, gently squeezed his hand to calm him, then lifted her gaze to Marley. ¡°Whatever happens between Julius and me is none of your concern. If you keep spouting nonsense in front of us, I can¡¯t guarantee you won¡¯t end up in a hospital bed.¡± Marley¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± ¡°I am perfectly serious,¡± Quinn answered evenly, but the hard glint in her eyes sent a chill crawling do Marley¡¯s spine. Military 242 Chapter 242 Lingering Shadows Chapter 242 Lingering Shadows Marley suddenly reckoned that Quinn might truly resort to violence. Quinn turned her head toward Julius. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He inclined his chin in agreement. *5 Free coins Watching their retreating figures, Marley¡¯s eyes burned with unwilling fury. She had note here to help Quinn and Julius. She had sacrificed an eye and spent years inching closer to Julius. Why did everything have to slip away the moment Quinn appeared? ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t you care that Julius has feelings for another woman in his heart?¡± Marley shouted recklessly. ¡°There¡¯s a girl who once saved his life! He¡¯s been searching for her all these years. Aren¡¯t you afraid that if he finds her, he¡¯ll fall for herpletely and cast you aside?¡± Quinn¡¯s steps halted, and she felt his hand go rigid. Even Julius¡® breathing grew ragged beside her. All color drained from his face in an instant. So¡­ Marley¡¯s words are true? At the very least, he¡¯s really looking for the girl who saved him? ¡°Quinn, I-¡± Julius parted his lips, intent on exining. Quinn raised a hand. ¡°We¡¯ll talk when we get home.¡± With that, she released their inteced fingers and strode toward Marley. Julius felt the sudden emptiness in his palm, the warmth that had filled it vanishing the moment she let go. The distance between them widened with each of her determined steps. A fierce wave of anxiety surged inside him, as though some day she might walk away from him forever. No. I can¡¯t let that happen! He opened his mouth to call her back, but every sound seemed to be caught in his throat. By then, Quinn was already standing face¨Cto¨Cface with Marley. Marley forced herself to lift her chin. ¡°What? I only spoke the truth. Julius¡® true love is that girl. Once she appears, you¡¯ll be nothing.¡± Smack! Quinn¡¯s hand swung up and cracked across Marley¡¯s cheek. Her meticulously made¨Cup skin bloomed with a stark handprint. Marley gasped from the stinging pain, ring at Quinn. ¡°You¡­ you hit me! I¡¯ll call the police!¡± Chapter 242 Lingering Shadows 81%0 s Smack! A second pnded, leaving Marley almost speechless with pain. Quinn¡¯s stare was icy. ¡°Call them. I¡¯ll be right here. But Marley, what makes you think I¡¯ll let you stand in front of me and belittle me again and again?¡± ¡°B¨CBecause¡­¡± Marley choked on the pain, her gaze sliding past Quinn to meet Julius¡® eyes a short distance away. His gaze was fixed on her with something akin to murderous intent. It felt as if, should she stay another second, Julius would¡¯ve actuallyid hands on her. And if he did, it would¡¯ve been much worse than two ps. Whatever happened, she had to leave first. Clenching her teeth, Marley spun on her heel and hurried off. Quinn turned back and stopped before Julius. ¡°Let¡¯s head home.¡± ¡°All right,¡± he answered, his voice rough. The two of them walked in silence all the way to the apartment. The moment they stepped inside, Quinn shrugged off her coat and faced Julius¡¯s pallid expression. ¡°Was anything Marley said just now true?¡± Julius stood rigid, feeling as though the blood in his veins were turning to ice beneath her steady gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me,¡± Quinn warned. ¡°I told you¨CI need a love built on mutual trust. The moment you lie, you shatter that trust. Without it, I don¡¯t know how I could spend the rest of my life with someone I can¡¯t believe.¡± Julius pressed his thin lips together, and only after a long pause did he speak. ¡°When I was a child overseas, a riot broke out. A little girl saved my life. I can¡¯t remember her fac¨¦. Everything was chaos, and I was very young¨Cbut yes, I¡¯ve had people searching for her all these years.¡± ¡°So you¡¯ve never stopped thinking about her?¡± Quinn asked quietly. ¡°I have thought of her,¡± Julius admitted. ¡°If she¡¯s short on money, I intend to give her enough to livefortably. If she has troubles, I¡¯ll help her solve them. It¡¯s simply repayment for saving my life.¡± ¡°Then-¡± Quinn¡¯s voice faltered, a tension she hadn¡¯t anticipated flooding her chest. She found herself holding her breath, waiting to hear how he would answer the question that hovered on her lips. ¡°What if, one day, you really do find that girl? If she reaches out to you and shows you she cares, what wil you do? And if she says she wants to stay with you, can you honestly stand there as though none of it moves you?¡± she blurted. Military 243 Chapter 243 Heartfelt Vows Chapter 243 Heartfelt Vows $5 Free Coins ¡°Why can¡¯t I be indifferent?¡± Julius asked, his gaze steady and unflinching. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m not a little boy. I can tell the difference between simple gratitude and real love. I¡¯m grateful to her, yes. All my life, I¡¯ve been surrounded by people who only wanted to use me. My father tried to use me to chain my mother to him, and my grandfather¡¯s sole wish was that I be a proper heir who could keep the Whitethorn name. intact. But that girl never tried to take advantage of me; she just wanted to save my life. And after I met you, that gratitude only grew deeper. If not for her, I might have died back then. I would never have crossed paths with you, never have learned that one person can mean this much to me.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± Julius paused, then spoke each word with deliberate certainty. ¡°Apart from gratitude, I will never harbor any other feeling for her. Even if she saved my life, it changes nothing. If you¡¯re worried, I¡¯ll swear it right now. Should I ever locate that girl, I won¡¯t meet her in person. I¡¯ll let my people handle it and repay her through them. Nothing more.¡± Quinn studied Julius, taking in the earnest light in his eyes and the utterck of hesitation in his voice. Everything about him told her he meant every syble. ¡°If we really do find her, let me go with you,¡± she said quietly. Julius blinked, clearly surprised by her suggestion. ¡°Because I want to thank her, too,¡± Quinn went on. ¡°She saved you, which allowed us to meet.¡± ¡°You truly¡­ don¡¯t mind?¡± Julius murmured. ¡°I can still tell right from wrong,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°You¡¯ve done nothing improper. Searching for the person who saved your life and wanting to repay them isn¡¯t a sin. I won¡¯t trouble myself over problems that haven¡¯t even happened yet. But-¡± She drew a deep breath. ¡°If you really do fall for someone else one day, if you can¡¯t devote yourself to me alone, then I won¡¯t cling to this rtionship¨CI¡¯ll walk away.¡± Perhaps Trent¡¯s betrayal had cut too deep, for the moment she learned Julius was also looking for their savior, she felt a sudden, panicked lurch in her heart. But Julius is not Trent. Trent had hidden behind talk of ¡°repaying a debt¡± and being ¡°just friends¡± while he betrayed his marriage, wanting everything at once. His hypocrisy sickened her. So, when Marley mentioned the matterst night, that instant of tension and unease had flooded her body because she was afraid of repeating the same tragedy. ¡°Quinn, aside from you, I¡¯ll never fall for anyone else. Regardless, the only person who can move me is you.¡± Julius stepped forward and sped her hand. Only now, with her warmth back in his palm, did the emptiness inside him begin to ebb. He lifted her hand and pressed her soft palm/against his cheek. Her warmth was something he had hungered for all along. Back when he first felt something unusual for her, he had even ovepped her image with that of the little III §° 1/2 09:02 Tue, 22 Jul MTO Chapter 243 Heartfelt Vows girl who¡¯d once saved him. Both of them carried that same dazzling light. *S Fray Coins The darker a person¡¯s world, the more he gazed up at such brilliance. Yet as a child, his feelings toward that glow had been curiosity, even puzzlement.. He could not fathom why that girl would go to such trouble to save someone who had nothing to do with her, why she asked for no reward and never tried to use him, why she could rescue another human being with no ulterior motive at all. Now, the light he saw in Quinn sparked only greed inside him. The hunger to keep that brilliance locked at his side, the greed that refused to let her go. Even knowing that brilliance made him self¨Cconscious and uneasy. Even if it meant cing all his joy, anger, sorrow, and his very life in her hands, he would rather stay by her than leave. This feeling was fierce enough to seem foreign, yet at the same time felt oddly inevitable. People said the Whitethorns were mad, frighteningly obsessed when it came to love. Whitethorn blood did indeed flow in his veins after all. ¡°So, Quinn, the thing you fear? Me falling for someone else? It will never happen. And you¡­you can¡¯t abandon me, either. If we¡¯re talking about saviors, remember you¡¯ve rescued me, more than once.¡± Julius¡® voice dropped to a murmur, his eyes zing. ¡°I told you before. If you decide to save me, you have to see it through. You can¡¯t leave me halfway, can¡¯t throw me back into that pitch¨Cck world where even living held no meaning.¡± 2/2 Military 244 Chapter 244 Many Questions Chapter 244 Many Questions The moment the words left his mouth, Julius¡® lips found hers¨Cdeep, urgent, as though he meant to pour every ounce of love he possessed into that single kiss. Trent woke the next morning with a pounding head. What on earth happened night? He couldn¡¯t remember a thing. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie hurried to the bedside. ¡°You¡¯re awake. You got drunk, and it took me forever to haul you onto the bed.¡± ¡°Really?¡± Trent rubbed his temples. He recalled a few drinks, and then¨Cnothing. ¡°When did your tolerance get so low? You never used to keel over this easily,¡± Sidonie teased. ¡°Maybe I was too happy yesterday and let my guard down,¡± Trent muttered. ¡°By the way, are you free today? I want you toe to the hospital with me,¡± Sidonie said. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling ill?¡± Trent asked, worried. Sidonie smiled. ¡°It¡¯s only a routine checkup.¡± At the hospital, Sidonie registered with the obstetrics and gynecology department. When her number was finally called, she shed Trent a gentle smile. ¡°I¡¯m going in. You wait here.¡± ¡°Sure.¡± Trent nodded, though a trace of bewilderment lingered. ? Most people look anxious when they in for tests. Why, then, is she smiling so brightly? Or am I overthinking? Soon after, Sidonie emerged from the consultation room and headed straight to theb to draw blood. At the very same moment, on the other side of the city, Quinn sat in front of herputer, painstakingly restoring a video. Frame by frame, the hazy footage sharpened beneath her adjustments, the blurred smudges resolving into recognizable shapes. When the final filters settled, the silhouette in the image was unmistakably female. Because dusk had already set, the drone camera captured only the outline of her face, the y of light and shadow hiding every other detail. Yet, for Quinn, that single outline was more than enough. The woman held a cigarette between two fingers. A tiny ember shed, glowed, and vanished. Quinn¡¯s pupils constricted as she zoomed in on the figure frozen on her monitor. view of her features, the curve of that face told Quinn everything she It¡¯s Sidonie! Even without a full needed. The smoker in the video was Sidonie Stonehurst. Momentster, a second figure approached. A man, broad¨Cshouldered, almost certainly the co¨Cpilot who hadter perished. In the footage, Sidonie executed a clear tossing motion, flinging the still¨Clit cigarette butt from her hand. Shortly after, a lick of me erupted, just as the drone veered away and the recording skipped to another angle. Those scant seconds were all the evidence that remained of Sidonie, the co- pilot, and the fire that followed. Chapter 244 Many Questions But that fragment was more than enough for Quinn: Her gaze locked onto the frame where Sidonie tossed the cigarette, tears filling her eyes without her realizing it. If she hadn¡¯t tossed it so casually, there would have been no inferno, no deaths, no injuries¡­ And my brother would never have gone missing because of it! So it really was Sidonie who ruined Rowan¡¯s life! Quinn clenched her fists so tightly that her knuckles cracked. Never had she despised anyone this fiercely. Even when Sidonie had stolen her ce as Trent¡¯s supposed savior and wrecked her marriage, Quinn had felt only disgust, not true hatred. After all, she knew the person who had truly ruined that rtionship was Trent himself. But now the hatred boiled so hot she could no longer hold it down. Summoning every ounce of self¨Ccontrol, she pulled out her phone and called Julius. ¡°Julius, could me a favor and find out where Sidonie Stonehurst is right now?¡± Julius answered without hesitation.¡°Of course. But what¡¯s wrong with your voice? Are you ill?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯ve just confirmed who really started that great border fire all those years ago,¡± she hissed. ¡°It was Sidonie?¡± you do ¡°Yes! If she hadn¡¯t caused that ze, Rowan wouldn¡¯t have disappeared. If something¡­ Anything has happened to Rowan¡­¡± Her voice caught. The terrible possibilities were too dark to contemte. ¡°I won¡¯t let Sidonie get away with it. She will pay.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Julius said. ¡°Whatever you decide, I¡¯m on your side. Wait for my call.¡± When the call ended, Quinn drew a long breath and let her eyes drift back to the still of Sidonie flicking away the cigarette. Her heart felt as though someone were twisting it with a knife. Military 245 Chapter 245 Burning Hatred How could I possibly not hate Sidonie Stonehurst? When Sidonie and Trent walked out of the hospital, a smile lingered at the corners of her eyes and lips. Trent asked, ¡°Everything all right with you?¡± Because the appointment had been with the gynecology department, he felt awkward prying into the specifics. ¡°Nothing serious at all, Trent, I¡¯m just so happy!¡± Sidonie replied. The tests inside had confirmed her suspicion¨Cshe was pregnant. Now that she carried Trent¡¯s child, she believed she possessed an extrayer of security. Even if he discovered anything detrimental in the future, he would surely forgive her for the baby¡¯s sake, especially since he loved her so much. As for Detective Lindgren, who had dared to threaten her, she intended to see that man taught a lesson he would remember for the rest of his life. A flicker of cruelty shed in her gaze at the thought. ¡°Happy?¡± Trent asked, puzzled, and was about to question her further when a car pulled up in front of them and several men climbed out. ¡°Sidonie Stonehurst, Mr. Julius Whitethorn would like a word with you,¡± one of them announced. ¡°What?¡± Sidonie and Trent blurted at the same time. Trent frowned. ¡°Why does Mr. Whitethorn want to see Sidonie?¡± The neers did not exin. With a casual wave, their leader signaled at two burly men who seized Sidonie and shoved her into the waiting car. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie cried. Trent shouted, ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing? It¡¯s broad daylight are you kidnapping her?¡± He didn¡¯t get to finish; someone shoved him into the vehicle as well. The car then pulled away from the hospital at an unhurried pace. Quinn stood on the riverbank, gazing at the current that rose and fell against the stone embankmer Years ago, she had dragged Trent out of this very river, never imagining their lives would be so hopelessly entangled afterward; just as she had never dreamed that Sidonie would one day steal the credit for that rescue. Meeting Sidonie here felt fitting. After all, their feud had begun here. Julius remained beside her and said, ¡°Whatever you decide to do to Sidonieter is entirely up to you, 1/2 III O Even if the skyes crashing down, I¡¯ll be the one to hold it up for you.¡± Quinn turned to him. ¡°Even if my hatred runs so deep, I want Sidonie dead?¡± ¡°Then let me be the de in your hand,¡± he answered without a hint of hesitation. Quinn pursed her lips. Just then, her phone rang. Han¡¯s name shed on the screen. As soon as she picked up, his voice was heard. ¡°Quinnie, where are you? I¡¯ve got something entertaining you need to see.¡± ¡°I¡¯m by the river,¡± she told him. ¡°The river?¡± Han sounded surprised. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m meeting Sidonie here. I have questions for her.¡± Ser ¡°Perfect,¡± Han said. ¡°What I want to show you is also about Sidonie. I¡¯m heading over right now.¡± With that, he hung up. ¡°Was that Han? Is heing?¡± Julius asked. ¡°Yes. Apparently, he¡¯s bringing something connected to Sidonie,¡± Quinn replied. While they were talking, a car rolled to a stop in front of them. The doors swung open, and several broad¨Cshouldered bodyguards hauled Sidonie and Trent out of the vehicle. Bruises mottled Trent¡¯s face, clear signs he had taken a beating. The moment Trent saw Quinn, he saw red. He bellowed, ¡°Quinn, did you order Julius to drag us here by force? Just because we¡¯re divorced you think you can humiliate me like this?¡± ¡°Trent, I have no interest in humiliating you,¡± Quinn said, her gaze locked on Sidonie. Simply looking at the woman sent waves of anger surging in her chest. Julius frowned slightly and asked, ¡°I told you to bring just Sidonie. Why did you bring this extra baggage along?¡± ¡°Sir, he was right next to her. We fearedplications, so we brought him too,¡± one of them exined. ¡°Quinn, aren¡¯t you thew¨Cabiding type? Do you realize kidnapping us is a crime? I can sue you!¡± Sidonie screamed. ¡°A crime, is it?¡± Quinn stepped up to Sidonie, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles nched,. fought to keep her fury in check. And what about you? How many crimes have youmitted? Sidonie, during the great fire on the border, how many people died because you flicked away a lit cigarette?¡± Military 246 Chapter 246 Hidden Truths Ignite Sidonie¡¯s face turned ashen. She stared at Quinn in panic and cried, ¡°Y¨CYou¡¯re spouting nonsense! I don¡¯t smoke at all. How could that massive wildfire along the border have anything to do with me? I was fighting the mes. I saved so many lives!¡± Trent glowered at Quinn, fury etched across his features. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯ve gone after Sidonie time and again. Because of you, she even lost her position at Nimbus Air. Isn¡¯t that enough?¡± Quinn let out a mirthlessugh. ¡°I¡¯m the one targeting her? Maybe she lost her job because shemitted one sin too many.¡± ¡°Sin? What sin did Sidonicmit?¡± Trent argued, ¡°Even if she did fail to rescue a coworker back then, she was scared¨Canyone would panic in that situation! Besides, during that ze, she still helped put out the fire and saved other people.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s perfectly fine for her to hide the truth,p up everyone¡¯s praise, and ept the title of ¡®Firefighting Hero?¡± Quinn snapped back. ¡°And that¡¯s not even the worst of it. She concealed far more than her refusal to help¨Cthe entire wildfire started because of her! She¡¯s the culprit, yet she enjoys the des with a clear conscience. Isn¡¯t thatughable?¡± ¡°Sidonie already said she doesn¡¯t smoke. How could the cigarette butt that ignited the firee from her?¡± Trent insisted. ¡°Doesn¡¯t smoke?¡± Quinn sneered and flung several photographs at Trent¡¯s face. ¡°These were taken right before the fire¨CSidonie Stonehurst, cigarette in hand. Not only does she smoke, she¡¯s been doing it for years.¡± Stunned, Trent bent to gather the photos, staring at the image of Sidonie with a cigarette between two fingers,zily exhaling smoke. He had never seen her like that. He had always believed she was a nonsmoker, yet the ease in the photos marked her as an old pro. Sidonie¡¯s expression shifted when she saw the photos. ¡°They¡­ They¡¯re fake. They must be doctored¨Cyes, digitally altered!¡± ¡°Whether they¡¯re doctored will be clear the moment we run a forensic test,¡± Quinn said coldly. Trent pressed his lips together, his emotions a tangled mess. ¡°Even if Sidonie does smoke, that doesn¡¯t prove she caused the ze. Besides, back then, the fire department and police already ruled that the co- pilot¡¯s discarded cigarette butt started/the fire.¡± ¡°That conclusion only stood because the co¨Cpilot was dead,¡± Quinn replied icily. ¡°If he¡¯d lived, do you think he¡¯d have borne such a wrongful charge?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve got no evidence¨Cnothing at all¡­¡± Trent began. Before he could finish, Quinn hurled a second stack of photos¨Cstills she had extracted from the restored security footage¨Cshowing Sidonie smoking and flieking away the butt. ¡°This shot captures Sidonie smoking at the exact ignition point. Ten minutes after she tossed that butt, the mes erupted. Do you still want to im it has nothing to do with her?¡± Trent lifted the photos again. The face was blurred, but the outline was unmistakable¨CSidonie After all, I know her better than anyone, he thought helplessly. Sidonie¡¯s body jolted when she saw her silhouette in Quinn¡¯s hand. How¡­ How did Quinn get these pictures When were they taken? Who was holding the camera? Panic hammered in her chest. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re ndering me!¡± Sidonie shouted. ¡°A few fuzzy photos and you want to pin the wildfire on me? That¡¯s malicious defamation!¡± ¡°Whether it was you will be decided by the police and the court,¡± Quinn said. ¡°I¡¯m here only to get justice for myself¨Cand for my brother.¡± ¡°What-¡± Sidonie never finished the question. Quinn closed the distance, raised her fist, and smashed it into Sidonie¡¯s face. Sidonie staggered backward; without Trent¡¯s quick grab, she would have crashed to the floor. Clutching her throbbing cheek, she screeched, ¡°Quinn, what right do you have to hit me?¡± ¡°Right?¡± Quinn¡¯s teeth ground audibly as she yanked Sidonie by the cor. ¡°My brother vanished five years ago because you casually flicked away a cigarette and started that inferno. You tell me¨Cdo I have the right?¡± Sidonie was struck dumb. Trent¡¯s expression shifted; he remembered Quinn mentioning an older brother who¡¯d gone missing along the border five years ago. He had never imagined it was tied to that same wildfire. If that ze truly was Sidonie¡¯s fault¡­ For a split second, Trent could not bear to finish the thought. Military 247 Chapter 247 Shattered Facades ¡°You¡¯re framing me!¡± Sidonie refused to yield. ¡°Those blurry photos can¡¯t prove anything. Quinn, this is malicious nder. You struck me¨CI¡¯ll press charges and see you behind bars!¡± ¡°Go ahead!¡± Quinn¡¯s fists cracked as she tightened them. Remembering how this woman had ced Rowan in mortal danger¨Chow he was still missing¨Conly deepened her hatred. What infuriated her most was Sidonic¡¯s utterck of remorse¨Cshe didn¡¯t even admit one small mistake. Thud! Quinn¡¯s fist mmed into Sidonic again. Unable to dodge, Sidonie¡¯s shoulder took the full blow, leaving her face ghost¨Cwhite with pain. Just as Quinn¡¯s next punch arced downward, Trent lunged forward and seized her wrist. ¡°You can¡¯t just beat people! And these photos alone don¡¯t prove Sidonie¡¯s cigarette caused the fire!¡± Ice radiated from Quinn¡¯s entire being. She stared at Trent, her voice frigid. ¡°Let go.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t. I-¡± He never finished. Quinn¡¯s boot mmed into his chest,unching him backward. Trent crashed to the ground, agony bursting across his ribs. Meanwhile, Quinn advanced on Sidonie, step by lethal step. Sidonie¡¯s face went deathly pale. She retreated in panic, only to find the bodyguards Julius had posted blocking any escape. ¡°D¨CDon¡¯t be reckless, Quinn,¡± she stammered. ¡°You used to be a soldier¨Chow can you use violence so lightly? Aren¡¯t you afraid of tarnishing¡­ a soldier¡¯s¡­ image?¡± Quinn threw her head back andughed, tears glimmering in her eyes. ¡°It is because I was a soldier that I¡¯ve restrained myself every second of every day. Otherwise, Sidonie, do you think you could have cavorted in front of me for so long? But aside from being a former soldier, I¡¯m also Rowan¡¯s little sister!¡± Hatred roiled inside her¨Chatred for the woman who caused her brother¡¯s disappearance, hatred for the woman who still showed no remorse. She drew her arm back for another punch, but Trent hurled himself between them, shielding Sidonie with his body. ¡°Trent!¡± Sidonie shrank back, cowering behind Trent¡¯s broad frame; in this terrifying moment, he was the only pir she had left. She cried/¡°Help me, Trent!¡± Gritting through the ache that burned across his ribs, Trent said, ¡°Quinn, if you needed to let off steam, you¡¯ve already punched Sidonie twice¨Cthat ought to be enough!¡± ¡°Enough?¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes glittered with contempt. ¡°People died in that ze. My brother has been missing for five years no one even knows whether he¡¯s alive. And you think two little punches are enough, Trente Chapter 247 Shattered Facades Words deserted Trent; for a moment, he could not bear to meet the fury zing in Quinn gaze ¡°Move,¡± Quinn said coldly. Trent clenched his jaw. ¡°The day Sidonic pulled me from the river, I swore I would protect her. If youy another finger on her, Quinn, I will not let you walk away.¡± Thud! No sooner had the threat left Trent¡¯s lips than a heavy boot mmed into his side, knocking him hard to the ground. This time, however, the one who kicked him was Julius. Julius ground his heel into Trent¡¯s check and sneered, ¡°Then I¡¯ll start by not letting you walk away Pain seared Trent¡¯s face as he struggled to shove Julius¡® leg aside, but the man¡¯s boot felt as if it weighed a thousand pounds¡ªimmovable. Julius turned his head toward Quinn. ¡°Quinnie, if you truly want Sidonie dead, I can help you.¡± Sidonie¡¯s face drained of color at his words. Unlike Quinn, Julius was unpredictable; Quinn might beat her, but Julius¨Ca genuine madman¨Cmight kill her. Instinct propelled Sidonie to flee, yet Julius¡® men mped her arms down and pinned her in ce. Just then, a car rolled up and stopped in front of the crowd. The door swung open; Han and Laura stepped out, hauling with them a man whose wrists were bound tightly together. Julius lifted his foot off Trent¡¯s face, frowned slightly, and looked toward Han. Trent staggered to his feet, but one of Julius¡® men casually locked a hand over his shoulder, immobilizing him as easily as they had Sidonie. Sidonie fixed a deathly stare on Lindgren, and every drop of blood seemed to drain from her cheeks. Why did Han and Laura bring Detective Lindgren here? He should have been hauled off to the detention center by the police already!. Laura strode to Quinn¡¯s side. ¡°Quinnie, what on earth is going on?¡± ¡°I found evidence proving Sidonie started the border inferno,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Without that fire, my brother would never have vanished.¡± Military 248 Chapter 248 Unraveling Lies Chapter 248 Unraveling Lies 45 Free Colts Laura needed no further exnation; she could already piece together why things had erupted like this. After all, Quinn¡¯s brother, Rowan, upied a sacred ce in her heart. Han drove his boot into Lindgren¡¯s backside. ¡°Not going to say hello?¡± Han taunted. ¡°You and Sidonie are close enough to share a motel room, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°A motel room?¡± Trent blinked. ¡°Sidonie, you and Mr. Lindgren¡­¡± ¡°He¡¯s lying!¡± Sidonie denied at once. ¡°Trent, I don¡¯t even know this man. Quinn must have colluded with them to frame me¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one trying to frame me, Sidonie!¡± Lindgren barked. ¡°You promised me fifty million, but after I received the final transfer, you called the cops, used me of extortion and fraud, and had theme after me! If I hadn¡¯t run, I¡¯d be sitting in a cell right now.¡± He had escaped arrest, only to be snatched by this Han fellow and dragged here instead. Given the way Sidonie had set him up, he had no intention of letting her off easily. ¡°Fifty million? The cops? Extortion?¡± Trent feltpletely lost. ¡°Sidonie, what¡¯s going on? You said you had no money. Where did you get that kind of cash?¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Sidonie stammered. Before she could stumble through an answer, realization struck Trent. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me the fifty million is the same loan I took out¨Cthe money you said your uncle needed to verify his capital and would be frozen for a week¡­ Is that it?¡± Cold sweat beaded on Trent¡¯s forehead. If that money wasn¡¯t frozen for verification but handed to Lindgren instead, then my n to pull the out of crisis is in ruins. ¡°I¨CIt was because Mr. Lindgren threatened me that I transferred the money to his ount first,¡± Sidonie blurted. ¡°But since it¡¯s extortion, the police will retrieve it soon and refund us. We won¡¯t lose anything!¡± She had carefully plotted it out: wire the money, call the police, have them arrest Lindgren, and reim the funds once his ckmail was proven. She had not expected Han to wreck the entire arrangement. ¡°So,¡± Han drawled. ¡°A moment ago, you imed you didn¡¯t know the man, and now suddenly you do?¡± Sidonie flushed with mortification. Trent studied her, his expression a tangle of hurt and confusion. ¡°Mr. Lindgren¡­ threatened you? With what? What could he possibly hold over you that¡¯s worth that kind of money?¡± In Trent¡¯s memory, Sidonie and the detective had no connection whatsoever. 1/2 Chapter 248 Unraveling Lies No¨Cthere¡¯s one link: years ago, I¡¯d hired Mr. Lindgren to investigate who had rescued me from the river. Back then, Mr. Lindgren had reported that the savior was Sidonie herself. But if that report had been a lie¡­ Trent felt the other possibility wing at the edge of his mind, and he dared not follow it to the end. If the charge were ever proven true, it would condemn him to utter, irreversible ruin. At that moment, Lindgren, already furious that the money had slipped through his fingers and that the rotten woman had dragged him into such a mess, decided he had nothing left to lose. He certainly had no intention of letting her walk away unscathed. ¡°Why else?¡± he shouted, voice raw with anger. ¡°Because that vicious woman was never your savior at all- she only pretended to be! She offered me fifty million to keep quiet so you¡¯d never hear the truth!¡± Sidonie forced herself to remain calm. She caught Trent¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°Trent, Mr. Lindgren must have been bribed by Quinn and the others. You believe me, don¡¯t you?¡± Trent¡¯s throat tightened. His gaze slid past Sidonie and locked onto Quinn. If¡­ the person who rescued me wasn¡¯t Sidonie¡­ He swallowed hard, voice trembling. ¡°Quinn, you¡­ never saved me, did you?¡± Quinn let out a cold, mirthlessugh. ¡°Trent, do you have any idea how ridiculous you sound? You decided Sidonie saved your life, so you worship her like some wless first love. You betrayed your marriage for her, shielded her even when you knew she was in the wrong. But if she never rescued you in the first ce, what will you do then?¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be,¡± Trent murmured, almost pleading with himself. ¡°She¡¯s the one. Sidonie saved me¨CSidonie!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s test it and see,¡± Julius broke in abruptly. With a sudden lunge, he mped a hand around Sidonie¡¯s throat, mming her back against the railing of the riverside embankment. ¡°Toss her in. If she can save someone, we¡¯ll find out soon enough, won¡¯t we?¡± Military 249 Chapter 249 On The Brink Chapter 249 On The Brink Sidonic¡¯s breath snagged in her throat. What is he doing? Color drained from her cheeks until she looked carved from wax. Julius was going to hurl her into the river¨CNo, no, he can¡¯t. If he truly let go¡­ Cold sweat burst across her skin, trickling in nervous rivulets while her mind spun through every awful possibility that waited below. ¡°No¨Clet go, let go!¡± she cried, wing at Julius¡¯s hand locked around her throat. She yanked at his long, jointed fingers, but they did not budge. They gripped firmly enough to guide her, not enough to crush her windpipe. Bit by bit, he cased her past the stone balustrade. One more inch and she would topple. A nce at the churning current told her that the weak strokes she had once learned would be useless out there. ¡°Trent, help me!¡± Sidonie¡¯s voic PwCracked as she hurled the plea across the roar of water. Trent¡¯s gaze flickered, conflict storming behind his eyes. The truth from all those years ago pressed against his ribs, threatening to burst free. ¡°Trent, I know you believe me, don¡¯t you? You promised¨Cyou said you trusted me!¡± ¡°Julius, let her go. Whoever pulled me out back then, it has nothing to do with you. But if you push Sidonie into the river and something happens, do you really think prison won¡¯te for you?¡± Trent shouted. Julius answered coolly, ¡°Nothing to do with me? My girlfriend was called a liar¨Cof course, it concerns me. I¡¯m proving she told the truth. Watch and see whether I end up behind bars after Sidonie falls? ¡°You¡¯re insane¨Cabsolutely mad!¡± Trent¡¯s face tightened. Trent lunged forward, but two of Julius¡® men mmed him to the ground and pinned his arms. Julius¡® lips curved in a faint smile. People had long called his family deranged, and perhaps they were. If so, he would dly reserve every ounce of madness for Quinn alone. By now, more than half of Sidonie¡¯s body hung beyond the railing. Julius needed only to loosen his grip, and gravity would finish the rest. Trent turned to Quinn, desperate. ¡°Quinn, stop him! If Sidonie falls, I¡¯ll never forgive-¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze brimmed with scorn. ¡°Never forgive me? You¡¯ve worn that threat thin, Trent. Who do you ¡®think you are? Your forgiveness means nothing to me.¡± ¡°I-¡± The rest jammed in his throat. ¡°During our marriage, I cared what you said because you were the man I chose to share my life with. Now? You¡¯re nothing to me.¡± Her voice was frigid enough to frost the air. An icy shudder ran through Trent. The loathing in her eyes sliced deeper than the river ever could. 12 Inu, 240 Chapter 249 On The Brink ¡°Since you¡¯re so sure Sidonic saved you, this is the perfect chance for her to prove it. Today the water is calmer than that night. If she once hauled a man stabbed eight times to safety, she ought to reach the shore alone now, shouldn¡¯t she?¡± Quinn said. Words deserted Trent. Standing beside Quinn, Laura drawled, ¡°If someone can haul a man stabbed eight times out of this river, Ms. Stonehurst must be an Olympic¨Clevel swimmer. I¡¯m eager to watch the show.¡± Color rushed into Sidonie¡¯s cheeks, then drained away. People had once addressed her as ¡°Ms. Stonehurst¡± with breathless admiration, and she had savored every syble. Now¨Cdismissed and disgraced¨Cthat same title scraped across her nerves like broken ss. Han snapped, ¡°Enough. If you¡¯re going to toss her over, do it and stop yapping.¡± Julius shed a smile. ¡°Exactly¨Cno more empty words.¡± With that he let his fingers slip free. Sidonie shrieked, ¡°No¨Cplease! If I fall, I¡¯ll die! I¡­ I never rescued Trent. When I found him, someone had already dragged him out. The ambnce arrived, the medics thought I was the hero, so.I simply went with them to the hospital.¡± Military 250 Chapter 250 Unmasking The Rescuer Chapter 250 Unmasking The Rescuer 45 Free Coins Terrified of the churning dark water, Sidonic rattled out the confession in a desperate torrent, sure that the river would im her if she stopped talking. A heartbeatter, Julius flung her aside. Her knees buckled, and she copsed onto the slick concrete, shaking. Trent stood stunned, barely able to breathe. How could this be? How could¡­ this? So it wasn¡¯t Sidonie who saved me? He had sensed something was wrong when Lindgren mentioned Sidonie¡¯s demand for about fifty million, yet he had clung to denial. Now her own words shattered hisst illusion. If she wasn¡¯t the one, then who pulled me out? Trent¡¯s gaze drifted to Quinn. She stood on the embankment, back straight, long hair whipping in the wind, every line of her face carved with silent resolve. Why did I ever think a woman like her would lie? Heat prickled at the corners of his eyes. Trent took one hesitant step after another toward her. ¡°Was¡­ Was it you?¡± he asked, voice thin with dread yet pulled forward by hope. Reason screamed that the question should stay buried; knowing the answer would only hurt. Even so, instinct stronger than sense kept driving him across the slick quay toward her. Before he could reach Quinn, Han mmed a boot into his chest and sent him sprawling. Han growled, ¡°Trent Grafton, you¡¯ve lost the right toe anywhere near Quinn.¡± Trent doubled over, clutching his chest. After a ragged cough he forced himself upright and, without tearing his eyes from Quinn, said, ¡°Quinn, please¨Ctell me. Was it you? Was the person who saved me in the river really you?¡± Laura sneered. ¡°Well, Trent, you¡¯re asking now? A moment ago you swore Sidonie was your savior.¡± Pain etched every feature of Trent¡¯s face, yet he ignored Laura. Fixing his gaze on Quinn, he demanded, ¡°Is it true or not? Answer me!¡± Quinn regarded him coolly. ¡°Does it matter? Whoever pulled you from the water, it wasn¡¯t Sidonie. Your blind faith in her was nothing but a joke.¡± Julius stepped to Quinn¡¯s side. ¡°How would you like Sidonie dealt with?¡± ¡°Take her to the station, and make sure the detectives receive every shred of evidence that proves her guilt,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Understood,¡± Julius answered. With a single look, his men hauled Sidonie to her feet. ¡°No¨Cwhat are you doing? I won¡¯t go to the station! Let me go, I¡¯m innocent, do you hear me? Innocent!¡± Sidonie thrashed against them. ¡°Trent, help me¨Cplease!¡± Trent stood rigid, expression knotted with turmoil, watching Sidonie without moving an inch, Chapter 250 Unmasking The Rescuer ? Sidonie¡¯s heart sank. Back then, this man would have defended her against anything, but now he stood silent. Is it only because the one who saved him back then was someone else? He said he loved me¡ªif that¡¯s true, does it matter who pulled him from the water? Sidonic was shoved into the back of the car. Quinn turned to Laura and Han. ¡°And you two?¡± ¡°We¡¯re delivering this thug to the station as well,¡± Han said, jerking his chin at Lindgren, who strained against the rope around his wrists. ¡°Good. Then let¡¯s all head over together,¡± Quinn replied. Han and Laura bundled Lindgren into one vehicle, while Quinn climbed into another beside Julius. ¡°Quinn!¡± Trent called as she reached the door. Quinn did not look back; she slipped inside. Julius paused, his eyes cutting toward Trent in an icy warning to stay away. Trent watched the car pull away, his knuckles nching around empty air. He was once her entire world, yet now she wouldn¡¯t even look at him. After a long while, he turned toward the river, its waters churning just as they had that night years ago. The memory surged¨Cthe moment he had thought he would drown and a firm voice broke through the roar: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯ll save you. With me here, you¡¯ll be safe.¡± That voice had poured hope into his despair, and he had sworn that if he lived, he would repay her. How did things turn out this way? My savior was right beside me for three years of marriage, yet what have I done? Remorse spread through Trent¡¯s chest like a tide without shore. Military 251 Chapter 251 Tidal Remorse Chapter 251 Tidal Remorse It was never meant to turn out like this¨Cnot like this. Quinn delivered every shred of evidence she had gathered about Sidonie¡¯s crimes straight into the cops¡® hands. Byw, the cops had to detain Sidonic on the spot. Sidonie red at Quinn, hatred shing in her eyes. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t fool yourself into thinking you¡¯ve won. Those scraps of evidence will never be enough to convict me!¡± ¡°Whether you¡¯re convicted or not is for the judge and jury to decide,¡± Quinn replied, her voice icy. Han and Laura arrived with Lindgren in tow. The moment he spotted Sidonie, he spat, ¡°Bitch! You dare set me up? If you ever get out, I swear I¡¯ll finish you.¡± ¡°You were the greedy one,¡± Sidonie shot back. ¡°You demanded fifty million. You cornered me¨Cwhat choice did I have? me your own appetite.¡± Lindgren snorted. ¡°Greedy? I only asked for that money. You, on the other hand, want the whole fortune Trent has built. Why else would you pretend to be the woman who once saved his life? If you loved him so much, where were you when he was a broke nobody? Funny how your affection bloomed after he struck gold.¡°He would¡¯ve decked Sidonie if the cops weren¡¯t around. Sidonie¡¯s voice wavered the instant she noticed Trent standing in the doorway. ¡°Trent, don¡¯t listen to a word he says. I chose you because I love you.¡± She could not let Trent abandon her; Quinn had even unearthed proof that the border fire years ago had been her doing. Whether the evidence held or not, Sidonie needed Trent¡¯s clout to win the case and w her way out of this mess. Trent¡¯s face was a tangle of emotions. He had raced here in a cab from the riverside, only to walk in on Lindgren¡¯s damning usations. Could Lindgren be right? Had Sidonie only sought me out because of sess and wealth? Back when he was just an injured nobody, she had visited the hospital twice and then vanished. After his discharge, he was the one chasing her, and she always imed to be too busy to see him. Yet once money poured in, Sidonie appeared almost on schedule, forever the one calling first. ¡°Trent, you do believe me, don¡¯t you?¡± Her voice trembled. Trent let out a hollowugh. Believe her? How? ¡°You keep saying you love me, telling me to trust you,¡± he said quietly. ¡°You know how much I care about the one who saved me, but you still pretended it was you. You let me believe a lie. And if someone else hadn¡¯t exposed the truth¡­ would you have ever told me?¡± ¡°I was-¡± she faltered. ¡°And this isn¡¯t the only thing you lied to me about. The fifty million wasn¡¯t some verification fund at all!¡± Trent continued, his voice low but steady. ¡°I called your uncle on my way over. He knew nothing about any investment checks. You took the money to silence Lindgren, didn¡¯t you?¡± The disappointment in Trent¡¯s eyes sent a shiver down Sidonie¡¯s spine. It was the look of a man drawing a line he would never cross again. Once, even if he had learned she had moved millions, he would have forgiven her. Now, he understood she had never been his savior. ¡°Trent, I never meant to lie to you,¡± she blurted. ¡°I only borrowed the money. I reported the theft, so the police will get it back¨Cno real loss. I really nned to help you and Uncle Hugh work together. I was just about to exin to him!¡± But Trent¡¯s eyes remained cold; he didn¡¯t believe a single word she said. ¡°I love you, Trent. You have to know I love you!¡± she said, panicking. ¡°Enough,¡± Trent snapped, ¡°Don¡¯t say you love me again, Sidonie. Whatever we had ends here.¡± All color drained from Sidonie¡¯s face. Ends here? Not a chance. Sidonie had poured too much of herself into this, giving upfort, pride, and time; she would never allow the story to fade to ck now. Watching Trent turn his head away, Sidonie blurted, ¡°I¡¯m pregnant!¡± Trent froze. ¡°What?¡± The single word escaped before he could contain it. Disbelief widened his eyes, but panic followed as he flicked a nce toward Quinn. Quinn frowned while she studied Sidonie, weighing every syble. The sight sparked a fragile hope inside Trent. So, she still cares about me. Why else would her face tighten the instant she learned Sidonie is carrying my child? ¡°Yes, Trent, I¡¯m pregnant,¡± Sidonie repeated, her voice sharp with triumph. ¡°So don¡¯t even dream of walking away from me.¡± Military 252 Chapter 252 Unfinished Ties Chapter 252 Unfinished Ties Only now did the weight of her announcement hir Trent. By dering this pregnancy she had chained them together. Does that mean there can be no ending for Sidonie and me¨Cjust because she¡¯s carrying my child? Laura¡¯sugh rang out, razor¨Cthin. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this hrious? Congrattions, Trent¨Cyou¡¯re about to be a father. When you and that bitch pick a wedding date, be sure to invite me. I¡¯ve got a very special ¡®gift¡® ready.¡± Trent stood rooted to the floor, as though a sheet of ice had swallowed him whole. Impossible. A baby? So soon? He reyed the nights with Sidonie¨Cthere had only been a handful. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Quinn said, her voice steady. Seeing her turn, Trent lunged forward. ¡°Quinn, I-¡± A pair of Julius¡® men stepped between them, stopping Trent in his tracks. Julius took Quinn¡¯s hand and guided her toward the exit. Behind them, Han frowned, then followed in silence. Laura shot Trent a look dripping with contempt. ¡°How dare you talk to Quinn after everything you did?¡± she said. ¡°You and Sidonie are really a perfect match. You leeched off Quinn¡¯s hard work, funneled the money she earned straight to Sidonie under the pretense of paying back some heroic debt. Now your so¨Ccalled savior has turned the tables on you. Enjoy the taste.¡± With that, Laura rolled her eyes and strode out of the station. Inside the station Trent nced at Sidonie¨Cdesigner coat, sparkling jewels¨Cevery piece bought with his money. Money, he realized with a tremor, that Quinn had helped him earn. He had never grasped how indispensable Quinn was until she left thepany. Chaos followed her departure, and Sidonie had even siphoned off thest loan¨Cabout fifty million. The thought leeched the remaining color from his face, leaving him ashen, his face paler than Sidonie¡¯s. As the officers led Sidonie toward the interrogation room, she twisted back and shouted, ¡°Trent, I¡¯m carrying your child¨Cyou can¡¯t abandon me!¡± Trent kept his eyes pinned to Sidonie, as if he could burn the truth out of her with sheer will, yet for every name she hurled at him, he offered not a single syble in return. Only after the officers led her through the door to the interrogation room did the tension snap. Hees buckled, his head dropped, and a/raggedugh spilled loose¨Csoft at first, then rising into somethi and jagged. It sounded less like amusement than a man mocking the wreckage of his own choices!¡­ After they left the precinct, Quinn, Laura, Julius, and Han found a quiet restaurant and slipped into a corner booth III Chapter 252 Unfinished Ties ¡°What¡¯s your n now?¡± Laura asked, fingers curled around a steaming mug that sent faint spirals of hear toward the ceiling. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for the military¡¯s report. They recovered Rowan¡¯s drone, and thest footage ces him inside that warehouse fire. The team is re¨Cexamining everyone who was injured and-¡± Quinn¡¯s voice caught. If I say ¡°dead¡± it will make his death real. She pressed her lips together, refusing to finish the word. Laura nodded. ¡°When the military steps in, things move fast. They have ess to files civilians never event see.¡± ¡°But what if their report still finds no trace of him?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll go back to the border¨Cone more trip if that¡¯s what it takes,¡± Quinn said. Laura sighed. Rowan had been missing for five years, and Quinn had already made three trips to thatwless frontier in search of him. ¡°Then I¡¯ming with you,¡± Laura dered. ¡°I appreciate it, but the trip could drag on for weeks, maybe months. You have apany to run, and I only just joined. If I vanish again, the office will be stranded.¡± ¡°Please, your brother matters more than spreadsheets. You¡¯ve already given me more with your proposals than I deserve. I¡¯m just worried about you traveling there alone,¡± said Laura. She knew Quinn could handle herself, yet the border was unpredictable¨Cone wrong turn and even the strong vanished without a trace. Julius rested a hand on the table. ¡°She won¡¯t be alone. I¡¯ll go with her, so set your mind at ease.¡± Military 253 Chapter 253 Journey To The Border Chapter 253 Journey To The Border Quinn blinked. ¡°I can handle this myself, Julius. I don¡¯t even know how long I¡¯ll be out there. ¡°I told you I¡¯ll help you find Rowan, and I meant it,¡± Julius said. ¡°If that means trekking to the border, then that¡¯s where I¡¯ll be. Or do you really think I¡¯d let my girlfriend wander into danger alone?¡± Words failed her. He lifted her hand and traced a slow circle across her palm. ¡°Unless you believe I can stomach being miles away from you?¡± Heat crept up Quinn¡¯s cheeks; after all, Laura and Han were still sitting right there. Laura clicked her tongue. ¡°All right, Quinn¨Cif Julius is going, I can finally rx.¡± Han slid two small sses across the table, one to Quinn. ¡°Quinnie, now that we know why Rowan vanished, it won¡¯t be long before we bring him home. That calls for a toast.¡± ¡°It certainly does,¡± she replied with a smile. She lifted the ss and downed it in a single swallow. Han raised his tumbler and emptied it in one decisive swallow. Han refilled the ss and said, ¡°Another toast, everyone, to Quinnie cutting Trent loose with style. A man like that should never have got a ring from her in the first ce.¡± Laura added, ¡°Trent looked green today. All this time, he thought Sidonie had saved his life, yet now he knows it was you. What if he shows up again and starts chasing you?¡± Julius¡® fingers tightened around Quinn¡¯s hand; Han snapped, ¡°If he dares bother Quinnie again, I will break his legs.¡± Julius said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that. I will simply make sure he never appears in front of Quinn again.¡± A shiver ran through Laura. Both men were soaked in violence. An ordinary woman would never survive their kind of protection. Quinn said, ¡°You two do not need to go that far.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Julius asked. ¡°You¡¯re feeling sorry for him?¡± ¡°Not at all,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°He may nevere looking. If he does, I will punch him myself. Your fists can stay holstered.¡± Lauraughed. ¡°Well said. A man/like Trent has owed a beating for years.¡± She lifted her ss with gusto. They kept drinking. For some reason, Han sought Quinn¡¯s ss every round, clinking and draining until she had swallowed far more than usual. What began as a simple celebration drifted into Han¡¯s stories of their time in the barracks. Han sighed. ¡°Those days with you in the barracks were the best of my life.¡± O Chapter 253 Journey To The Border Quinn, already pleasantly tipsy, smiled. ¡°I used to beat the crap out of you. Don¡¯t tell me you miss this ¡°Every bit of it,¡± Han said, swirling his drink before downing it. ¡°I would return in a heartbear, Even if you beat me up every day, I¡¯d still be happy to take it.¡± ¡°Laura clicked her tongue.Happy to take beatings? In all of ckthorn Capital, Quinn¡¯s the only one who could get him to say something like that. Yet Quinn already had Julius beside her, so Laura felt a quiet pang of pity for Han,¡± Han poured another measure, raised the ss, and said, ¡°Quinnie, I often wish we could go back to those days.¡± Quinn lifted her own ss, and the two crystal rims met with a soft chime. Bleary¨Ceyed, Han said, ¡°If we ever returned, I would tell you that I-¡± ¡°Han!¡± Laura cut in sharply, stopping him. Quinn blinked, uprehending. She had missed hisst words through the haze of drink. ¡°What is it? ¡°It is nothing,¡± Julius said, sliding the ss from her fingers. ¡°You have had enough for tonight. I will finish this for you.¡± He fixed Han with a steady look and drained the wine in one motion. Han¡¯s eyes narrowed. The two men held each other¡¯s stare, tension thickening the air like steel wires stretched to the point of snapping. Military 254 Chapter 254 Lingering Tension Over Drinks ¡°Han, you are drunk too,¡± Laura warned. ¡°Do not make me haul a dead weight home. Han pressed his lips into a hard line. He kept his gaze locked on Julius while the stem of his ss creaked under his tightening grip. Julius set his winess on the table and turned to Laura. ¡°Quinn¡¯s had too much. I¡¯m taking her home ¡°All right, take her,¡± Laura answered quickly. She had no desire to linger; if they stayed, Han might start a drunken rampage. As Julius guided Quinn toward the door, Laura faced Han. ¡°What are you trying to do? You know Quinn is with Julius.¡± Han offered a bitter smile. ¡°Yes, I know. I¡¯m simply unwilling to ept it. I met Quinn long before Julius did, and if I¡¯d spoken sooner, everything might have turned out differently.¡± ¡°Han, Quinn only treats you like a younger brother,¡± Laura said bluntly. ¡°Now things are going really well between them. If you dare ruin that, I will not let it slide.¡± Han lifted his eyes inzy amusement. ¡°You won¡¯t let it slide? Do you truly think you can stop me, or will you send my uncle after me instead?¡± Laura¡¯s spine stiffened. ¡°Please don¡¯t mention your uncle in front of me. He and I have nothing to do with each other anymore.¡± Han let out a coldugh. ¡°Nothing to do with you? Because you¡¯re Quinn¡¯s friend. I¡¯ll give you a warning. My uncle is hopelessly sentimental. As a child, he loved a toy car so much that he slept with it every night. Even after it broke, he refused to throw it away, and when my grandmother tried, he fought her. So, Laura, can you guess what eventually happened to that toy?¡± ¡°Either he threw it away or kept it forever,¡± Laura guessed with a shrug. ¡°He took it apart,¡± Han said. ¡°Excuse me?¡± Laura blinked, confused. ¡°It was a little metal car Han continued. ¡°My grandmother slipped it into the trash can. He waited until no one was looking, went outside, and dug through the trash himself.¡± Laura¡¯s jaw dropped. She tried, and failed, to picture Weston rummaging through garbage. ¡°Did he find it?¡± she asked, morbid quriosity edging her voice. ¡°No. The adults caught him and scolded him, yet he dered he would search the in every day until he recovered it.¡± ¡°Stubborn man,¡± Laura muttered. ¡°In the end, the family hired someone to sift through the dump,¡± Han said. ¡°They found the battered car, cleaned it, but the wheels no longer turned. Even so, my uncle dismantled it piece by piece. Chapter 254 Lingering Tension Over Drinks ¡°Why tear it apart? Did he enjoy wrecking toys?¡± Laura asked, baffled, ¡°Not at all. It was the only toy he ever dismantled,¡± Hari replied. ¡°He told the adults he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of anyone else ying with something he loved that much.¡± A shiver raced over Laura¡¯s skin. Han regarded her with a half¨Csmile that never reached his eyes. ¡°You are the only woman my uncle has ever acknowledged. What he loves, he would rather destroy than allow another man to touch Laura¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°You¡¯re joking. He never liked me that much. Honestly, he only agreed to date me because I wore him down.¡± Han swirled the wine, watching the dark liquid trace slow circles. My uncle would never date a woman simply because she chased him. If that were true, he would have a collection of girlfriends by now. He said nothing. the warning had been delivered. ¡°By the way,¡± Han added, pouring himself another heavy measure, ¡°if I ck out tonight, please make sure I get home.¡± Laura sighed. ¡°Fine. Drink all you want¨CI¡¯ll see you home.¡± It was clear Han meant to drown his sorrow in liquor, and she had neither the right nor the strength to stop him. After all, when she and Weston had torn each other apart years ago, she, too, had searched forfort at the bottom of a bottle. Trent returned to the vi like a man whose soul had been blown away by the wind. He had bought the ce only after sess finally found him, yet Quinn had taken every personal trace of herself when the divorce was final. The lone reminder she left behind¨Ctheir cheap wedding bands¨Chad now vanished as well. Penelope hurried over with a thick file. ¡°Trent, there you are atst. Look what I picked up from the matchmaker today. Every woman in here is miles better than Sidonie!¡± ¡°Mom paid good money for those profiles, Trent, so do not waste her kindness,¡± Jacinda chimed in, eyes bright with mischief. Trent¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Good money? Do either of you realize thepany¡¯s cash flow is on life support? You spend what little we have on this nonsense. Do you want to ruin me?¡± Military 255 Chapter 255 Fractured Ties Penelope blinked. ¡°Ruined? Yourpany looks perfectly healthy to me. How could it possibly copse? ¡°Exactly,¡± Jacinda added. ¡°It is listed on the exchange. If liquidity is tight, grease the right palins at the bank and they will approve a loan.¡± Hearing his sister¡¯s na?ve suggestion, Trent felt too drained even to muster a bitter smile. What had possessed me to let Jacinda step into Quinn¡¯s old position? She can¡¯t handle the simplest task and has turned several half¨Cfinished projects into hopeless messes. ¡°Jacinda, spare me that kind of foolish talk again,¡± Trent said, his voice clipped. ¡°If you had one ounce of sense, I would not be this exhausted.¡± ¡°Mom, did you hear him?¡± Jacinda whined, pouting as though she were still ten. Penelope folded her arms. ¡°Trent, that is no way to speak to your sister. And even if you fancy Sidonie, be realistic. Her reputation is filthy. Everyone back home knows she let someone die and that the airlines fired her. If I bring a daughter¨Cinw like that to the vige, the neighbors will drown us in gossip.¡± Once, Penelope could not praise Sidonie enough; now disgust twisted her mouth. Watching that scornful face, Trent remembered the identical look she had worn when she spoke about Quinn. Nothing had changed. Penelope thrust the file toward him again. ¡°Come on, have a look. Every woman I picked is decent, and bringing any of them home would make me proud.¡± ¡°Mom, throw them away. I am in no mood,¡± Trent said, irritation bleeding through every syble. ¡°Just take a peek,¡± Penelope insisted, pressing the papers against his chest. ¡°Meeting someone new might lift your spirits.¡± Trent snapped. He shoved the bundle aside; pages scattered across the floor. ¡°Enough about pride and appearances,¡± he roared. ¡°You made me divorce Quinn because of your precious reputation¨Cwas that worth it?¡± ¡°You are bringing up Quinn again,¡± Penelope shot back. ¡°What was wrong with the divorce? She was an orphan with nothing. She could never hold her own in public.¡± ¡°Could never hold her own?¡± Trent¡¯s voice turned raw. ¡°Her parents died in service to the nation. When I had nothing, she stood beside me and built thepany. If she was so unsuitable, why didn¡¯t you say anything at the wedding?¡± ¡°That¡­ that was because¡­¡± Penelope faltered, words drying up. ¡°Because she asked for no dowry,¡± Trent finished for her: ¡°We were penniless, and you were delighted t gain a daughter¨Cinw for free A flush of embarrassment crept across Penelope¡¯s face. ¡°Trent, how can you talk like that?¡± Jacinda protested. ¡°Mom only wants to find you a wife who is more Chapter 255 Fractured Ties aplished¡ªhow is that wrong? Trent shot back, ¡°Aplished? Do you honestly believe Quinncks ability? She graduated from die National Defense Academy, was the top science student in Jexburgh that year, and built her reputation as a leading drone specialist. If she were ipetent, mypany would not have fallen apart the moment she resignedi¡± He had once convinced himself that his sess was self¨Cmade. Yet the moment the truth stared him in the face, the entire journey home reyed in his mind, detail after humiliating detail, and he finally realized how much Quinn had sacrificed for him. What, inparison, had he ever don for her? He had even broken his promise to er when she collected her parents¡® ashes, choosing instead to run after Sidonie.. The memory sent chills skittering down his spine. ¡°Had I never divorced Quinn, none of this would be happening to me,¡± Trent muttered, his voice thick with regret. ¡°Are you ming Mom and me?¡± Jacinda challenged. ¡°You left Quinn because you chose Sidonie. And if you truly had no intention of betraying Quinn, why hide the marriage in the first ce? You could have told the world you were already wed.¡± Military 256 Chapter 256 Broken Illusions Chapter 256 Broken Illusions Jacinda¡¯s words left Trent exposed and floundering. At the start, he hid the marriage only because he did not want Sidonic to learn of it. He had confessed, been turned down, and then, almost at once, wed another woman; admitting that would have made him look frivolous. As thepany expanded and sess numbed his conscience, the secrecy became second nature. He fooled himself into thinking that as long as he kept the ring off his finger, he was still a single man. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, Trent,¡± Jacinda pressed on. ¡°Mom cares about appearances, but so do you. You thought Quinn wasn¡¯t presentable enough, so you kept her in the shadows. Now you¡¯re pouring the bitterness of that divorce onto us.¡± Her usationnded like an invisible p, leaving Trent¡¯s cheeks burning and his tongue tied. ¡°Yes,¡± he whispered after a long silence, ¡°it¡¯s me¨Conly me. I¨Cfailed Quinn. I wronged her.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Jacinda asked, baffled. Penelope chimed in, ¡°Son, don¡¯t tell me Quinn hase begging you to take her back. You must not remarry that jinx. I will never let her step into this family again.¡± ¡°Enough, Mom!¡± Trent red at her. ¡°Don¡¯t ever let me hear you speak ill of Quinn again. That so¨Ccalled jinx saved my life. Without her, I would have drowned in the river years ago.¡± With that, he ignored them both and strode up to the second¨Cfloor bedroom. The room greeted him with an icy hush. He went into the bathroom, sshed his face with cold water, and stared at the haggard stranger in the mirror. The once confident man had been stripped away, leaving only exhaustion and despair. Grafton Technologies was in shambles, and to make matters worse, Sidonie was carrying his child. Why did she have to be pregnant now of all times? No matter what, I cannot let this child be born. Julius escorted a tipsy Quinn back to her t. She had drunk far more than usual; when she climbed out of the car most of her weight sagged against his steady shoulder. He felt a tug of something unfamiliar in his chest. Quinn had always been fiercely self¨Creliant, yet now, drunk and slumped against him, she seemed to believe he was the only harbor she had, the sole pir in her world. ¡°Let me carry you upstairs,¡± he murmured. ¡°No need¡­ I can walk on my own,¡± she mumbled, the words thick on her tongue, and somehow that only made her seem more endearing to him. 221 Chapter 256 Broken Illusions Julius didn¡¯t argue. He simply swept her into his arms and started for the stairs. ¡°Indulge me,¡± he said. ¡°I want to carry you.¡± Quinnughed softly, looped her arms around his neck, and nestled against his shoulder. Once inside the apartment, heid her gently on the bed. ¡°I¡¯ll find something to help you sober up, he said. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Quinn whispered as she caught his wrist and, with surprising strength, tugged him onto the mattress until he was pinned beneath her. ¡°Quinn?¡± Julius arched a brow. ¡°Do you have any idea what you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°Of course I do. I¡¯m drunk, not delirious,¡± she murmured, letting her lips graze his in a slow, teasing sweep. She slipped the tie from his cor, her fingers nimble despite the haze, and unfastened his buttons one by one until his cool chesty bare before her. Her fingertips ventured inside, savoring the contrast between his chilled skin and the warmth burning through her. Julius¡® Adam¡¯s apple bobbed, desire surging like wildfire through his veins. ¡°Quinn, I want¡ª¡± he tried to rise, but she ttened him with a firm hand. ¡°Don¡¯t move. Tonight I¡¯ll be in charge,¡± she said, eyes bright with mischief. ¡°When you take the lead things tend to¡­ get a little out of hand. I¡¯d rather spare my body another near¨Ccatastrophe.¡± Julius chuckled, helpless but amused. ¡°All right, you¡¯re in charge. How do you want me?¡± ¡°Just lie there and behave,¡± she said, her gaze flicking to the discarded tie. She looped it around his wrists, crossed them, and knotted the silk into a neat bow. He let her bind him without protest. ¡°You honestly believe a single tie can hold me?¡± he asked. ¡°If you truly want to break loose, it won¡¯t be that easy,¡± Quinnughed, her cheeks flushed rosy from the wine. ¡°And besides,¡± she added, lowering her voice to a yful whisper, ¡°Laura says tying a man to the bed can be¡­ exhrating. I thought I¡¯d test the theory.¡± Hunger red in Julius¡® eyes, bright and uncontained. He wondered whether she would recall these words once the alcohol had burned off¨Cand what sort of nonsense Laura usually whispered in her ear. ¡°Then promise me this,¡± he said, gaze never leaving her. ¡°The only man you will ever tie to a bed is me.¡± Military 257 Chapter 257 Exclusive Bond Quinn chuckled. ¡°Who else could I possibly tie up like this besides you?¡± Julius said, ¡°Even if the possibility existed, I would never allow it. Quinn, any love you want, any binding you crave, muste solely from me. Whatever adventure your heart imagines, I will meet you there, As long as she remained delighted with him, as long as her fascination did not fade, he would dly surrender to her every whim. Quinn traced the arch of his brow, followed the line to his check, and finally rested her fingertip on his lips. ¡°All right,¡± she whispered. ¡°Only you.¡± She kissed him, first his mouth, then the sharp angle of his jaw, drifting along the length of his throat and lower while thest of his clothes slipped away. Studying his bare body as though it were a sculpture, she murmured, ¡°You are beautiful.¡± ¡°Do you really think so?¡± he asked. ¡°I do,¡± she answered, warmthcing every word. ¡°Your lines are powerful, perfectly proportioned, utterly striking.¡± ¡°Even with the scars?¡± he asked. The tenderness that shed in her eyes was exactly what he had hoped for. ¡°Even with the scars,¡± she said. He despised himself for wielding those old wounds to stir her pity, for chaining her heart to him with pain and insecurity. Fear whispered that her love might still be shallow, that the first real storm could send her running. ¡°Then love me a little more,¡± Julius breathed. The rough velvet of his voice wrapped around Quinn, drawing her deeper into desire. The doorbell yanked Laura out of sleep at dawn, its shrill peal slicing straight through her pounding head. For heaven¡¯s sake, who hammers a doorbell this early? She lurched to her feet, eyelids battling each other like quarrelsome strangers. Just how much did Han and I drink night? ¡°At first, only he had been downing the shots while she took the asional sip, yet the rounds multiplied and the night blurred until they were both swaying. In the end she somehow managed to shepherd him into a cab and send him home.¡± Laura shuffled to t he door, flung it open, and demanded; ¡°Yes? What do you want?¡± A familiar, devastatingly handsome face filled her vision, and her fog¨Csoaked mind crashed to a halt. Weston! Chapter 257 Exclusive Bond Why on earth am I seeing him right now? I must be hallucinating, She rubbed her eyes with both hands and, on instinct, mmed the door before the apparition could speak. ¡°Who was that?¡± Han called from somewhere behind her. Laura froze, then turned as he ambled toward her, bafflement spreading across her face. Why is Han here? I left him at his ce night, didn¡¯t I? Han rubbed at the throb in his temples, eyes still fogged with sleep. ¡°Who on earth is hammering at the door?¡± he mumbled, and before Laura could form an answer the bell shrilled a second time. The piercing sound cleared the haze from Laura¡¯s mind. Only then did she realize she was not in her own t at all but in Han¡¯s, and memory flooded back. She wondered that, after hauling the drunk man homest night, had she really copsed and fallen asleep. When she still made no move, Han leaned across her, flipped thetch, and pulled the door open. On the threshold stood Weston, face stormy. He took in Han¡¯s messy pajamas and Laura¡¯s rumpled blouse, and the anger in his eyes deepened to midnight. ¡°It appears I¡¯ve interrupted something intimate,¡± Weston said, voice sharp enough to cut. Laura lurched sideways, nearly cracking her head against the wall. ¡°We weren¡¯t doing anything,¡± Han blurted. ¡°Don¡¯t pin your flights of fancy on me.¡± ¡°Nothing at all?¡± Weston¡¯s gaze slid to Laura. Laura nodded so fast her hair whipped. ¡°Rx. Even if I were fishing for a one¨Cnight thrill, your nephew would not be on the menu.¡± I am not ready for an early death. Only Quinn can tame Han¡¯s temperament. If it were me, I¡¯d end up in hospital every other day. Weston¡¯s expression eased a fraction. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him. ¡°Then why are you here?¡± ¡°Why should I tell you?¡± Laura shot back. ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± Weston replied calm as ever. ¡°I¡¯ll simply tell the police I suspect malicious intent. When theye knocking, remember I warned you.¡± The threat caught in Laura¡¯s throat. She recalled his wless record in court and swallowed her pride. ¡°Han got blind drunkst night, so I dragged him home¨Cand crashed here myself,¡± she said. Both men¡¯s faces changed color at that. Weston¡¯s scowl darkened, while Han, halfway through a swig of bottled water, sprayed the contents across the floor. Pal Chapter 257 Exclusive Bond ¡°Slept? In the same bed?¡± Weston arched a brow. There was only one bedroom in this apartment. Laura blinked. She honestly wasn¡¯t sure. 15 Free Coins She had awakened under covers, assuming she was in her own room and paying no attention to Han. So where did he spent the night? Her eyes slid toward Han. Weston¡¯s soon followed. They both demanded an answer. Military 258 Chapter 258 Awkward Morning After Chapter 258 Awkward Morning After Han stood speechless, watching the former lovers pin their suspicious gazes on him. ¡°Did you two sleep together?¡± Weston asked, his voice as sharp as broken ice. ¡°And where exactly did you spend the night?¡± Laura added, eyeing him like a detective hunting for cracks. ¡°For heaven¡¯s sake. I¡¯m so unlucky to have the two of you in my lives,¡± Han muttered. Nobody else would dare use that interrogatory tone on him, yet one of them was his uncle and the other Quinn¡¯s best friend, so he could not simply drag either of them outside and knock them senseless. ¡°Laura, you have some nerve. I was blind drunk, and you were the one who hauled me home. Now you stand here asking where I slept? Bloody ridiculous.¡± ¡°You drove under the influence?¡± Weston snapped, turning a dark stare on Laura. ¡°No, of course not. I hired a driver,¡± Laura blurted. Why do I¨Csuddenly feel like a grade¨Cschool pupil being grilled by the headmaster? ¡°Then where in the room did you dump him?¡± Weston pressed, refusing to relent. A flush crept across Laura¡¯s cheeks. She had no answer, so her eyes slid helplessly toward Han. At that moment he could almost feel an urge to pick her up and throw her straight out the window. ¡°Han, I want a clear answer,¡± Weston said as he closed the distance. ¡°Did you sleep here? And if so, where?¡± While speaking, he shrugged off his suit jacket and rolled his shirt sleeves with deliberate calm. Laura stared, speechless. Is Weston actually nning to beat Han up? She had seen Han brawl before and knew how lethal he could be; against that, Weston¡¯s schrly veneer looked like thin armor. ¡°Stop it!¡± Laura darted between them. ¡°Even if Han and I did share a bed, so what? We¡¯re consenting adults. We broke nows. Why are you acting like an inquisitor?¡± ¡°So you truly fancy this kid?¡± Weston asked, his voice dropping into an ominous growl. Han shoved Laura gently aside. ¡°Enough, Uncle Weston,¡± he said. ¡°When I woke up, I was sprawled on the floor. Even if we¡¯d shared a mattress, I wouldn¡¯t touch her. She¡¯s not my type, so why would I take advantage?¡± At first, Laura felt relieved, but the more he spoke, the hotter her temper burned.¡±Excuse me? Take advantage of me? If anything happened, I¡¯d be the one losing out,¡± she shot back. Han arched a brow. ¡°You honestly believe you¡¯d be the one losing out if we spent the night together?¡± Laura fired right back. ¡°Don¡¯t forget your uncle once dated me. Sleeping with you would make me a near- miss aunt of yours¨Ctell me that¡¯s not a loss.¡± Han coughed in surprise. Good grief, Laura can spin anything, he marveled. Laura realized at once she had poured fuel on an open fire. ¡°Um¡­ Weston, I was just talking off the ¡°ff. Please don¡¯t take it to heart,¡± she said quickly. 13:03 Sat 261 Chapter 258 Awkward Morning After And what if I do take it to heart?¡± Weston replied, each wordnding like a stone. Laura fell silent for a long beat, then murmured, ¡°Then what exactly do you want?¡± He studied her with a measured gaze. ¡°When you dropped Han offst night, what exactly did you bring with you?¡± ¡°Just a bag and my phone,¡± she answered. ¡°And where are they now?¡± Laura lifted the canvas tote and her phone from the armchair. ¡°Right here. Why are you asking?¡± ¡°We are leaving,¡± Weston said, threading his fingers through hers before turning to Han. ¡°Next time, do not drink yourself senseless. If something really goes wrong, you will be the one living with the regret.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Han muttered with a shrug. He waited until they had stepped out of the t before letting out a long breath. I am d I pushed them out before Uncle Weston decided to get serious. He would have wrecked the entire t. But the way he keeps looking at Laura¨Ccould I be right? Has he really never gotten over her? Anyone who lingers in his mind, family aside, rarely enjoys a pleasant ending. Military 259 Chapter 259 Unwanted Reunion Chapter 259 Unwanted Reunion ¡°Weston, slow down¨CI have not even washed my face, brushed my teeth, or touched my hair, Laura protested as she stumbled after him.. Weston ignored theint, towed her to his sedan, and swung open the passenger door. ¡°Get in¡± ¡°I can get home on my own. I do not need your car,¡± she said. ¡°You don¡¯t think we still have a mountain of unfinished business?¡± Weston asked, voice even. ¡°If you n on dodging it today, I have other ways to get your attention.¡± Laura knew that tone all too well. As Jexburgh¡¯s leading barrister, Weston could conjure legal headaches for her with a snap of his fingers if she refused to talk. She climbed obediently into the seat. Weston eased the car out of theplex, driving at an unhurried pace. ¡°Where are we going to have this talk?¡± ¡°Your apartment.¡± Laura grimaced; thest thing she wanted was to invite him into her personal space. ¡°Could we choose somewhere else?¡± ¡°Looking like that? Tell me¨Cwhere would you feelfortable showing up unwashed and disheveled?¡± She sighed; by his logic, her ce was the only sensible option. When Weston stepped into her apartment, Laura grew self¨Cconscious, as though every cushion and picture frame were under cross¨Cexamination. ¡°Freshen up first, then we will talk.¡± ¡°Fine. Make yourselffortable,¡± she said, gathering clean clothes before disappearing into the bathroom. Weston stood in the doorway, his gaze sweeping across the small apartment. No razory by the sink, no men¡¯s slippers waited by the shoe rack¨Cnothing hinted that a man spent nights here. So they don¡¯t share this ce. Or her boyfriend rarely visits. The notion loosened something inside his chest, and he released an almost inaudible breath of relief. They had broken up months ago, yet she drifted into his mind without warning. Because he still dated no one, friends whispered that he remained hung up on Laura. Hung up? Nonsense. She hardly possessed the sort of maism that could haunt him. He stayed single only because courting someone new felt like needless trouble. He slouched onto the couch. A photo albumy on the coffee table; he picked it up and leafed through the pages, idle curiosity guiding his fingers. One nce turned his eyes dark. The album overflowed with portraits of men, each one disturbingly handsome. C Chapter 239 Unwanted Reithion Just then, Laura emerged from the bathroom. When lie saw the album cradled in lits brands, Cidor drained from her face Why would you leaf through another person¡¯s album without asking first?¡± she demanded. ¡°If you feel like suing me, be my guest. I¡¯ll appear in court,¡± Weston said, utterly unfazed. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not that serious,¡± Laura muttered. Weston let out a thin smile. ¡°So you collect men now? Every face in here a potential conquest? With that many photos, aren¡¯t you afraid your boyfriend will choke on jealousy?¡± The unintended jealousy in his own tone caught him off guard. Laura offered a breezy smile. ¡°My boyfriend is generous. He never minds trivial things like this. The album actually belonged to a friend from a modeling agency, but she saw no need to volunteer the exnation. Weston arched a brow. ¡°So he also finds it generous that you spentst night in Han Ingram¡¯s t? One man, one woman, four walls¨Canything could have happened.¡± ¡°I told you, my boyfriend is generous. He doesn¡¯t mind,¡± Laura repeated. Weston responded with a derisive snort. He set the album back on the table and stepped closer, stopping when their breaths mingled. ¡°If your boyfriend truly is that generous, then either he doesn¡¯t love you, or he¡¯s the best actor I¡¯ve ever met.¡± ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡± Laura frowned. Weston shook his head. ¡°Men aren¡¯t as magnanimous as you imagine. Choose more carefully next time.¡± Noticing her freshly washed hair dripping onto her shoulders, he tugged the towel from her grasp and started to blot the damp strands. Laura froze, jolted back to the afternoons when, fresh from the shower, he would do the very same thing. Back then, the gesture had filled her with shy delight. Now it prompted nothing but stiff, breathless awkwardness. She stepped back, whipping her half¨Cdry hair behind her shoulders. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Mr. Windore. I¡¯ll use the dryer in a minute. Whatever you came to say, just say it.¡± Weston frowned. ¡°You truly feel nothing for Han?¡± ¡°I swear I don¡¯t have the slightest interest in Han Ingram,¡± Laura dered. Misunderstandings of this kind had to be strangled before they even sprouted. Military 260 Chapter 260 Bitter Confessions Chapter 260 Bitter Confessions ¡°First it was a motel with the door left wide open, now it is Han¡¯s apartment. Where will you two meet next? Your ce?¡± Weston asked. ¡°It¡¯s a coincidence. Nothing but coincidence. Besides, do you not know your nephew already has someone he likes?¡± Laura said. ¡°You mean Quinn Bridger. A man can keep desire and affection in separate boxes. He may not feel anything for you, yet if you make yourself avable something could still happen,¡± Weston said. Laura¡¯s face went still, and a memory crashed in without warning. So I was only a way for him to kill time. The thought tasted like rust on her tongue. ¡°Are you talking about yourself, Mr. Windore? You managed to sleep with me even when you did not care, so you assume every man is wired the same?¡± Laura¡¯s voice held no courtesy. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Weston asked. ¡°I am saying Han is nothing like his uncle,¡± Laura replied. ¡°You have that much faith in him? Or do you think you know him inside out?¡± Weston¡¯s eyes thinned, irritation glinting there. Laura lifted her chin. ¡°I do not know Han that deeply, so faith is rtive. I do, however, trust Quinn. He is herrade, her younger brother, her friend. Anyone she allows that close would never y games with another person¡¯s feelings.¡± ¡°Then what makes you so sure I am the kind of man who sleeps with women he does not even like?¡± Weston asked. ¡°You¡¯re that forgetful? Do you not remember the things you said in that private room years ago?¡± Laura said. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he demanded. ¡°You told your friends I was nothing but entertainment to fill your empty hours. Unfortunately for you, I heard every word. I decided I had no interest in being anybody¡¯s pastime,¡± Laura said. The wordsnded like stones. Weston¡¯s spine snapped straight and the color drained from his face. ¡°You¡­ You overheard that?¡± The admission made his heart pound against his ribs. ¡°I did.¡± A bleak smile touched her mouth. ¡°Consider it a lesson. Some men really can share a bed without offering their heart.¡± ¡°So you ended things with me because of that conversation?¡± Weston asked. Laura lowered her eyes. There had been other reasons, but he did not deserve to hear them. Laura let out a smallugh. ¡°Exactly. Should I have stayed and continued as your casual hookup? If you came today to warn me away from Han, rx. I have no intention. Thest thing I want is to be rtives with an ex I once slept with. Imagine the holiday dinners¨Cpure torture.¡± At once, Weston¡¯s expression turned thunderous. Marley signed the visitor¡¯s log at the detention center and followed a guard down a narrow corridor to a Sidonic. She had been in Jexburgh only a few days when Sidonic was suddenly arrested. Now her aunt and uncle werebine the capital for legal help, yet all four majorw firms had refused the case, forcing them to search outside the city. The Stonehurst main branch had already washed its hands of Sidome. Even this short visit had demanded every connection Marley could find. Inside the stark visiting room of the detention center, Sidonie mmed her palms against the cold metal table. ¡°Quinn Bridger ruined everything. If not for her, I would never have ended up like this.¡± Marley Bridger hesitated, her voice low. ¡°I¡¯m afraid our family can¡¯t do much. Uncle Montague has already said the situation involves a life, and the Bridgers won¡¯t interfere.¡± Sidonie¡¯s lips curled as though she had expected that answer. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. I still have Trent. I¡¯m carrying his child, and he will help me. I¡¯ve applied for bail on medical grounds, so I¡¯ll soon be out of this cursed ce.¡± Marley blinked in astonishment. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant?¡± Sidonie smiled and turned toward Marley. ¡°Yes, this child is my lucky star, and Trent will never shake me off. Because we are cousins, let me offer a warning. You must cling to Julius Whitethorn now. Otherwise, the Bridger family will soon have no ce for you.¡± Cling to him? I would have loved to cling to him, if only I could. After leaving the detention center, Marley walked out with her brow knotted tight. She understood all too well what Sidonie meant; in the Bridger family, she was already teetering on the edge. Just then, a ck sedan eased to a stop in front of her. Fabian, personal secretary to Julius, stepped from the car and dipped his head. ¡°Ms. Marley Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn would like to see you.¡± 2/2 Military 261 Chapter 261 Because She Is Queen Chapter 261 Because She Is Queen Marley flinched. Since the day she had blurted, right in front of Quinn, that Julius still carried another girl in his heart, she had not seen him again. Part of her had even dared to hope her words would split the couple apart. Yet moments carlier Sidonie had confessed that her recent imprisonment was Quinn¡¯s doing and that Julius had acted as her aplice. ¡°Marley, Julius has be Quinn¡¯s shield. Inside the Bridger family, you now stand alone,¡± Sidonie had warned, the words still ringing in Marley¡¯s cars. If Sidonie could see how precarious her position inside the household had be, Marley could hardly pretend ignorance. ¡°Mr. Wooley, do you know why Julius wants to see me?¡± Marley asked, keeping her voice as steady as she could manage. ¡°Ms. Bridger, everything will be clear once you see Mr. Whitethorn,¡± Fabian replied. A bodyguard held the car door open, watching her with the patience of a hawk. Marley understood at once that refusal would only earn her a rough shove inside. Heart hammering, she climbed in. The sedan glided through iron gates and stopped before Whitethorn Manor. She stepped out, followed Fabian along hushed corridors, and finally entered a high¨Cceilinged study where Julius awaited her. He sat in a rosewood chair, a midnight¨Cblue suit cut in the old mandarin style tracing every elegant line of his frame. Those phoenix¨Cshaped eyes looked icy at first nce, yet whenever theynded on Quinn, they smoldered with a heat Marley had never tasted., Jealousy sliced through Marley. The way Julius gazed at Quinn was nothing like the polite indifference he showed her, and she could not understand what Quinn possessed that she did not. ¡°Julius, did you summon me merely to punish me for my wordsst time?¡± Marley asked, lifting her chin. ¡°All I did was speak the truth. Admit it¨Cyou care for Quinn only because she resembles that girl from your past.¡± ¡°A stand¨Cin?¡± Julius gave a low, contemptuousugh. ¡°When I want someone, it must be that very person. A parade of look¨Calikes means nothing to me.¡± ¡°But you¡¯ve never stopped searching for that little girl! If Quinn isn¡¯t her recement, how could you have fallen for her so quickly?¡± ¡°Quick?¡± Julius¡® brow knitted. To him, it had felt unbearably slow; had he recognised his feelings the instant he met Quinn, he would have freed her from that wretched marriage at once instead of letting time rot away. ¡°Marley, that girl saved my life. I searched for her only to repay a debt. I love Quinn for one reason- because she is Quinn.¡± 1/2 Chapter 261 Because She Is Queen Both women had once seemed dazzling, yet Julius could still distinguish gratitude from the kind of love he would sooner die than forfeit. A bitter flush crawled up Marley¡¯s checks. ¡°What could Quinn possibly have that makes her worthy of your love?¡± I brought you here to warn you: mouth another nder in front of ¡°Her virtues are none of your concer Quinn and I will cut that spiteful tongue from your mouth,¡± Julius said. The threat sent a shiver down Marley¡¯s spine. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯d maim me for her?¡± ¡°For her, there is very little I would not do. Would you like me to describe the rest?¡± His stare was as lifeless as a corpse¡¯s. As the meaning of Julius¡® warning settled in, Marley¡¯s heart lurched. She understood then that he was not bluffing. For Quinn¡¯s sake, this man would cut down anyone without a shred of mercy. In that instant, she remembered something her uncle, Moldred had told her. ¡°Marley, leave Julius alone,¡± he had warned. ¡°He blinded one of your eyes once. If you test him again and he truly decides to kill, you may lose much more than sight.¡± Now the old fear snapped back. What if I reveal that Quinn¡¯s brother was never saved because of Julius? Cold sweat seeped through her clothes. She had meant to trade that secret, to force Julius to shield her again, but now she imagined him cutting out her tongue the moment she spoke. ¡°So, have I made myself clear?¡± Julius asked, his tone almost casual. ¡°Y¨CYes¡­ I understand.¡± Marley¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°It seems you still don¡¯t.¡± Julius clicked his fingers, and the guard stepped forward, striking Marley across the mouth. Military 262 Chapter 262 Kiss Me Marley screamed. One smack split the corner of her lip. ¡°Continue,¡± Julius murmured, never lifting his eyes from the book in his hands.. Smack! Smack! Each blownded harder than thest until her mouth filled with the copper taste of blood. ¡°Please¡­ spare me, Julius¡­ please,¡± she gasped between strikes. She had heard tales of Julius¡® cruelt and had felt perversely proud, certain she was different. As long as her desires were not outrageous, he humored them. ver She had watched him torment strangers and intervened, standing by while their screams echoed. She even mocked the fools who dared provoke him. But now that the victim was herself, the terror tasted bitter and real. When the ps finally stopped, her cheeks and lips were little more than throbbing numbness. ¡°Marley Bridger, do you understand now?¡± Julius¡® voice sliced through the room. ¡°Yes,¡± she rasped, though resentment zed hotter behind her swollen eyes. She could not believe that, for Quinn, Julius had turned his cruelty on her. Marley lifted her head. ¡°Do you really believe Quinn will stay true to you forever? No matter what wrongs youmit, will she always forgive and embrace you?¡± Julius¡® answer was calm. ¡°She will forgive me because I will never do anything she truly loathes. Quinn and I will grow old together. As for you, extinguish those unworthy fantasies.¡± Marley¡¯sughter was hollow, her eyes glittering with jealous hate. Would Quinn still forgive him if the day came when everything he had once done¨Ceverything she would surely despise -was bare? I¡¯m looking forward to that day! ¡°He returned from Whitethorn Manor just after dusk and found Quinn asleep on the couch, one hand curled protectively around a photograph. Bending closer, he recognised it at once. It was the family portrait of four that Quinn always kept close.¡± As gently as lifting a feather, Julius eased the picture from her ck fingers. His gaze fixed on Caleb. Caleb, are you still alive? No. You must be, you have to be. ¡°If I bring you home, do you think Quinn will forgive me?¡± Julius whispered. He set the photograph on the coffee table, then leaned down to carry Quinn to bed. Before his arms could 1/3 O 1501 Sun 24 Ju Chapter 262 Kiss Me slip beneath her, her When did you wake up?¡± Julius asked, his body suddenly rigid and the question quivering on his lips ¡°I woke up when you started muttering to the photograph. What¡¯s the matter, Julius? Are you feeling lif Quinn asked, pushing herself upright to study him. ¡°No,¡± he said. She tugged him down beside her and pressed a palm to his forehead. ¡°Hmm, your temperature is normal, yet your face looks pale.¡± ¡°Thepany¡¯s been hectic thesest two days. I haven¡¯t slept well,¡± Julius replied, offering the first excuse that came to mind. ¡°Then what exactly were you muttering to that photograph a moment ago?¡± Quinn pressed. Julius watched her face carefully and felt a flicker of relief. She obviously had not caught his whispered confession, or she would not be asking. ¡°I was only saying that I hope we find your brother soon,¡± he answered. ¡°Thank you,¡± Quinn said, knowing he had already set the entire Whitethorn family informationwork in motion for her. ¡°He¡¯s your brother. It¡¯s the least I can do,¡± Julius replied, pushing the guilty weight in his chest even deeper. If he had reached out to help Caleb back then, the siblings might have been reunited long ago. ¡°All right, if you¡¯re tired, go nap in the bedroom,¡± Quinn urged, rising. Julius¡® hand shot out and caught her wrist. ¡°Kiss me, will you?¡± Julius said suddenly. ¡°What?¡± Quinn blinked, wondering if she had misheard. ¡°Just kiss me. One kiss from you and I¡¯ll be fine,¡± he insisted. She was bemused; the request was absurd and endearing in equal measure. Still, Quinn cupped his jaw and answered, ¡°All right.¡± The words had barely left her mouth/before she leaned in and pressed her lips to his. He released a low sigh and parted his lips, an unspoken invitation for her to venture deeper. She kept the kiss gentle, but his left arm curved around her waist while his right hand slid to the back of her head, drawing her impossibly close. Just as Quinn was about to pull away, Julius seized the moment and deepened the kiss with sudde hungry intensity. He kissed her with a fierce, consuming hunger, as though determined to swallow her whole. A muted whimper slipped from Quinn when she tried to draw back, but Julius only pressed harder, unrelenting 2/3 Chapter 262 Kiss Me She knew she could have pushed him away if she truly wished. Military 263 Chapter 263 A House Of Heroes Chapter 263 A House Of Heroes But the desperate craving in his kiss robbed her of the strength to push him away. Atst, after what felt like an endless plunge, he broke the kiss. Gasping, he rested his forehead against hers and whispered in her ear, ¡°Quinn, please¨Cdon¡¯t abandon me.¡± She let out a softugh. ¡°You silly man, why would I ever abandon you?¡± He pressed his lips into a thin line, then muttered, ¡°Exactly. You never will. No one on this earth could possibly love you more than I do.¡± Another sleepless night left its traces. The next morning, as Quinn and Laura arrived at the bidding session, Laura eyed the high¨Ccored blouse hiding Quinn¡¯s neck and teased, ¡°Rough night?¡± Color rushed to Quinn¡¯s cheeks. Julius, she reflected, had devoured her like a starving beast, insatiable no matter how much she surrendered; more than once, she half¨Csuspected he had dosed himself with something illicit. Her stamina was formidable, yet by dawn, her limbs felt ready to fall apart. Then again, there would never be anyone else; Julius had told her she was his first, and she believed him. ¡°Tell me,¡± Quinn asked under her breath, ¡°is it normal for a man, once he¡¯s had his first taste, to want it all the time?¡± ¡°Probably.¡± Laura thought of Weston. Back when she had dated him, once the two of them had crossed. that line, he had been equally uncontroble, respectable fa?ade by day, ravenous predator by night. Wait a second. ¡°Hold on¡ªyou mean Julius has never¡­ been with another woman before you?¡± Quinn answered with a nod, and Laura swallowed So it¡¯s true. Julius Whitethorn¨Cof all men¨Chad never slept with anyone before Quinn. That¡¯s far more innocent than I ever imagined. If I told anyone, they¡¯d never believe me. Laura patted Quinn¡¯s shoulder with mock solemnity. ¡°You have my sympathies.¡± The gesture made Quinn burst into giggles. ¡°When this wraps up,e with me to church,¡± Laura said. ¡°The church? Why?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°To pray and ward off bad luck,¡± Laura replied. In just a few short days, she had run into Weston three times twice with Han, which was totally unfortunate. Laura had chosen a celebrated church in Jexburgh. They had just gone in and sat down when a shrill voice cut through the hush. ¡°Quinn Bridger, what on earth are you doing here?¡± She looked up and saw Penelope and her daughter, Jacinda. ¡°Anyone cane to pray,¡± Quinn said evenly. ¡°Why should I be the exception?¡± ¡°Someone like you wants to pray?¡± Jacinda scoffed, eyes full of scorn. ¡°You have piled up so much karma that even the heavens won¡¯t answer your prayers. That is why your brother vanished. Retribution, in and simple.¡± ¡°My goodness, Jacinda, where did your family learn its manners?¡± Laura snapped, livid. ¡°How can you spew such venom?¡± ¡°My daughter spoke the truth. Why else would her brother be missing all these years?¡± Penelope said, standing firmly at Jacinda¡¯s side. Laura opened her mouth to hurl another string of curses, but Quinn lifted a hand, silently telling her to stand down. Quinn fixed Jacinda with an icy stare and closed the distance one measured step at a time. ¡°What did you just say? Say it again,¡± she ordered. ¡°I can repeat it as many times as you like. Your wicked deeds doomed you to lose that brother of yours. Even God will not help you,¡± Jacinda said, chin cocked defiantly. Thud! Quinn drove her boot into Jacinda¡¯s knee with ruthless precision. Jacinda copsed, both knees mming against the stone floor. She found herself kneeling before Quinn like a penitent. Jacinda screamed. She tried to get up, but Quinn pressed one hand onto her shoulder and held her down. Though it was only a single hand, Jacinda felt as if a mountain had settled on her shoulders. She strained repeatedly, yet could not rise. ¡°How dare you treat my daughter that way!¡± Penelope shouted, swinging her palm at Quinn, but Laura caught her wrist mid¨Cair. She met Penelope¡¯s re unflinchingly. ¡°Your daughter is the one courting retribution.¡± Penelope wed at Laura, and Laura did not hesitate to fight back. The two women tussled in the church. Panicked, Jacinda cried, ¡°Quinn, let me go, now!¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes remained as cold as ice. ¡°I want you to kneel and confess your sin right now.¡± ¡°Why should I?¡± Jacinda snarled, face flushing crimson. Quinn¡¯s reply cracked through the courtyard like a rifle shot. ¡°Because the entire Bridger line is soaked in loyalty and sacrifice. My ancestors died for this nation. My parents died for it. My brother vanished in its service. Every choice I make honours heaven, thisnd, and its people. So tell me, Jacinda, what wicked thing do you im I have done?¡± Her words rang with steel, yet beneath themy a sorrow so deep the air itself seemed to bow. A house of heroes, and she alone remained. The tourists who had been ready to intervene halted at once, frozen by the force of her deration. Military 264 Chapter 264 Broken Allegiances Chapter 264 Broken Allegiances 45 Free Comis Jacinda stood frozen. She had never imagined that every member of Quinn¡¯s family had died in uniform, their entire bloodline scaled with military honor. ¡°Even if your whole family were heroes,¡± Jacinda shouted, still struggling, ¡°you have no right to force me to kneel!¡± ¡°No right?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice fell like sleet. ¡°You insulted them, so why can¡¯t I force you to kneel?¡± Quinn¡¯s palm mped over Jacinda¡¯s crown and drove her forward, forcing her to kneel and bow, smashing her head on the floor once, twice, three times. ¡°Let go of me¨Clet go!¡± Jacinda howled between collisions with the stone floor. Each time Penelope darted forward to rescue her daughter, Laura blocked her with a sharp elbow and a colder stare. ¡°Quinn, you bitch! How dare you treat my daughter like this? I¡¯ll sue you!¡± Penelope shouted. ¡°Go ahead,¡± Laura drawled, still holding Penelope back. ¡°While you do that, Quinn will sue your daughter first for defaming fallen soldiers.¡± Penelope¡¯s face nched. ¡°She¡­ She wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she?¡± Laura¡¯s smile cut deep. ¡°You thought Quinn was soft y you could squeeze. She tolerated you when you were her mother¨Cinw. Now, you¡¯re nothing to her.¡± Meanwhile, Quinn kept pressing Jacinda¡¯s forehead against the floor. Only after the eighteenth time did Quinn finally release her grip. Jacinda scrambled upright, hair askew, cheeks streaked with dust and humiliation. A masculine voice rang out. ¡°Mom, Jacinda, what-¡± The words died when Trent stepped inside and saw Quinn standing a few paces away. For days, Quinn¡¯s image had haunted him. He had torn the mansion apart searching for something she had left behind, yet found nothing, as thought she had never lived there at all. He meant to find her and apologize for everything he did wrong, but before that happened, he didn¡¯t expect to run into her here. ¡°Trent!¡± Jacinda rushed over, terror instantly reced by petnce, ¡°I said a few harmless words to nn, and she forced me to kneel and beg for forgiveness!¡± ¡°Exactly, Trent. Your sister suffered terribly. Quinn went too far. You must defend her,¡± Penelope urged. With her son present, Penelope¡¯s confidence swelled at once. 1/2 Chapter 264 Broken Allegiances She was sure that a corporate titan like her son could crush a single woman. Yet Trent stared at Quinn with something close to hunger, deaf to his mother and sister¡¯s . ¡°Trent Grafton, do you intend to avenge them?¡± Quinn¡¯s cold voice sounded. ¡°Avenge?¡± Trent blinked. Quinn said, ¡°Your sister mocked me and imed my brother¡¯s disappearance was karmic retribution for my misdeeds. I made her kneel and admit she was wrong. But she seemed unconvinced. Perhaps we should continue.¡± T ¡°You really said that, Jacinda?¡± Trent turned to his sister. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I?¡± Jacinda shot back. ¡°She¡¯s done plenty of awful things. Didn¡¯t Sidonie lose her job and p! Trent¡¯s palm caught Jacinda across the face. ¡°Apologize to Quinn. Now.¡± Jacinda stood in shock, hand cupping the red print. What¡¯s happening? He never used to strike me for ridiculing her. ¡°Trent, how could you hit Jacinda? If anyone deserves that p, it¡¯s Quinn!¡± Penelope cried. Military 265 Chapter 265 Fractured Loyalties Trent ignored his mother. ¡°Apologize, Jacinda,¡± he repeated, voice low and iron¨Ccold. 4+5 Free Coms ¡°I said nothing wrong,¡± Jacinda insisted. ¡°She brags about a family of martyrs. If that were true, why have you never mentioned it?¡± Those words were another p, this time to Trent¡¯s face. His heart throbbed because of those words. I never bothered to know Quinn. We married for convenience: Sidonie had left the country, my parents kept pressing and Quinn seemed an eptable wife. When she told me her parents died abroad, I offered only hollow condolences. If I had truly tried to understand her, perhaps we would never have walked the road to divorce. ¡°Jacinda, the one spewing lies is you, not Quinn. Apologize, or stop calling me your brother.¡± Trent¡¯s face fell. ¡°You¡¯re taking her side? You¡¯d disown me for that woman?¡± Jacinda whispered, stunned. ¡°Trent, have you lost your mind? How can you possibly side with Quinn?¡± Penelope demanded. ¡°Apologize,¡± Trent barked. Jacinda flinched. She nced at her brother¡¯s storm¨Cdark face, then at Penelope¡¯s, and finally muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Toote,¡± Quinn scoffed. ¡°Jacinda, you and your mother are already out on bail. The trial for spiking my drink in that hotel is almost here. When we reach court, I¡¯ll add another charge¨Cinsulting veterans!¡± She turned to Laura. ¡°Ready to head back?¡± ¡°Absolutely. I¡¯ve finished my prayers,¡± Laura replied. Quinn nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s go,¡± she said, already walking away. Jacinda¡¯s knees buckled. ¡°Trent, I only said a few things about Quinn¨Chow is that insulting veterans?¡± Penelope hissed, ¡°She¡¯s kicking us while we¡¯re down. You can¡¯t let her get away with it, Trent!¡± Trent watched Quinn stride toward the church¡¯s exit, then bolted after her. This cannot be how it ends. I have so much to tell her¨Cso many regrets to confess. He caught up as Quinn and Laura reached the car park outside. ¡°Quinnie, don¡¯t go. I need to talk to you!¡± Trent called. Quinn turned, frost in her eyes. ¡°Trent Grafton, you may call me Quinn, Ms. Bridger, or Ms. Quin Bridger¨Cbut ¡®Quinnie¡® is no longer yours to call.¡± He faltered. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ just used to it, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Used to it?¡± Quinn scoffed. During three years of marriage, he rarely called me that. Now that we¡¯re divorced, he suddenly remembers the nickname. ¡°Break that habit now. Hearing it makes my skin crawl.¡± Quinn did not mince words. 111 C 09:26 Mon, 28 Jul G Chapter 265 Fractured Loyalties. Color drained from Trent¡¯s face. ww 3 Fre Disgusting? Once, when I shyly called her ¡®Quinnic¡® for the first time, she answered with the gentlest smile. Now it repulses her? He blocked her path. ¡°Please, can we talk? I have so much to say.¡± ¡°If this is about your sister, save it. My stance won¡¯t change. When court convenes, her list of charges will grow. Go plead with awyer instead of me.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was cial. Laura added with a smile that cut like ss, ¡°Assuming you can still afford a decent attorney. If Grafton Tech fails tond fresh capital within a month, its cash flow copses¨Cand bankruptcy follows.¡± Trent¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How could you know that?¡± Company finances were supposed to be ssified. Laura shrugged. ¡°Everyone in the industry is talking. Thought you should hear the rumor from a friend before it hits the papers. Oh, and the fifty¨Cmillion loan you took is still frozen because of your ¡®savior¡® Sidonie Stonehurst. You might go broke before you even touch the money.¡± The word savior struck Trent like a p, coloring his cheeks red, then white. It mocked every mistake he had made. 09:26 Mon, 28 Jul G D Military 266 Chapter 266 Regret Laid Bare Chapter 266 Regret Laid Bare ¡°Quinn¡­ I didn¡¯te to plead for my mother or Jacinda, Jacinda must face the consequences of what she did. I¡¯m here to apologize to you. If I¡¯d known you were the one who saved my life, I¡¯d have cherished you more than anyone.¡± Instead. I ruined everything chasing Sidoni. Yet Quinn¡¯s expression stayed perfectly calm. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Trent asked.. She actually smiled. ¡°So, if I¡¯m your lifesaver, you treasure me. If I¡¯m not, the three years you neglected. me were perfectly fine¨Cright?¡± Trent stammered, ¡°I¡­ I just want you to know I regret everything, Quinn. I truly do.¡± ¡°You¡¯re unbelievable,¡± she said, revulsion in. ¡°A scoundrel¨Cthrough and through.¡± ¡°What?¡± He looked stunned. ¡°Your regret exists only because you discovered I¡¯m your savior. If gratitude means so much, you have vowed to marry no one but the person who pulled you from that river.¡± ¡°But that person is you,¡± Trent whispered. should ¡°And if it weren¡¯t? Would I deserve to be ignored and gaslighted? Did your feelings for Sidonie vanish merely because she didn¡¯t rescue you?¡± The words got lodged in Trent¡¯s throat. ¡°If affection hinges on who saves you, perhaps jump into the river again. Let someone else drag you to shore¨Cbut this time, get the name right.¡± With that, Quinn slid into the car. Laura followed, and the sedan eased out of the lot. Trent stood frozen until Penelope and Jacinda hurried over. ¡°Trent, where¡¯s Quinn? Did you warn her not to kick Jacinda while she¡¯s down?¡± Penelope asked. Jacinda tugged at his sleeve, her voice urgent. ¡°Court¡¯sing up soon. Can¡¯t you hire some top¨Ctierwyers? The ones we have now¡­ no one¡¯s even heard of them. They¡¯re going to lose. You have the money -can¡¯t you spend a little to help me and Mom?¡± ix it Trent shot his sister a furious re. ¡°I¡¯ve told you thepany¡¯s cash flow is strangled. If we ca fast, we¡¯ll go bankrupt. Yet you still think I¡¯m made of money? Jacinda, other than burning cash, what can you do?¡± Jacinda stared at him in shock. ¡°Bankrupt? How could that happen! Trent, you took thepany public in only three years. If anyone can find a way out, it¡¯s you!¡± 1/2 09.26 Mon, 28 Chapter 266 Regret Laid Bare Trent gave a bleak smile. If Quinn were still running thepany, it would never have sunk this low. All of it, every cracked beam and leaking ount, was Sidonie¡¯s fault. Without her, he would still have a loving wife, a thriving business, a future bright enough to blind him¨Cinstead, thepany wobbled on the edge of ruin. Although the police had recovered the final transfer Sidonie sent from his phone¨Cabout fifty million wired to Lindgren¨Cthe strict protocol meant the funds would not return for at least three months. Three months might as well be a lifetime. By then, thepany would be nothing but cooled ashes. He needed to decide his next move, and fast. Meanwhile, at Weston¡¯sw firm, Han lounged across the couch, chin propped on his hand. ¡°Uncle Weston, did you summon me here just so I could watch you work?¡± Weston set aside the signed document and looked up. ¡°What exactly is going on between you and Laura Wentworth?¡± Han shrugged. ¡°We¡¯re friends, nothing more. Honestly, if Quinn weren¡¯t involved, our paths would never even cross.¡± Weston narrowed his eyes. ¡°Only friends?¡± Han shot back. ¡°What else do you expect? Are you hoping we¡¯re more than that?¡± Weston paused, then spoke slowly. ¡°Leave her alone.¡± Han lurched sideways, nearly slipping off the couch. Does he really think Laura is some irresistible prize everyone is chasing? Han waved a hand. ¡°Rx, I¡¯m not interested. What, are you telling me this because you still have feelings for her and want another chance?¡± He doubted Weston would have issued such a warning otherwise. Weston murmured, ¡°Yes.¡± Admitting it to himself was painful; he had never truly erased Laura from his heart! Even after their breakup, her silhouette still drifted through his mind at the most unlikely moments. The day he saw her and Han walk into that hotel together, jealousy roared through him like a sudden ze, and he finally understood how relentlessly she haunted him! Military 267 Chapter 267 Lingering Attachments. ¡°Have you ever met the man she¡¯s dating now?¡± Weston asked. Han arched a brow. ¡°Boyfriend? I haven¡¯t seen him, but knowing Laura, it wouldn¡¯t surprise me if she already had one.¡± Weston pressed his lips together. Laura greeted friends with warmth yet was harsh with her adversaries. That edge could win her enemies, but it also made it easy for her to make friends. Han gave a crooked smile. ¡°Come on, Uncle Weston, are you still nning to win her back even if she¡¯s with someone else?¡± ¡°Is there something wrong with that?¡± Weston countered. Han¡¯s surprise showed in the quick re of his eyes. Clearly Weston¡¯s resolve was irond. ¡°Still, she¡¯s not the type to circle back to an ex.¡± Weston sent a frosty nce across the desk. ¡°Enough. Shut up and leave.¡± With a shrug, Han rose. At the door, he tossed onestment over his shoulder. ¡°By the way, Laura told me she¡¯s into younger men these days. If she truly feels nothing for you, don¡¯t force her.¡± Weston¡¯s hand froze around his pen. His lips thinned, and he gave no reply. After Han left, Weston walked to the washstand and studied his reflection. His face had hardly changed through the years, yet the untested softness of youth was gone. She likes younger men now? He recalled the photo album at her ce, every photo featuring fresh¨Cfaced men. Is her current boyfriend one of them? If she truly doesn¡¯t want me, can I finally let her go for good? Because of her pregnancy, Sidonie had been released on bail. The very day she walked free, she called Trent. ¡°Trent, I need to see you.¡± When Trent arrived at her apartment, he found Sidonie¡¯s parents, Samson and Xenia Stonehurst, already there. ¡°Trent, our Sidonie is counting on you¡± Xenia pleaded. ¡°Whatever it costs, hire the bestwyer. We can¡¯t let her go to prison.¡± Samson chimed in, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Trent¡¯s not a petty guy. Sidonie is carrying his child. How could he abandon her?¡± Once, even without money, Trent would have agreed to help. Now he simply asked, ¡°How much is the Stonehurst family prepared to spend on this attorney?¡± The couple exchanged a startled look. ¡°The Stonehurst fortune sits with the main branch, Samson stammered. ¡°We¡¯re only the second branch. We have little, and Sidonie¡¯s uncle refuses to help. Trent, you wouldn¡¯t be so ungrateful, would you?¡± Trent¡¯s gaze drilled into Sidonie, where she reclined on the bed. ¡°Ungrateful? Your family never did me any favors, so there¡¯s nothing to repay.¡± Xenia bristled. ¡°How can you say that? Sidonic saved your life!¡± Trentughed, sharp and humorless, pointing at Sidonie. ¡°She saved my life? Then ask your daughter who actually pulled me from death that night.¡± Sidonie turned to her parents. ¡°Dad, Mom, give us a moment alone.¡± When they left, she rose and stood before Trent. ¡°Trent, I know there are misunderstandings between us, but my feelings are real. Plus, we¡¯re having a child together.¡± She guided his hand to her stomach. ¡°Eight weeks along. By next spring, you¡¯ll be a father.¡± Trent snatched his hand back as though scalded. ¡°Sidonie Stonehurst, how dare you say that to me? Do you realize the ruin you brought? Without you, I¡¯d still be married, mypany would be fine, and I wouldn¡¯t have taken out that credit loan. Now, the police say it will take three months to return the funds. You¡¯re killing me!¡± ¡°I never meant to harm you,¡± she protested. ¡°Lindgren was ckmailing me. I thought sending him to prison this way would end it. If Quinn hadn¡¯t interfered, the money would have been returned in two weeks.¡± ¡°ckmail? You bribed Lindgren to im you were my savior. You knew it was Quinn who rescued me, yet you lied again and again, watching while I betrayed her.¡± Military 268 ¡°You and Quinn are divorced. Why cling to the past? Besides, you love me. Does it really matter who saved you?¡± ¡°Of course it matters! If Quinn saved me and you didn¡¯t, how could I justify letting her down for you? Sidonie, you¡¯ve ruined my life!¡± Trent said through gritted teeth. ¡°I ruined your life?¡± Sidonie stared at him, stunned he would say such words. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the truth? Without your lic, I would never have divorced Quinn!¡± Trent shouted. ¡°So every bit of me falls on me? Who rushed to my side the moment I returned to the country, wagging his tail for a scrap of attention? Who came running whenever I called and showered me with gifts? If you truly cherished Quinn, why were you so easy for me tomand? Even your wedding rings were cheap knockoffs. You looked down on her, Trent. If your so¨Ccalled savior had been a nobody, you would have thrown a bit of money her way and called the debt settled. It¡¯s because I¡¯m a Stonehurst and Nimbus Air¡¯s co¨Cpilot that you groveled for me.¡± Each wordnded like a p across Trent¡¯s face. Furious, he lunged forward, fingers tightening around her throat. ¡°Shut up!¡± Sidonie struggled, her face reddening. ¡°Trent¡­ are you going to kill me? Murder carries a price. My parents are outside¨Cyou can¡¯t possibly escape.¡± Reality crashed over him. He released her at once. Sidonie copsed, coughing hard, one hand pressed to her bruised neck as she stared at the man before her in disbelief. This was the man she once thought beneath her¨Cthe man she had always believed loved her without question. At times, Trent weighed every possible gain against every loss, yet he had always been kind toward Sidonie. She had believed that once he discovered the life growing inside her, every lie she had ever spun would be brushed aside without a second thought. Only now did she grasp a darker truth: this man might have never loved her for real. ¡°Trent Grafton, how can you try to kill me? You told me you loved me!¡± she said, her voice hoarse. ¡°Love you?¡± Trent red. ¡°Sidonie Stonehurst, after the way you tricked me, how could I still love you? If killing you did not mean prison, I would do it without hesitation.¡± ¡°But I am carrying your child. Are you willing to murder the baby, too?¡± ¡°The child, yes, the child,¡± he answered, voice like ice. ¡°I came today to tell you one thing. Terminate this pregnancy. Do not imagine you can threaten me with a baby.¡± ¡°What? You want me to get rid of our child?¡± Sidonie was in disbelief. 111 ? 1/2 ¡°Yes. I do not need that child, and a woman like you is not worthy of bearing mine.¡± Trent spoke with disdain swirling in his eyes. Sidonie stood frozen. Unworthy? He¡¯s the one who was unworthy! He was a penniless boy staring up at me, the daughter of the Stonehurst family, a girl whose future seemed carved in gold. Back then, she had looked at him with silent contempt. Tonight, their roles were brutally reversed. ¡°I will not end this pregnancy.¡± She rose, shaky but defiant. ¡°Do not think you can walk away so easily. If you care about your reputation, you had better hire a first¨Crate attorney and clear my name. You would not want the mother of your child to be a convicted criminal, would you?¡± ¡°You dare threaten me?¡± His face turned storm¨Cdark. ¡°I am only stating the facts.¡± ¡°I will never marry you. Even if you give birth to the child, do not dream of joining the Grafton family.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll never marry me? Do you truly think Quinn Bridger will remarry you? You believe she still loves you?¡± A sudden light red in Trent¡¯s eyes. Yes. Quinn. If Quinn would take me back, every snarl of my present troubles might unravel in an instant. As long as Quinn still feels something for me. 2/2 Military 269 Chapter 269 des Of Betrayal Laura never expected Weston to appear the moment she ordered a few male models at the bar. The lively private room fell silent at once; his presence carried a gravity no one could ignore. ¡°So this is your new pastime? Since when do you unwind like this?¡± Weston asked, stopping directly before her. Laura rolled her eyes and nced around. The room was packed with her staff. They were celebrating a newly won project, and she had booked the venue, ordered drinks, and invited a few handsome young men to liven things up. The models had barely warmed the seats beside her when Weston arrived unannounced. Instead of answering his question, she said, ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°I asked first, so you answer first,¡± Weston said evenly. ¡°Ms. Wentworth, who is this gentleman?¡± an employee ventured. ¡°Just awyer I know,¡± Laura replied, brow creased. She rose, seized Weston by the arm, and hauled him out of the room. ¡°All right, why are you really here?¡± she hissed once the door shut. ¡°I told you¨CI asked first. Answer.¡± His tone was maddeningly calm. Frustration lodged in her throat. Conversing with Weston was like arguing against a brick wall. She wondered how she had ever dated a man like this¨Cthen her gaze settled on his impossibly handsome face, and she remembered. Beauty led people astray. The ancients never lied. ¡°Hiring male models is perfectly normal. As for, since when¡­ I started after I began earning real money. Cash exists to make life morefortable and fun, doesn¡¯t it?¡± she said. ¡°So paying men to sit beside you feelsfortable and fun?¡± ¡°Exactly. Different types, different moods¨Ctotal satisfaction.¡± She shrugged. ¡°Your boyfriend does not mind?¡± Weston asked, eyes fixed on hers. ¡°Not at all. I told you, he is very generous.¡± She smiled. Weston¡¯s dark gaze narrowed as he stepped closer. Laura retreated, trying to widen the space between them, but he only advanced more insistently. She backed away until her shoulder des pressed against the corridor wall. There was nowhere else to go. ¡°Laura, do you really have a boyfriend?¡± Weston lowered his head, eyes locked on hers. His gaze seemed to peel away every mask she owned. She almost wanted to cover those eyes, shove him onto a bed, and make him beg. Stop. Enough fantasies. Laura lifted her chin, meeting his gaze squarely after reining in her scattered thoughts. Obviously. Why would I lie to you?¡± He studied her, as if weighing the truth behind her words. After a pause, he stepped back, lit a cigarette, took two slow drags, then let it smolder between his fingers. Laura had to admit¨Csome men looked unfairly good smoking, like they¡¯d stepped out of a poster. Weston was one of them. But handsome or not, he no longer held her interest. ¡°Enjoy your smoke, Mr. Windore. I need to return; my staff¨Cand the models¨Care waiting.¡± She had barely turned when his voice sliced through the hallway behind her. ¡°I don¡¯t care who he is. Break up with him ande back to me.¡± She chuckled. ¡°Not a chance.¡± ¡°Why?¡± The cigarette trembled between his fingers, ash fluttering to the floor. ¡°Because I like my boyfriend. And honestly, that line is pure arrogance. You think you are irreceable? Good horses never graze the same field, and I have far greener pastures now.¡± She had no interest in withered grass; let someone else chew on it. With that, Laura walked back to the private room, never bothering to see how dark his expression grew. Chapter 270 I Am Over Him The next morning, Quinn arrived at work to find colleagues whispering about the handsotnewyer who had shown up the night before. Spection about his rtionship with Laura buzzed through the office ¡°Weston Windore came looking for youst night?¡± Quinn asked. She had skipped the bar because Julius had kept her upied. ¡°He did,¡± Laura replied. ¡°What did he want?¡± ¡°To get back together.¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°And you said?¡± ¡°I refused. I¡¯m over him.¡± Laura smiled. ¡°Whatever you decide, I¡¯m with you. If he causes trouble, tell me, and I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Rx. Weston isn¡¯t the clingy type. One rejection will bruise his pride enough to keep him away.¡± Their conversation broke off when a secretary arrived. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Trent Grafton from Grafton Tech is at reception asking to see you.¡± Quinn blinked in surprise. Laura frowned. ¡°What does he want? Beg clemency for his mother and sister? The hearing is in a week.¡± ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s not my concern.¡± Quinn shrugged and told the secretary, ¡°Tell them I¡¯m unavable.¡± Yet when quitting time came, Trent blocked Quinn at thepany entrance. ¡°Quinn, can we talk?¡± he asked. ¡°I doubt we have anything to discuss.¡± ¡°Of course we do. I wronged you. Divorcing you was a mistake, and I¡¯ve been regretting it every day. I finally realized how deep my feelings are. Let¡¯s remarry¡± Fixing his gaze on her, he said, ¡°I love you, Quinn. I won¡¯t fail you again.¡± ¡°Remarry?¡± Quinn stared at him, stunned. Laura, standing next to Quinn, swore. ¡°Trent, how dare you even suggest that!¡± ¡°This is between Quinn and me. Stay out of it,¡± Trent snapped. Quinn¡¯s voice turned icy. ¡°Laura/speaks for me. What makes you think you have the right to ask for a second chance?¡± ¡°Because I know you still care, and I finally understand that you¡¯re the one I truly love,¡± Trent insisted. ¡°I swear I¡¯ll treat you well.¡± The earnestness on his face only struck Quinn as pitiful and absurd. ¡°You swore the same when you proposed. Then look what you did. Do you think I¡¯ll believe your twice? ¡°Sidonie lied to me. I never knew you were the one who saved my life,¡± Trent said. ¡°So your vows are valid only if I¡¯m your savior?¡± Quinn shot back. Trent faltered. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. I won¡¯t fail you this time.¡± ¡°Toote. Leave now, or stay and get punched, or I will call the police for harassment. Your choice, Quinn said, voice like ice. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you feel nothing for me!¡± Trent cried after a pause. He lunged forward, reaching for her arm. Another hand caught his wrist first, iron¨Cstrong. Pain exploded up Trent¡¯s arm, sharp enough to steal his breath. Trent froze when he saw Julius, who appeared out of nowhere beside him. ¡°M¨CMr. Whitethorn, my hand ¡ª¡± he stammered, dread climbing his spine. ¡°Trent Grafton, remember¨Cyou and Quinn are divorced.¡± Julius¡® voice was low, his eyes dark as a gathering storm. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, a divorce doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t marry again,¡± Trent said, forcing the words out past the pain. ¡°Apparently, I was too kindst time, and you¡¯ve forgotten who Quinn belongs to now,¡± Julius said, turning to her. ¡°Mind if I deal with him?¡± ¡°So long as it¡¯s legal and you can win the case, go ahead,¡± Quinn replied. Julius inclined his head. A sharp crack split the air, and Trent¡¯s scream rose like torn canvas. Julius had broken Trent¡¯s arm. Trent clutched his useless arm while Julius said, ¡°My apologies¨CI exerted too much force. Should you seekpensation, feel free to speak with my legal team.¡± Military 270 Chapter 270 I Am Over Him Chapter 270 I Am Over Him s The next morning, Quinn arrived at work to find colleagues whispering about the handsomewyer who had shown up the night before. Spection about his rtionship with Laura buzzed through the office. ¡°Weston Windore came looking for youst night?¡± Quinn asked. She had skipped the bar because Julius had kept her upied. ¡°He did,¡± Laura replied. ¡°What did he want?¡± ¡°To get back together.¡± Quinn was taken aback. ¡°And you said?¡± ¡°I refused. I¡¯m over him.¡± Laura smiled. ¡°Whatever you decide, I¡¯m with you. If he causes trouble, tell me, and I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Rx. Weston isn¡¯t the clingy type. One rejection will bruise his pride enough to keep him away.¡± Their conversation broke off when a secretary arrived. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Trent Grafton from Grafton Tech is at reception asking to see you.¡± Quinn blinked in surprise. Laura frowned. ¡°What does he want? Beg clemency for his mother and sister? The hearing is in a week.¡± ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s not my concern.¡± Quinn shrugged and told the secretary, ¡°Tell them I¡¯m unavable.¡± Yet when quitting time came, Trent blocked Quinn at thepany entrance. ¡°Quinn, can we talk?¡± he asked. ¡°I doubt we have anything to discuss.¡± ¡°Of course we do. I wronged you. Divorcing you was a mistake, and I¡¯ve been regretting it every day. I finally realized how deep my feelings are. Let¡¯s remarry.¡± Fixing his gaze on her, he said, ¡°I love you, Quinn. I won¡¯t fail you again.¡± ¡°Remarry?¡± Quinn stared at him, stunned. Laura, standing next to Quinn, swore. ¡°Trent, how dare you even suggest that!¡± ¡°This is between Quinn and me. Stay out of it,¡± Trent snapped. Quinn¡¯s voice turned icy. ¡°Laura speaks for me. What makes you think you have the right to ask for a second chance?¡± ¡°Because I know you still care, and I finally understand that you¡¯re the one I truly love,¡± Trent insisted. ¡°I swear I¡¯ll treat you well.¡± ||| O < Chapter 270 I Am Over Him The earnestness on his face only struck Quinn as pitiful and absurd. s ¡°You swore the same when you proposed. Then look what you did. Do you think I¡¯ll believe you twice?¡± ¡°Sidonie lied to me. I never knew you were the one who saved my life,¡± Trent said. ¡°So your vows are valid only if I¡¯m your savior?¡± Quinn shot back. Trent faltered. ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I meant. I won¡¯t fail you this time.¡± ¡°Toote. Leave now, or stay and get punched, or I will call the police for harassment. Your choice,¡± Quinn said, voice like ice. ¡°I don¡¯t believe you feel nothing for me!¡± Trent cried after a pause. He lunged forward, reaching for her arm. Another hand caught his wrist first, iron¨Cstrong. Pain exploded up Trent¡¯s arm, sharp enough to steal his breath. Trent froze when he saw Julius, who appeared out of nowhere beside him. ¡°M¨CMr. Whitethorn, my hand ¨C¡°he stammered, dread climbing his spine. ¡°Trent Grafton, remember¨Cyou and Quinn are divorced.¡± Julius¡® voice was low, his eyes dark as a gathering storm. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, a divorce doesn¡¯t mean we can¡¯t marry again,¡± Trent said, forcing the words out past the pain. ¡°Apparently, I was too kindst time, and you¡¯ve forgotten who Quinn belongs to now,¡± Julius said, turning to her. ¡°Mind if I deal with him?¡± ¡°So long as it¡¯s legal and you can win the case, go ahead,¡± Quinn replied. Julius inclined his head. A sharp crack split the air, and Trent¡¯s scream rose like torn canvas. Julius had broken Trent¡¯s arm. Trent clutched his useless arm while Julius said, ¡°My apologies¨CI exerted too much force. Should you seekpensation, feel free to speak with my legal team.¡± Military 271 Chapter 271 Severed Ties Chapter 271 Severed Ties 45 Free Coins ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, even if your family controls half of Jexburgh, you can¡¯t humiliate me like this. Your cruelty only proves Quinn still cares for me. Turning to Quinn, he continued, ¡°I know you warm up slowly. We dated a year and married three; feelings like that don¡¯t vanish. If he¡¯s threatening you, Quinn, I can-¡± ¡°Trent Grafton, how long will you deceive yourself?¡± Quinn cut in. ¡°I once loved you¨Cwhy else would I marry you? But three years beside you burned that love away.¡± Her voice sounded calmer than ever that it scared Trent. ¡°Now I feel only disgust. Julius is my partner; we¡¯ll get married and raise children. Keep harassing me, and the Whitethorn family¡¯swyers will have you locked up for two weeks.¡± Pain from Trent¡¯s broken arm flooded his body until he could no longer tell whether it was the injury or Quinn¡¯s words that hurt more. ¡°Marry¡­ Have children¡­¡± Trent muttered, stunned that she spoke of a future they were meant to share. ¡°Tell me¨Cdo you truly feel nothing for me?¡± He still refused to give up. ¡°Not a shred,¡± she replied, her voice icy enough to sting. The warning in her eyes said she would do more than talk if he stayed. Trent wiped the cold sweat from his brow. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll leave. I finally see you¡¯re the one I truly love. If you ever wish to remarry, I¡¯ll be waiting.¡± ¡°That day will nevere,¡± Quinn said, each word a mmed door. ¡°Move, or I¡¯ll start swinging,¡± Laura snapped. Grinding his teeth, Trent turned and staggered away. Laura told the lobby guard, ¡°If that man shows up again, call the police at once.¡± ¡°Understood, Ms. Wentworth,¡± the guard answered. ¡°Sorry for the trouble,¡± Quinn said to Laura. ¡°What are you talking about? He¡¯s the one who¡¯s shameless.¡± Laura huffed. ¡°You¡¯re divorced, yet he begs to remarry and forgets every time he sided with Sidonie. Now he learns you saved his life and calls it love. Honestly, if an olddy had pulled him from danger, he¡¯d worship her too.¡± Quinn couldn¡¯t helpughing at her friend¡¯s blunt outrage. ¡°All right, Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s here; go on home,¡± Laura said. Quinn nodded and slipped into Julius¡® car. ¡°Would you really never remarry Trent?¡± Julius asked suddenly. O 12:45 Sun, 3 Aug Chapter 271 Severed Ties 178 s ¡°Of course not. I closed that chapter the moment I filed for divorce,¡± Quinn answered without hesitation. ¡°Not even if he begged on his knees?¡± Julius pressed. Quinn frowned. ¡°Why? Do you want me to?¡± ¡°No!¡± Julius blurted. ¡°I just¡­¡± He pressed his lips together, the rest of the sentence refusing toe. Seeing Trent so broken had stirred an unsettling thought in him. For some reason, he thought of himself. If she ever left me, would she be that ruthless? ¡°Rx,¡± Quinn said, misreading Julius¡® silence as him worrying that she still had feelings for Trent. ¡°I feel nothing for Trent. Have a little faith in us.¡± Julius forced a smile. No matter how confident and calm he usually was, anything concerning her left him uneasy. ¡°I¡¯m decisive in love,¡± Quinn went on. ¡°Once I let go, I never look back.¡± Julius stiffened. She was speaking of Trent, yet the words sliced into him, nting a fear that one day they might be meant for him. ¡°Quinnie, promise you¡¯ll never let go of me,¡± he whispered. Quinn nearly said that forever was too heavy a promise to make. But the plea in his eyes trapped the words in her throat. ¡°All right,¡± she said. She hadn¡¯t known Julius long, yet his unwavering devotion was impossible to miss. = O APATO Cha Military 272 pter 272 A Sudden Proposal Chapter 272 A Sudden Proposal a She yearned for the kind of love her parents had¨Ca bond willing to live and die together, a trust so absolute one could ce an entire life in the other¡¯s hands. Julius cleared his throat. ¡°One more thing¡­ When you told Trent you¡¯d marry me and give me children- was that just to spite him, or did you mean it?¡± Quinn said, ¡°He¡¯s not worth lying for, Julius.¡± Julius¡® eyes lit up; she genuinely nned to marry him and bear his children. ¡°When?¡± His question burst out before he could restrain himself. Quinn blinked, caught off guard. ¡°When do you intend to marry me and start a family?¡± Julius questioned. ¡°Let¡¯s wait until our rtionship is stable first,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ll soon travel to the border to look for my brother.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s wait until you return. Whether or not you find him, let¡¯s hold the wedding as soon as you are back.¡± That felt rmingly fast. ? ¡°We have known each other only a short time.¡± She frowned. If she were to count strictly, the days they¡¯d spent together were pitifully few. ¡°Quinnie, sometimes choosing the person you want to spend your life with has nothing to do with time. I¡¯ve already decided¨Cyou¡¯re the only one I¡¯ll ever want.¡± He lifted her hand, pressed her palm to his chest, and let her feel the frantic rhythm beating there. He said, ¡°Tell me, am I the one you want?¡± Quinn looked at the man before her, who continued to speak, his lips parting and closing. ¡°I wish to marry you, to raise adorable children with you. Quinnie, I want that so much.¡± He could only breathe easy if marriage and children bound her to him. It was exactly what his father had done to his mother¨Cthough his father had used force, while he had merely concealed the truth to achieve the same result. Quinn gazed into his face while his heartbeat drummed against her skin. Is he nervous? He waited, tense, for her answer. As Trent had said, love came slowly to her, especially after one failed marriage. The thought of a second demanded hesitation, not haste. Logic urged restraint, yet her heart wanted to say yes. O 7% Chapter 272 A Sudden Proposal She decided to gamble. s ¡°All right,¡± she said after a steadying breath. ¡°When Ie back from the border, we will get married.¡± Trent sat with a bandaged arm and a splitting headache, forced to listen to his mother and sisterin. ¡°Trent, our trial is about to start. Thewyers we hired are mediocre. You should find Mom and me one of those star attorneys who never lose.¡± ¡°Exactly. We can¡¯t go to prison. We would never dare show our faces back home. Son, give us more money and hire the best.¡± ¡°Money, money, money! Do you not understand I am nearly bankrupt? I have pawned everything¨Ceven this mansion is mortgaged.¡± Trent was frustrated. Penelope and Jacinda stared at him in disbelief. ¡°Bankrupt? That is impossible. Yourpany is formidable. Even if cash flow is tight, you still hold plenty of shares. A few projects and-¡± ¡°Jacinda, you are shockingly naive. Projects are not a buffet you simply choose from. Many giants copse when the funds dry up. If my shares could be sold, would I still be worried?¡± Trent snapped. If thepany failed, those shares would be worthless scrap. Jacinda fell silent under his fury. ¡°Thewyer I found is the best avable. As Han warned me, none of the fourrgestw firms in Jexburgh will touch your case.¡± ¡°What if we really end up in prison?¡± they wailed. ¡°If you end up in prison, then you end up in prison.¡± They erupted into hysterical sobs. ¡°me yourselves. If you had not framed Quinn, none of this would have happened,¡± Trent said, annoyed. He wondered if, without their meddling, he and Quinn might never have divorced. The thought filled him with hatred toward the two women. Later that night, Quinn and Juliusy tangled in the room. Quinn stroked the bridge of his nose. ¡°Your birthday is nearly here. What gift would you like?¡± Their earlier escapade had peppered her skin with fresh marks. ¡°I need nothing,¡± Julius said quietly. ¡°I don¡¯t celebrate my birthday.¡± ¡°Why not? Do you dislike birthdays?¡± she asked. ¡°My birthday is also the anniversary of my mother¡¯s death, so I don¡¯t celebrate it.¡± Julius pursed his lips. 111 Military 273 Chapter 273 Quiet Company Chapter 273 Quiet Company Quinn froze. Did his mother really choose to end her life on the very day he was born? a He said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with pity.¡± The thought flickered that he could have used herpassion to bind her closer, yet the idea tasted bitter on his tongue. Her sympathetic gaze only sharpened his sense of disgrace. She had lost every rtive, yet she still shone. Friends,rades, and mentors rallied around her bright spirit. The one left utterly alone was him. That was why he yearned to crawl into her world and stay. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Quinn whispered. ¡°No need,¡± he answered. ¡°On my birthday, I¡¯ll visit her grave, then spend the rest of the day somewhere quiet by myself.¡± ¡°Then this year¡­¡± Quinn began, her voice tentative. ¡°If you¡¯re willing,¡± he murmured, ¡°stay with me. We won¡¯t do anything. We¡¯ll simply be still together.¡± ¡°All right,¡± she said. ¡°On your birthday, I¡¯ll be there.¡± That single promise sent warmth surging across Julius¡® chest. Every previous birthday had felt like torture. This year, with her beside him, the day might finally feel different. He leaned in and brushed her lips with his. The kiss was light yet searing. Softness and sweetness tangled together, pulling him deeper. ¡°Quinnie, I love you. I love you more than I can say,¡± he rasped, his voice thick with feeling. The depth of his love for her startled him. He had never believed love could burn so fiercely or be so essential in such a short time. Only after meeting her did he realize he was not a creature without emotion. Every feeling he possessed existed solely for her. ¡°I love you too, Julius,¡± Quinn replied. Hisshes trembled. He knew she loved him, yet her affection had not reached the storm¨Ctide of his.. Their hearts were bound, but not in equal measure. III O Chapter 278 Qotel Company Quinn dragged & were to the hill to her for a gif Flow smal 1 decull de ar dragging you shogging yet today you invited me: Lanesughed Julio himhany jeing. I am seething for him. Quinn said Wow hubos birthday. Is he hosting a party? T¡¯es mever heard of him celebrating though thete Whether pariarch threwvish banquets that always trended online. Laura remarked ¡°I¡¯m not throwing a party. Just the two of us, something quiet and simple.¡± ¡°What about his dad?¡± Laura asked. His rtionship with his father is¡­plicated.¡± Laura, quick to read the room, let the matter drop. ¡°Finding a gift for Julius is a nightmare. The man has everything. Worst¨Ccase scenario, gift¨Cwrap yourself¨Che¡¯ll be thrilled.¡± Quinn rolled her eyes and tugged her friend toward the next shop. They wandered until they reached a jewelry shop. A bracelet caught Quinn¡¯s eye¨Csmall sandalwood beads with a single jade bead carved into a flower motif. ¡°You like it?¡± Laura asked. It¡¯s understated but elegant.¡± The clerk brightened. ¡°Excellent taste, miss. This is a new arrival. The carved flower symbolizes peace year after year¨Cperfect for a man¡¯s gift.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze while the clerk lifted the bracelet from its case. She caressed the bracelet, imagining him wearing it. It would look perfect on his wrist. I just hope the blessing is real¨Cmay peace finds him year after year. ¡°I¡¯ll take it,¡± Quinn said. That night, she sat in her room, the bracelet cupped in her palm. She slipped a card from a drawer and began to write: Julius Whitethorn, may every year bring you peace. May we stand by each other until we are old. ¡ª Quinn Card finished, she ced it inside the box. The bedroom door flew open. ¡°Quinnie!¡± Military 274 Chapter 274 Birthday Surprise Chapter 274 Birthday Surprise ¡°Ah!¡± Quinn snapped the lid shut and stuffed the box into a drawer. ¡°What¡¯s in there? Why so secretive?¡± Julius lifted a brow. ¡°Your birthday present. I want it to be a surprise, so no pecking until the day, or you¡¯ll ruin it.¡± He blinked. ¡°You bought me a gift?¡± s ¡°Of course. We¡¯re celebrating together. It¡¯s nothing luxurious, but don¡¯t you dare dislike it. I¡¯m going to wash up.¡± Sheughed and headed for the bathroom. Before she reached the door, his arms circled her from behind and pulled her into his chest. ¡°How could I ever dislike anything from you?¡± Julius whispered, lips brushing her ear. ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s precious to me.¡± A pleasant tingle ran through her as his lips touched her ear. ¡°Don¡¯t speak so close. That tickles.¡± ¡°Does it tickle when I do this?¡± He caught her earlobe gently between his lips. Quinn shuddered; her ears had always been sensitive. ¡°Don¡¯t-¡± ¡°Quinnie, I want you.¡± He breathed, raw need curling in every word. He drew her earlobe into his mouth with exquisite tenderness, then trailed a constetion of kisses down the length of her neck. ¡°Stop it. I haven¡¯t even washed up yet,¡± Quinn said. ¡°If you truly want me to stop, you could push me away. So you want this too, don¡¯t you?¡± Julius murmured. Quinn¡¯s cheeks flushed deeper. ¡°I do, but let me shower first.¡± ¡°Then we will shower together,¡± Julius replied. He lifted her into his arms and carried her toward the bathroom. Together? Quinn froze in astonishment. By the time she collected herself, he had already set her carefully inside the tiled room, slipping out of his clothes while kissing her again. Their clothes fell to the floor piece by piece, and the kisses that had begun softly soon grew urgent, almost desperate. Each breath she drew tasted of him. His mouth traced the outline of her lips, then wandered to her throat and vicle beforeing to rest above her racing heart. ¡°Quinnie, everything I am is yours,¡± Julius whispered. 111 O Chapter 274 Birthday Surprise G The devotion in his kiss felt almost sacred, as though she were the only deity he recognized, the single article of his faith. For her, he would sacrifice all, asking only that she love him more. If god loved the whole world, then he wished his goddess would love only him. The night stretched on. They did it once in the steamy bathroom and three more times amid tangled sheets. Had Quinn not finally begged for sleep, Julius would have carried on, a man possessed, his appetite as bottomless as a mythical beast. A few dayster, the court convened for the trial of Penelope and Jacinda, and Quinn, as the victim, was required to appear. Outside the courthouse doors, Quinn spotted Trent. A bandage wrapped his arm, and at the sight of Quinn beside Julius, his expression darkened. ¡°Quinn, must you really condemn my mother and sister?¡± Trent blurted. ¡°They never spared me, so why should I spare them?¡± Quinn answered coolly. ¡°But my mother is elderly. Prison will ruin her. And if Jacinda is locked up, her whole future is ruined,¡± Trent pleaded. ¡°Tell it to the judge, not to me,¡± Quinn said, unmoved. ¡°Is it because you hate me?¡± Trent asked. ¡°Hate?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice sharpened. ¡°Trent, you have never been worth my hatred.¡± She intertwined her fingers with Julius¡® and walked past Trent without another nce. Trent reached out to stop her, but the moment he met Julius¡® eyes, his hand froze in midair. ¡°Trent Grafton, do you want me to break your other arm as well?¡± Julius asked, his voice edged with frost. Trent¡¯s spine went rigid. He dared not take another step. Only after Julius and Quinn vanished from sight did he slump against the wall and drag a ragged breath into his lungs. So even hatred is more than I¡¯m worth to her now? The trial unfolded without a single surprise. Though Penelope and Jacinda offered every excuse, the evidence proved they had hired two thugs, pumped knockout gas into a hotel suite, and nned to let the men assault Quinn so they could force her out of the marriage empty¨Chanded. The attorney Trent retained argued fiercely, yet nothing he said could shift the verdict. Military 275 Chapter 275 Verdict Delivered Chapter 275 Verdict Delivered s In the end, the court sentenced Penelope and Jacinda to three years in prison. At the pronouncement, both women copsed in tears. ¡°Q¨CQuinn, let¡¯s settle, please. Tell us what you want, and Trent will make it happen. I¡¯m too old to survive behind bars¨Chave mercy,¡± Penelope pleaded. ¡°Quinn, forgive me. Sidonie egged us on¨Cwithout her, we would never have done something so vile.¡± ¡°Yes, it was Sidonic. That woman is pure poison!¡± Staring at her former mother¨Cinw and sister¨Cinw, Quinn found the plea almostical. ¡°Not long ago, they had adored Sidonie, desperate for Trent to marry her. Now they spat her name like something rotten. I won¡¯t settle,¡± she said icily. Panic shed across Penelope and Jacinda¡¯s faces. ¡°Didn¡¯t you love my son? I¡¯ll order Trent to be with you again. Just agree to mediation and I¡¯ll make him remarry you.¡± ¡°Mom, that¡¯s enough!¡± Trent barked. Quinn had already refused to remarry him; his mother¡¯s words only deepened his humiliation. ¡°The man I love is Julius Whitethorn. As for Trent, whoever wants him can keep him.¡± Quinn grabbed Julius¡® tie and yanked him closer. Julius obliged, slipping an arm around her waist, tilting her chin, and pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Penelope and Jacinda stared, stunned into silence. When Julius lifted his head, the tenderness he showed Quinn hardened to ice as he faced the three Graftons. ¡°I never want to hear anyone im my girlfriend loves another man,¡± he dered. ¡°Anyone who tries will spend the rest of their life in prison.¡± The warning was meant for every onlooker, not just the Graftons. Color drained from the trio¡¯s faces. ¡°But Quinn¡¯s divorced, Mr. Whitethorn¨Chow can she be worthy of you? She¡¯s nothing more than the woman my brother cast aside,¡± Jacinda blurted out. Julius¡® eyes narrowed. Had they not been inside a courtroom, he might have beaten her within an inch of her life. His voice cracked across the courtroom. ¡°Your brother could never deserve her!¡± The three members of the Grafton family flinched at the icy words. Before they could recover, uniformed. bailiffs stepped forward and led Penelope and Jacinda out of the hall. Mother and daughter fought the grip, yet resistance was useless. ||| O ? 12:46 Sun, 2 Aug V Àî:70%: Chapter 275 Verdict Delivered Quinn tugged Julius toward the door. ¡°Come on.¡± 45 Free Coins Trent remained rooted to the spot, cheeks burning beneath the curious stares that closed in on him. Julius¡¯s words kept reverberating in his ears. Was I truly unworthy of Quinn? We had once been inseparable, yet now I could only watch her press her lips to Julius right in front of me. I don¡¯t even have the courage to step between them. Quinn asked after she got into the car with Julius, ¡°I¡¯m divorced, Julius. People will keep bringing it up.¡± Julius shrugged. ¡°Let them talk. I don¡¯t care whether you¡¯ve been married before. I only care whether you love me.¡± Quinnughed softly. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m the one overthinking.¡± Julius brushed a loose strand from her cheek. ¡°If anything bothers me, it¡¯s that I met you toote. Had I found you earlier, I would never have let you marry Trent.¡± Quinn arched a brow. ¡°And you¡¯re certain you would have liked me back then?¡± Julius nodded without hesitation. ¡°Absolutely. Even if the first nce didn¡¯t hook me, every time we met, you¡¯d have pulled me closer until I fell for you.¡± He had not fallen for her in a single sh of lightning. Love hade in steady waves, each encounter luring a man from shadow toward her dangerous light. Quinn said, ¡°We found each other now. That¡¯s soon enough.¡± Julius whispered, ¡°Right. Never toote.¡± Yet Julius could not help wondering. If they had crossed paths earlier, if he had known she was looking for Rowan, would he have chosen differently? Just then, Quinn¡¯s inbox chimed with an anonymous email. She opened it, and the color drained from her face. Instantly aware of the shift in her expression, Julius said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn answered, ¡°I can¡¯t exin yet. When I can, you¡¯ll be the first to know.¡± ¡°All right,¡± he replied, eyes flickering with worry. Business called Julius back to the office, so he dropped Quinn at her apartment before returning downtown. Once his car disappeared, Quinn reopened the email that read: Wire one hundred million within three days, and I¡¯ll give you a lead on your brother. Tell no one, not even Julius. = 40 SUN, I Aug Chapter 276 Anonymous Ransom Military 276 Chapter 276 Anonymous Ransom Chapter 276 Anonymous Ransom Back inside, Quinn powered up herptop and reread the message, her brows knitting tight. Who on earth had sent such a demand? 70% s One hundred million¨Ca sum the sender had to know she could never raise on her own. If they still named that figure, they must believe she could persuade Julius to pay. Yet that same person forbade her to breathe a word of it to Julius. That means¡­it is almost certainly someone who knows the two of us. She ran the ount number through a quick search and discovered it was offshore. Once the moneynded there, anyone with the password could empty it from anywhere in the world. More unsettling, the sender knew she was hunting for Rowan¨Cand imed to hold a real lead. At the thought of her brother, even drawing breath scraped like a fresh bruise across her lungs. She fired back an email: Give me one good reason to believe you actually have information on Rowan. To her surprise, an answer arrived almost at once¨Cno words, only a short surveince clip. Three seconds of grainy footage, yet the silhouette on¨Cscreen was unmistakable. She knew her brother the instant she saw him. His clothes hung in tatters, every shred smeared with dark, drying blood. The image was too blurred to identify the buildings behind him. When she sent another message asking for a clearer video, the other party¡¯s temporary email address had already vanished. The implication was clear. If she wanted more, she had to wire the money first. About one hundred million¨Cif that would truly buy a clue to Rowan, she would pay it. She could borrow from Julius or a bank. She had taken Grafton Technologies public in three years; she could repay a loan. Even if the price climbed higher, she would still agree. However, she would uncover the sender¡¯s identity, whatever it took. Marley closed herptop and began counting the days until the money arrived. Had Moldred not ordered an audit¨Cand had her father not stolenpany funds¨Cshe would never have rushed to squeeze money from Quinn. In any case, Quinn owed her this. If not for Quinn, Julius would still be Marley¡¯s shield. One call from her, and the family would have III O T 12:46 Sun, 3 Aug Chapter 276 Anonymous Ransom hushed up her father¡¯s embezzlement. *5 Free Cam Now everything had changed. Julius had severed ties with her, and those fair¨Cweather rtives who once fawned over her could not wait to kick her while she was down. Shecked the courage to negotiate directly with Julius, so she would use Quinn to collect the cash. Five years ago, she and Julius had run into Rowan in Doria. Someone stole her jewelry, the police pulled the nearby surveince footage, and that was how she got the recording. Even so, prying the footage from the Doria authorities had cost her no small effort. If Quinn was smart, she would trace the clip back and learn that Julius had once met her brother. If Quinn and Julius had a falling out over this, it was good news to Marley. She savored the thought, unaware that at this very moment, Quinn was tracing the anonymous email back to her. Ordinary people found such sleuthing impossible; Quinn was anything but ordinary. Quinn had repaired the drone footage of the fire on aputer owned by a techpany under the Whitethorn family. With that same clearance, she could tap into the family¡¯s trackingwork. Julius had quietly granted her full investigative ess, free to draw on any resource the Whitethorn name controlled. That night, Julius asked, ¡°What are you investigating? Need my help?¡± ¡°Not for now,¡± Quinn answered, aware that tapping the Whitethornwork would never escape his notice. ¡°If I need you, I¡¯ll say so.¡± Julius frowned. ¡°Does it have to do with the message you received this afternoon?¡± ¡°Mm¨Chmm, but I can¡¯t talk about it yet,¡± Quinn said. The email had warned her not to tell anyone and had even singled Julius out by name, so she kept the secret for now. Because the issue concerned Rowan, she could not afford a single mistake. Perhaps when she found more leads, she could let Julius know. ¡°But I do need to borrow some money,¡± she added, ¡°and if ites to it, let your bodyguards take their orders from me.¡°. Julius chuckled softly. ¡°Quinnie, I told you before. Whatever I have is yours, whether cash or people.¡± ||| Military 277 Chapter 277 Burning Desire Chapter 277 Burning Desire s Quinn¡¯s heart began to race, caught off guard by the man standing so close. Time after time, he turned a spark of attraction into something deeper until every fleeting kindness, every nce, only made her love him more. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered. He leaned in until their noses almost touched. ¡°If you truly want to thank me, do it with me a few more times tonight.¡± Heat flooded her cheeks; his velvety invitation made resistance feel impossible. ¡°Do you want me?¡± he murmured. His sculpted features, those fox¨Cbright eyes, and the warm breath that skimmed her skin sent ripples through her. She had never thought herself the sort to be undone by charming looks, yet Julius shattered that certainty. ¡°Quinnie¡­¡± he breathed, hunger threading through the single word. ¡°Yes.¡± She surrendered, cupping his face and drawing his mouth to hers, inviting the fierce response that followed. Bodies tangled, perfectly matched, lost in a rhythm that felt both tender and unending. Later, Quinn asked Julius for one hundred million. He transferred the funds without a word, though unease still lurked at the edge of his mind. Since they had started dating, Quinn had never, kept a single secret from him. This time, though, she had looked him in the eye and said she could not tell him. What exactly is the message that reached her phone that day? Beside him, she slept soundly, her phone resting on the nightstand, Julius leaned over her sleeping form and reached toward the device. If I unlock it now, I could learn what made her expression change in the car, why she suddenly needed one hundred million and demanded bodyguards wherever she went. If I knew, would this uneasy feeling finally fade? He froze the moment his fingers hovered above the phone. If I rummage through her phone like this, that will be one more secret I am keeping from her. She will hate it, won¡¯t she? She already promised that in a few days she would tell me. All I have to do is wait. Julius let out a long breath, withdrew his hand, and studied her sleeping face. ¡°Quinnie, I¡¯ll never again do something you would despise,¡± he whispered. On the third day, as agreed, Quinn wired one hundred million into the designated ount and simultaneously activated her tracking program. As she predicted, the recipient began slicing the money into smaller transfers, and this was exactly what she had waited for. III O 12:46 Sun, 3 Aug Chapter 277 Burning Desire 3.69% 45 Free Coins She needed to pinpoint the sender¡¯s exact location. Earlier email traces had narrowed the search to Jexburgh, yet no tool had drilled any deeper. The cascading transfers gave her fresh coordinates, each one tightening the. The recipient remained somewhere inside Jexburgh, but Quinn wantedtitude and longitude. Her fingers flew over the keyboard. She wondered whether they would empty the ount before she uncovered their exact hideout. A sharp tap echoed as she struck the final key. Quinn watched the address sh onto the screen, her expression sharpening to ice. Ten minutester, inside the Whitethorn Group building, Julius received a report from his secretary, Fabian. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, Ms. Bridger left for the Eyre Hotel ten minutes ago with a team of bodyguards,¡± Fabian said. Julius asked, ¡°Did she tell you why she was going?¡± Fabian replied, ¡°She didn¡¯t, but I happen to know Ms. Marley Bridger has been staying at the hotel recently.¡± Fabian had been instructed to keep Marley under watch, so he knew exactly where she checked in the moment she arrived in Jexburgh. The instant he learned that Quinn was heading to the Eyre Hotel, the two facts collided in his mind. Dread flooded his veins. Julius sprang to his feet, snatched his car keys, and bolted from the office. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn!¡± Fabian called, baffled. Why is he in such a rush? Even if Quinn really runs into Marley, Quinn can handle herself¨Cand she brought bodyguards. Still, that sh across his face when he charged out¡ªwas that fear? No, Mr. Whitethorn isn¡¯t capable of fear. Marley¨Csat in her hotel room, practically glowing as the paymentnded in her ount. She immediately forwarded the video concerning Rowan to a freshly created anonymous email. The moment the message left her outbox, the address self¨Cdestructed, leaving no trace. Military 278 69% Chapter 278 Desperate Confrontation Chapter 278 Desperate Confrontation She had taken a crash course from a professional hacker just to manage this part of the scheme. g ¡°Quinn, I really hope you trace this back to Julius,¡± Marley whispered with savage delight. ¡°I want to see your face when you discover what he did all those years ago. Let¡¯s see if you still choose him after that.¡± If Quinn and Julius split over this, Marley figured she might still have a chance with him. She reached for a bottle of red wine, ready to toast her own brilliance, when a sudden knock rattled the door. ¡°Who is it?¡± Marley called. ¡°Room service,¡± came the reply from the hallway. ¡°I didn¡¯t order any room service,¡± Marley said as she twisted the handle and pulled the door open. The moment she saw the figure standing on the threshold, her face drained of color, and she tried to m the door shut. Bang! Quinn¡¯s boot smashed the door wide open, sending it recoiling against the wall. Marley staggered backward, lost her bnce, andnded hard on the carpet. ¡°Quinn, what do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Marley shouted as she scrambled up. ¡°Get out or I¡¯m calling the police!¡± ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯d love to see how much time you serve for stealing one hundred million,¡± Quinn said calmly. ¡°What are you talking about? What one hundred million?¡± Marley¡¯s anger melted into rm. Quinn closed the distance between them. ¡°I¡¯ll give you the money, Marley, but you¡¯re going to tell me everything¨Chow you got that video, where you met Rowan, when, all of it.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand a word you¡¯re saying,¡± Marley insisted. Quinn pressed her lips into a thin line and gestured for the bodyguards to restrain Marley. ¡°Let me go! This is illegal¨CI¡¯ll sue everyst one of you!¡± Quinn ignored Marley¡¯s shouting, grabbed theptop Marley had left on the side table, and quickly unearthed the records showing how Marley had funneled the money into another ount. She said, ¡°Now tell me, do you still want to press charges?¡± All color drained from Marley¡¯s face as if someone had yanked the plug on her blood. Quinn advanced on her step by step. ¡°Marley, I want everything you know. Say it, and I will let you keep the money. Stay silent, and I will use any means necessary to make you talk.¡± O 12:46 Sun, 3 Aug Chapter 278 Desperate Confrontation The truth concerned Rowan¡¯s whereabouts, and nothing mattered more to her. 300976 45 Free Coing ¡°I was traveling near the border in Doria when I ran into your brother. My bag had been stolen, so I went to the police, and the camera footage survived. After I saw his photo, I realized who he was and figured I could squeeze some benefit out of it,¡± she said, panicking. ¡°In the video, my brother is being beaten. You get out of the car, but someone else must still be inside, right? He is clinging to the door, speaking to whoever is in the back seat. What was he saying?¡± The surveince captured only the image, and no sound had been recorded. Panic spread even deeper across Marley¡¯s features. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t remember.¡± Quinn saw straight through the lie. ¡°You don¡¯t remember, or you don¡¯t want to talk? My brother is a soldier, and the military has never stopped searching for him. If I hand you over to their investigators, maybe your memory will return.¡± Marley¡¯s body gave a violent shudder, and she knew the military would force the truth from her. Yet if she spoke, Julius would never let her walk away alive. ¡°The person in the back seat was¡­¡± Before Marley could decide, a figure burst into the room. ¡°Quinnie!¡± A familiar voice filled the hotel room. Quinn turned in astonishment, and the neer was indeed Julius. Military 279 Chapter 279 Hidden Evidence Chapter 279 Hidden Evidence 69% s Julius burst into the suite looking ghost¨Cwhite. Quinn stared at him in astonishment. ¡°Julius?¡± she asked. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Fabian told me you came here with bodyguards. I was worried, so I came to check,¡± he said, hurrying closer. A hard edge glittered in his eyes when they flicked toward Marley. ¡°I never thought Marley would be hiding a video taken after Rowan¡¯s ident,¡± Quinn said. Judging from Rowan¡¯s condition in the video, along with the fact that the setting was in Doria, she concluded that he had somehow ended up there after the fire at the border¨Cfor reasons still unknown. In the footage, he appeared to be pleading with the person in the car for help. ¡°A video?¡± Julius echoed, stunned. Quinn handed him her phone. The file Marley had sent her began to y at once. Color drained from Julius¡® face. His hand shook so badly the small device might as well have weighed a thousand kilograms. Marley had kept footage from five years ago, footage that could shatter Quinn¡¯s world. ¡°Marley, I am asking onest time,¡± Quinn barked. ¡°Who was in the back seat? You traveled with them, so you must know.¡± On the video, Rowan shouted to the rear bench, waving like a drowning man. Two men climbed from the lead car, hauled him away, and tossed him onto the roadside as if he were cargo. The memory of that moment wed at Quinn¡¯s chest. Rowan, her proud and indomitable brother whose skills had once seemed unbeatable, must have been pushed far beyond exhaustion to be subdued by only two strangers, then flung aside like broken freight. The instant Julius crossed the threshold, Marley understood she was finished. The look he leveled at her was like staring at a dead person. Even if she kept silent, the mere act of exposing that clip to Quinn had. already condemned her. ¡°Fine,¡± Marley cried, gambling everything she had left. ¡°Quinn, you want the name of the man in that seat? Protect my life and I will tell you.¡± Before Quinn could answer, Julius cut in. ¡°Quinnie, let me investigate. You do not need a word from this woman. I will find Rowan, I swear.¡± The urgency in his voice matched the wild panic flickering across his handsome features, a desperation Quinn had never seen there before. ¡°Julius, what-¡± Quinn began. Julius snapped, ¡°Gag Marley and take her out.¡± The bodyguards who had apanied Quinn mped a hand over Marley¡¯s mouth and dragged her toward the corridor. Marley thrashed with every ounce of strength. She knew that once they crossed that threshold she was finished. Her resistance, however, changed nothing. 111 O < 12:46 Sun, 3 Aug Chapter 279 Hidden Evidence At the doorway Quinn¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°Wait!¡± The two guards froze. ¡°Let Marley go for now.¡± Quinn said. +5 Free Coins Julius suddenly crushed Quinnie against his chest. ¡°Quinnie, leave her be. Whatever you want to know, I¡¯ll find it for you.¡± His arms locked so tight it felt as though he meant to fuse her into his own body. Every muscle trembled. Even his voice shook, fear wing at him from the inside out. Quinn lifted her head, confusion darkening her gaze. ¡°Julius, what¡¯s wrong?¡± She sensed panic rolling off him, as though he were terrified of something she could not see. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m fine,¡± he murmured, forcing himself to remain calm. Yet the dread soaking his bones only spread, consuming him one breath at a time. Suddenly, Marley¡¯s muffled cry cut through the room. She had bitten the guard¡¯s finger, and while he yelped in pain, she shouted, ¡°Because the one sitting in the back seat that night was him!¡± Since Julius chose to treat her this way, she would not let him have it easy, too. 111 Military 280 Chapter 280 Unearthed Truth 69%1 +10 Free Coins Quinn¡¯s pupils dted, disbelief shing across her face. The guard, flustered, pped a hand over Marley¡¯s mouth again and dragged her toward the door. ¡°Stop!¡± Quinnmanded. The guard froze mid¨Cstride. Without looking away, she told Julius, ¡°Let go of me.¡± Yet his arms stayed locked around her. ¡°Quinnie, don¡¯t-¡± he began. She wrenched his hands free and stepped out of his hold. Julius staggered back two steps, reaching to block her path, but the moment their eyes met, he faltered. Her voice filled the room. ¡°Julius Whitethorn, whatever happens, I will hear Marley out and make my own judgment!¡± He went rigid, as though the blood inside him had turned to ice, and could only watch her walk toward Marley. Don¡¯t. Please don¡¯t move another step, Quinnie. Stop¡­ Just stop! The shout roared inside his skull, yet his throat felt sealed shut; no sound escaped. Quinn stopped in front of Marley and addressed the guard, ¡°Take your hand away.¡± The guard hesitated, looking to Julius for orders that never came. Quinn sped the guard¡¯s wrist, pried his fingers off, then faced Marley. ¡°Who was in that back seat?¡± ¡°Ha, I could say it a hundred times if you like! Quinn, the man in the back seat was Julius Whitethorn. You condemned Sidonie Stonehurst for watching someone die; now you know Julius did the same. How does that make you feel?¡± Marley¡¯sugh dripped with poison. She had already burned her own way out, so nobody else deserved to walk away unscathed. ¡°Since you say it was Julius, show me the evidence,¡± Quinn said, her gaze cial. ¡°Evidence? Five years ago, I traveled to Doria with Julius. My belongings were stolen, and the police report carries his name. You can even trace the car he hired that day, right down to the license te. If you managed to track me here, you can dig that up as well.¡± Quinn pressed her lips together until they went white and turned to Julius, who stood a few paces away. The man who had always met the world with calm now stared back at her, face bloodless, silent. Her heart gave a violent thud, then kept sinking. He did not deny it. That means Marley is probably telling the truth. Was Julius really the one in that back seat? ¡°Now you know, Quinn. The person Julius left to die was your brother. Do you remember how Rowan begged him? Julius simply ordered his men to drag Rowan aside¨Cno bandage, no help. That is the icy, ruthless man you im you can forgive. Can you still?¡± ||| O 12:47 Sun, 3 Augu Chapter 280 Unearthed Truth Marley¡¯s voice continued to ring in her cars. Agony tightened in Quinn¡¯s chest, growing sharper with every breath. 69% +10 Free Coins Even so, she forced herself to stay calm. Step by step, she walked over to Julius. ¡°We¡¯re going home,¡± she said, voice t. She had far too many questions to ask. Julius lifted trembling eyes to her, his body too rigid to move. Only when she took his hand and pulled him from the room did he jolt back to his senses. ¡°Quinnie, I¡­¡± he murmured, having no idea where to begin. ¡°Let¡¯s talk when we get home,¡± Quinn said, already steering him toward the elevator. Seeing them approach, the driver hurried forward and opened the rear door. Inside the car, Quinn sat in stony silence, eyes fixed on the dark window. Julius remained beside her, mind racing for a way out. The secret he most wanted buried had surfaced in the worst possible manner. Fear of losing her seeped through his veins, cold and relentless. How can I make her stay? The car stopped in front of the condominium. Quinn climbed out first and strode ahead. Julius shadowed her, step for step. By the time they entered the apartment, he felt as though the very air were choking him. Breaking the oppressive quiet, Quinn asked, ¡°You met my brother five years ago, didn¡¯t you?¡± Julius stood mute, unable to decide which answer would wound her less. O Military 281 Chapter 281 Shattered Trust. Chapter 281 Shattered Trust 5 Free Coins Quinn said, ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me. When we first started dated, you promised that every question I asked would be answered with the truth and never a single lie.¡± Julius pressed his lips together, then forced out a rough, ¡°Yes.¡± She went on, her voice frighteningly calm, ¡°So when my brother begged you for help that night, were you really sitting in the back seat?¡± He stared at her back, stunned. There were only a few steps between them, yet an impossible distance seemed to open, cold and endless. ¡°Yes.¡± The word scraped out of his throat. ¡°Quinnie, please forgive me. If I had known he was your brother, I never would have stood by and done nothing.¡± Quinn¡¯s shoulders trembled. She turned slowly and faced Julius. ¡°Stood by and did nothing?¡± Her lips lifted in a bitter curve. The irony cut deeper than any de. She had always despised Sidonie for letting an innocent life slip away because she refused to help. Now the man she loved had done the same to her own brother. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me long ago? You knew I was searching for Rowan. You even saw his photograph. Or are you going to say you forgot what happened five years ago and simply failed to remember? Even Marley had guessed I was looking for him, so do you expect me to believe you never made the connection? Julius, answer me. I want the truth, not another lie.¡± Her fingers curled tighter and tighter while she waited, dread knotting with anger. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Julius rasped. Those words sent Quinn¡¯s heart crashing to the bottom of a dark abyss. She closed the distance in a single stride, swung, and drove her fist straight into his face. Bang! The blownded hard, yet Julius neither dodged nor raised a hand. He simply absorbed the pain. ¡°Why? Why did you lie to me? You knew Rowan was in Doria, an invaluable clue, yet you kept silent!¡± Tears of fury burned her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Quinnie, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Julius pleaded. ¡°I was afraid that if I told you, you would never forgive me, that you would leave. I have sent people to look for Rowan in Doria. I¡­ I nned to confess everything once they found him.¡± ¡°So your honestyes with conditions?¡± Quinn let out augh that sounded more like a sob. Her fist shot forward again and cracked against his cheek. ¡°Do you know howpletely I trusted you before today? In a single moment, you destroyed it all.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± He had nothing else to say. ? O 15:52 Mon, 4 Aug Chapter 281 Shattered Trust 45 Free Coins. Quinn kept swinging, venting every ounce of hurt until Julius staggered back two steps, unable to stay upright. His once¨Chandsome face was a mess, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. The sight made Quinn¡¯s nose sting and the ache in her chest re. She had never imagined her fists would one day strike the man she loved. ¡°What exactly did Rowan say when he begged you?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°He only asked me to save him,¡± Julius replied, bitterness in every word. ¡°He was injured, speaking Clusian, which is why I remember. Back then, I felt nopassion for anyone or anything, so I¡­¡± Julius paused, as though scraping together thest of his courage. His voice trembled. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to interfere with Doria¡¯s affairs. I only told my men to pull him aside so he wouldn¡¯t block th Quinn let out a hollow, woundedugh, wondering what must Rowan have felt back the drowning in despair. ¡°Was anyone trying to hurt my brother at the time?¡± she asked. ar must be ¡°I didn¡¯t notice,¡± Julius answered. ¡°There are several industrial parks near that spot. Once I realized I had seen Rowan before, I sent people back to Doria to search, but they found nothing. He isn¡¯t in any of those parks.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze. Not being there meant Rowan had left, been taken elsewhere, or¨Cperhaps¨Cwas already dead. She knew the district was notorious for chaos. No. Rowan will not die. However hard life bes, he always survives. ¡°Onest question.¡± Quinn lifted her eyes and fixed them on Julius. ¡°When did you realize you had met my brother before?¡± ¡°When you took me to the diner in town,¡± Julius said. ¡°I saw a photo of you and Rowan on the wall and recognized him.¡± Quinn drew a long breath. So he had been hiding the truth from her since that day. Back when they started dating, she had told him she could not bear deceit, and he had sworn he would never¨Clie. ¡°So, when you vowed to answer any question I asked,¡± she said, her eyes turning crimson, ¡°you had already decided that as long as I stayed silent you could keep the truth buried, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Never again, Quinnie. I swear it will never happen again in the future,¡± Julius pleaded. For a moment, Quinn felt lost. Do we still have a future? Military 282 Chapter 282 Breaking Point Chapter 282 Breaking Point A sardonic twist tugged at Quinn¡¯s lips before hershes drifted shut. ¡°I¡¯m moving out,¡± she said softly. ¡°The hundred million I borrowed sits in Marley¡¯s private ount. I¡¯ll send you the details and transfer the interest to your ount. As for Marley, you can turn her over to the police; I¡¯ll file every record of our dealings.¡± The evenness of her tone terrified Julius. ¡°You don¡¯t have to move. I¡¯ll leave. Stay here as long as you like. This is your ce. Obviously I¡¯m the one who should go.¡± ¡°Quinnie, please, don¡¯t move out,¡± he begged. Instinct told him that if she moved out, she would sever their bond forever. ¡°I¡¯m moving out,¡± she repeated, her resolve unshaken. ¡°And-¡± She raised her head and held his gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s end this.¡± His pupils tightened. ¡°End? You mean¡­ break up?¡± ¡°Yes. Break up,¡± she said with a bitter smile. She had once dreamed of growing old with him, of returning from the border¨Cwhether or not she found Rowan¨Cand marrying Julius. Now, she understood that the future she had dreamed of had never been possible. ¡°I won¡¯t ept it,¡± Julius said through clenched teeth. ¡°I know you¡¯re furious because I hid the truth. I¡¯ll stay away until your anger fades, then we¡¯ll talk.¡± ¡°Whether my anger fades or not, I can¡¯t go on with you,¡± Quinn said. ¡°A rtionship takes two, but ending it takes only one.¡± ¡°Only because of this one lie?¡± Julius murmured. ¡°One lie is enough. You know the love I asked forplete trust. For me, that single betrayal felt like the sky caving in. How am I supposed to believe you again?¡± Julius closed the distance in a single stride and crushed Quinn against his chest. ¡°I will never hide anything from you again. Just this once¨Cplease, forgive me.¡± The embrace was once her favorite refuge, yet now, the moment his arms wrapped around her, she pictured how his men had dragged Rowan from the front of the car and tossed him aside without mercy. ¡°Julius, I know you had no duty to save my brother, yet I cannot stop ming you. If you had told me from the start you had met him instead of letting me learn it now, perhaps everything would feel different. How can I forgive you after this?¡± With those words, she pushed him away, walked back into the bedroom, dragged out a suitcase, and began packing her personal things one by one. 111 O 1/2 59% Chapter 282 Breaking Point +5 Free Coins Julius followed her inside. ¡°If I had told you at the beginning, would you really have forgiven me¨Cwould you have felt no anger at all?¡± Quinn kept silent; even she did not know the answer. But at least I would not be this furious. When Marley revealed the truth earlier that day, it had felt like a de hacking into Quinn¡¯s flesh¨Cpain and betrayal so vivid she doubted she would ever forget. ¡°Don¡¯t leave me,¡± Julius pleaded, his voice rough, almost begging. ¡°Quinnie, I love you too much. That¡¯s why I was afraid to confess that I had seen your brother and done nothing. I feared you would stop loving me, refuse to stay with me.¡± He loved her so fiercely that the prospect of losing her terrified him. She was upright and brilliant, and her brother meant the world to her. Julius could not gamble on a confession that might make her walk away before love had taken root. So he clung to the hope that the secret would hold until she loved him too much to leave, until he located Rowan, until certainty gave him the courage toe clean. Quinn turned her head, ordering herself not to look at him, because the more she looked, the more it hurt. ¡°My mind is made up,¡± she said, cing each piece of clothing into the suitcase. Julius lunged forward again and seized her wrist. ¡°You promised me that no matter what I did¡ªas long as it wasn¡¯t a crime¨Cyou would forgive me.¡± Military 283 Chapter 283 Fragile Trust Chapter 283 Fragile Trust She froze, staring at him in stunned disbelief. +5 Free Coins ¡°You did promise,¡± Julius repeated, clinging to the words like a drowning man to driftwood, ¡°Quinnie, you can¡¯t go back on that.¡± Quinn let out a sharp, mirthlessugh, tears zing her eyes. ¡°No wonder people say Mr. Whitethorn plots three steps ahead. I never imagined you calcted even this. You made me pledge forgiveness as insurance, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± He pressed his dry lips together. He knew how despicable that sounded. Yet he still could not bear to let her go. ¡°Please stay,¡± he pleaded. ¡°Let go,¡± she said, ncing at the fingers mped around her wrist. His voice cracked. ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Without a word, she began prying his fingers away, one after another. But his grip only tightened, unwilling to yield. Her eyes darkened. Crack! His forefinger jutted at a grotesque angle, freshly snapped by her. Julius whispered, his face pale, ¡°Quinnie, if breaking my fingers helps, take all t¨¦n.¡± Quinn frowned. ¡°Julius, do you honestly find this entertaining?¡± He shook his head, still holding on. ¡°No, but I can¡¯t let you go.¡± Quinn drew a sharp breath. ¡°I¡¯ll say it once more¨Cloosen your grip,¡± He kept silent, his hand mped around her wrist. Crack. The sound split the air, and pain speared her chest as though her bones had snapped. His middle finger folded, then the ring finger, and with the third sickening snap, she finally tore herself free. Julius looked at her, oblivious to the broken fingers. ¡°Please don¡¯t leave. Hurt me all you want, just stay.¡± Quinn studied the mangled fingers. ¡°Hurt you all I want? Can that resurrect Rowan or erase the lies you fed me?¡± She had never imagined she would one day hurt him like this. Quinn said, ¡°If you don¡¯t want this to get uglier, stop blocking my way.¡± Frozen in ce, he could only watch as she packed everyst belonging into her suitcase. When she rolled it past him and out of the bedroom without a backward nce, he found his voice at 1/2 15:52 Mon, 4 Aug Mon, 4 Aug Chapter 283 Fragile Trust Julius pleaded, ¡°Quinnie, I was wrong, I know I was wrong, just please don¡¯t abandon me.¡± Quinn began, ¡°Julius, you and I are already- A dull thud cut her off. She spun around to see Julius copse to his knees on the hardwood floor. ¡°You¡± Quinn stared, stunned that he had gone to his knees. 45 Free Coins He choked out, ¡°You once said you wanted me¨Cwant me to the end, remember? Don¡¯t walk away. I inade one mistake. Does one mistake leave me no chance at all?¡± Quinn stared at the man before her, knuckles whitening on the suitcase handle. ¡°Some mistakes leave no room for mercy,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I once promised to forgive anything short of a crime, but this¡­ This I cannot forgive.¡± She turned her back and walked out without another word. The door mmed behind her, and Julius felt the entire world sink into darkness. Even one mistake was unforgivable. It had been only once. He had reyed that day a thousand times, cursing himself for failing to save Rowan. If only he had met Quinn sooner. If five years ago, he had seen a single photograph of her brother¨Ceverything would have been different. If only he had crossed paths with Rowan that day, he could have pulled him to safety, and he and Quinn would be living the life they dreamed of. He stayed on his knees even after Quinn left. ¡°Daylight drained from the windows before he finally staggered upright. His right hand hung at his side, three broken fingers twisted grotesquely, yet he seemed oblivious. He swept the apartment with a desperate nce, then, as though possessed, began tearing through every room in search of her belongings.¡± When she first moved in, she had carried little more than a single suitcase. Tonight, she had taken everything with her, as though she meant never to return. Julius stopped beside the nightstand. After a long pause, he opened the drawer and found a small box. She had once told him it was meant for his birthday. She had taken every other possession yet left this one behind. Military 284 Chapter 284 Left Behind Chapter 284 Left Behind 59% s Julius lifted the box with his trembling left hand and pried it open. Inside rested a sandalwood bracelet. On top of ity a card filled with her words. The message read: Julius Whitethorn, may every year bring you peace. May we stand by each other until we are old. It was signed with Quinn¡¯s name. Julius stared at the words until silent tears slid free and darkened the paper. He did not wipe them away. Peace every year, huh? Until we are old, huh? Yet without her, what peace could I find, and with whom would I grow old? He had believed himself capable of outmaneuvering destiny, but even the shrewdest ns missed their mark. Some errors could never be undone. His father¡¯s voice came back to haunt him, ringing like a curse. ¡°Julius, you are my son. Like me, you never hold the one you love, and the pain will stay forever.¡± ¡°No,¡± he whispered, pressing the card against his chest. ¡°I am not you. I will not be.¡± Through that scrap of paper it felt as if he was holding Quinn herself. Laura had not expected her friend to appear at her door sote, dragging a suitcase across the hallway. ¡°Can I stay here for a few days? I¡¯ll look for a ce as soon as I can,¡± Quinn asked. ¡°Stay as long as you want,¡± Laura said. ¡°But looking for a ce¨Cwhat happened? Aren¡¯t you living with Julius?¡± ¡°Not anymore,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°What happened? Did you two fight?¡± Laura asked, half teasing, half concerned. Laura could not, even in her wildest imagination, picture Quinn and Julius raising their voices at each other. ¡°We ended things,¡± Quinn said, her tone t. Before driving over, she had spent hours by the river, staying until the sky grew dark, letting the water calm her nerves before finally turning the car toward Laura¡¯s apartment. Laura stared at her, stunned. ¡°Break up? You and Julius broke up?¡± Heavens. She had been floored when the two of them started dating, and only recently had she grown used to the idea. Now they¡¯re ending it already? ¡°Who brought it up?¡± Laura asked. ¡°I did.¡± 15:53 Mon, 4 Aug Chapter 284 Left Behind ¡°And he agreed?¡± Julius¡® devotion to Quinn had been obvious even to an outsider like Laura. With a shrug, Quinn said, ¡°A breakup only takes one person walking away.¡± 59% 45 Free Coins ¡°That¡¯s right, but¡­ hold on. Why did you end it? You just bought him a birthday gift.¡± She could not understand how a rtionship that had seemed so solid could crumble overnight, or why a quarrel would have to reach the point of no return. ¡°Our values sh,¡± Quinn said. ¡°So we¡¯re done.¡± Laura studied the redness around her friend¡¯s eyes. Quinn sounded calm, but after so many years of friendship, Laura knew thatposure was only a thin shell. ¡°All right, you can have your old room,¡± Laura said. ¡°I never really cleared it out after you left, so sort it as you like. Once you find Rowan at the border, you can move somewhere else.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Quinn said without argument. ¡°I¡¯ll transfer three thousand every month as rent.¡± ¡°Cut it out. You¡¯re the jewel of mypany now. Earn us more, and call the room a perk,¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Quinn hauled her suitcase inside and closed the door behind her. The next morning, she drove to the military district and handed over the video of Rowan to the authorities, hoping they could help locate her brother in Doria. She also nned to go to Doria herself to see what she might uncover. She was leaving the base when her phone rang. Fabian, Julius¡® private secretary, sounded desperate. ¡°Ms. Bridger, could you pleasee see Mr. Whitethorn? He has fractured fingers but refuses all medical care. I cannot persuade him.¡± Military 285 Chapter 285 Fractured Hearts. Chapter 285 Fractured Hearts s Quinn kept silent while Fabian¡¯s voice rose at the other end. ¡°Ms. Bridger, if Mr. Whitethorn will not go to the hospital now, his fingers may set wrong. Even if they heal, he could lose his hand.¡± After a long pause, she asked, ¡°Where is he?¡± ¡°Still in the apartment you once shared,¡± Fabian answered. Without another word, Quinn ended the call. Her car swallowed the distance to the apartment while regret rode beside her. She had snapped those fingers herself. She had only meant to get away, never to cripple him, yet every shing streetlight used her of cruelty. Fabian waited at the doorway and rushed forward when she arrived. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is inside. Ms. Bridger, I have never seen him like this. Please, whatever happened, forgive him.¡± ¡°Fabian.¡± Her voice cut through his plea. ¡°What stands between Julius and me is none of your business.¡± Fabian understood he had overstepped and fell silent. Quinn opened the door and slipped inside alone. Empty bottles littered the coffee table. Juliusy stretched across the couch, as if passed out, wearing the same clothes from the night before. His right hand hung over the armrest, three fingers twisted at grotesque angles, the same fingers she had broken. Pain speared through her chest. She had ended the rtionship with her own lips, but love did not vanish simply because a sentence had been spoken. She stepped closer. Even in drunken sleep, his brow remained knotted, the face so familiar to her etched with silent torment. On his right wrist, she spotted the bracelet, the birthday gift she had meant to fasten around him herself. Her eyes stung. Two days ago, she had been nning his birthday, and now everythingy in ruins. She bent over him and called softly, ¡°Julius.¡± ¡°Julius!¡± His eyelids did not even flutter. Quinn sighed. She would have to get him to the hospital, and if he would not wake, she would carry him. there herself. She reached for his left arm but froze. The hand clutched a single card, pressed tight against his heart. Quinn froze at the sight of the card¨Cthe same one where she had scribbled her well¨Cwishes. A lump rose in her throat, surprise and sorrow mixing so quickly she almost forgot to breathe. She reached out to tug the card from his hand, but his fingers mped down as if startled awake. Though his eyes stayed shut, he pleaded in ragged whispers, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t go, Quinnie, please don¡¯t leave.¡± His tall frame curled inward, arms locking around the card like a child refusing to be pried from what he loves most. Quinn stared at the man, reminding herself that she hade today for one purpose only¨Cto drag him O 17:19 Tue, 5 Aug Chapter 285 Fractured Hearts to the hospital. s With a sharp breath, she hauled him upright. Because his left hand clutched the card in a death grip, she had to grasp his right arm, taking the full weight of his broad, drunken body. Julius was tall even sober; in his current state, he felt leaden. Any ordinary woman would never have managed to budge him at all. When she finally staggered out of the penthouse lobby with Julius slung over her shoulder, Fabian hurried forward, adding his own strength beneath their swaying employer. Julius kept murmuring, ¡°Quinnie¡­ Quinnie¡­¡± each repetition drawing him closer, his heavy frame pressing insistently against her. Even drunk, his body sought the familiar scent it trusted. As they walked, his lips skimmed the soft skin of her neck, a fleeting touch that, paired with his broken whispers, made her want to cry even more. Inside the car, Quinn settled Julius in the back seat. She leaned over to fasten his belt, and when she lifted her head, she met a pair of crimson, intoxicated eyes staring straight at her. Is he awake? The question shed through her, leaving her momentarily speechless. Julius did not blink. When Quinn tried to retreat, his injured right hand shot out, three fingers broken yet still managing to mp around her wrist. She stiffened, eyes drifting to the mangled hand. She could easily yank herself free, but the motion might worsen the damage. ¡°Julius, loosen your grip. I don¡¯t want you hurting that hand again,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Is¡­ Is this a dream?¡± Julius whispered. ||| Military 286 Chapter 286 Consequences Of Love +5 Free Coins Julius kept his gaze locked on Quinn, afraid that if he rxed even a fraction, she would disappear. ¡°It isn¡¯t a dream,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Fabian called to tell me you refused treatment, so I came to take you to the hospital.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need treatment,¡± he murmured after a long look. ¡°Let the wounds stand as punishment. Even if these three fingers are ruined, it doesn¡¯t matter. Quinnie, I told you¨Cwhatever punishment you choose, I¡¯ll ept it.¡± ¡°I never meant to punish you,¡± Quinn said, pressing her lips together. ¡°I broke your fingers in a moment of panic. That makes it my responsibility to see them properly treated.¡± Fabian stiffened in shock at the exchange. So those three broken fingers are Ms. Bridger¡¯s doing? He had heard they shed yesterday over Marley¡¯s affair, something that also involved Quinn¡¯s missing brother. Fabian had tried to reach Julius all morning. When his calls¨Cwent unanswered, he rushed to the apartment, found Julius in a wrecked state, and, after failing to talk sense into him, contacted Quinn for help. Julius murmured, ¡°So you won¡¯t even punish me?¡± The question carried a bleakness that unsettled the air. Quinn lowered her eyes. ¡°Julius, I have no right to punish you.¡± He took a trembling breath. ¡°But what if you did, Quinnie? What if I need your punishment?¡± ¡°Punish you for what?¡± she asked, bitterness roughening her voice. ¡°Because you didn¡¯t save Rowan? I already told you, you were never obliged to save him. Or for lying to me? We¡¯re no longer together, so punishment feels pointless.¡± ¡°You truly want to leave me?¡± Julius lifted the card he still clutched. ¡°You wished me years of peace, promised we¡¯d grow old side by side.¡± Quinn stared at the message she had written in her own hand. Just seeing the words made her chest throb. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to face you anymore,¡± she whispered. A shadow dropped over his eyes, sealing away thest of their light. Atst, he let go. Fabian guided the car toward the hospital. In the back seat, Quinn stared at the passing scenery, yet she could feel Julius¡® gaze fixed on her. She said nothing, and he offered no word in return, the silence closing around them until the atmosphere felt suffocated. At the wheel, Fabian drove with exaggerated caution, still reeling from the conversation he¡¯d overheard. Ms. Bridger actually broke up with Mr. Whitethorn? She is the first woman Mr. Whitethorn had ever dated, the only person I¡¯ve seen him care about with such fervor. What would happen to Mr. Whitethorn now? ¡°Unbidden, rumors about the Whitethorn family surfaced in Fabian¡¯s mind. He knew a little about Julius¡® parents. People said Whitethorns loved with a devotion that bordered on madness. If they lost the one they loved, madness imed them outright.¡± O 17:19 Tue, 5 Aug Tue, 5 Aug to Chapter 286 Consequences Of Love Joaquin Whitethorn had unraveled after his wife¡¯s death; whispers suggested his mind had never recovered. Would Julius follow the same path? Fabian could hardly bear to picture.it. s When they reached the hospital, Quinn and Julius stepped out. He had sobered, the alcohol haze traded for a stark rity. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s check in,¡± she said. Julius did not move. ¡°Are you insisting I treat my hand only because you feel responsible?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I injured you, so it¡¯s my duty to bring you here.¡± He lowered his voice. ¡°But does my injury cause you heartache?¡± A fragile hope trembled beneath the question. He had only disappointment waiting after her answer. ¡°No.¡± Quinn said. ¡°Not even a little?¡± Julius pressed. ¡°Not even a little,¡± she repeated, the words meant for him as much as for herself. She had chosen the breakup; from this moment on, she would not let her heart ache for him again. ¡°Enough, let¡¯s not waste time. I still have other things to handle,¡± Quinn said. Seeing Julius rooted to the spot, she caught his uninjured left hand and guided him toward the outpatient lobby. After they registered, Julius did not have to wait long before his name was called. The examinations, X- rays, and treatment moved quickly. Luckily, the fracture was mild; instead of a cast, a small splint would keep the finger in ce. When the doctor finished fastening the splint, Quinn said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± She turned to go, but Julius suddenly wrapped his arms around her from behind. Military 287 Chapter 287 Clinging Desperation 38% +5 Free Coins ¡°Now that my finger¡¯s treated, you think your responsibility ends there, don¡¯t you?¡± Julius murmured, his face buried in the curve of her neck, voice scraped raw. ¡°If you want me to pay the medical costs, I can-¡± ¡°You know I¡¯m not talking about money. You imed me, Quinn. Shouldn¡¯t you see it through?¡± She was the one who had lured him out of endless night, coaxing him, inch by inch, toward the promise of daylight. And now she meant to shove him back into the dark. He held her so tightly she could hardly breathe, yet the harder he clung, the clearer the video shed in her mind¨CRowan dragged across the ground and tossed aside like trash. The image would not fade. She didn¡¯t even know who to me. Do I fault him for leaving Rowan to suffer? I have always known he empathy. Or do I me myself for loving him? Had I never loved him, I would not be in such pain now. ¡°Julius, I took from you, but I gave as much in return. Neither of us owes the other.¡± With that, she ripped herself free and walked away. Julius stood frozen, watching Quinn¡¯s silhouette shrink until the corridor swallowed her. Moments earlier, her embrace had felt as if he held the entire world. Now, with her absence, the world slipped through his fingers, Cold seeped into his bones, and with the chill came a steady, needling pain that refused to stop. The pain felt endless, stretching on without mercy. Guards marched Marley through the iron gates of Whitethorn Manor. ¡°Let me go! I am the eldest daughter of the Bridger family. If something happens to me, they will never let this rest.¡± She fought against their hold. Moments ago, her arrogance had been unshakable. Now, terror drowned every spark of defiance. When Julius stepped into view, that fear spiked until it hollowed her out. Yesterday, she had recklessly spilled the secret. Once she calmed down, she finally understood what she had done, and dread took root. ¡°Julius, please, spare me. I swear I will never appear in front of you or Quinn again!¡± Marley cried. ¡°Spare you?¡± Julius answered, his tone t, a frozen aura rolling off him. In the past, Julius had seemed detached, a man observing life from a distant shore. Now he looked like a de forged for ughter, glinting with a killing chill. ¡°Yes, spare me! I gave up an eye for you, remember. Please-¡± Her plea snapped off. A gun barrel dug into her temple, the metal biting like ice. Marley shook so violently her knees knocked together as she stared at Julius in naked horror. He is going to kill me. ¡°Spare you? Then who will spare me?¡± His voice rasped, fevered with rage. ¡°Marley Bridger, you are the first person I have ever truly hated. I never imagined I would be brought low by a rat like you. You think the Bridger family will avenge you? Let¡¯s test that. If I pull the trigger right here, will they still dare toe for me?¡± ||| Ty Tue, 5 Aug Chapter 287 Clinging Desperation His final word barely faded before the weapon clicked, a fresh round sliding into the chamber. 38% s ¡°No¨Cyou cannot kill me! I am still a Bridger. If Quinn finds out you murdered me, do you think she will ever stay with you?¡± Marley screamed. In an instant, Julius¡® eyes red, red as fresh wounds. Quinnie¡­ She is a righteous person. If my hands carry blood, then in her eyes, that is a crime. She broke up with me, said we had no future, yet I still dare to dream that we do. I see us growing old together, just like the promise on the birthday card she gave me. But she has already cast me aside, so that when she left the hospital today, she did not look back even once. ¡°Marley Bridger, do you have any idea how much you deserve death?¡± Julius snarled, and the gun roared. 111 Military 288 Chapter 288 Blood At Whitethorn Manor Chapter 288 Blood At Whitethorn Manor Bang! Bang! Bang! 38% +5 Free Coins The pistol barked in reckless bursts. Each round sliced past Marley¡¯s cheek, ripped the air beside her arm, and kissed the fabric near her thigh. When the final round clicked dry, Julius lowered the smoking barrel. ¡°Take her to the station,¡± Julius told his men, ¡°let her rot in a cell for the rest of her life, and make sure the days she spends there are anything but easy.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Madman¡­ you are a madman, Julius Whitethorn! Do you really think Quinn will ever love you? This world holds only one person who can truly ept you¨Cme, only me. Laugh at me all you like; I will watch you suffer for it,¡± Marley shrieked when the guards dragged her away. A guard mped a hand over her mouth and hauled her from the room. Julius lowered his gaze, his face carved from stone, studying the sandalwood bracelet wrapped around his left wrist. Suffer, huh? I am already walking through hell. ¡°You are going to Doria?¡± Laura blinked in surprise. ¡°Yes. I wanted confirmation from the military that Rowan survived the border fire, but the surveince footage from Doria shows him alive. It means the ze injured him, and somehow he drifted across the border.¡± Yet Quinn could not understand why, with all her brother¡¯s skills, he had failed to reach anyone back home. Neither the militarymand nor she herself had received a single signal from him. Is he trapped by circumstances beyond his control¨Cor had the worst already happened? Her fingers tightened into a fist. No, Rowan is still alive. ¡°Since I know Rowan surfaced in Doria after the fire, I will go there and look for him.¡± ¡°But Doria is a mess right now. What if something happens to you?¡± ¡°I have been to Doria before on missions. I will not travel blind. You know my background¨Ceven if danger finds me, I can protect myself.¡± ¡°You may have served in the special forces, but you were discharged three years ago. If you run into a crowd, even your skills might fail. Let mee with you.¡± Laura was still worried. ¡°I appreciate it, but no. I do not know how long the search will take, and you have apany to run. Alone, I can move quickly. With you to protect, the risk doubles.¡± Laura fell silent, realizing her friend made sense. In real danger she would only slow Quinn down. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once I arrive, I will check in with our embassy, and the military will also provide support for the search,¡± Quinnforted her friend. ||| O < Chapter 288 Blood At Whitethorn Manor ¡°Then call me every day.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± ¡°When do you leave?¡± ¡°In two weeks. I need to arrange the visa and wrap up my work first.¡± Laura nced over and asked, ¡°Has Han heard that you¡¯re leaving?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t told him yet,¡± Quinn replied. +5 Free Coins ¡°Then why don¡¯t you invite him out tomorrow evening for a drink? It might help you clear your head.¡± Tomorrow. The word shed across Quinn¡¯s mind, sharp as a spark. Tomorrow was Julius¡® birthday. She had nned to take the whole day off so they could spend it together, but there was no need for that anymore. She managed a rueful smile. ¡°All right. Let¡¯s share a drink tomorrow.¡± She told herself it was finally time to set Julius down in her memory and stop letting the rtionship shackle her. ||| Military 289 Chapter 289 Conversation At The Grave The next morning brought a cold, te¨Cgray sky over the cemetery. A ck sedan rolled to a halt at the gates, and Julius stepped out with unhurried grace. Fabian hurried after him. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn.¡± ¡°Stay here. Wait at the foot of the hill,¡± Julius said coolly. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Fabian and the bodyguards stopped where they were. Alone, Julius climbed the long stone steps that wound through the graves. Today was his birthday, but it was also his mother¡¯s death anniversary. +5 Free Coins Every year, on this date, he could count on meeting one other person, and sure enough, when Joaquin¡¯s silhouette appeared, Julius felt no surprise at all. Julius had banished his father to an ind owned by the Whitethorn family and seized almost every strand of family power, but exile never meant Joaquincked contingencies. When it came to his wife¡¯s memorial, the old man would break through any cage to attend. Joaquin turned, smiling as though they were any ordinary father and son. ¡°There you aree pay your respects to your mother.¡± Julius said nothing. He stepped to his mother¡¯s headstone, the ck¨Cand¨Cwhite portrait showing a woman driven to death yet still wearing a blooming smile. He bowed three times; whatever her failings, she had still given him life. ¡°I hear you and Quinn have parted ways?¡± Joaquin asked, his voice cutting through the hush. Julius pressed his thin lips together. He had sent men to spy on his father, so it stood to reason the old man had spies of his own. ¡°That is none of your concern,¡± he said quietly. Joaquin said casually, ¡°Of course it concerns me. You are still my son. Since the girl once struck me, it would hardly be excessive if I took both her hands.¡± Ice shed in Julius¡® eyes. ¡°Touch her and you sign your own death warrant.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re nning to kill your own father over a woman who no longer wants you?¡± Joaquin lifted one eyebrow. ¡°Touch her and I will.¡± Julius¡® voice showed no hesitation. If she left this world, nothing else could hold him back. Joaquin burst intoughter. ¡°Is it worth it? All this for a woman who walked away so easily?¡± Julius shot back, ¡°And you¨Cworth going insane over a woman who never loved you?¡± O 3.307 Chapter 289 Conversation At The Grave Father and son locked eyes, cold disdain mirrored on both faces. +5 Free Coins After a silent beat, Julius turned to leave. Before stepping away, he said, ¡°Touch her and, dead or not, I will never let your ashes rest beside Mother¡¯s.¡± Joaquin narrowed his eyes. ¡°You dare threaten me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m just telling you the consequences of your actions. Harm her, and I will grind you to dust.¡± Joaquin fell silent. Julius walked out without looking back. Their confrontation ended there. Joaquin turned toward his wife¡¯s headstone once more. He murmured, ¡°Our son will end up like us.¡± A bitterugh slipped out. ¡°Grind me to dust, huh? I was already grinded to dust the day you died.¡± With her trip to Doria approaching, Quinn hurried to wrap up work and shop for travel essentials. After work, Laura slung an arm around Quinn¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Bar time. Tonight we drink until we drop.¡± The bar Laura chose served food, and she had even reserved a private booth. Yet when they entered, they found not only Han but Weston waiting inside. Laura frowned at Han. ¡°Why did you bring him?¡± Han rubbed his temples. ¡°I¡¯d love to know that myself.¡± He had been on his way here when, during a call with Laura, his uncle overheard and insisted oning along. Laura sighed, facing Weston. ¡°Why are you here? Tonight is supposed to be Quinn, Han, and me.¡± Weston replied in perfect deadpan, ¡°I¡¯m worried you¡¯ll get drunk and assault my nephew. You do have a record.¡± Laura¡¯s cheeks burned. ¡°I told you, that was a misunderstanding!¡± Quinn¡¯s curiosity sparked. ¡°What record?¡± ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just a misunderstanding,¡± Han cut in, then red at Weston. ¡°Uncle Weston, if you want to see Laura, fine, but leave me out of it.¡± He was no fool; Weston¡¯s real reason for being here was Laura. His uncle had never cared for social outings otherwise. Weston gave a small nod. ¡°Fair enough,¡± he said, his voice steady. That sounded like an indirect way of admitting he dide here just to see Laura. 538% Chapter 289 Conversation At The Grave Laura frowned. Is he still unwilling to give up? I already turned him down. +5 Free Coins To keep the evening from turning awkward, Laura changed the subject. ¡°Let¡¯s order something,¡± she suggested. ¡°Line our stomachs before the alcohol does its damage.¡±. She gged down the waiter, reeled off a list of dishes and bar snacks, then added a fresh round of drinks for good measure. They ate and drank, conversation drifting until Quinn mentioned she was flying to Doria. ¡°You¡¯re going to Doria?¡± Han asked, startled. Military 290 Chapter 290 Keep Her Word Chapter 290 Keep Her Word *5 Free Coins ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn said. ¡°After the border fire five years ago, my brother was spotted in Doria, so I need to go and see whether any trail remains.¡± Though half a decade had passed and Rowan might be long gone, she could not stay home and wonder. ¡°Doria is unstable these days,¡± Weston cautioned. ¡°If you¡¯re searching for someone, I can reach out to friends there and have them ask around.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Quinn replied, ¡°but I still have to see it with my own eyes.¡± Han studied her. ¡°Are you going with Julius Whitethorn?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯m going alone.¡± ¡°Alone? Julius is letting you travel on your own?¡± he blurted. ¡°We broke up,¡± Quinn answered, her tone in. Han was in shock. Even Weston lifted a brow, recalling how Julius had once shut down an entire theater because Quinn had dared watch male dancers. Everyone knew Whitethorn men loved with a ferocity that bordered on madness. It seemed impossible that Julius would simply let her go. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s over,¡± Quinn reiterated, the faintest bitterness threading through her voice. Sensing the heaviness, Laura pped her hands. ¡°Tonight we drink and forget. Cheers!¡± She twisted the cork free and filled every ss After several rounds, the room grew warmer, the tension easing intofortableughter. A rosy flush coloring her cheeks, Laura slung an arm around Quinn¡¯s shoulders. ¡°If Julius fails the test, out he goes. Three¨Clegged toads are rare, but two¨Clegged men are everywhere.¡± ¡°Laura!¡± Han scolded. ¡°Why say that?¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m finding her someone better,¡± she dered, cradling Quinn¡¯s face. ¡°He¡¯ll be handsomer and more obedient. Julius can choke on his jealousy.¡± Quinn saw her friend slipping toward inebriation and tried to intervene. ¡°I¡¯m not nning to¡­¡± A smooth voice drifted in from the doorway. ¡°So, you want to introduce a new man to Quinn?¡± The four friends froze, heads snapping toward the open door of the private room. The door to the private suite/had opened without anyone noticing, and Julius stepped inside. Quinn shot to her feet, shielding Laura. ¡°Why are you here?¡± ||| O 17:20 Tue, 5 Aug Chapter 290 Keep Her Word +5 Free Coins Julius swept Laura with an icy nce. ¡°Had 1 stayed away, she would have lined up several men for you.¡± Laura flinched. The alcohol fog vanished, leaving cold sweat sliding down her back. ¡°We are finished. No matter how many men Laura introduces, it has nothing to do with you.¡± ¡°Julius, you are not wee here. Will I have to throw you out, or will you leave on your own?¡± Han stepped forward. Ignoring him, Julius kept his gaze fixed on Quinn. ¡°Today is my birthday. You promised to spend it with. me.¡± Quinn froze, and Han barked, ¡°You two broke up¨Cwhy should she go anywhere with you?¡± Julius¡® eyes stayed on Quinn, their calm surface hiding a hint of madness. ¡°Will you?¡± Han lunged with a curse, but Quinn caught his arm before he could strike. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°Quinnie!¡± Han frowned. ¡°You don¡¯t have to force yourself. He can¡¯t take you away.¡± The tension in the room tightened, ready to snap. Laura edged over to Weston, shivering, and hissed, ¡°Stop watching like it¡¯s a show. If Han and Julius really fight, what then?¡± Weston arched a brow. ¡°You want me to step in?¡± Laura took in his schrly build and doubted he would be anything but a punching bag. Quinn spoke up. ¡°I am not forcing myself. I promised to be with him on his birthday, and I intend to keep. my word.¡± She lifted her purse and nodded to Julius. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Once they left the suite, Quinn turned to the man shadowing her. ¡°If I had refused, what would you have done?¡± O Military 291 Chapter 291 Birthday mes Julius spoke in a slow, almost gentle murmur. ¡°Then I¡¯ll stay at your side, and anyone who tries to stand between us¨CI¡¯ll remove them.¡± The words were calm, yet the re beneath hisshes burned with gathering madness. Quinn pressed her lips together. During these past days with him, she had almost forgotten that the man beside her was the head of the Whitethorn family¨Cthe one person in all Jexburgh everyone feared provoking. She drew a steady breath. ¡°Let¡¯s change the venue,¡± she said. Julius answered at once, ¡°Then let¡¯s go back to the apartment. Everything is prepared¨Conly you are missing.¡± ¡°The apartment?¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knitted. Julius tilted his head, mocking tenderness in his voice. ¡°What, have you changed your mind? A moment ago, you promised to spend my birthday with me.¡± ¡°No,¡± she replied, turning toward the exit. She left first, and he followed. Minutester, their car pulled up in front of the apartment¨Cthe same ss¨Cand¨Csteel aerie where they had once, for a time, lived together. As Quinn stepped inside, she saw that the ce had indeed been transformed. Multicolored balloons drifted against the ceiling, ribbons cascaded down, and every surface glittered with birthday¨Cparty decorations. Beneath the ribbons hung dozens of photographs¨Csnapshots of the two of themughing together. Quinn stared at her younger self, at the carefree light in her eyes. Back then, she had never imagined their love might fracture like this. While she was lost in thought, Julius stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her from behind. ¡°Look,¡± he whispered against her hair, ¡°we were happy once, weren¡¯t we? Quinnie, no one on earth will ever love you more than I do. Come back to me.¡± Quinn snapped back to the present. ¡°We¡¯re already over. If you don¡¯t let go right now, I¡¯ll leave¨Cand the promise I made to spend your birthday with you will vanish the moment I walk out.¡± Julius¡¯s eyes dimmed as he loosened his embrace. ¡°I always thought I was ruthless,¡± he murmured, ¡°but it seems your heart is colder than mine.¡± Quinn stepped away, meeting his gaze. ¡°Whatever existed between us is finished. I¡¯m here tonight on because I promised to keep youpany on your birthday.¡± Yes, that¡¯s all¨Cjust keep him . She had felt a pang of pity when she learned he had never celebrated a birthday. In her own memories, even when her family was scattered, they still mailed gifts and love. To outsiders, Julius¡® life seemed dazzling, yet he had been denied even that simple joy. Coming tonight, she decided, would be their full stop¨Cthe neat, final period to their story. AUG Chapter 291 Birthday mes ¡°Then help me light the candles,¡± he said, moving to the table where a cake waited. Julius pressed slender candles into the frosting, then flicked his lighter and coaxed each wick to life. The mes trembled. Julius closed his eyes, brought his hands together, and¨Csilently, solemnly¨Cmade his birthday wish. After a breath of silence, he opened his eyes. He leaned forward, puffed the lone candle into smoke, and turned to Quinn. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about the wish I just made?¡± Quinn folded her arms. ¡°Whatever you wished has nothing to do with me now.¡± Julius lifted the silver knife, carved a neat square of cake, and set it on a te. ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong. My wish is about us¨Cabout you taking my hand and growing old beside me. It is the very hope you tucked into the birthday gift you once picked out for me.¡± She shook her head. ¡°That was before. I can¡¯t possibly-¡± ¡°Nothing is impossible!¡± he cut her off, advancing with the te bnced in his hand. ¡°You say the lies killed your trust. If so, we¡¯ll start again. I will earn back every shard of it, one truthful day after another. ¡°Your brother is still missing because I looked away when it mattered. Let me keep searching. ¡°The Whitethorn family runs its own overseas intelligence web¨CDoria included. I know you have military contacts, but add mine, and the clues will surface faster. ¡°Quinnie, call off this breakup, and every resource my family owns is yours. However long it takes, I will help you bring Rowan home.¡± He finished speaking, stopped only inches from her, and held the te between them like a fragile treaty. ¡°So¨Cwill you stay with me, please?¡± Military 292 Chapter 292 No Going Back Chapter 292 No Going Back ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Quinn said, her refusal cutting clean. ¡°What we had is over. Trust isn¡¯t a crack you fill with words. I don¡¯t want to spend my life guessing which sentence is the truth and which is the lie. But every time I see your face, I relive the video of Rowan¡¯s pleading eyes. I keep telling myself you weren¡¯t obliged to save him, yet-¡± Her voice trembled, and she fought the urge to cry. ¡°I can¡¯t make my heart believe it.¡± ¡°Then me me, curse me, even hate me,¡± Julius pleaded, ¡°just don¡¯t leave.¡± ¡°If anger is all that binds us, what would be the point?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°You¡¯re resisting the breakup now because it¡¯s fresh. With time, the feeling will fade.¡± ¡°So you¡¯ve already moved on?¡± he pressed. Quinn¡¯s fingers curled into her palms. In a voice that fought to stay steady, she said, ¡°Yes. I have.¡± Shadow gathered behind his eyes. ¡°So you¡¯ll meet other men? You honestly think whatever suitor Laura digs up will be better than me? For every man she introduces, I¡¯ll destroy one¨Cand I can make her-¡± ¡°Julius Whitethorn!¡± Quinn¡¯s shout cracked through the room. ¡°Touch my friend and I will never forgive you. Laura was drunk, tossing out words. I¡¯m not interested in meeting anyone new, but-¡± Her eyes zed as she continued, ¡°If you harm Laura, that line will never uncross.¡± He let out a short, bitterugh. ¡°You already don¡¯t forgive me. What difference does one more sin make?¡± ¡°Then you will hurt her?¡± Quinn¡¯s tone went cial. He ignored the question. ¡°Eat the cake first. It¡¯s my birthday.¡± With an almost ceremonial firmness, he nudged the te closer. Quinn drew a deep breath, epted the te, took a single bite, then handed it back. ¡°Satisfied?¡± ¡°Too little,¡± he murmured. Bowing his head, he scooped a cloud of frosting onto his tongue, then seized her chin and crashed his mouth onto hers. Quinn shoved at his chest, but his arms locked around her like steel cable. The sweet cream flowed from his mouth into hers; she swallowed only because there was no space left to breathe. Shended punch after punch against his ribs, yet he clung tighter, kissing her with desperate fury. Quinn knew her blows were far from gentle. He absorbed each one in silence, determined not to let go. Remembering the three fingers she had already broken, she finally let her fists fall. The kiss refused to end; Julius¡® lips roved over Quinnie¡¯s, iming and releasing them in a relentless loop. In a breathy murmur pressed to her ear, he whispered, ¡°Quinnie, you still can¡¯t bear to hurt me, can you? That means you still love me Quinn shoved him away with sudden force. ¡°Enough. Are you done?¡± 111 Chapter 292 No Going Back Julius dragged in a ragged breath and fixed her with a fever¨Cbright stare. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare look for another man. The moment you choose one, I¡¯ll destroy him.¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knitted. Gloom and something close to madness had settled over Julius¡® face, reminding her of the rumors that branded him the Whitethorn madman. If they shed head¨Con, no one knew what might happen. She lifted a hand, wiped her aching lips with the back of it, and red at him. ¡°All right, I¡¯ve eaten the cake. and spent your birthday with you. Happy now? I¡¯m leaving.¡± Given enough time, he¡¯ll have to ept that we¡¯re over. As she reached the foyer, Julius¡® voice rolled after her. ¡°Quinnic, remember what I just said. I always keep my word.¡± Bang! The only reply he received was the m of the door. Julius ground his teeth and slowly peeled off his shirt. A dark bruise blossomed across his abdomen where her fist hadnded. Absurdly, even the pain she left behind felt precious to him. He let his fingers drift over the tender mark, then lifted his wrist and pressed a kiss to the sandalwood bracelet he wore. ¡°Quinnie, this breakup? I don¡¯t acknowledge it.¡± The next morning at work, Laura leaned over Quinn¡¯s desk and whispered, ¡°So, how did things end with Julius after I left? He didn¡¯t do anything to you, did he?¡± After all, when Julius stormed into the private room yesterday, he had radiated the unhinged energy of a man on the edge. ¡°Nothing serious. I went to his ce and shared a slice of cake with him, that¡¯s all.¡± Against her will, the memory of his sudden, bruising kiss surfaced. Julius was right about one thing. Quinn still loved him. If that feeling were truly dead, she would have kept hitting him until he let go. Love is never something you set down just because you say so. I talked as though I were free of him, but the truth is I¡¯m is impossible. I not. Yet I also know that right now, being with Juliu Military 293 Chapter 298 Frayed Edges Chapter 293 Frayed Edges Laura shook her head. ¡°From the way Julius looked yesterday, he certainly didn¡¯t seem ready to break up with you. When I mentioned setting you up with someone else, the re he gave me could have slit my throat.¡± ¡°Give him a little while; he¡¯lle around. And please, stop trying to line me up with someone new¨CI have neither the time nor the inclination,¡± said Quinn. Laura muttered that she probably would not need to meddle anyway; if anyone was celebrating the breakup between Quinn and Julius, it could only be Han. In fact, the night Quinn walked out, Han had already cornered Laura and warned her¨Cno more blind dates for Quinn, full stop. ¡°But can you really set this rtionship down and walk away?¡± ¡°Of course I can. I once scraped every feeling I had for Trent Grafton out of my chest. Compared with that, letting go of Julius will be easy, too.¡± ¡°Trent was a cheating low¨Clife¨Cditching him doesn¡¯t count. Julius is different; the man adores you. When you almost skipped his birthdayst night, I swear I saw him crack right in front of me.¡± Pausing, Laura asked after some hesitation, ¡°Are you absolutely sure there¡¯s no chance for the two of you to find your way back?¡± ¡°Tell me, Laura¨Chow do you mend something once the trust has copsed?¡± Besides, Rowan still stood between her and Julius like a silent, immovable wall. Laura¡¯s eyes widened; atst she understood¨CJulius must have crossed a line fatal enough to shatter Quinn¡¯s faith. ¡°All right, my drama can wait. Tell me¨Cwhat¡¯s brewing between you and Weston Windore?¡± Laura shifted in her seat, a flicker of guilt shing across her eyes. ¡°Nothing at all.¡± ¡°Nothing? Then why did he follow Han to the barst night?¡± ¡°He¡¯s trying to feed me the same old line¨Cpick up where we left off. But you know my temperament; we¡¯ve been apart too many years for a rey.¡± After Han ducked out of the bar, Laura¡¯s frugal instinct kicked in. The cocktails they had ordered were expensive; letting them sit felt sinful, so she and Weston drank them¨Cjust the two of them. No one could have predicted that she would open her eyes this morning to find herself lying beside Weston in the same bed. The very memory still felt like a thunderbolt cracking straight through her skull. Alcohol is the enemy¨Cnever again, Laura, never again. When Weston left that morning, his expression had been anything but pleasant. C Chapter 293 Frayed Edges At least their clothes remained more or less intact, so she prayed nothing truly irreversible had urred. In short, she swore¨Ctwice over¡ªthat she would never share a bottle with Weston Windore again. ¡°Laura, why is your face ming red?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice echoed by her car. Startled, Laura jerked back to reality. ¡°N¨Cno reason at all!¡°. She told herself that, whatever had happened, it was better left in oblivion. Quinn¡¯s phone vibrated; Han¡¯s name zed across the screen. ¡°Quinnic, are you free tonight? We barely exchanged two words yesterday before you left. How about a simple dinner together?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± She had a legal matter in mind anyway and could use his help. ¡°Great. Any restaurant you¡¯re craving?¡± ¡°Anywhere works, as long as it isn¡¯t too far.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll text you the address in a bit.¡± The moment Quinn ended the call, her phone chimed again. Han had texted her the restaurant¡¯s pin- an intimate bistro only a few blocks from Laura¡¯s firm, close enough that the eveningmute would be painless. Twilight settled over Jexburgh by the time she eased her car to the curb. Han waited at a candlelit corner table he had already reserved. He looked up the instant she sat. ¡°Julius didn¡¯t do anything to you, did he?¡± Quinn breathed out a lightugh. ¡°Not even close. And you¡¯re repeating Laura¨Cshe asked me the very same question first thing this morning.¡± A hesitant beat passed before he asked, ¡°So¡­ you and Julius¨Care you really over?¡± ¡°Over,¡± she replied. Relief washed through him; the rigid line of his shoulders loosened as though a knot had finally been untied. He had never expected her breakup toe this fast. Does that mean I might finally have a chance? ¡°When the old leaves, the new arrives. Your next boyfriend will be better, Quinn¨Csomeone whill never disappoint you.¡± His gaze lingered on her while she studied the menu. Still focused on the list of entr¨¦es, she missed the intensity of his stare. A wry curve touched her mouth. ¡°My luck in love has been lousy¨Cfirst Trent, now Julius. I¡¯m shelving romance for a while and putting all my energy into finding Rowan.¡± Han¡¯s brows lifted. ¡°Any leads?¡± 2/3 Chapter 293 Frayed Edges ¡°One,¡± she said, meeting his eyes atst. ¡°Enough to send me to Doria.¡± ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, are you all right? This way, please!¡± a staff member¡¯s voice called out across the dining room. Quinn went rigid. Mr. Whitethorn? In Jexburgh, only one man answered to that title. She lifted her head. Not far away stood a tall, unmistakable figure¨CJulius Whitethorn himself, those sharp, phoenix¨Clike eyes fixed on her with a gravity that pinned her to her seat. 378 Military 294 Chapter 294 Collision At The Restaurant Chapter 294 Collision At The Restaurant Julius stepped out of the dim corridor and crossed the dining room in silentmand, each stride unhurried yet unquestionable. The people behind him shuffled after him, flustered. He halted at Quinn¡¯s table, the light gleaming off his cuff links. ¡°Last night you celebrated my birthday. Tonight, you share a meal with someone else?¡± Han rose so fast his chair scraped the polished floor, cing his body squarely between Quinn and Julius. ¡°She can spend time with whomever she wants,¡± he said, shoulders tense, ¡°You have no say in it.¡± Julius¡® eyes narrowed, ice over dark water. ¡°No say?¡± Han refused to flinch. ¡°You two broke up.¡± Julius ignored him, gaze sliding past to Quinn. ¡°Break up? I never agreed to that.¡± The entourage behind Julius nched, as though suddenly remembering they were hearing words meant for no audience. Whispers of Julius dating a woman had drifted through Jexburgh¡¯s circles from Yarburn, yet most dismissed them. Julius, after all, was famous for keeping women at a distance. ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Han shot back. ¡°Quinnie ended it. That settles it.¡± Silence thickened. Beads of sweat dotted the foreheads of the people behind Julius. Mr. Whitethorn is up against Jexburgh¡¯s tyrant¨Cand the woman caught between them seems to be Mr. Ingram¡¯s older sister. But isn¡¯t Mr. Ingram an only child? Julius gave a small, cuttingugh. ¡°So she leaves me for you? Stop dreaming, Han.¡± Han froze. I never told Quinnie how I felt¨Calways one step too . Now that she¡¯s free of him, I was waiting for the right moment. And Julius has just ripped the cover off my secret. Han¡¯s restraint snapped. He swung a fist. Julius parried and answered in kind. In seconds, the restaurant erupted into the crack of knuckles against bone, tables shaking as patrons shrank back. No one dared intervene; both men were legends for very different kinds of danger. Quinn rushed forward. She shoved Han¡¯s arm aside, spun, and nted her back against his chest while catching Julius¡® iing punch with her own hand. ¡°Enough. This is not the ce.¡± Julius stared at the protective angle of her shoulders, jealousy flickering in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re really shielding him? He struck first.¡± ¡°He¡¯s my friend,¡± Quinn answered, grip still firm on Julius¡® wrist. ¡°Whatever lies between you and me, leave my friends out of it.¡°. ¡°Friend?¡± Julius¡¯s mouth curved into a razor¨Cthin smile. In a single fluid motion, he bent, his breath grazing Quinn¡¯s ear as he whispered, ¡°So he¡¯s only a friend? Remember every word I saidst night.¡± 1/2 Chapter 294 Collision At The Restaurant Straightening, he unclenched the fist he had raised a moment earlier. ¡°You don¡¯t want me fighting, to T keep my hands to myself. If you need distance, we can give each other time. But breaking up? That Quinn, I will never ept.¡± He pivoted toward the men shadowing hiin. ¡°Move.¡± ¡°Y¨CYes, sir!¡± they sputtered, scrambling after his long strides. Quinn watched Julius¡® broad shoulders disappear down the corridor. So he won¡¯t agree to break up? The amicable farewell she had envisioned now seemed impossible. Maybe a cold shoulder was the only way; with time, perhaps the rtionship would wither on its own. ¡°Quinnie, rx,¡± Han said, his voice low yet steely. ¡°If Julius ever dares to strong¨Carm you, he¡¯ll answer to me.¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t the type to force my hand,¡± she replied, cool but certain. ¡°And I¡¯m not exactly helpless.¡± Quinn swept a quick circle with her gaze. ¡°But we might need to find somewhere else for dinner.¡± Even after Julius vanished into a private suite, curious staff and diners still craned for a glimpse. Han nodded. ¡°Another spot, then.¡± They didn¡¯t return to any polished dining room. Instead, they settled at a roadside vendor where oil hissed on iron griddles and the tang of chili rode the night air. ¡°This ce reminds me of our breaks back at the unit,¡± Han said, a half¨Csmile ghosting across his lips. ¡°Whenever we had leave, you and I would eat at roadside vendors.¡± Quinnughed softly. ¡°I never expected a silver¨Cspoon scion tost in the barracks, let alone crave street food.¡± After all, life inside the regiment was the stark opposite of the glittering world outside; most neers choked on that hardship and quit. ¡°Nor did I,¡± Han murmured, his gaze lingering on her profile as though searching for an answer he feared to voice. I never expected one heart to shake me so , nor that I¡¯d arrive a beat too ¨Cevery single time. One misstep, then another, each dy widening the gulf between us. Is there still room for me now? ¡°Forget what Julius said,¡± Quinn offered, voice gentle yet firm. ¡°Which part?¡± Han shot back. ¡°The bit where he told me to stop dreaming about you?¡± He breathed out sharply. ¡°Well, Quinnie, what if I refuse to stop?¡± Military 295 210 Chapter 295 Unspoken Confessions Chapter 295 Unspoken Confessions Quinn blinked, fork hovering mid¨Cair. ¡°You¡± Her voice trailed off Han drew a breath. ¡°Those days in the camp were the happiest of my life,¡± he said quietly. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t married Trent, I would have told you soon after that I was in love with you.¡± The fork slid from Quinn¡¯s fingers and ttered against the tabletop; surprise washed over her face like cold water. Over the years, Han had rarely felt true apprehension, yet in this moment, her gaze turned his lungs to stone, every breath a struggle. Julius had torn the curtain first; Han saw no reason to hide anymore. If he still remained silent, he feared losing her all over again. Quinn blinked, her voice barely a breath. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re in love with me? But you always treat me like I was your elder sister.¡± Han¡¯s smile never wavered. ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m not in love with you.¡± The question hit her like a sudden wind across an open field. She had always believed he saw her only as family. ¡°Quinnie, I¡¯ve loved you for years.¡± The earnest light in his eyes made the words impossible to dismiss. Quinn stood silent, her thoughts scattered like loose papers in a storm. Her silence scraped at hisposure. Panic edged into his voice. ¡°If it were me, I would never disappoint you the way Trent or Julius did. I¡¯d pour everything I have into making you happy¨Cbetrayal would never even cross my mind.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Quinn met his gaze, steady but gentle. ¡°Han, you¡¯re my friend, myrade, and a brother to me. Don¡¯t waste time on me. I¡¯m not ready for another rtionship. Right now, my only goal is to find Rowan.¡± ¡°I know. You¡¯re heading to Doria to search for him, aren¡¯t you? Let me ¡°I¡¯ll go alone,¡± she answered. Before learning his feelings, she might have epted. Now, knowing his heart, letting him abandon duty to follow felt too close to taking advantage of his feelings. ¡°The military and the Azanian Embassy in Doria will assist me, and I¡¯ve been there before. I¡¯ve also promised Laura I¡¯d check in daily with her, so I¡¯ll be safe.¡± Han¡¯s smile was tinged with hurt. Must even rejection be so absolute? ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait,¡± he said. Quinn froze. ¡°You¡¯ve broken up with Julius. I¡¯ll wait until you find Rowan, until you feel ready to love again. I won¡¯t let the chance slip by this time.¡± ¡°But I only think of you as a brother.¡± ¤¯ O ? 1/2 Chapter 295 Unspoken Confessions ¡°Because I respect you like an older sister? Fine, I¡¯ll treat you the way Laura does ¡°That isn¡¯t the reason,¡± she murmured, frustration knotting inside her. ¡°What if I never want to fall in lov again? Will you wait a lifetime?¡± He tipped a shrug, a soft smile curving his lips. ¡°Then I¡¯ll spend a lifetime finding out. Maybe one day you¡¯ll discover you love me back.¡± She said after a pause, ¡°Have you considered that you might simply be lonely? We spent years in the service¨Cvery few women around. Perhaps you¡¯ve mistaken camaraderie for love.¡± Han¡¯s tone turned firm. ¡°I can tell devotion from brother¨Cin¨Carms loyalty. These years have taught me exactly what I feel.¡± He smiled again after seeing the frown on her face. ¡°If you¡¯re uncasy, let¡¯s continue as we always have. You¡¯re free to call me your brother, your fellow soldier¨Cwhatever eases your mind. When you¡¯re finally ready, just remember I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± She opened her mouth to object. He cut in gently. ¡°Surely you won¡¯t deny me even the chance to stand in line. You don¡¯t have to feel burdened, Quinnie. Loving you is my choice, and the time I give is mine to spend.¡± ¡°But why me? Apart from when we were in the army, I was married for three years¨Cwe barely met, rarely spoke. I even thought you wanted to distance yourself from your oldrades.¡± Military 296 Chapter 296 Quiet Devotion Chapter 296 Quiet Devotion Han chuckled. ¡°You truly don¡¯t see your own charm. Back in the force, half the regiment liked you Had you wanted a boyfriend, applications would have filled a convoy.¡± Perhaps at first it was only admiration. Inch by inch, that admiration had grown into a heartbeat that quickened whenever she walked into view.. He realized only when that blizzard swallowed the street and she, legs trembling, hoisted his fever¨Cstricken body onto her back and trudged, every frozen step toward the hospital. The feeling ran so deep, so ruinously deep, that the moment he learned she had married someone else, he bolted overseas. For three long years, he punished himself in silence, reying every missed chance, cursing every cowardly breath that had kept the confession locked in his throat. This time, though¨Cthis time he would seize the moment with both hands and refuse to let it slip away again. The next morning, Quinn pulled her cor up against the raw spring wind and stepped into thew firm Han had rmended. The night before, she had told Han she needed an attorney¨Csomeone who could file suit for the jewelry and cash Trent hadvished on Sidonie while still married to Quinn. She might have been eager for the divorce, but she had never promised to forfeit what was rightfully hers. ¡°All right,¡± Han had said. ¡°I¡¯ll line someone up. Juste by the offices tomorrow.¡± Quinn had expected a junior associate at best. Instead, the man who rose from behind the mahogany desk was Weston Windore. ¡°You¡¯re taking my case?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Weston said. ¡°Han gave me the broad strokes. Legally it¡¯s straightforward.¡± The incongruity left her almost amused. Weston was Jexburgh¡¯s leadingwyer, a name that regrly dominated front¨Cpage headlines. He handled corporate wars and high¨Cprofile murder trials; a simple marital restitution suit was scarcely worth his fountain pen. Having him here felt like aiming a cannon at a paper target. ¡°But your retainer is legendary,¡± Quinn protested. ¡°Surely the firm can assign someone else.¡± ¡°Rx,¡± Weston answered. ¡°Han specifically told me to keep the fee at the standard rate for a junior associate.¡± ¡°Even so, it feels-¡± ¡°Call it the Windore family¡¯s way of saying thank you,¡± he interrupted, smiling. ¡°Back in the service, you looked.after that kid. If I hand you off now, he¡¯ll hound me for weeks.¡± With that, her objections crumbled. ¡°All right, and thank you.¡± Their paperwork settled, Quinn gathered her coat. She had just reached the door when Weston spoke. ||| O 172 1710 190 7 Aug Chapter 296 Quiet Devotion again. ¡°You and Laura are close,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Did she ever tell you why she walked away from me all those years ago!¡± He remembered Laura¡¯s devotion¨Chow imusible it seemed that a single off¨Chand remark overticard as a bar could shatter something that fierce. ¡°Hmm?¡± Quinn paused, surprised by the question, then answered honestly, ¡°No. She never has ¡°What sort of man is she seeing now?¡± Weston pressed. ¡°Seeing?¡± Quinn tasted the word, lips tightening. ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask Laura yourself. It¡¯s her private life¨Cl can¡¯tment.¡± He arched one brow. ¡°You can¡¯t even describe the guy?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I can¡¯t.¡± Because Laura doesn¡¯t have a boyfriend at all¨Chow on earth am I supposed to exin that? Weston let the matter drop and said nothing more. After Quinn stepped out of the office, Weston slipped a hand into his jacket, drew his cell phone, and dialed a number he knew by heart. The call connected at once. ¡°Hello? This is Laura Wentworth,¡± came Laura¡¯s voice, ¡°and you are-?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Weston,¡± he said, each syble edged in frost. ¡°Concerning what you did to me the night beforest, I believe we need a serious discussion.¡± A nervous cough crackled through the speaker. ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything to you. We both left with our clothes perfectly in ce.¡± ¡°Wearing clothes doesn¡¯t mean nothing happened,¡± Weston replied. ¡°In a moment, I¡¯ll forward proof of your actions. If you refuse to talk, we can always meet in court.¡± The moment the call cut off, Laura red at the dark screen as though it had betrayed her. What kind of ridiculous evidence can that man possibly have? A few secondster, a new notification blinked on the disy. Weston had sent a video. Laura pressed y, and what she saw made heat flood her cheeks. She clenched her free hand, fighting the urge to p herself for such reckless behavior. Military 297 Chapter 297 Recorded Ordeal The video opened in a dim hotel room, its angle crooked. Judging by the camera angle, Weston must have propped his phone on the nightstand before tapping record, as though he wanted a silent witness to whatever storm was about to unfold. On¨Cscreen, the woman wed at Weston¡¯s shirt with drunken resolve, her fingers drifting from the edge of his jawline down into the open cor, skimming over pectorals before tracing the ridges of his abdomen like a worshipper counting beads. Between ragged breaths, she muttered, ¡°Mmm, you look just like Weston Windore¨Cthis face, these pecs, these abs¡­ I¡¯ll pay you, darling, if you¡¯ll let me have my way just once and help me spit out this bitter anger.¡± ¡°Bitter anger?¡± Weston asked from beneath her weight, his voice a low, bemused rumble. ¡°Y¨CYeah!¡± she slurred between hups, words tumbling out like marbles on a floor. ¡°Back then, he said I was only a way to kill time. Ha! That heartless scoundrel yed me, so I need to y him once in return. But¡­ he¡¯s too strong, damn it. I can¡¯t manage it. So help ady out, handsome. Let me have my turn and grant me this tiny wish, will you?¡± S ¡°Do you really want to have your way with Weston that badly?¡± he asked, still pinned beneath her yet sounding almost amused. ¡°Want? I dream about it,¡± she muttered. She yanked off his tie in one reckless motion and looped the silk around his wrists, knotting it with surprising precision. The video cut off there. Even Laura, who prided herself on skin thick enough to weather a hurricane of gossip, felt heat flood her cheeks. Drinking always breeds disaster. Well, congrattions, Laura Wentworth¨Cyou¡¯ve brewed yourself a perfect storm. That same evening, she met Weston face¨Cto¨Cface, choosing a secluded private room in an upscale restaurant. Inside the restaurant¡¯s secluded private suite, Laura stretched a brittle smile across her lips. ¡°How about I treat you to dinner tonight, Mr. Windore, as a gesture of apology?¡± she asked, her voice sugar¨Ccoated unmistakably tense. Weston did not bother to lift his gaze from the water ss he idly cradled. ¡°So you¡¯ve watched the footage, have you? Finally realized you were in the wrong?¡± His tone was almost gentle, but every syble fell with the weight of a verdict. Laura answered with two thin, awkward chuckles. Whatever he wants to call it, I did do those things¨Cand he caught everything in video. She straightened abruptly, desperate to steer the conversation onto safer ground. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s order. Whatever you feel like eating, just say the word.¡± Without the faintest hint of restraint, Weston picked up the menu and began selecting dishes¨Cthe more extravagant, the more emphatically he tapped the page¨Cjust enough to make Laura¡¯s wallet twitch in O Chapter 297 Recorded Ordeal silent agony. Momentster, the servers filed in, bncing tter after steaming tter. Laura nibbled absently, mind racing for a way to negotiate the previous night¡¯s fiasco. After tying his hands, had I done anything else? I had woken fully dressed, hadn¡¯t I? Lost in thought, she found her gaze drifting to Weston. Every time she watched him eat, she marveled anew. If the phrase refined gentleman had a living portrait, it would be Weston¨Cascetic features arranged in quietposure, each movement of fork and knife precise enough to be art. Grace clung to him the way candlelight clings to crystal, a natural elegance born of generations that moved through the world without hurry. Standing beside him, she felt as though they inhabited parallel gxies separated by polished ss. Face it, Laura. You¡¯re a lucky upstart¨Cone good wave in the market, and suddenly you¡¯re ¡®Ms. Wentworth.¡® Strip the numbers from your bank app, and you¡¯re just another anonymous employee tugging a badge at some cubicle farm. Even now, with sess under your belt, you still can¡¯t hold a candle to him¡ªand everyone in the room knows it. The watch on Weston¡¯s wrist could have bought a penthouse. Laura knew she had afortable bank ount, yet nothing in her portfolio could stretch to a watch that expensive. Then, her gaze narrowed. Beneath the watch, she spotted angry red lines, half¨Chidden but unmistakable, circling the skin like faint ropes. The pattern prickled her memory with an unsettling, almost intimate familiarity. Wait¨Cropes? Could those marks be from the necktie I used to bind him night? ¡°Why are you staring? Do you fancy the watch?¡± Weston¡¯s voice slipped into the quiet like ice in water. ¡°Your watch is thest thing on my mind. I¡¯m looking at the red marks on your wrist,¡± Laura said, embarrassment rising even as the words escaped. Weston replied, unbuckling the exorbitant watch. ¡°Then take a proper look,¡± he murmured, rolling both sleeves to his elbows with deliberate, unhurried precision. The twin wristsy bare, each circled by vivid red impressions. Guilt flickered through Laura¡¯s chest the way lightning skitters across a summer sky. Perhaps I tied the knot a little too tight night. ¡°Um¡­ I¡¯m sorry about that,¡± she managed, then hurried on, ¡°but why didn¡¯t you fight back?¡± A sh ofst night¡¯s video surfaced him beneath her, camera propped at the perfect angle¨Cyet she distinctly recalled no struggle. ¡°I was drunk,¡± Weston answered softly. ¡°Couldn¡¯t manage any resistance.¡± Liar. You had enough rity to put your phone at that angle and film the whole thing, didn¡¯t you? Laura bit back the words, filing them behind a tight smile. ¡°So¡­ after the recording stopped, did I do anything else to you?¡± ¡°Plenty,¡± he said. ¡°You kissed and explored every inch of me, then took a belt to my back like some 2/3 19:54 Fri, 8 Aug Chapter 297 Recorded Ordeal renegade dominatrix.¡± ¨C * Military 298 Chapter 298 Morning After Chapter 298 Morning After Sc Laura choked on her food, coughing so hard the half¨Cchewed morsel nearlyunched across the table. I hit you with a belt?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m fairly certain the welt is still on my chest. Want to inspect the evidence?¡± His hands hovered near his shirt buttons, ready to peel away the fabric. ¡°N¨CNo, that won¡¯t be necessary,¡± she blurted, color rushing to her checks. Weston leaned in, eyes sharp as broken ss. ¡°You honestly don¡¯t remember a single thing you did to mest night?¡± Under that stare, Laura¡¯s confidence crumpled. ¡°I was drunk,¡± she murmured. ¡°Everything after a point is blurry.¡± ¡°Shall I give you the unabridged recap?¡± he offered. She drew a breath like someone bracing for surgery. ¡°Forget the details. Tell me what you want, and let¡¯s settle this.¡± ¡°If my girlfriend pulled a stunt like this, I¡¯d call it flirting,¡± Weston drawled, every syble slow and deliberate. ¡°But if she isn¡¯t my girlfriend, I can sue for harassment.¡± The words lodged in Laura¡¯s throat. ¡°Harassment?¡± She reyed the video in her mind and had to admit it did look that way. He could have pushed me away, so why didn¡¯t he? Wasn¡¯t he setting me up? ¡°I can pay you,¡± Laura said carefully. ¡°Let¡¯s settle this¨Cname your price.¡± ¡°Settle? Pay?¡± Weston let out a low, amused sound. ¡°Laura, do I look like I need your pocket change?¡± ¡°Then what exactly do you want?¡± she demanded, annoyance ring. ¡°Get back together with me,¡± Weston said, utterly unruffled, ¡°and after that you can ¡®y¡® with me however you like.¡± Laura blinked¨Cone slow, incredulous flutter of hershes. The man always looked like a straightced aristocrat; who would have thought he could utter something so shameless? ¡°I have a boyfriend,¡± Laura muttered. Getting back with you is impossible.¡± Weston set down his fork. ¡°A boyfriend? If that¡¯s true, feel free to call him right now. I¡¯ll let him watch the video too. Think he¡¯s broad¨Cminded enough to learn his girlfriend still pines for her ex?¡± Laura¡¯s teeth clicked together. ¡°My boyfriend knows I was drunk. He won¡¯t mind¨Che¡¯s generous.¡± ¡°Then call him. Assuming, of course, the man actually is your boyfriend.¡± Laura¡¯s eyes shed, but she kept silent. ¡°You know what I do for a living,¡± Weston reminded her. ¡°Bring him here, and I¡¯ll find out soon enough III O Chapter 298 Morning After whether he¡¯s who you say.¡± ¡°Is this fun for you, Weston?¡± Laura burst out. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that after all these years, you suddenly discovered you¡¯re in love with me and have to win me back!¡± ¡°Since we broke up, I haven¡¯t dated anyone.¡± Weston¡¯s voice remained impably calm. ¡°My therapist believes your leaving left me traumatized about rtionships. He suggests I reconcile with you for a while ¨Cpurely for treatment.¡± Laura stared, momentarily at a loss. Psychological trauma? If anyone should need therapy after what happened, it ought to be me! Yet,e to think of it, she had never once seen a tabloid photo linking Weston to another woman. ¡°So how long would this¡­ therapeutic reunion have tost?¡± Laura asked. ¡°At least a year.¡± ¡°A year?¡± Her brow furrowed. ¡°That¡¯s too long¨Ctrim it to two months!¡± ¡°A year,¡± he repeated, unmoved. ¡°Refuse, and I¡¯ll file the suit. You won¡¯t just face detention; the projects yourpany is negotiating could also copse.¡± The words stuck in Laura¡¯s throat. Bargaining with Jexburgh¡¯s famous barrister was a losing game; she would alwayse off worse. ¡°Fine. One year it is,¡± she conceded. Thepany¡¯s deals could not be jeopardized, and she absolutely refused to be detained for harassment¨Cthat would be humiliating beyond measure. Too¡­ Too humiliating! Sidonie had been on bed rest these past days, protecting the life growing inside her while desperately searching for funds and apetent attorney. She had shopped her case around every reputablew firm in town, yet the famous names simply shook their heads, and the few counsels bold enough to consider it demanded fees so astronomical they felt like punishment. Meanwhile, Trent not only refused to help her secure representation but also twisted the knife, threatening to indict her for siphoning fifty million from his ount. If a court upheld the charge, she -would likely spend the rest of her life behind iron bars. Inside the CEO Office of Grafton Technologies, Sidonie stood opposite Trent, his expression a mask of raw distaste. Not long ago, those same eyes had shimmered with admiration¨Cyes, even yearning¨Ceach nce a confession he was too proud to voice, but today they carried nothing but repulsion, as though every shared memory had curdled overnight. ¡°What do you want, Sidonie?¡± Trent asked, irritation rasping through each word. ¡°I heard you¡¯re nning to sue me, so I came for answers,¡± she replied, meeting his eyes without blinking. Military 299 Chapter 299 Shattered Loyalties Chapter 299 Shattered Loyalties s ¡°Yes, I¡¯m suing you,¡± Trent said, making no attempt to soften the blow. ¡°You lied, told me it was a routine funds verification, then used my phone to transfer fifty million. You knew thepany is strapped for cash, and that money was supposed to douse the fire licking at our feet, yet you wired it to Lindgren.. Because of you, I¡¯m teetering on the brink of copse, and it will take three months to get any of it back. Do you have any idea what your betrayal has cost me?¡± ¡°Everything I did was to keep the bond between us from shattering,¡± Sidonie answered quietly. ¡°Bond?¡± He gave a coldugh. ¡°You brushed me aside when I was nobody. The moment sess crowned me, you clung on¨Cnot to me, but to the title of Mrs. Grafton.¡± Blood drained from Sidonie¡¯s face, yet she lifted her chin. ¡°Regardless of your contempt, I¡¯m pregnant with your child¨Cyou can¡¯t do this to us.¡± ¡°Ah, the child.¡± Trent¡¯s gaze darkened as it settled on her abdomen. ¡°So you haven¡¯t gotten rid of it yet?¡± ¡°It¡¯s ours, Trent. I would never get rid of it,¡± Sidonie insisted. ¡°You¡¯d better do it yourself, or I will see it done,¡± Trent growled, closing the distance between them. ¡°Never. I won¡¯t sacrifice this baby,¡± she shot back. Fury erupted in Trent¡¯s eyes. He snapped his leg forward, a vicious kick aimed at her womb. Sidonie folded over her stomach, but the blow still hurled her to the glossy parquet, breath knocked from her lungs. Pain shimmered in her gaze, yet a brittle smile curved her lips. ¡°Trent, every word you just said¡ªand that kick¨Cwere recorded and streamed straight to myputer.¡± ¡°What?¡± Trent froze, stunned into silence. Sidonie drew a ragged breath and pushed herself upright, one hand still cradling her stomach. ¡°Did you truly think I¡¯d walk in defenseless? A micro¨Ccamera is sewn into that purse. It caught everything. Withdraw thewsuit, or the video will flood the world and drag your name through mud you can never wash off.¡± A sh of panic sent Trent lunging toward the coffee table. He snatched the purse Sidonie had casually set there upon entering. Peeling back a hidden p, he found a pin¨Csized lens winking up at him. She had been telling the truth. ¡°So you would even exploit your own unborn child?¡± Trent spat, disgust and disbelief tangling in his throat. ¡°And what gives you the right to judge me?¡± Sidonie shot back. ¡°You forced my hand.¡± Trent¡¯s expression flickered between rage and fear before he finally growled, ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll withdraw the suit. But if that footage ever surfaces, I¡¯ll hunt you down.¡± Sidonie gave a thin, victorious/hum, clutched her aching belly, and left the office. Only now did Sidonie grasp the fathomless reach of Trent¡¯s cruelty. If he could erase Quinn from his life with a single breath, why have I ever imagined I would be granted mercy? 111 TTF8 Aug O Chapter 299 Shattered Loyalties When thewsuits mounted and the Stonehurst main branch rushed to sever their ties, the halo of savior slipped from her shoulders, and she became nothing more than a burden in his calcting eyes, She used to cling to the na?ve conviction that carrying his child would chain him to her. Yet the brutal truth was carved in iron. Trent could discard the baby as easily as he had discarded her. The following morning, Sidonic dragged herself to the hospital for a thorough exam. Though a savage kick had bruised her stomach, the tiny heartbeat inside her still pulsed, stubborn and steady. When she quietly asked about terminating the pregnancy, the doctor¡¯s answer iced over every vein in her body. ¡°Ms. Stonehurst, your uterus is alreadypromised. If you lose this child, you may never conceive again.¡± ¡°What?¡± Sidonie stared at him, disbelief and dread colliding in her eyes. Before the shock could settle, her phone shrilled to life. She answered, and her mother¡¯s panicked voice tumbled through the line, ¡°Sidonie, the court officers just came. They have seized the jewels Trent once gave you!¡± Sidonie¡¯s fingers went numb. The phone slipped from her hand and skittered across the linoleum. Those jewels were her final lifeline¨Cthe very assets she meant to sell in order to hire awyer capable of rescuing her from the legal quicksand. And now, they were gone. Military 300 Chapter 300 Shattered Jewels Chapter 300 Shattered Jewels 45 Free Coins By the time Sidonie burst through the doorway, breathless and still clutching her car keys, court officers were already filing out with velvet cases tucked under their arms. Everyst gem Trent had ever pressed into her palm was gone. ¡°Sidonic, those jewels were a gift from Trent. They can¡¯t just seize them like furniture,¡± Xenia blurted, half chasing the officials down the hall. ¡°Go find Trent¨Cdo something, say something, make this disappear.¡± Beg Trent again? After everything?> Color drained from Sidonie¡¯s cheeks until even her lipstick looked loud. ¡°Mom, forget Trent. The man probably nned this¨Che¡¯s enjoying every second.¡± ¡°I never imagined that Quinn could be so vicious,¡± Xenia fumed, wringing her hands. ¡°She¡¯s divorced from Trent and still wants your jewels. And she even hired Weston Windore to handle it!¡± ¡°Weston Windore?¡± Sidonie¡¯s breath snagged. The name alone darkened the room. Jexburgh¡¯s undefeated barrister¨Cno one survived his cross¨Cexamination. Whatever fragile hope she had been nursing crumbled to dust. She gripped her mother¡¯s sleeve like a drowning woman. ¡°Mom, how much cash do we still have? Give me enough to fight this in court. The Border Inferno Case¨CI cannot lose it. I cannot go to prison.¡± Xenia¡¯s mouth pinched. ¡°You know perfectly well we don¡¯t keep piles of cash. A topwyer costs a fortune.¡± ¡°Then sell some property,¡± Sidonie pressed, words tumbling. ¡°And, Mom, you still have jewels and handbags¨Cyou could liquidate those.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t sell the house,¡± Lillian shot back. ¡°Your father would never agree. And my trinkets won¡¯t fetch much. Thewyers who even nced at your file said they¡¯d need twenty million upfront¨Cwhere would we find that?¡± ¡°So you¡¯d rather watch me rot behind bars?¡± Sidonie¡¯s voice cracked with fury. ¡°You¡¯re pregnant,¡± Lillian reasoned, softer yet imcable. ¡°Even if you do time, they¡¯ll dy the sentence for childbirth and nursing. Pouring twenty million intowyers only to lose would be madness. Nimbus Air has dismissed you, your name is mud¨Chow could you ever repay that?¡± Sidonie stared at her mother, almost unable to breathe. ¡°You would rather let me go to prison than spend the money? I am your daughter!¡± ¡°Exactly because you¡¯re my daughter, Xenia snapped. ¡°I bribed half the airline tond you that deputy- captain seat. Countless pilots still fly economy routes, yet you vaulted ahead¨Cdo you honestly think it was talent?¡± Her mother¡¯s words shattered Sidonie¡¯s brittle pride like ss striking pavement. ¡°Do you realize how much shame your antics have dumped on us?¡± Xenia continued. ¡°Your father and I don¡¯t dare meet friends¨Ceveryone is whispering.¡± ¡°I did nothing wrong,¡± Sidonie shot back. ¡°A cigarette butt slipped from my fingers, that¡¯s all. Bad luck turned it into a ze. I spent years making you proud¨Cstudying when you said study, joining Nimbus Air when you insisted. Does one slip wipe out all of that?¡± O 1/2 10:34 Mon, 11 Aug | Chapter 300 Shattered Jewels. Xenia folded her arms. ¡°Either ask Trent for help or settle for a bargain¨Cbasement attorney. Your father and I refuse to sink more money into this.¡± ¡°So the savings are reserved for my brother?¡± Sidonic shot back. ¡°You buy him houses and cars overseas, but you begrudge me a decentwyer?¡± The crack of a p split the air. Xenia¡¯s palm still hovered mid¨Cswing. ¡°Your brother will look after us in our old age. We have already spent plenty on you.¡± Pain blossomed across Sidonie¡¯s check, but the ache in her chest was worse. Sidonie had poured every drop of cunning, charm, and nerve into a single purpose: forcing the world to look up at her. Not so long ago, she had seemed unstoppable. A top graduate of Qudnard University, the first woman ever to captain a Nimbus Air jet, and the object of a rising tech mogul¡¯s devotion¨Cher future had glittered like sunrise on ss. She had pictured her parents finally understanding that their daughter¨Cbrighter, braver, more relentless than their golden¨Cboy son¨Cwas the family¡¯s true heir. She would make the entire Stonehurst n, every conniving cousin and silver¨Chaired elder, pronounce that the youngdy from the second branch was their one iparable treasure. They will see. They will kneel Yet here, in the hush between one heartbeat and the next, all of it had turned to smoke. All she had done was flick a cigarette butt away¨Ccarelessly, thoughtlessly, like someone tossing an after- thought into the night. Sidonie threw her head back andughed, the sound cracking like splintered ss. Hot tears flooded her cheeks, erasing any border between rage and sorrow. She red at her mother, each word spit like burning ash. ¡°Treat me this way today and watch the world pay you back tomorrow. The wheel always turns¨CI¡¯ll be there when it crushes you.¡± And Trent Grafton? She longed for the day fate dragged him into the same abyss, just so she could witness exactly how far a proud man could fall. Military 301 2/2 Chapter 301 Crossing Paths Chapter 301 Crossing Paths Quinn arrived arm in arm with Laura for the city¡¯s high¨Cprofile investment summit. ¡°Is something weighing on you, Laura? You look like the whole project is teetering on your shoulders. Are you scared we won¡¯tnd the contract?¡± Quinn asked. Laura opened her lips, then hesitated, as if the words snagged on a hidden barb. The gentle hum of nearby conversations receded, reced by the restless beat of her own pulse while memories of a one¨Cyear promise wed their way to the surface. Weston Windore¡­ after all these years, I never thought I¡¯d still be entangled with you. A faint crease etched itself between her brows, the weight of that unfinished chapter stirring a storm beneath her poised exterior. ¡°So what is it?¡± Quinn pressed, curiosity dancing in her tone while she drummed an absent rhythm on the tabletop. ¡°It¡¯s a long story. We¡¯ll talkter,¡± Laura replied, forcing a small, practiced smile as she gathered the loose strands of herposure and reached for her handbag¨Calready plotting an escape before the past could demand its due. Just then, a murmur rolled through the crowd like wind over wheat. Quinn followed the shifting gazes and saw Julius entering beneath a swarm of reporters. His iron¨Cgray suit clung to a frame carved by discipline, and the chill in his eyes suggested the front gates of winter. For a heartbeat, she was transported to the past, watching him from afar, unreachable, immacte. It felt as though the universe had spun its wheel only to set them back at square one. ¡°Quinnie, Julius Whitethorn just nced over here.¡± Laura¡¯s whisper barely stirred the air. Quinn froze, her spine locking as those fox¨Cshaped eyes caught hers. Julius was looking straight at her. say? With so many cameras, one misstep and they would dominate Would he to me? What would he every headline again. Attention was thest thing she needed right now. treat, but Julius turned away and continued down the aisle. It She reached for Laura¡¯s sleeve, ready to was as if that single nce had been a wayward ident, nothing more. Laura murmured, ¡°He just pretended/not to know you. Is it truly over between you two?¡± ¡°Looks like he finally came to his senses,¡± Quinn said, lowering her eyes. A faint ache tugged behind her ribs, betraying her calm fa?ade. Reason told her the feeling must be buried, yet emotion refused to obey a timetable. Time, she hoped, would y physician: one day their lives would stretch like twin horizons, forever parallel, never touching. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the project,¡± Quinn said to Laura. Before they could advance, a voice rose behind them, bright and familiar. ¡°Quinnie!¡± Chapter 301 Crossing Paths Quinn pivoted at the sound of her name. The crystal lights overhead scattered diamonds across her hair as her gazended on Trent. The moment their eyes met, her brow tightened, the space between them thick with unfinished history. ¡°Trent Grafton, I already told you¨Cyou lost the right to bark my name like that.¡± Her voice was low, each syble sharpened by contempt, like ss pressed against skin. ¡°Fine, if you hate hearing it that way, I¡¯ll try another approach next time. Trent attempted a smile that never reached his eyes. ¡°How have you been these past weeks?¡± ¡°Whatever state I¡¯m in is none of your concern.¡± Quinn¡¯s words cracked like ice. ¡°We¡¯re divorced, Trent. Do us both a favor and stop pretending you suddenly care.¡± During their three¨Cyear marriage, he had never once asked about her well¨Cbeing. Now that the papers were signed, he yed the concerned ex¨Chusband. The irony tasted bitter, like cheap champagne at a failed celebration. ¡°I do care, Quinn. I know I made too many mistakes back then, but Sidonie Stonehurst twisted the truth and convinced me she was the one who saved my life. You married me when I had nothing because you loved me. Tell me¨Ccan¡¯t we start over and fix what was broken?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t realize your skin had grown this thick. There is absolutely no chance¨Cever.¡± ¡°Why not? Julius Whitethorn already dumped you. I know you moved out of his ce and are crashing with Laura Wentworth. He walked into the hall earlier and didn¡¯t even nce your way. Quinn, he has abandoned you!¡± Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Have you been spying on me?¡°. ¡°I¡¯m just concerned,¡± Trent insisted, ¡°Your parents may be honored heroes, but you remain an ordinary woman. The gap between you and a titan like Julius is enormous. To him, you were never more than a you vice president with passing distraction. You and I fit. During our three years together, thepany flourished. If we remarry -no Sidonie this time¨CI¡¯ll treat you well. I¡¯ll sign over half the shares and make real authority.¡± ¨C Though his words sounded like pleading, his voice still carried the hauteur of a man who assumed the world owed him gratitude. ¡°I¡¯m not interested.¡± She seized Laura¡¯s hand and turned to leave. ¡°Wait!¡± Panic sharpened his voice as he blocked their path. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯ve spelled it out. Julius has thrown you aside. Do you really think anyone else wants a woman who¡¯s been married before? I¡¯m the best option you¡¯ll ever have.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± Quinnughed, the sound edged with fury. ¡°Marriage isn¡¯t mandatory, and you are nowhere near my best option. Let¡¯s drop the pretense. You don¡¯t want to fix anything¨Cyou want freebor to haul your crumblingpany out of trouble while you keep the title and the leather chair.¡± Mon, 11 Aug 06 Military 302 Chapter 302 Lines Drawn Chapter 302 Lines Drawn Laura folded her arms. ¡°Exactly. Some people think they¡¯re geniuses because thepany hit the market in three years. Funny how the moment Quinn walked out, the whole structure copsed. Give it another year¨Cno, maybe less¨Cand Grafton Technologies will be a forrente. Fury flushed Trent¡¯s face crimson as he lifted his hand, ready to strike Laura. Laura never felt the blow. Quinn¡¯s fingers mped around Trent¡¯s wrist, stopping him cold. Pain shot. through him even before she pivoted. A savage kick mmed into the side of his knee. Trent folded with a crack and crashed to the parquet floor. ¡°Touch my friend again and see what happens,¡± Quinn warned from above, her eyes burning with lethal calm. For the first time, Trent felt something alien coil in his chest¨Cfear. He watched them stride away, then staggered upright, clothing and dignity equally rumpled. He could not afford to sit back and watch his empire crumble. If Sidonie could threaten him, he could threaten Quinn. If he lured her back to the office and let her overhaul operations, thepany might w its way out of the pit. From his pocket, he produced a sleek silver lighter. At a nce it looked ordinary, but nestled behind the flint was a mini camera¨Cperfect for leverage. Trent¡¯s voice barely rose above a rasp. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯ve driven me to this.¡± shilwit Thirty minutester, the loungey under dim amber lights that painted every surface in nightclub gloom. Trent¡¯s arms were pinned, one on each side, by two bodyguards built like granite. Forced downward, he smashed to his knees so hard the parquet shuddered. Across from him, Julius lounged on a leather couch, fox¨Cbright eyes skating over Trent with frozen disdain. Fabian stepped forward and set a matte¨Cck spy lighter on the low table before Julius Julius lifted his hand, rolling the sleek silver spy lighter across his knuckles as though it were a coin that knew his secrets. With a small beckoning curl of his finger, Fabian understood; the aide stepped forward, slipped a slender ck cigarette between those waiting fingers, and withdrew without a sound. Julius trapped the cigarette delicately, struck the lighter, and let the newborn me kiss the tip; a faint ember blossomed, painting his sharp profile in restless gold. He exhaled once, smoke curling like ghostly ribbons, then flicked the lighter onto the ss tea table with casual disdain. ¡°Trent Grafton,¡± he said, voice velvet yet edged with iron, ¡°what exactly were you nning to capture with that little camera hidden inside?¡± ¡°I¡­ I was just curious, bought it for fun.¡± Sweat gleamed at Trent¡¯s hairline. Julius exhaled smoke that spiraled like gray ribbons. ¡°Curious¡± ¡°Yes¨Ccurious, nothing more!¡± Trent¡¯s voice quavered, the word tasting of panic in the room¡¯s thick air. Julius spoke as though ordering coffee. A snap of his fingers. ¡°Make him tell the truth.¡± The nearest guard seized Trent¡¯s right wrist and twisted. Crack! Bones broke like dry branches. Trent screamed. An instantter, the same arm was yanked upward, shoulder popping from its socket. Another howl rattled the velvet¨Clined walls A hammer hovered over Trent¡¯s knee, and terror finally overflowed. ¡°I¡¯ll talk, I¡¯ll talk¡­ The camera was only to capture things about Quinn!¡± Julius¡® eyes darkened. A guard presented the spiked liquor bottle Trent had been fingering earlier. Color drained from Trent¡¯s face. Fabian murmured, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, the bottle¡¯s dosed¨Cclub special for uncooperative guests.¡± Julius let the words hang like icicles. ¡°So you nned to make Quinn drink this, then record whatever vile spectacle followed?¡± ¡°I¡ªI just wanted to remarry her. Mr. Whitethorn, you already cast her aside. I thought¡­ if you didn¡¯t want her, maybe I could win her back.¡± The temperature of Julius¡® re dropped below zero. He stepped close and crushed the glowing cigarette into Trent¡¯s scalp, grinding until the ember died. Trent¡¯s shriek tore through the lounge; blisters bubbled beneath burnt skin. ¡°You will never remarry Quinn.¡± Julius poured a ss from the spiked liquor bottle, then ordered, ¡°Force- feed him the rest, drag him out, and let whatever happens happen.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± In moments, every remaining drop was sluiced down Trent¡¯s throat. The guards hauled the broken man away, his boots scraping a final, desperate rhythm across the floor. Julius studied thest inch of whiskey cupped in his palm. In the dark velvet hush of the lounge, amber reflections flickered across his restless eyes while cigarette smoke drifted like pale ghosts above the table. Without warning, he pivoted toward Fabian, a brittle grin catching on one corner of his mouth. ¡°Tell me, if I empty this ss right now, do you think Quinnie will bother toe rescue me?¡± Military 303 Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart 45 Free Coin Fabian¡¯s breath snagged in his throat. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn!¡± he blurted. Shock shed across his face as he saw his boss lift the crystal tumbler toward his lips. In a panicked rush he shot out a hand, blocking the ss before it could tilt. Julius longshed eyes lifted, calm yet cial. ¡°Move your hand,¡± he said, the words so soft they hummed with warning. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you can¡¯t be serious,¡± Fabian urged, voice tight with worry. ¡°That drink¡¯s been spiked with¡­ with that kind of drug. It¡¯ll wreck your body.¡± Julius¡® gaze drifted to the amber liquid. In a voice meant only for himself, he murmured, ¡°If this body breaks, will her heart ache?¡± The ¡°her¡± needed no rification; he was speaking of Quinn, the woman who had once been his entire horizon. Fabian opened his mouth, then closed it again, words failing him atst. ¡°Move your hand,¡± Julius repeated, themand now carrying the chill weight of an order that brooked no refusal. Fabian¡¯s resolve cracked. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, if you really down that drink and Ms. Bridger still refuses toe¡­ what then?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll consider the bet lost,¡± Julius said. He tipped the ss. The tainted liquor slid past his lips, burning a trail of heat down his throat. When the rim left his mouth, the cup was empty. His eyes, cool as winter water, lifted to Fabian. ¡°All right. Go tell her.¡± He needed to know whether any corner of her heart still held his name. And if it cost him the integrity of his own body, so be it; he would stake flesh and bone on the answer. Quinn and Laura were deep in negotiations with a cluster of executives from another firm when Fabian barged into the lounge, breathless and pale. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn is in trouble. Please, you muste with me¡ªat once!¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn froze. Julius Whitethorn, in trouble? ¡°His condition is urgent, Ms. Bridger. This way, please,¡± Fabian pressed. Instinct propelled her two strides after him, then something inside her braked hard, and she halted. Fabian blinked back at her. ¡°Ms. Bridger?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together. If Julius were truly hurt, you would call the police or an ambnce¨Cnot me.¡± ¡°But Mr. Whitethorn refuses the hospital. He insists on seeing you and only you.¡± ¡°Is he injured?¡± she demanded. ||| O Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart s Fabian hesitated, leaning close to her car. ¡°He drank a ssced with that drug¡± he whispered. ¡°He won¡¯t let a doctor near him¨Conly you.¡± Awareness red in Quinn¡¯s eyes; the puzzle snapped into ce. Did a woman who fancied Julius dose him? Learning he suffered no other harm, Quinn allowed herself a quiet breath of relief. ¡°He and I have ended things,¡± she said evenly. ¡°This is no longer my concern, Fabian. Take him to the hospital¨Clet professionals handle it.¡± Fabian¡¯s hands curled into fists at his sides. Panic darted across his features. ¡°You know his temperament,¡± he pleaded. ¡°Once he decides on something, nothing sways him. He said he must see you. Until then, he will not step inside a hospital. His condition is deteriorating. For the sake of what you once shared, at least look in on him.¡± Quinn¡¯s mouth remained closed, but her silence said she understood: Julius was forcing her hand. But once I stand before him again¡ªwhat then? Rowan still stands between us, and the wrecked bridge of trust yawns between us. How could we possibly cross that chasm? Laura had not heard Fabian¡¯s hurried confession about the drugged wine, yet one nce told her enough. Julius needed a hospital, and he would not budge until he had looked Quinn in the eyes. Watching tension ripple beneath Quinn¡¯s calm surface, Laura saw a silent tug¨Cof¨Cwar that twisted her own heart. She said, ¡°Quinn, if you still care for him at all, go see him. Get him to the hospital now, before the night births a tragedy you¡¯ll spend forever regretting.¡± Quinn paused,shes lowering like shutters over storm¨Cgray eyes. After a breath, she forced a small, weary smile. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on him first.¡± She turned, voice steady if brittle. ¡°Fabian, lead the way.¡± Relief shed across Fabian¡¯s face. He pivoted smartly and guided Quinn down a hushed corridor to the private¨Clounge where Julius waited. Stopping at the door, Fabian inclined his head. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is inside. I shouldn¡¯t intrude. Please, Ms. Bridger, go in alone.¡± Quinn offered no reply. She pushed the door and slipped past the threshold, leaving Fabian outside with his worries. Only one narrow row of lights burned within, casting a muted amber haze that draped the room in shadows and blurred edges. On the leather couch, a figure reclined in restless half¨Csleep, silk shirt hanging open. As she drew closer, the low light traced the contours of a sculpted chest and the disciplined lines of abdominal muscle that rose and fell with eachbored breath. ¡°Quinnie¡­ is that you?¡± Julius tipped his head back, eyes searching the dimness. The cool falcon eyes she remembered now shimmered with a fever¨Cbright flush,shes casting delicate ||| O Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart s shadows that lent his sharp features an unsettling allure. His lips parted, pulling harsh, uneven breaths. With every inhale, his Adam¡¯s apple jerked, a fragile metronome marking the drug¡¯s advance. ||| Military 304 Chapter 304 Desire And Doubt Chapter 304 Desire And Doubt Heat rippled beneath his taut skin; his chest rose, fell, then rose again as though each gasp fought its own battle. In that instant, Julius looked dangerously alive¨Craw temptation poured into human form. Quinn angled her gaze away. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here. Fabian said you identally drank a spiked cocktail and refused medical help.¡± ¡°Medical help?¡± He dragged in air and seized her wrist. ¡°If I walk out like this, the press will feast. A scandal would bleed thepany. I can¡¯t risk that.¡± Fire licked beneath his palm; the heat of his skin scorched her pulse. She wondered if the drug¡¯s fever was burning him from the inside out. ¡°If exposure is all you fear, I can wipe every camera between this room and the car. We wrap you in nket, cover your face¨Cno one will know,¡± she said. ¡°And if they still uncover my name? The hospital halls have¨Cears, Quinn. Secrets leak. Just as you learned that I abandoned Rowan, and you walked away from me.¡± His breath fractured, fingers tightening as though her wrist were his only anchor. ¡°Julius, we are no longer together,¡± she answered, voice low but firm. ¡°I¡¯m not your antidote. I¡¯m here to persuade you to seek treatment. The Whitethorn family¡¯s power can bury any rumor.¡± ¡°But¡­ what if I still refuse?¡± Julius murmured. Forcing himself upright, he swayed, then copsed forward, heavy and desperate, into her arms. Quinn darted forward on instinct, catching Julius by the shoulders. The sudden contact drew him flush against her, heat rolling off his skin like a furnace. Even through theyers of fabric between them, she felt the scorch of his body, a fever that seemed to radiate straight into her bones. He quivered, jaw clenched, every muscle in his face fighting for restraint, yet his arms locked around her with a desperate force, as though she alone could snuff out the detonation of need building inside him. ¡°Do you know? This drug sets the body on fire. It feels like poisoned insects gnawing under the skin. It hurts so much, Quinnie. Are you really going to stand there and watch me burn?¡± Quinn lifted her chin, icy calm veiling the panic thudding in her chest. ¡°I am not here for that, Julius. We ended this. I will not let history rey itself tonight.¡± He buried his face against her neck, breath scalding. ¡°Yet you came,¡± he murmured, words rubbing against her skin like his restless hands. ¡°You still fear for me. You still care. Tell me I am wrong.¡± The fragile thread of restraint was all that kept him from bing a crazed animal and mming her beneath the weight of his hunger. ¡°I am only here so you will not me Mr. Wooleyter,¡± Quinn answered, tone t as ss. ¡°Ha.¡± The raw chuckle scraped out of his throat, roughened by need. ¡°Do not pretend you feel nothing for me.¡± ¡°Believe whatever eases your conscience,¡± Quinn snapped, shoving at his shoulders. The motion only made her acutely aware of the growing change in his body against her thigh. She sighed inside. Perhaps the simplest solution was to knock him out cold and drag him straight to the emergency ward. ¡°What if I told you the liquor I swallowed was what Trent Grafton wanted to drug you with¡± Julius forced out, words jagged between shallow breaths. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Quinn froze, every nerve snapping to attention. She had assumed some smitten socialite had slipped the drug to Julius. Yet he told her Trent was behind this. ¡°Trent not only spiked the drink,¡± Julius went on, voice fraying, ¡°he hid a mini camera. There was no chance I would let him get the footage.¡± Understanding dawned like a coldntern in Quinn¡¯s mind. Trent had grown spiteful after her repeated refusals. He meant to film her disgrace and leash her back to his yoke. How blind she had been to ever save that man, to go so far as to marry him. ¡°I will make him pay for this,¡± Quinn growled, teeth mped tight. Julius panted, his mouth hovering over hers. ¡°I have already started. If Trent even thinks of harming you, I will ruin him until he is unrecognizable.¡± ¡°What exactly did you do?¡± Quinn demanded. A chill slipped down her spine. Julius was fully capable of crossing the line. ¡°Tell me, are you worried for me, or for Trent?¡± Julius asked, eyes smoky with heat. Quinn kept silent. ¡°If you worry for me, that warms my heart,¡± he whispered. ¡°As for Trent, I simply forced the rest of the spiked liquor down his throat. Whatever he nned for you, he can experience himself.¡± ¡°If the drink was meant for me, how did you end up with it?¡± Quinn pressed. Julius flushed deep crimson, his unfocused eyes fixed on her. ¡°Quinnie, I will not hide the truth. I drank it on purpose. I needed to know whether you woulde¡­ Whether you would save me.¡± Quinn blinked, and in that heartbeat, Julius seized her mouth with a fierce kiss. Military 305 Chapter 305 Collision Of Desires Chapter 305 Collision Of Desires 45 Fred Coins Their mouths collided in a tangle of ragged breath and molten hear, the kiss so intense it seemed intent on melting everyst taste and secret between them. ¡°Quinnic,¡± Julius rasped, his voice ground raw by desire, ¡°the fact you came at all¨CGod, it means everything. Help me, please. Let me have you, just once¨Conly once, I swear-¡± Quinn used the moment his mind slipped into feverish haze. With a swift edge of her palm to the side of his neck, she cut the plea¨Cand his consciousness¨Cshort. His body went ck, copsing against her slender frame, a toppled pir suddenly robbed of its fire. Steeling herself, she smoothed the wrinkles from his shirt, straightened his jacket, then hitched an arm beneath his and guided the unconscious man out of the lounge. Fabian startled where he stood outside the door. ¡°Ms. Bridger¡­ What on earth?¡± ¡°I knocked him out. We take him to the hospital right now,¡± Quinn ordered, flicking a nce toward the corridor camera. ¡°Have someone wipe the footage. We leave by the back entrance, car waiting at the rear. Keep this invisible.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Fabian signaled two guards. While they helped Quinn maneuver their unconscious boss, he rang the driver and dispatched another man to erase every frame of surveince. By the time they reached the service exit, a ck sedan idled beneath the faint glow of a lone securitymp. The bodyguards eased Julius onto the back seat. Fabian turned to hold the door for Quinn¨Conly to find she had no intention of climbing in. ¡°Ms. Bridger, aren¡¯t youing to the hospital with us?¡± Fabian asked. ¡°No.¡± Quinn¡¯s reply was cool, final. ¡°You¡¯ll have plenty of people around him. He doesn¡¯t need me.¡± ¡°But if Mr. Whitethorn wakes and you¡¯re not there-¡± She cut him off. ¡°Mr. Wooley, I¡¯ll say it once more. Julius and I are finished. Please convince him never again to gamble his health as bargaining chips for me.¡± Fabian managed a rueful smile; persuading Julius had never been within his pay grade. ¡°Ms. Bridger, in this world, you are likely the only person he¡¯ll listen to. I¡¯ve never seen him care for anyone this fiercely- he was willing to wreck his own body just to see you tonight.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me,¡± she said, voice steady as stone. ¡°Whatever there was between us ends here.¡± With that, Quinn pivoted on her heel and disappeared into the dim hallway, footsteps fading like the close of a door that would not reopen. Fabian climbed in, shut the door, and told the driver, ¡°Hospital. Now.¡± The sedan pulled away. Watching streetlights slide over Julius¡® pallid face, Fabian let out a long breath that fogged the window. Was it really worth it, destroying himself for one fleeting glimpse of her? O 12:50 Tue, 12 Aug Chapter 305 Collision Of Desires s He only prayed his boss wouldn¡¯t descend into the same obsessive frenzy that had consumed Julius¡® father -because if that darkness returned, it would ruin them both. When Quinn rejoined Laura, her friend looked up in surprise. ¡°You¡¯re back already?¡± ¡°Fabian and the guards are taking Julius to the hospital. My work here is done,¡± Quinn answered, brushing invisible dust from her sleeves. Laura blinked. ¡°Wait¨Che agreed to go?¡± ¡°Not exactly. I knocked him out.¡± Laura clicked her tongue, half in awe, half in disbelief; in all of Jexburgh, precious few had the nerve¨Cor skill¨Cto floor Julius Whitethorn. A sudden shrick tore through the corridor. ¡°Pervert! Somebody call security¨Csecurity!¡± The quiet reverted to chaos, voices rising in an instant uproar down the hall. Quinn and Laura snapped around at the sudden uproar. Beneath the chandeliered foyer, a knot of security guards and camera¨Cwielding reporters pressed in tight around a single spot, their shbulbs strobing like lightning. Snatches of disgusted chatter sliced through the air: somebody scoffed that the well¨Cdressed brute had tried to force himself on a woman, another swore the man must be high, a third cursed the audacity of Grafton Technologies¡® own Trent Grafton. Quinn froze, breath hitching, as two guards dragged a shirtless Trent toward the main doors. His skin gleamed with sweat and w marks, and every step was lit by relentless camera shes that trailed him like hunters scenting blood.
  • Laura gaped. ¡°What on earth happened to that jerk Trent Grafton?¡± she blurted, everytent gossip¨Cgene in her body kicking to life.
Momentster she leaned close, voice low and quivering with excitement. ¡°Guess what? He tried to assault the Wagner family¡¯s heiress and got pummeled by her boyfriend instead. The Wagners run half of Jexburgh¡¯s money. Trent is finished.¡± Military 306 Chapter 306 Downfall Of Trent Chapter 306 Downfall Of Trent Quinn knew at once whose strings were being pulled¨Cthis was Julius Whitethorn¡¯s handiwork. Trent had brought the de to his own throat, though. 45 Free Coins She could already picture tomorrow¡¯s trading screens. Grafton Technologies plunging again, investors. scrambling, analysts predicting thepany¡¯s carcass would be picked clean within weeks. The empire she had once built with her bare hands was about to swan¨Cdive from its glittering peak straight into a ravine of debt. Before long Trent Grafton, the media¡¯s golden boy, would be nothing but a broke man drowning in red ink. Life can turn on a dime. Laura sighed dramatically. ¡°Grafton Technologies is going down with him. I bet the shareholders are tearing their hair out tonight. Just moments ago, he was begging you to return, and now he¡¯s moments away from losing the wholepany. The Wagners won¡¯t let this slide¨Chow do you think they¡¯ll retaliate?¡± . Quinn shrugged. ¡°Whatever they do to him, it has nothing to do with me.¡± Laura nodded. ¡°People who don¡¯t know the inside story still call him a tech wunderkind¨Cwhat a joke. The minute you left, hispany began to crumble. Be honest, did you see thising?¡± ¡°With his skill set? Unless he ceded control to a seasoned CEO, there was no way he could support a publicpany.¡± Quinn allowed herself a small, nomittal smile. Trent, of course, had always been in love with his own reflection. She had once predicted Grafton Technologies would copse within a few years. Now it looked like the fall woulde much sooner than that. Laura¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see Trent¡¯s mother and sister walk out of prison only to learn he¡¯s t¨Cbroke. I¡¯d pay good money for that scene.¡± Just then, Laura¡¯s phone began to vibrate. The caller ID lit up with Weston¡¯s name. A flicker of embarrassment crossed her face before she answered. ¡°I¡¯m waiting outside the Capital Investment Fair,¡± a deep voice said. ¡°When are youing out?¡± Laura jolted. ¡°You never said we were meeting today.¡± ¡°I¡¯m saying it now.¡± She fell silent, utterly at a loss for words. ¡°How soon can you wrap up and get outside?¡± he pressed. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ming¨Cgive me ten minutes,¡± she conceded. The day¡¯s negotiations were already over anyway. Laura understood Weston¡¯s nature¨Crefuse him now, and he would simply conjure some elegant trap that made here crawling back of her own ord. Stick out your neck or tuck it in, the de still drops. Fine, then. Get it over with and let the blood dry quickly Chapter 306 Downfall Of Trent The moment the call clicked off, she pivoted toward Quinn, her voice calm but brisk. ¡°Quinnie, I¡¯m heading home early.¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knit, concern spilling into her tone. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Going to meet Weston,¡± Laura answered without a shred of camouge. Quinn¡¯s confusion deepened. ¡°You and Weston¡­¡± ¡°Mm¨Ctemporary boyfriend and girlfriend, let¡¯s call it that.¡± With thebel tossed out like a lit match, Laura strode off before questions could pile up. Quinn stood rooted, a frown carving lines across her forehead. Temporary boyfriend and girlfriend? What on earth does that even mean? The instant Laura stepped through the front gate, she spotted Weston¡¯s sleek sedan idling a short distance away, its dark paint glinting beneath the streetmps like polished obsidian. She approached. The driver¡¯s side window slid down with a soft electric sigh, and Weston¡¯s smooth ¡®baritone drifted out. ¡°Get in.¡± Laura lifted a shoulder in a nonchnt shrug and reached for the rear door. His gaze flicked over, cool as steel. ¡°What, you really think I¡¯m your chauffeur? Front seat.¡± She swallowed the urge to snap back, rounded the hood, and slid into the passenger seat. ¡°Why did you want to meet up, Weston?¡± ¡°We¡¯re dating now, aren¡¯t we? A boyfriend seeing his girlfriend¨Cproblem with that?¡± ¡°No,¡± she muttered. Weston turned the key; the engine purred, and the car slipped onto the avenue in a smooth, predatory glide. ¡°Destination?¡± Laura asked, curiosity pricking through herposure. ¡°Dinner meeting. I need you with me.¡± -She arched an eyebrow, offering no resistance. Running apany meant endless dinner circuits; Laura could navigate that terrain blindfolded. Besides, her tailored dress and midnight heels were already perfect for such a battlefield. With that thought, her gaze drifted to Weston. He wore a razor¨Ccut ck suit paired with a deep¨Cnavy shirt, elegance wrapped in mystery. A sapphire¨Ctoned tie ented his cor. If I strip that tie off and blindfold him¡­ Military 307 Chapter 307 Dinner Meeting Tension Chapter 307 Dinner Meeting Tension Stop right there. For heaven¡¯s sake, Laura, where is your mind galloping off to? Weston¡¯s voice cut through the cabin. ¡°Staring at me like that¨Cregretting the breakup?¡± ¡°Not even close.¡± Laura yanked her gaze back to the windshield. Decisively ending things back then was in her book, the single smartest move she had ever made. Had she hesitated, she might have fallen for that dangerously handsome face all over again. Weston leaned in, his voice a de cutting through the hum outside the windshield. ¡°Do yourself a favor, darling. When we sit down, bury whatever pride is left. No one at that table can know you dumped me without regret.¡± Laura shot him a sideways re,shes flicking upward like drawn des. ¡°And what exactly is that supposed to mean?¡± . Weston settled back, expression unmoved, eyes catching reflections of neon rain. ¡°It means you¡¯d better act like breaking up was the worst mistake of your life, and that right now you are hopelessly in love with me.¡± Laura¡¯s brow tightened. ¡°Weston, it¡¯s only a dinner meeting. Surely we don¡¯t have to go that far. He did not blink. ¡°We do,¡± he said, the words striking like frost on ss. The sedan rolled to a graceful stop before a private club, its headlights washing the limestone fa?ade in pale silver. Laura stepped out first, heels tapping like nervous metronomes. Weston matched her stride, guiding her through bronze doors and down a hush¨Ccarpeted corridor into an intimate private suite. The moment they crossed the threshold, a jovial voice rose above the murmurs. ¡°Mr. Windore, at a freshman who had wandered into a graduate seminar. On any other night, meeting even one of them would have taken months of strategicworking and an improbable stroke of luck. Yet Weston was serving her the entire directory on a silver tter, as though opening doors were as effortless as breathing. Laura offered handshakes and warm nods, her manners precise, her smile measured, determined not to 19:51 Wed 18 Aug Chapter 307 Dinner Meeting Tension betray the churn in her stomach. Someone chuckled. ¡°Never thought the great Mr. Windore had a girlfriend. We were this close to pairing you with Serena here.¡± Conversation tilted, chairs turned. Every gaze now settled on a woman whose presence felt like moonlight drawn indoors. The woman, Serena Wynn, wore an ivory suit dress, its clean lines entuating a cool, almost austere grace. She offered a mild smile. ¡°Oh, you exaggerate. I could never measure up to Mr. Windore. He¡¯s always treated me like a junior colleague. Besides, Ms. Wentworth¡¯s name rings a bell¨Cit sounds a lot like his ex¡¯s That single remark shifted the atmosphere yet again; curious, probing stares converged on Laura as though she were suddenly under a theater spotlight. In that moment, Laura understood why Weston had staged their little pre¨Cgame briefing in the car. He was drafting her as a human shield against iing admirers. Weston lifted his ss, voice casual. ¡°Laura and I dated once, drifted apart, then crossed paths again. Turns out the feelings never left, so here we are¨Cthis time, I doubt we¡¯ll ever split.¡± He looked at her, eyes steady What a joke. In a year we¡¯ll be strangers again. Still, Laura managed a gentleugh. ¡°Yes, getting a second chance with Weston has made me incredibly happy,¡± she said, forcing warmth into every syble. Someone pped their hands. ¡°Then let¡¯s toast to the two of them.¡± Chairs scraped, sses lifted, the room quickly filling with warm amber reflections and the soft music of toasts. Laura limited herself to two small sips, then excused herself under the pretext of freshening up. After washing her hands, she stepped back into the corridor¨Cand nearly collided with Serena, who seemed to be waiting. From the woman¡¯s rigid posture and the impatient tap of her heel, Laura could tell she had been standing ¨C here for one reason only: waiting for her. ¡°What is it?¡± Laura asked, eyebrow arched high, voice cool as ss. ¡°You¡¯re not good enough for Mr. Windore,¡± Serena said, her words sharp and precise, each syble aiming to wound. ¡°I heard you¡¯re nothing but a nouveau¨Criche upstart. You hurt him once¨Cleft him bleeding. How dare you crawl back now?¡± Laura rolled her eyes, amused by the revisionist history on disy. Back then, I was the one left bleeding, not him. ¡°Whether I¡¯m good enough for Weston is between him and me. What business is it of yours? Who exactly are you to lecture me?¡± Serena lifted her chin. ¡°I¡¯m speaking as someone who cares about Mr. Windore. I have no idea what you wea Chapter 307 Dinner Meeting Tension want from him, but he despises being used. The day he realizes you are exploiting him, he¡¯ll loathe you Laura let out a short, mockingugh. If anyone was being used today, it was her. ¡°Do you fancy Weston?¡± Laura asked, choosing bluntness over pretense. ¡°I simply believe he deserves someone better¨Csomeone who hasn¡¯t already hurt him.¡± Lauraughed, eyes bright. ¡°Too bad for you¨CWeston has a taste for women like me.¡± She looked over Serena¡¯s shoulder at the man approaching. ¡°Weston, darling, tell your little prot¨¦g¨¦ exactly how much you crave me.¡± Winning the moment mattered more than winning the war; this was a time to strike, not retreat. 5 Weston studied Laura, his lips pressed into a straight, unreadable line. Not a single word left him. Laura closed the distance, looped her arms around his neck, and drew him down until her breath grazed his ear. ¡°I helped you put on a show earlier,¡± she whispered, every syble meant for him alone. ¡°Now you help me.¡± ¡°What are you nning?¡± he murmured, voice low, wary yet intrigued. Before he could protest, Laura pressed her mouth to his, stealing sound and sense alike. 19:51 Wed, 13 Aug Military 308 Chapter 308 Reckless Disy Chapter 308 Reckless Disy The unexpected kiss turned Weston rigid, shock crackling through his veins like live current. Yet secondster, he melted, drowning in the softness of her lips and that once¨Cfamiliar scent of wild jasmine. How long had it been since shest kissed him like this? The question ignited a hunger that wed at his restraint, urging him to demand more. But after a heartbeat, the kiss broke, leaving the air raw and wanting. Laura straightened, lips still glistening, then cast a challenging nce at Serena. ¡°Satisfied now?¡± she asked. ¡°You saw it with your own eyes.¡± Color drained from Serena¡¯s face, leaving it a mask of stunned fury. Weston¡¯s heart sank. So the kiss had been nothing more than theater¨Cfor her, at least. The only one treasuring it was me. . Julius opened his eyes to find himself in a private hospital suite, walls humming with sterilized quiet. ¡°Where is she?¡± were the first words to leave his cracked lips. Fabian, standing guard beside the bed, cleared his throat. ¡°Ms. Quinn knocked you out, had us rush you here, then left without another word,¡± he exined. Julius lowered his gaze to the three splinted fingers of his right hand, the white bandage stark against his skin. Even after I begged, even after I tore myself open in front of her, she still insists on cutting me away. She would not so much as brush the back of her hand against his. He understood¨Cthat was Quinn Bridger all over. She carried love the way a soldier shoulders a rifle: ready to lift it high, just as ready to set it down. Once she had resolved to divorce Trent, she had marched forward without a single backward nce. And now If she chose to end things with me, would her spine remain just as straight, her steps just as unyielding? No. Julius mped his jaw until his teeth creaked. Even if she refused to turn around, he would force the heavens and the earth to pivot until she faced him again. D A few dayster, Laura apanied Quinn through the sliding ss doors of the airport, the ceiling lights gleaming off endless rows of polished tile. Laura reached out and smoothed the zipper on Quinn¡¯s carry¨Con. ¡°Have you got every thing, darling? You haven¡¯t left a single sock behind, have you?¡± Quinn hitched the bag higher on her shoulder, the wheels of her suitcase clicking over the polished floor. ¡°Nothing¡¯s missing. Even if I did forget something, I can buy it once Ind. I¡¯m flying to Riverpoint- Doria¡¯s secondrgest city, not some back¨Ccountry vige.¡± 1/3 19:51 Wed, 13 Aug Chapter 308 Reckless Disy Laura¡¯s worry refused to loosen its grip. ¡°When you get there, promise you¡¯ll call me every single day¨Cno exceptions.¡± Quinn¡¯s smile was soft but sure. ¡°I will.¡± She turned toward the departure gate, ready to step into the stream of travelers, when a lean silhouette came striding across the marble, wheeling a suitcase that hummed against the quiet morning air. Han closed the distance in a few purposeful steps, his voice cutting through the airport murmur. ¡°Quinnie!¡± Quinn blinked in surprise, augh slipping out. ¡°Well, this is a stroke of luck. I didn¡¯t expect to run into you here. Where are you off to?¡± Han¡¯s grin carried the easy confidence of a man with a n already set. ¡°Not luck¨CI¡¯m flying with you to Doria.¡± Quinn froze, suitcase handle halfway raised. Beside her, Laura¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°You¡¯re heading to Doria as well?¡± Han shrugged, breezy but determined. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m keeping Quinniepany. I haven¡¯t taken a proper vacation in ages, so I figured I¡¯d give myself a long one.¡± Quinn started to protest, worry creasing her brow. ¡°You don¡¯t need to tag along¨CI can handle-¡± Before she could finish, Han raised a hand, cutting in with a gentle firmness. ¡°I¡¯ming. Maybe there¡¯ll be something I can help with, maybe not¨Cbut my leave is approved, and I¡¯d only be wasting it at home. If my break ends and you still need more time in Doria, I¡¯ll simply fly back alone. No fuss.¡± He knew that framing it this way was the only chance of easing the weight she always carried on her shoulders. Quinn sighed. ¡°All right then. Thank you.¡± Han¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°Quinnie, between us, there¡¯s no need for thanks.¡± Laura¨Cgave Han an approving nod, relief smoothing the lines around her mouth. ¡°Good. With you there, I can breathe a little easier. Now, get moving¨Cdon¡¯t miss your boarding call.¡± Han tipped his head toward the securitynes. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Quinn¡¯s answering smile was small but genuine. ¡°Sure.¡± Side by side, they rolled their suitcases toward the metal detectors, wheels ticking like a shared heartbeat across the gleaming floor. As they walked, Han stole quick nces at Quinn out of the corner of his eye, cataloguing very subtle shift in her expression. This time, he vowed, he would not let her slip beyond his reach. Back in Yarburn, his absence had left a door cracked open, and Julius Whitethorn had walked straight through it. He refused to make the same mistake twice. 2/3 Chapter 308 Reckless Disy s He had sworn that,e what may, he would stay beside her. Even if she felt no love now, even if romance meant nothing, he would wait in quiet devotion, ready to be the first face she saw when she needed anything, the very thought her heart stumbled toward. From a short distance away, Julius watched the pair walking shoulder to shoulder; a sliver of darkness slid through his eyes, sharp and cold as winter steel. Fabian inclined his head. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, the aircraft is ready for boarding.¡± Julius blinked, the storm in his stare folding inward as he looked down at the boarding pass and passport cradled in his palin. ¡°Quinnie, we will be together again before long,¡± he murmured, promise curling around each syble like smoke. 3/3 Military 309 Chapter 309 Riverpoint Arrival Quinn and Han stepped off the regional jet into Riverpoint, the secondrgest city in Doria. Because Riverpoint bustled with a sizable Clusian diaspora, both Clusian and Uprian drifted through the air like twin currents. Ordering food, hailing cabs, even small talk at the curb came effortlessly, thefort of familiar words softening the strangeness of a foreign skyline. ¡°Have you booked a ce to stay yet?¡± Quinn asked, tightening the strap on her shoulder bag as they waited beside the taxi queue. ¡°I have¨Csame hotel as you,¡± Han replied, casual yet decisive. Quinn¡¯s brow arched, curiosity mingling with suspicion. ¡°And how exactly did you know which hotel I chose?¡± ¡°Laura reached out before we flew,¡± Han exined. ¡°She wanted me to run a quiet security check on your hotel. Once it cleared, I figured booking a room there made sense.¡± Warmth unfurled inside Quinn like dawn light spilling through sheer curtains. She had not expected Laura¡¯s discreet vignce, and the discovery made the world feel a shade safer. ¡°Then let¡¯s get moving,¡± she said, gging down the next cab. The hotel rose in polished ss and pale stone a few blocks from the riverfront. Check¨Cin proved swift, passports stamped, keycards handed over with rehearsed smiles. Their rooms faced one another across a narrow corridor¨Cdoors close enough that a knock or a hurried call would carry easily. ¡°So, Quinnie, what do you n to do first?¡± Han asked once their luggage was stowed. ¡°First the police station,¡± she said, voice steady. ¡°After that, I need to visit the ce where my brother wasst seen. Maybe the ground still remembers something we don¡¯t.¡± ¡°I¡¯ming with you,¡± Han answered, the promise offered without flourish. Quinn did not argue. She simply nodded, eptance shining behind her eyes. They rented apact sedan, city map glowing on the dashboard screen, and headed toward the police station, the tires whispering over sun¨Cbaked asphalt. Thanks to strings quietly pulled by the Azanian Embassy in Doria, the local detectives produced the five- year¨Cold case file within minutes. Time, however, had eaten holes through the record. What remained was little more than a single stark line ¡°Vagrant obstructed vehicle, removed from scene.¡± ¡°Was the vagrant¡¯s name never documented?¡± Quinn asked, leaning closer to the yellowed page. ¡°If he¡¯d given one, we would have written it down,¡± the officer said, weary yet patient. ¡°No name usually means he didn¡¯t have one, or couldn¡¯t remember. Many on the streets struggle with their minds.¡± Could Rowan have taken a head injury so severe he forgot even himself? Is that why he vanished into Doria, silent to the army, silent to us? Leaving the station, they drove to the address Marley had once pinpointed in a grainy video. Five years had altered little¨Cthe same cracked pavement, the same leaning streemp, the same hush of disinterest III < Chapter 309 Riverpoint Arrival from passing traffic. At the intersection¡¯s shadowed corner, Quinn stopped, gaze fixed on an empty patch of curb as though it were an open wound. Her mind reyed the footage. Rowan being dragged, limp and unresisting, then discarded like refuse The brother who had once seemed unbreakable had looked fragile, a felled oak stripped of branches. ¡°Quinnic?¡± Han murmured, stepping beside her. ¡°You¡¯ve been staring for a while. ¡°My brother was thrown here,¡± she whispered, the wordsnding heavier than stones. ¡°Rowan?¡± Han¡¯s disbelief cracked through hisposure. ¡°How could that possibly be?¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes clouded, a shimmering film threatening to spill. ¡°Back then, he waved down a passing car for help,¡± she said, her voice frayed at the edges. ¡°Instead of pulling him in, the people inside told their bodyguards to haul him to the shoulder and dump him there like trash. Simply speaking those words felt like reopening a wound¨Ccach syble rasped across raw nerves, leaving a dull throb hanging in the air. Han leaned in, brows knitting. ¡°Who was in that car? Did you manage to find out?¡± Quinn lowered hershes, bitterness tugging at her mouth. ¡°Julius Whitethorn.¡± The name struck Han like a p. Recognition flickered across his face, and in that instant he understood why Quinn had walked away from Julius without warning. ¡°Rowan is going to be all right,¡± Han said, steady as a promise. ¡°Let¡¯s start by asking around,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Maybe someone still remembers what happened five years ago.¡± At this point, luck was the onlypass they had left. To her surprise, a gray¨Chaired shopkeeper squinted when she posed the question. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re digging into that too? Must¡¯ve been some big shot, that homeless fellow from five years back. People keeping, always sniffing after his trail.¡± Quinn¡¯s pulse jumped. ¡°Who else has been asking?¡± ¡°Strangers,¡± the shopkeeper said, eyes gleaming with greed. ¡°A whole crew of them. They shed a thick roll of bills for answers.¡± Han offered a rxed smile, produced a handful of crisp notes, andid them on the counter. ¡°Share whatever you know, and these are yours.¡± O Military 310 Chapter 310 Rumors And Shadows The man snatched the money and shrugged. ¡°It happened five years ago. Who cares about some difier?¡® Most wanderers around here break out of those privatepounds nearby. If he didn¡¯t die then, he was probably dragged back inter. Five years on¨Cdead either way, I¡¯d bet.¡± Quinn¡¯s stomach dropped. She knew too well what thosepounds were for. They were dens for every crime thew had no reach to touch, ces where an ordinary person would be tortured until body and spirit frayed. Could Rowan have escaped from one of thos e hellholes? Was his weakness because of the torment he endured? They questioned more locals; the answers differed little, each one another stone sinking in Quinn¡¯s chest. On the ride back, Quinn said, ¡°I¡¯m going to find a way inside the nearestpound and see for myself.¡± ¡°That¡¯s far too dangerous,¡± Han shot back. ¡°We¡¯re not in Glusia¨Cthose grounds are awless frontier. Quinn thought a beat. ¡°Then we try the Regal Ace Casino. It¡¯s controlled by the same syndicates. Staff might know something.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Han said. ¡°We¡¯ll go together tomorrow.¡± Quinn hesitated, worry flickering behind her eyes. Han tilted his head. ¡°Something else tomorrow?¡± ¡°Part of my funds are still tied up back home. They might not clear in Doria by morning,¡± she admitted. Han waved the concern away. ¡°Forget the money. I¡¯ve got it covered. Get some rest tonight- tomorrow¡¯s casino run will drain us enough.¡± Quinn gave a small, rueful smile. ¡°Feels like the debts I owe you keep piling up.¡± Han chuckled softly. ¡°Debts? Back in the unit, I owed you more. If you hadn¡¯t carried me to the hospital through that blizzard, my fever would¡¯ve cooked my brain.¡± From that frozen night onward, the walls around his heart had begun to thaw, brick by brick, until he finally understood what he felt for her. He prayed¨Csilently, stubbornly¨Cthat this time he wouldn¡¯t let her slip through his fingers again. The car door closed with a muffled thud, sealing Quinn and Han inside a cocoon of dim leather and faint cologne. Outside, Riverpoint¡¯s nightscape slid by¨Cfluorescent shop signs, wet asphalt, and sodiummps painting restless streaks across the windows. Minutester, they strolled beneath the gilt canopy of the hotel. Dinner was quiet¨Cclinking cutlery, low jazz, their voices kept deliberately soft. When thest dish had been cleared, they rode the elevator up, the hush between them thick as velvet, until the doors parted on their floor. ¡°Han,e by my room for a moment. There¡¯s something we need to discuss.¡± She murmured the invitation while opening her room door, warmmplight spilling over the hallway carpet like melted gold. ||| O 173 Chapter 310 Rumors And Shadows ¡°All right,¡± Han said, his tone casual yet attentive. He followed Quinn across the threshold, the son cit of the door closing behind them sounding almost ceremonial. Julius lounged in the surveince suite several floors below, a leather chair framing him like a throne Rows of monitors washed his sharp features in an icy glow, each screen capturing some anonymous slice of corridor life. When he saw Quinn and Han disappear into the same room, the fingers resting on his knees curled inward as though trying to crush something invisible. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, Mr. Ingram and Ms. Bridger booked separate rooms. They¡¯re probably just talking business¨Che¡¯ll be out any minute,¡± Fabian offered, words tumbling over themselves in haste. He kept his gaze on Julius¡® storm¨Cdark profile, praying the exnation wouldnd. ¡°Is that so?¡± Julius¡¯s eyes never left the feed, his voice as thin and sharp as a razor edge. Will he truly emerge in just a moment? And if he doesn¡¯t¨Cif Han chooses to stay the night? If she gives herself to him tonight¡­ Thinking of that possibility, he stared at the screen, his blood turning to ice. The seconds crawled by, each digital blink of the timestamp sounding like a hammer blow inside Julius skull. The air pressure inside the monitoring room sank to something almost suffocating, as though the walls themselves feared to breathe. Fabian sat rigid, watching his boss¡® face darken by degrees, silently begging the elevator gods to deliver Han back into the hallway. If Han actually spent the night in Quinn¡¯s room, Fabian suspected Julius might very well lose his mind. More than an hourter, the door finally opened. Han stepped into the corridor, then leaned back inside, saying something inaudible. A slender hand rose from the darkness and curled around his neck. The camera couldn¡¯t prate the room itself; only Han¡¯s torso remained visible, the rest swallowed by shadow, and Quinn herself hidden just beyond the threshold. From this angle, the posture looked unmistakably intimate¨Calmost, Julius thought with a spike of nausea, like a kiss. Fabian¡¯s heart lurched. If Ms. Bridger truly was kissing Mr. Ingram, then¡­ His nce flicked toward Julius, who was already on his feet. Julius stared at the screen, lips pressed into a colorless line, phoenix eyes glittering with a dangerous, jealous sheen that bordered on madness. ¡°It¡¯s just a mosquito bite. Take this soothing balm and dab some onter¨Cbugs are relentless this time of night,¡± Quinn said, smoothing the cor of Han¡¯s shirt with practiced ease. Moments earlier she had noticed a patch of irritated skin on his neck and stopped him to inspect it. ¡°All right. Get some rest,¡± Han replied, warmth flickering behind his casual smile. 111 O 2/3 Chapter 310 Rumors And Shadows ¡°You too,¡± she answered softly. ¡°Try to sleep early? After closing the door, Quinn drifted into the bathroom. She stared at her reflection above the porcin sink and drew a long, steadying breath. Tomorrow, she would test her luck at the Regal Ace Casino, hoping for any thread that might lead to Rowan. If that failed, her next move would be to infiltrate the casino¡¯s and industrial park¡¯sputer systems, scraping for anything useful. For now, those options were all she had. She was about to wash up when the doorbell chimed, sharp and unexpected. Quinn lingered beside the shut hotel door, one hand hovering over the handle. Did Han forget something? 373 Military 311 Chapter 311 Uninvited Guest Quinn drew the door open, expecting the corridor¡¯s hushed emptiness. Instead, she stopped cold, fingers tightening on the knob. Julius stood on the threshold, tall, immacte, and burning with something that did not belong to the quiet hallway lights. What on earth is he doing here? The thought red even before she could shape his name. Before any greeting could form, Julius swept inside, mmed the door with a backward shove, and herded her against the wall like a storm cornering a fragile shore. His voice, usually winter¨Chard and remote, cracked with raw impatience. ¡°Why was Han Ingram in your room for so long? What exactly did you two do?¡± She frowned, the wall cold against her shoulder. ¡°Are you spying on me?¡± Julius lifted his hand. ¡°I checked the hallway cameras. Tell me what happened between you and Han.¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes narrowed, indignation stiffening her spine. ¡°Whatever I did with him is none of your business.¡± She pressed a palm to his chest, meaning to shove him away. In the next breath, he caged her against the wall, and his mouth crashed onto hers with a violence that tasted of usation and need. Instinct screamed for her to break free, yet her fingers brushed the rigid splint on his fingers and faltered. She could have forced him back¨Cmaybe a sixty¨Cpercent chance¨Cbut that shove would tear at his already damaged fingers. Turning her head hard to one side, she escaped the punishing kiss. Breath ragged, she red at him. ¡°Julius, have you lost your mind? We already broke up.¡± His lips, still brushed with hers, chased the words. ¡°You said it, not me. I never agreed to any breakup.¡± She tried to angle her face away from him, voice muffled between their stubborn closeness. ¡°I told you¨Ca breakup takes only one vote. Mine. Now let go¡­ Stop¡­¡± This has to end now! A sudden fury zed through her; she mped her teeth on his lower lip, biting down with merciless precision. Metallic warmth burst across her tongue, copper blooming like a dark flower between them. Julius did not recoil. Blood threaded across their mouths while he kept kissing her, relentless as surf against rock. Only when the taste turned thick, almost choking, did he finally pull back, breath ragged, eyes wild. She wiped the smear from her lips, fury flickering hotter than the pain. ¡°You¡¯re aplete lunatic!¡± The usation seemed to soften him, not harden; his voice fell to a broken whisper. ¡°Quinn, if you really abandon me, I will go insane.¡± III O 1/3 Chapter 311 Uninvited Guest Silence stretched a heartbeat. Quinn drew a steadying breath. ¡°Let me go first. I need to ringe my mouth. The metallic tang of blood coated every inhale. Julius¡® grip loosened. She shoved past him and disappeared into the bathroom, the click of the door echoing like a verdict. She rinsed once, twice, three times, spitting crimson each round until the water ran nearly clear. When she stepped back into the room, Julius sat on the couch as if rooted there, eyes zing at her; blood still beaded on the split of his lower lip, bright against the pale of him. Quinn stepped forward, each measured stride whisper¨Csoft against the marble, the overhead light catching in her dark hair like distant starlight. ¡°Wipe the blood from your lips,¡± she said, offering a neatly folded tissue that gleamed as pale as surrender. Julius did not reach for the tissue. Instead, he tilted his head back, the line of his throat stark beneath the lobby¡¯s chandelier. ¡°Will you do it for me?¡± His voice wavered between plea andmand, raw need vibrating in every syble. Quinn¡¯s first instinct was to refuse. The word hovered, hot and hard, behind her teeth. But then she met his eyes¡ªthose bruised, storm¨Ccolored eyes brimming with a boyish, desperate hope¨Cand the denial splintered, lodged somewhere in her throat where even breath felt sharp. A brittle aura clung to him, as though hisposure were nothing more than fractured ss arranged into the shape of a man. She sensed¨Cdown to her bones¨Cthat if she turned away now, the shards would scatter and Julius would shatter beyond repair. She exhaled, a sigh both weary and tender, pinched the tissue between slender fingers, and dabbed at the crimson smudge staining his mouth. ¡°If you ever bully me like that again,¡± she warned, voice quiet yet edged with steel, ¡°I won¡¯t forgive you.¡± A flicker¨Chalf guilt, half stubborn pride¨Cshed across Julius¡® eyes. He knew he had let fury drive him past reason only moments ago. The image of Quinn arriving in Doria with Han, the two of them shut away together for far too long, gnawed at him like acid. Jealousy, bright and sick, curled tight around his ribs. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± The words left him rough, yet earnest, as though scraped free from a throat scorched by regret. She brushed away the final trace of blood, the gesture almost maternal, then stepped back. ¡°All done. It¡¯ste. I need rest, and you should go.¡± ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me what you and Han were doing,¡± Julius pressed, voice dropping to a growl that reverberated in the empty hallway ¡°Discussing how to find my brother, nothing more,¡± Quinn answered, choosing each word with surgical care, determined to leave no space for rumor to bloom. ¡°Then why,¡± he asked, eyes drilling into her, ¡°did it look like you kissed him at the door a moment ago?¡± Quinn blinked, utterly thrown. ¡°I kissed Han? Are you serious?¡± ?? 2/3 Chapter 311 Uninvited Guest The tension bled from Julius¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Thank heaven you didn¡¯t, he murmured. d you done s can¡¯t say what I might have done.¡± Her brows knitted. ¡°Leave Han out of whatever this is between us.¡± ¡°Then don¡¯t fall for him,¡± Julius said. ¡°Quinn, I¡¯m only now realizing how monstrous my jealousy can be Perhaps the rumors about the Whitethorn temper are truc¨CI might be a madman after all.. ¡°Han is family to me¨Cnothing else. But listen closely: if you every a hand on him, I will not stand idle.¡± Her tone, usually velvet, snapped like a de drawn too fast. Warning zed in her almond¨Cshaped eyes, bright as a lit fuse. Julius¡® jaw tightened; his nails carved crescents into his palms. Pain was easier to manage than the wildfire raging in his chest. Her fierce defense of Han told Julius exactly how much the young man meant to her, every syble of caution another stone added to the weight on his heart. She might call Han her brother, yet jealousy, uninvited and uncontroble, continued to leak through Julius¡® veins like ink in water. ¡°Very well,¡± he said atst, voice low but steady. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t fall for him, I won¡¯t harm him.¡± Military 312 Chapter 312 Dangerous Ground Chapter 312 Dangerous Ground Quinn disliked the peril Julius represented, yet provoking a direct sh here and now served no purpose After all, she reminded herself, no one could predict what an enraged Julius might do and none of the dreadful possibilities had even happened yet. ¡°Doria isn¡¯t exactly tranquil,¡± Julius added, tone softer, almost reluctant. ¡°If real trouble finds you, call me at once.¡± Quinn studied him, curiosity edging past fatigue. ¡°Why did youe to Doria at all, Julius? ¡°If I said I was tracking leads about your brother, would you believe me?¡± He met her gaze without blinking, as if the fragile thread binding them depended on her answer. Ever since the memory mmed into him¨CRowan Bridger¡¯s silhouette flickering across some Dorian street years ago¨CJulius had treated the republic like a crime scene waiting to be scoured. Every flight manifest, every border camera feed, every whisper in the underworld¨Che threw money and manpower at them all, convinced the key to Rowan¡¯s disappearancey somewhere beneath Doria¡¯s washed¨Cout skies. ¡°Back near the spot where my brother was dragged out of the van and left for dead¨Cdid you ever send anyone to question the locals?¡± ¡°I did,¡± Juli¨²s said with a curt nod. ¡°They spoke to every resident within blocks, but nothing useful surfaced.¡± Quinn fell silent. Only now did she understand why, when she canvassed the neighborhood earlier that day, tenants had told her someone else had alreadye asking the same uneasy questions. ¡°I¡¯ve also pulled the employee rosters for every factory in the area over the past five years. Your brother¡¯s name doesn¡¯t appear on a single list.¡± The statement blindsided her. Quinn had nned to hunt down those records herself; Julius had finished the legwork before she even boarded the ne. ¡°If you want to see the files, I can have Fabian email the entire package to you right now,¡± he said. ¡°Thank you,¡± Quinn said, meaning every syble. ¡°And one more thing,¡± Julius added after a weighted pause, his voice dropping to gravel. ¡°Dig if you must, but stay out of ces that smell like trouble. I don¡¯t care how lethal you are alone¨Ccrowds will swallow you. You know that as well as I do, Quinn.¡± ¡°I understand. No one values my safety more than I do.¡± She clutched that certainty like a lifeline. I have to stay alive. Rowan is waiting, and Mom and Dad sacrificed everything for this heartbeat still inside me. I won¡¯t waste it. Only after Julius stepped out and the door clicked shut did Quinn allow herself a long, shaky exhale. She hadn¡¯t expected him to turn up in Doria, yet his presence¨Cunasked for though it was¨Chad saved her hours, maybe days, of grinding investigation. 173 Chapter 312 Dangerous Ground Her mind drifted back to the punishing kiss he¡¯d pressed on her moments before, the possessive warning wrapped in it. This is why people shouldn¡¯t fall in love so casually, she thought, pulse still skittering Even breaking up d beplicated now, a knot pulled too tight to cut free without bloort Yet she didn¡¯t want to push Julius so far that the rumors proved true and he truly lost his mind The stories about the Whitethorn family¡¯s men echoed in her head, darker each time she reyed them. She thought of Joaquin¡¯s crazy behavior. The image sent a chill skimming over her skin. From what she had gathered, Joaquin had stopped appearing in public after his wife¡¯s death, Julius himself had admitted the loss had turned his father into a madman. She refused to believe Julius would follow that same bleak trajectory. After all, they¡¯d only been together a few short months. Even if his feelings ran deep, time would sand down the edges; distance would dilute what remained. He would not transform into a lunatic over her. He couldn¡¯t. A nce at the clock jolted her. She pulled out her phone and dialed Laura. ¡°Quinn, what took you so long? I was about to ring you myself!¡± ¡°Sorry, Julius dropped by my room. I got dyed.¡± ¡°Julius?¡± A sharp breath hissed through the line. ¡°He¡¯s in Doria too?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me he followed you all the way to Doria,¡± Laura said, half teasing, half genuinely unnerved. ¡°Could be business. The Whitethorn family as projects here too,¡± Quinn replied, though she wasn¡¯t entirely convinced herself. ¡°Just promise you¡¯ll stay safe-¡± Laura began, when a sudden yelp cracked through the speaker. Static rippled, and Quinn¡¯s heart jumped into her throat as the call filled with muffledmotion on Laura¡¯s end. From the other end of the call, Quinn¡¯s voice floated out, slightly distorted by the speaker yet unmistakably tender. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Laura drew a sharp breath, her words tumbling out in a whisper that almost tripped over itself. ¡°N¨Cn- nothing, really. A cockroach just scurried past and gave me a fright. Let¡¯s catch upter, okay? I¡­ I still have something to deal with right now.¡± Without waiting for Quinn¡¯s reply, she jabbed the red icon and the screen went dark, cutting the conversation like a snapped wire. Then she spun, ponytail whipping her shoulder, and pinned Weston with a stare so sharp it might have drawn blood¨Cthis was the man who had just yanked her close and branded her neck with his mouth. 2/3 A sharp sting blossomed where his lips had ravaged her skin, hot and persistent like a live coal. I don¡¯t need 19:52 Fri, 15 Aug Chapter 312 Dangerous Ground a mirror to know he left a trophy, she thought, the certainty throbbing in time with her pulse. 10 Fras Coins She nted both palms against his chest, more to brace herself than to push him away. ¡°Weston Windore, what exactly are you trying to do?¡± He only tightened his arms around her waist, drawing her in until the faint scent of his cologne fogged her senses. ¡°So it¡¯s permissible for you to kiss me, but a capital crime if I return the favor?¡± he murmured. voice brushing her lips, their noses almost grazing. Laura¡¯s eyes rolled so hard they nearly showed whites, the universal gesture for men who just don¡¯t get it. ¡°I kissed you to help you, remember? You dragged me to that private club so I could scare off your suitors. Don¡¯t pretend you didn¡¯t notice Serena Wynn drooling over you. You¡¯re repaying my favor with ingratitude.¡± Weston arched an eyebrow, one corner of his mouth tilting in amused challenge. His fingertip traced the fresh bruise on her neck, azy circle that made her shiver despite herself¨Cthe mark was his handiwork, and they both knew it. ¡°Laura, I thought you liked this. Back in the day, you and I even researched how to make a proper love bite.¡± Heat crawled up Laura¡¯s cheeks, turning her fair skin rose¨Cpink. Ah, the recklessness of youth¨Capparently the bill due in adulthood. Military 313 Chapter 313 Late Night Intrusion ¡°And you truly believe,¡± his voice dropped to a husky baritone, ¡°that my kissing you is ingratitude? His eyes, dark as midnight water, searched her face for an answer she couldn¡¯t give. Laura bit down on frustration so hard her mrs ached. ¡°Good looks aren¡¯t a free pass, Weston. You don¡¯t get to do whatever you please just because you won the gic lottery.¡± ¡°So you admit it¨Cyou think I¡¯m good¨Clooking too?¡± he volleyed back, wicked grin in ce. The words caught in her throat, a betrayal of her own logic. I can mock him all I want, but I can¡¯t pretend that face isn¡¯t a masterpiece. ¡°All right, Weston. You show up at my door in the dead of night¨Cwhat is it you really want?¡± She had been curled on the couch with a nket when the doorbell burst through the silence of her apartment. The moment she cracked the door, Weston swept her into a bear hug, whispering in that gravel¨Csoft voice, ¡°Just hold me for a minute, it¡¯ll be quick.¡± Maybe it was the exhaustion woven into his words, or the way his head settled on her shoulder like a man finally allowed to rest; whatever the reason, she relented. She didn¡¯t expect him to hold her for ten minutes straight, refusing to leave and marching right inside as if the ce had always been his, asking for at least a cup of coffee before leaving. Therefore, while she fielded Quinn¡¯s call, he had the audacity to anchor his mouth to her neck, sucking and nibbling until her knees threatened mutiny. ¡°Does a boyfriend really need an excuse to check on his girlfriend?¡± he asked, as though the answer were self¨Cevident. ¡°Bite my neck? Seriously? We¡¯re not a real couple, Weston. I¡¯m only helping you work through that mess in your head, remember?¡± ¡°And this is one of those therapeutic techniques. The doctor said a little physical closeness with my girlfriend would do wonders for the trauma.¡± Laura¡¯s eyes shed with disbelief. ¡°Oh,e on¨Cthat¡¯s got to be a scam. What kind of doctor gives advice like that?¡± ¡°If you truly think it¡¯s nonsense, I can give you the doctor¡¯s number. Ask him yourself.¡± He unlocked his phone, scrolled through a long contact list, found the physician, then offered the glowing screen to Laura. Laura let out a small, embarrassedugh. ¡°That¡­ won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Weston withdrew the phone and slid it back into his pocket. ¡°Any other questions?¡± he asked. Leaning closer, Laura lowered her voice. ¡°This ¡®intimacy¡­ How far are we talking? You don¡¯t mean actual sex, do you?¡± A glint stirred in Weston¡¯s eyes. ¡°And what about you¨Cdo you want to sleep with me?¡± 178 Chapter 313 Late Night Intrusion Laura answered with an immediate shake of the head. Absolutely not! To Laura, Weston resembled the prettiest childhood candy¨Csweet, alluring, and dangerously easy to crave. But the deeper the craving, the more the withdrawal burned. She had tasted that burn once before and had no intention of sampling it again. Weston lowered his gaze, the flicker of disappointment veiled by hisshes. He remembered clearly: this woman used to love sharing his bed. Back then, even if he resisted, she would coax andugh him all the way to the sheets until every defense copsed. Now she refused him with de¨Csharp decisiveness. Weston gathered himself. ¡°Rx. I don¡¯t believe in forcing anyone. Even with intimacy, I¡¯ll ask for your consent. Hand¨Cholding, a hug, maybe a kiss¨Conly if you agree.¡± ¡°Kissing is off the table!¡± Laura burst out. ¡°Why not?¡± Weston countered. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ just too intimate,¡± she muttered. Weston tilted his head. ¡°Then why didn¡¯t it feel too intimate when you night?¡± Laura fell silent, words fizzing out before they could reach her lips. kissed me at the club the other Weston¡¯s voice softened, patient yet relentless. ¡°Laura, a kiss without feelings is nothing more than skin brushing skin. It¡¯s no different from holding hands¨Cunless you harbor feelings for me.¡± ¡°Of course I don¡¯t have feelings for you!¡± she ¡°Great. In that case, what exactly is the obstacle?¡± Weston asked, perfectlyposed. A pulse of frustration throbbed at her temples. She¡¯d forgotten¨Che was awyer. She didn¡¯t stand a chance in a verbal sparring match. By the next dawn¡¯s first bright hour, Quinn and Han stepped through the glittering threshold of Regal Ace Casino. To avoid drawing attention, they bought a modest stack of chips and wandered between roulette wheels and card tables, pausing now and then to ce an unremarkable bet. Earlier that morning, Quinn had opened her email to find Fabian¡¯s attachment¨Ca five¨Cyear personnel roster for Bayside Industrial Estate. Each name came paired with a headshot, sparing her hours of cross¨Creferencing. 273 19:53 Fri, 15 Aug Chapter 313 Late Night Intrusion +10 Free Coins Thanks to the confidential dossier Julius had slipped into her hands, Quinn walked into the Regal Casino with the rare advantage of recognition. Faces worn smooth by five long years under neon re and drifting cigarette smoke floated up from the pages of those files and resolved themselves at the tables. Many of those workers had begun across the river at Bayside Industrial Estate¨Cfirst as gruntbor, then transferred here as junior dealers, runners, even security. If Rowan really entered the industrial estate five years ago, one of these people had to know. After losing a couple of polite hands, Quinn watched one of the women from her list rise and glide toward the restrooms at the far end of the floor. ¡°I¡¯m stepping out for thedies¡® room,¡± she murmured to Han, already half turned to follow the woman. ¡°Got it,¡± Han replied, pushing a neat stack of chips toward the dealer without looking up. Quinn trailed the employee at a measured distance, her heels whispering over the thick carpet. ording to Julius¡® notes, the woman had spent six years inside this operation¨Cfour in the grim warehouses of Bayside Industrial Estate and thest two promoted to the casino floor. That made her the perfect loose thread to tug for secrets. As the woman entered a side corridor, her steps faltered. She stopped dead, eyes widening at the group gathered around the elevator doors. Military 314 Chapter 314 Face Behind The Doors Chapter 314 Face Behind The Doors Quinn halted mid¨Cstride and, following the woman¡¯s stare, turned toward the clevator bank. A bell chimed softly. The doors parted, and the man at the front of the small entourage stepped inside with unhurried grace. Quinn caught a single glimpse of his profile before the others closed in around him. The sight struck her like a jolt of electricity; she froze where she stood. Even at that distance¨Cnothing but a sharp¨Cedged silhouette¨Cheat roared through her veins, an unmistakable recognition she could neither name nor deny. That¡¯s¡­ Rowan! Her eyes flew wide. Before caution could steady her, she lunged toward the elevator shaft, legs pumping hard. ¡°Wait!¡± Two security guards stationed by the doors shifted instantly, arms crossing to bar her path. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± she snapped, her voice cutting through the mor. She pivoted, drove a sharp elbow into one guard¡¯s stomach, then swept the other aside with a practiced twist. The elevator doors slid together with infuriating calm. In that final sliver of space, Rowan¡¯s face was suddenly there¨Ceyes on her, expression unreadable¨Cbefore steel swallowed the view. He had looked at her the way one would nce at a passerby on a busy street¨Cnk, indifferent, gone. A shard of doubt sliced through her certainty. Could she have chased the wrong man? The man in the lift wore a tailored suit that screamed wealth and status, nothing like the Rowan she remembered. His features, too, seemed sharper, older, as though five years had carved entire seasons into his face. Yet truth mattered more than doubt; she had to know. She watched the indicator lights descend¨Cthree, two, Bene¨Cbefore freezing at the ground floor. Quinn whirled and sprinted for the stairwell, breath ragged in her chest. Bursting into the lobby, she caught sight of the suited figure already striding toward the exit, nked by several attendants. No. I can¡¯t lose him again. She broke into a run, every muscle tightening like a drawn bow. ¡°Stop her¨Cshe¡¯s taken down our men!¡± A panicked voice sliced through the casino¡¯s din. A dozen ck¨Cjacketed security guards surged forward, fists raised, their polished shoes hammering the 1/2 Chapter 814 Face Behind The Doors marble like rolling thunder. Quinn spun into them, every move crisp and exact, yet sheer numbersbined with the guards disciplined training¨Cpressed her on all sides. Within seconds, the gaming floor dissolved into a whirl of limbs, overturned chairs, and startled gamblers scrambling out of range. Strangely, themotion failed to register with the man ahead; he kept walking, oblivious, his broad back already slipping beyond the rows of slot machines. Watching that silhouette fade, despair crashed through Quinn like a rip tide¨Cit looked so much like Rowan. Am I truly about to miss my brother again? If this chance slipped away, who knows how many moons would pass before our paths cross once more? She did not even know for certain that the stranger was Rowan, yet hope clung to her ribs like thorns. A steel¨Chard fist smashed into her shoulder, yanking her mind back to the fight. She staggered three steps, blocked another iing blow, but a punch from behind found her undefended spine. Bang! The crack of knuckles meeting flesh rang out¨Cyet the expected pain never arrived. Han had slipped between her and the attacker, his forearm absorbing the strike. ¡°Quinnie, what on earth is going on?¡± he asked, voice low but taut. She fired back in the burr of Yarburn, ¡°I just saw Rowan.¡± During their years with the Falcon Special Forces, Quinn would sometimes chatter in Yarburn drawl with hometown soldiers, so Han had picked up the basics. Now he grasped why the usually cautious Quinn had thrown caution to the wind. Seeing the guards bunch their shoulders to charge again, Han drew a gleaming ck Gold Card from his pocket. Inside this casino, that card was a crown. ¡°Gentlemen, misunderstanding, that¡¯s all,¡± Han announced, letting the card catch the overhead lights. ¡°Misunderstanding or not,¡± the lead guard snapped, ¡°even a ck Gold Card VIP obeys house rules. Take them!¡± Han¡¯s brow tightened. Right then, Julius¡® velveted baritone sliced down. ¡°Are you still going to take them if I say they¡¯re my friends?¡± 2/2 Chapter Military 315 315 Edge Of Negotiation Chapter 315 Edge Of Negotiation Quinn¡¯s heart jerked to a stop. The dice she had been toying with slipped between her fingers as she whipped toward the entrance. Through the drifting cigarette haze marched Julius, a phnx of ck- suited bodyguards fanning out behind him until they formed an iron wall opposite the casino¡¯s security detail. The guard captain, a square¨Cjawed man with a wire in his car, clearly knew power when he saw it and hurried forward, shoulders stiff yet respectful. ¡°Are they your friends?¡± he asked, voice pitched low in wary deference. ¡°She is,¡± Julius said, pointing a gloved finger at Quinn. ¡°He is not.¡± His hand drifted to Han without warmth. ¡°But both of them leave with me tonight.¡± ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, they caused a disturbance¨Cbroke house rules,¡± the captain protested, though sweat already glimmered at his hairline. ¡°If we let you take them without consequence, how are we to enforce the rules in the future?¡± Julius did not bother arguing. He slid a sleek phone from his breast pocket, thumbed a single contact, and spoke with the cold brevity of a man who owned the minutes of others. ¡°It¡¯s Julius Whitethorn. I¡¯m removing two guests from your floor. I can raise your profit share by another zero point three.¡± By the time Julius ended the call, the captain¡¯s own earpiece crackled. Whatever orders poured through made his spine snap even straighter. He waved his team back at once, then stered on a conciliatory grin. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, we¡¯ll clear the floor for you. Enjoy the rest of your evening.¡± And just like that, a confrontation that had been coiling for blood copsed into polite silence, vanishing as though violence had only been a rumor. The moment the casino staff retreated, Quinn tore away from the gaming tables, sprinting past bewildered patrons until she burst through the revolving doors and into the humid night. She scanned the glittering sweep of taxi lights and limousines, but her brother¡¯s silhouette was nowhere to be found. Am I really going to miss him again¨Cso close I could feel him, yet never close enough to grasp? Her gaze snapped upward to the ck bulb of a surveince camera perched above the awning, red light blinking like a tiny heartbeat. Of course¨Cthe footage could lead her straight to him. A single rey would reveal the license te of the car that had spirited the look¨Calike away, perhaps even his face inside the gaming hall. lookin ¡°Quinnie!¡± Han called, darting after her. ¡°Were you for Rowan?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she answered, breath still ragged. ¡°I can¡¯t find him out here. The only option is to ask the casino for their surveince.¡± If they refused, she would simply breach their system herself¨Cone more wall to climb, and walls had never stopped Quinn. ¡°Give me a few days,¡± Han promised, chest rising with restless energy. ¡°I¡¯ll sort it out.¡± 1/3 Chapter 315 Edge Of Negotiation Pulling favors in Doria was trickier for both the Ingram and Windore ns, their real powery far across the sea. He would need a neutral fixer, someone who could negotiate for the tapes without drawing fire ¡°If you want casino footage, let me handle it,¡± Julius said, voice drifting over them like cool smoke 1 can have the files in your hands tonight.¡± Quinn turned, eyes widening at the offer that had materialized out of thin air. Of course¨CWhitethorn holdings dotted every corner of Doria. The man in front of her was practically family with the casino¡¯s owners. ¡°You can really get it right now?¡± Quinn surged a step closer, the question spilling out before caution could clip its wings. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have spoken if it weren¡¯t certain,¡± Julius replied. ¡°It may take a short while to process. And since it¡¯s dinner time, why don¡¯t we sit, cat, and let the reels spin in our favor?¡± She hesitated only a heartbeat before nodding. ¡°All right.¡± Without wasting another second, she rattled off the exact timestamps and camera locations she needed¨Cprecision carved by urgency. ¡°Count me in,¡± Han added with a crooked grin. ¡°You don¡¯t mind one more seat at the table, do you, Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Julius nted him a nce cold enough to frost ss, offering no verbal answer. Then he leaned toward Fabian, murmured a string of instructions, each word clipped and surgical. Fabian nodded, turned on his heel, and disappeared back into the neon interior of the casino. ¡°By the time we finish dinner, the footage will be waiting,¡± Julius said, as though he were describing the arrival of dessert rather than ssified security files. The obsidian¨Ccolored Maybach slid to a halt beneath the neon ze of Regal Ace Casino. shing lights in danced across its polished hood, as though the sedan itself were gambling with fate. A Whitethorn bodyguard in a razor¨Ccut suit stepped forward his gloved hand sweeping the rear door open perfected by years of serving power. a gesture Julius remained by the open doorway, eyes fixed on Quinn, who still lingered on the marble steps. ¡°Are you not getting in?¡± he asked, his voice low, silk masking steel. ¡°Han and I drove ourselves,¡± Quinn replied, calm yet unyielding. ¡°We¡¯ll follow your car.¡± His dark gaze narrowed. ¡°And what if I prefer that you ride with me?¡± ¡°Then you¡¯ll need one of your men to drive mine,¡± Han said, flipping the key fob into the air. The metal winked once beforending in a Whitethorn guard¡¯s palm. Han rattled off the license te as if daring anyone to forget it. Without pause, he hooked Quinn by the elbow, guiding her to the front passenger seat of Julius¡¯s car. Settling into the back, he shot Julius a half¨Csmirk, half¨Cchallenge. ¡°Julius, aren¡¯t you getting in?¡± Two men¨Ctwo immovable wills¨Cfaced each other in the sliver of space between door and curb, tension crackling like a live wire. 2/3 After a heartbeat that felt a minute long, Julius lowered his gaze, slid into the rear seat, and let the leather Chapter 315 Edge Of Negotiation swallow him whole. Han followed, the door thunking shut with a note of defiance. A suffocating hush pooled inside the cabin, every breath weighted by unspoken rivalry. In the front, Quinn stared ahead, yet her mind reyed the clevator lobby¨Cwhere she¡¯d glimpsed a man who looked heartbreakingly like Rowan. Did Rowan lose his memory? Or is some unspeakable reason forcing him to pretend he doesn¡¯t know me? When I reached the elevator, he¡¯d looked straight at me¨Cno flicker of recognition, only the polite nkness reserved for strangers. A chill is crawling up my spine, and I can¡¯t shake it. Han¡¯s voice sliced through the silence. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, that extra zero¨Cpoint¨Cthree percent you just promised the casino¨CI¡¯ll pay it. After all, Quinnie and I caused the mess.¡± Julius let out a soft, dismissiveugh. ¡°You will? Suppose that zero¨Cpoint¨Cthree equals sixty million¨Care you still eager to open your wallet?¡± 3/3 Military 316 Chapter 316 Unspoken ims Han snorted. ¡°The Ingram and Windore families may not swim in money like yours, but sixty million is hardly beyond us,¡± ????? ¡°How unfortunate,¡± Julius murmured, eyes on the passing lights. ¡°I never intended another man to cover what I spend on my girlfriend.¡± ¡°Quinnie is not your girlfriend,¡± Han shot back, anger ring, ¡°You two already broke up.¡± ¡°I never said we were over,¡± Julius corrected, voice unhurried. ¡°We¡¯re merely taking a brief step apart.¡± Their eyes collided in the rear¨Cview mirror, sparks firing until the temperature inside felt several degrees. hotter. The chauffeur clutched the steering wheel so hard his knuckles whitened. If these two titans chose to brawl, he doubted even Doria¡¯sws could contain the fallout. Yet in front, Quinn never turned. Head bowed, she drifted deeper into her private storm. By the time they rolled up to a high¨Cend waterfront restaurant, the driver¡¯s palms were slick with sweat. The trio stepped inside and imed a private dining suite bathed in ambermplight. Once the waiter departed with their order, Julius folded his hands. ¡°You want surveince footage,¡± he asked Quinn. ¡°Did something new turn up?¡± Quinn didn¡¯t hedge. She inhaled, her shoulders squaring, and let the words spill. ¡°At Regal Ace Casino, I spotted a man who looked unnervingly like Caleb. He saw me, yet showed no flicker of recognition. I hurried after him, only to be blocked by casino security.¡± Julius¡¯s face drained of color; the fork in his hand stilled mid¨Cair as though frozen. ¡°You actually saw a man who looks like your brother?¡± The question rattled from him, his voice trembling so hard the sybles nearly fractured. Quinn dipped her chin, a short, decisive motion. Were she judging by features alone, she would have sworn it was Caleb. Yet the man¡¯s tailored silk suit and the nk, unfamiliar stare had seeded doubt in her chest. A new tension coiled inside Julius, tighter than anything Quinn felt. Every second until Fabian delivered the surveince footage stretched like a wire about to snap. He understood better than anyone: if Caleb were still breathing somewhere, there might yet be a path back to Quinn¡¯s forgiveness. But if Caleb were truly gone, that door would m forever shut on him. Quinn skimmed her fork across the te, lifting mashed potato to her lips while the untouched vegetables cooled beside it. Han leaned over, concern softening his usual swagger, and ced some steak on her te. ¡°Quinnie, no matter what¡¯s happening, you can¡¯t live on potatoes alone. Have some protein.¡± Quinn exhaled, the sound halfway between a sigh and a groan. ¡°I know. I¡¯m just not in the right headspace 173 Chapter 316 Unspoken ims to savor anything.¡± Questions crowded her mind¨Cpossibilities, fears, wild theories¨Cuntil it felt the very marrow of her skull might burst. ¡°Whether that was Rowan or not, I¡¯m staying with you¨Cstep for step¨Cuntil we find him,¡± Han said, each word hammered into ce with solemn intent. ¡°But you have work¡­¡± she began, guilt threading through her fatigue. ¡°Quinnie, have you really forgotten? I once told you that if you were ever in real trouble I¡¯d walk through des and fire for you. Compared to that, tracking down Rowan is nothing. If ites to it, I¡¯d stake my life on this.¡± Quinn stared at him, stunned. Back when she¡¯d seen Han only as arade¨Cin¨Carms, those promises had felt like brotherly zeal; now they brushed the edge of something deeper, unfamiliar. Across the table, Julius pressed his lips into a bloodless line, knuckles whitening around his fork until veins crawled up his hand. The fork splintered just short of breaking when Julius¡® phone vibrated. Fabian¡¯s name glowed on the screen. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I¡¯ve secured the surveince Ms. Bridger requested. Sending it now,¡± Fabian reported, A momentter, several video files slid into Julius¡¯s inbox. Quinn¡¯s eyes snapped to him. ¡°Is that the footage?¡± she asked, tension coiling with hope. ¡°It is. Take a look and see if it¡¯s what you need.¡± With a swift motion, Julius forwarded the files to her phone. Quinn opened the first clip, her posture locking rigid as her gaze welded to the tiny figure that so resembled her brother. The recordings showed the man entering a lift, exiting on a higher floor, then striding to the curb where a gray van waited. The camera caught the license te in crisp detail, each digit clear as daylight. Quinn¡¯s eyes red with sudden light. ¡°Can we trace this te and find him?¡± She jabbed a finger at the frozen frame before turning a beseeching look on Julius. ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll have my people dig up everything about that van and the man inside it,¡± Julius assured her. Sitting beside Quinn, Han understood full well that Julius wielded serious influence in Doria, and that the Whitethorn intelligencework ranked among the finest anywhere. Within the sprawlingbyrinth of Doria, Julius hunted for a single missing soul. Somehow, he moved faster than anyone else, sifting through official red tape and back¨Calley whispers alike with unnerving precision. Quinn drew a steadying breath, then lifted her eyes to him, warmth flickering behind hershes. ¡°Thank you¨Ctruly.¡± After the meal, Quinn and Han stood, ready to return to the hotel and wait for news, when Julius 273 Chapter 316 Unspoken ims stepped forward and caught Quinn gently yet firmly¨Cby the forearm. ¡°I need to speak with you. Quinn arched a brow, striving forposure even as a pulse thrummed beneath his fingers. ¡°Say what you need to say,¡± ¡°I would prefer we spoke alone,¡± Julius replied, allowing his gaze to flick¨Cpointed, restrained¨Ctoward Han before returning to Quinn. Military 317 Chapter 317 Shattered Trust Han released a short, brittleugh that cracked the silence. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Whitethorn? Cat got your tongue, or do you simply prefer plotting in the dark?¡± Julius did not so much as nce at him. His attention stayed fixed on Quinn, the plea in his eyes quiet yet. urgent. ¡°Will you grant me a moment, please?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together, weighing possibilities, then gave a single nod. ¡°All right.¡± She turned to Han, her tone softening. ¡°Head back to the hotel. Once Julius and I are finished, I¡¯ll join you.¡± Han showed no surprise; he had anticipated her decision the instant Julius stepped forward. After all, Julius had rescued them from a dead end earlier that day, and gratitude carries its own gravity. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go first. Call me the second anything changes,¡± Han said, offering Quinn a brisk nod before striding down the hall. She returned the nod. ¡°I will.¡± The door closed behind Han with a muted click, and the private room felt suddenly cavernous, as though every polished surface had been waiting for this precise silence. Quinn drew a slow breath. ¡°What is it you want to say?¡± Julius hesitated¨Ca rare fracture in hisposure¨Cthen spoke. ¡°If the man we found today truly is your brother, then when the dayes you¡¯re reunited¡­ Could we¡­ go back to the way we were?¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn blinked, unprepared for the question. He stepped closer, closing thest foot of distance. ¡°You ended things with me because I hid that I¡¯d met your brother¨Cand worse, because when I could have saved him, I chose not to. Now I¡¯m ready to spend every scrap of influence I possess to bring him home. If I seed, will you be able to forgive me?¡± Hope zed in his eyes, fierce and naked. ¡°If you help me find Rowan, I will be grateful¨Ctruly. But our rtionship¡­ that¡¯s a separate matter altogether.¡± He frowned. ¡°Separate matter?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she said, holding his gaze. ¡°Julius, the main reason I ended us was because I can no longer trust you -not in the way love requires. From now on, every word you speak would have me wondering whether it¡¯s truth or strategy. I¡¯d start chasing shadows until I drove myself mad. That isn¡¯t the kind of love I want. I told you before¨CI need something I can lean on, someone who stands on my side without reservation, every single time.¡± ¡°Then let me earn it back. I will rebuild that trust, no matter how long it takes,¡± Julius insisted. Quinn¡¯s answering smile was tinged with sorrow; if trust were so easily restored, the world would not bleed from so many unforeseen betrayals. 12 FM 1943 Fri 15 209: Chapter 817 Shattered Trust ¡°Julius, I can¡¯t¡± His fingertips brushed her lips, silencing the words before they were horn. ¡°Don¡¯t say it,¡± he whispered, voice roughened by desperation. ¡°For the sake of what did for you today. don¡¯t say it.¡± He lived with a single dread: that the instant she finally spoke her mind, even the faintest daydream of a future with her would vanish like smoke in the wind. Quinn released a weary sigh and pushed Julius¡® hand aside. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going back to the hotel.¡± She had barely turned when Julius surged forward and wrapped her in a fierce embrace from behind, as though letting go meant losing her forever. ¡°Quinn, whatever you think stands between us, I will find your brother. I don¡¯t care what it costs¨Ctime, money, blood¨CI¡¯ll pay it. So promise me this: don¡¯t throw yourself into danger. If a risk must be taken, let it be mine to shoulder. I¡¯ll fetch every scrap of intel you need.¡± Quinn tried to pry his arms away. ¡°Julius, you don¡¯t have to do any of this.¡± ¡°I already swore I would,¡± he murmured, tightening his hold. ¡°Use me as spear or shield¨Chowever you like -just so long as it helps you.¡± A heavy pressure settled on Quinn¡¯s chest, so dense she could hardly draw a full breath. Back at the hotel, Han hurried over the moment she stepped through the door. ¡°Julius didn¡¯t give you trouble, did he?¡± ¡°No.¡± Relief flickered across Han¡¯s face, then guilt chased it away. ¡°Good. Still, tonight¡¯s mess is on me. If I¡¯d prepared better, Julius wouldn¡¯t have had to step in.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s be honest¨Cit was my recklessness that started it,¡± Quinn replied. Anything concerning Rowan burned away her caution; danger meant nothing if it might lead her to him. Night deepened. Quinny rigid on the mattress, eyelids clenched, cold sweat beading along her brow. Suddenly she bolted upright, a cry ripping free. ¡°No! Rowan!¡± Darkness greeted her wide¨Copen eyes. Only then did she realize it had been a nightmare. In her nightmare, Rowan was bullied again and again while she stood powerless to intervene. A sharp chill raced down her spine./Someone else was in the room. Military 318 Chapter 318 Intruder In The Night She snapped her head toward the corner. A lone figure sat in the armchair beside her bed, half¨Cshrouded in shadow. Julius Whitethorn. The lights were off, yet a slice of moonlight through the curtains carved his profile clearly enough for her to know him without doubt. ¡°Bad dream?¡± His familiar voice drifted across the stillness. Quinn exhaled shakily and flicked on the bedsidemp. Warm light flooded the room, and Julius¡® face came fully into view. ¡°Why are you in my room?¡± ¡°I wanted to drop off a file,¡± he said, eyes fixed on her as though memorizing every line of her face. ¡°You were already asleep, so I waited.¡± There had been a time when he saw her every day¨Ccould hold her, kiss her, fall asleep beside her with their fingers intertwined. Since their separation, even drifting off unaided had be a luxury; more nights than not, he relied on pills to force the silence to close over him. ¡°So you asked the hotel for a key card to my room?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°If you truly were, you¡¯d never havee in without my permission.¡± Julius¡® eyes flickered, the light inside them dimming as though someone had drawn a curtain across his soul. ¡°All right. I understand. It won¡¯t happen again.¡± Quinn tipped her head, the edge of curiosity sharpening her voice. ¡°What file are you handing me?¡± Julius rested a slender folder on the low ss table, then nudged it toward her with two deliberate fingers. ¡°It¡¯s everything we have on the man you ran into in the elevator.¡± Quinn snatched up the folder, pressed it to her chest for a breath, and then lowered her gaze to the first page. A glossy photograph stared back at her. The face was identical to the stranger she had met between steel walls and halogen light only hours earlier. His name, it read, was Leander Fane¨Celdest son btedly reunited with the powerful Fane family of Celosia three years ago. An illegitimate heir who had somehow risen inside the n¡¯s empire with startling speed. Anything before those three years appeared scrubbed clean. The summary merely noted that he had grown up ¡°in a small provincial town,¡± adopted only after the Fane heir died suddenly, leaving a vacancy no legitimate branch could fill. Chapter 818 Intruder In The Night Quinn lingered over the document, her thoughts tangling into knots she could not loosen. An illegitimate son¡­ reimed three years ago. Anything Julius uncovered carried the weight of near¨Ccertainty, and that alone made her pulse quicken On paper, Leander shared not a single connection with Rowan¨Cher vanished brother. Yet the nk stretch of his earlier life clung to her thoughts like burrs, refusing to be shaken off. She raised her eyes. ¡°Could you hunt down photographs of him from five years ago¨Cor even earlier?¡± If Leander¡¯s current features mirrored Rowan so closely, older images might confirm¨Cor shatter¨Cher fragile hope. Julius spread his palms. ¡°Everything publicly avable is from the past three years. Digging further into his history will take more time.¡± Quinn bit the inside of her cheek, tasting impatience like iron on her tongue. But how could she be patient when her brother¡¯s fate might hang on the next clue? ¡°Where is he living now? I need to see him¨Cface¨Cto¨Cface.¡± No matter the cost, she had to look Leander in the eye and know whether Rowan still breathed behind that unfamiliar name. Julius folded his arms. ¡°There¡¯s a g tomorrow night. Leander will attend. I can bring you as my guest. You¡¯ll have your chance then.¡± ¡°All right.¡± The word left her lips like the click of a safety being released. He added, almost casually, ¡°Your official role at the g will be my date.¡± ! The stiption startled her, but only for a breath. ¡°Fine,¡± she answered, firm as stone. Compared with Rowan, every other consideration faded to smoke. ¡°Anything else? If not, I¡¯d like to sleep. I need all my strength for tomorrow.¡± Julius¡® next wordsnded like a pebble in still water. ¡°May I sleep beside you¨Cjust hold your hand, nothing more?¡± Quinn shook her head. ¡°That isn¡¯t right for us anymore.¡± Gratitude could not override the line she no longer wished him to cross. ¡°Very well.¡± His smile was faint, resigned. ¡°I¡¯ll return to my own room and keep my distance from now on.¡± Turning, Julius slipped through the doorway, the soft click of thetch echoing in the quiet room. Quinn¡¯s voice caught him at the threshold. ¡°Julius¨Cthank you for helping me.¡± He lowered his voice to a husky whisper. ¡°I told you before¨Cwhatever your heart longs for, I¡¯ll ce it in your hands.¡± 2/3 19:53 Fri, 15 Aug Chapter 318 Intruder In The Night Anything, that is, except letting her walk away from me. +10 Free Coins Back in the shadowed hush of his own room, Julius opened the bedside drawer, shook two chalk¨Cwhite tablets into his palm, and pressed them past his tongue. The dosage had been creeping upward night after night, yet sleep felt ever farther away, like a door that refused to stay shut. Pills swallowed, he stretched out on the mattress, fingers locked around a photograph of Quinn. He stared at it, unmoving, as though the glossy rectangle were a portal; in the image, Quinn smiled¨Csunlit, carefree, forever mid¨Csmile. ¡°Quinn, may tonight bring me rest¨Clet me find you in a dream,¡± he murmured, the words cracked and weighty in the still room. Even if it happened only in sleep, he prayed she would greet him there, smiling that same gentle smile, speaking his name with the softness of spring rain. He clung to the fantasy that they had never parted, that time itself had looped back to the golden days when her world and his were one. Military 319 Chapter 319 Longing In The Night The next morning, Quinn handed the document Julius gave her to Han. Han tapped the page and said, ¡°An illegitimate son recognized only three years back; the documente from that period are nearly opaque, which means Rowan might fit the description¡± ¡°So I¡¯m nning to attend tonight¡¯s g and meet him myself,¡± Quinn said. Face¨Cto¨Cface, some knots could finally be untangled. ¡°You want to meet Leander?¡± Han blurted. ¡°Yes. Julius says Leander will be at a banquet tonight, so I¡¯m going with him,¡± she exined. ¡°Then I¡¯m going too!¡± Han dered at once. ¡°But the event is invitation¨Conly, you-¡± she began. ¡°An invitation is the least of my problems¡± Han said, utterly sure of himself. ¡°Quinnie, you don¡¯t have to cling to Julius just to walk through a ballroom¨CI can escort you.¡± Before Quinn could answer, Julius¡® voice sliced through the air. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Mr. Ingram¨Choping she¡¯ll burn the bridge right after crossing it?¡± Quinn turned. Julius strode over and dropped into the chair beside her as though it belonged to him. Han shrugged. ¡°She arrived with me¨Cso why shouldn¡¯t she leave with me?¡± Seeing tension coil between the two men, Quinn lifted both hands. ¡°All right, enough. The three of us can go together¨Cor I can just go alone, if that¡¯s simpler!¡± The two men exchanged a look, something like reluctant respect flickering between them, and after a beat they answered in near perfect unison, ¡°Fine¨Cthree of us it is.¡± Only then did Quinn allow herself a quiet breath of relief. That afternoon, Han left to procure the coveted invitations while Quinn followed Julius to a fashionable styling salon downtown. She did not bring a single evening gown with her. As they stepped through the salon¡¯s ss doors, Quinn nced sideways and asked, ¡°By the way, did you sleep at allst night?¡± A faint bruise of exhaustiony beneath his eyes. ¡°Are you worrying about me?¡± Julius asked, clearly taken aback. Quinn pressed her lips together, a small, almost imperceptible tension shing across her face. ¡°No,¡± she said, voice calm but guarded, ¡°I was only making conversation. If you¡¯d rather not answer, that¡¯s perfectly fine.¡± Chapter 319 Longing In The Night ¡°Then what if I tell you the truth that I barely sleep at all?¡± Julius¡® tone hovered between teasing and confession. ¡°Quinn, since the night we separated, insomnia has stalked me like a shadow. Would you plis me enough toe back, get back together with me, and let me fall asleep again?¡± Quinn halted mid¨Cstep, turning to face him with steady, practical eyes. ¡°If your insomnia is real, Julius you should see a doctor.¡± ¡°And if every doctor fails,¡± he asked softly, ¡°and only you can cure me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a doctor,¡± she replied, keeping her distance. ¡°Healing isn¡¯t what I do He exhaled, the faintest sigh, and let the subject drop. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he murmured, gesturing toward the row of evening gowns. ¡°Pick whichever dress you like first.¡± A salon attendant guided Quinn through rows of silk and satin, the soft rustle of fabric filling the quiet space. Julius sank into a leather couch, gaze fixed on her as though she were the only light in the room. His sleeplessness was rooted deep in his mind, beyond the reach of pills or therapy. He had once believed the fracture in his mind had finally knitted shut.. Years earlier, the unthinkable had unfolded before his eyes¨Chis mother stepping into eternity by her own hand¨Cand the aftershocks had sent him spiraling through sleepless nights, panic¨Csoaked dawns, and therapy sessions that seemed to stretch into infinity. Inch by inch, over several grinding years, he had wed his way back to something resembling ordinary, until finally he could put his head on a pillow and drift without fear. Even when a nightmare tore him upright, sweat¨Cslick and shaking, sheer willpower usually steadied his breathing, coaxing him back beneath the nkets. But after they separated, sleep became an enemy with sharpened teeth, and every dusk felt like a verdict passed on his sanity.. The doctors now spoke in hushed warnings, their charts filling with red gs that multiplied faster than he could pretend otherwise. If the downward slide continued, they said, the fragile scaffolding of his mind might splinter for good. ¡°Quinn, if I truly lose my mind, will you still want me?¡± he whispered, so low the question dissolved into the empty air. Later, Quinn chose a simple beige gown. A string of white pearls at her throat and matching earrings elevated her presence from understated to regal. A quiet resolve in her brows softened nothing; if anything, it lent her an edge of unyielding strength. ¡°Breathtaking,¡± Julius breathed, stepping closer as though drawn by gravity. ¡°Hardly,¡± she said, brushing off thepliment. ¡°There will be plenty of women far prettier at the g.¡± answered, fingertips/grazing her cheek before he could stop himself. ¡°To me, no one could ever ¡°No,¡± he outshine you.¡± Chapter 319 Longing In The Night In his eyes she was pure radiance, the axis around which every color turned. That brilliance held him captive, making surrender impossible. If he let go, the dark would swallow him whole. Even imagining it made his pulse jolt with fear. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Quinn said, turning aside and stepping back. ¡°Julius, my only focus now is finding Rowan. Everything else I refuse to consider.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± he said,shes trembling. The words were soft, but they cost him more than she could know. For her, nothing outweighed her brother. That truth had never changed¨Cand likely never would. Julius bent close, the hallway sconces setting a pale rim of light along his shoulders. ¡°Quinn. believe this- no one longs more than I do to see you reunited with Rowan, and the sooner it happens, the better.¡± Military 320 Chapter 320 Ballroom Glimmers Night had already folded itself over Doria when the three stepped into the grand ballroom, its chandeliers humming with crystal fire. Quinn scanned the sea of faces, hunting for Leander. Han and Julius nked her like impably dressed sentries, every polished line of their suits broadcasting silent authority. Their presence acted like a spark in dry grass. Conversations faltered, necks craned, curiosity surged. Women in silk gowns drifted over, smilescquered with intent, each hoping to secure even a fleeting exchange. Polite indifference did little good. The numbers only grew. Local power brokers soon joined the crush¨Csteel¨Chaired magnates, fresh¨Cminted heirs, the sort who measured value in favors traded. Many recognized Julius; Whitethorn Group¡¯s factories and docks dotted Doria¡¯s coast, after all. To Quinn¡¯s surprise, several greeted Han as well,uding Weston¡¯sw firm and the cross¨Cborder verdicts he had wrestled from reluctant courts. All that sudden attention formed an idental barricade, slowing Quinn¡¯s search to a crawl. Quinn drew a tight breath. ¡°Let¡¯s split up¨Cwe¡¯ll cover more ground.¡± ¡°Hold on¨Care you sure?¡± Han asked, worry knitting his brow. Quinn shook her head. ¡°No more caution,¡± she said, taking a step away. Julius shot out a hand and caught her wrist, movement swift as a hawk. ¡°I¡¯ll find you in a minute,¡± he murmured, voice meant for her alone. ¡°All right,¡± she answered, the faintest smile flickering before she slipped free and vanished into the crowd. A tycoon leaned toward Julius. ¡°It¡¯s rare, Mr. Whitethorn, to see you escorting ady. Forgive the curiosity -who is she to you?¡± ¡°She¡¯s my girlfriend,¡± Julius said without a hint of hesitation. Han¡¯s jaw tightened, disapproval shing before he masked it beneath a neutral facade. The surrounding moguls exchanged startled nces. ¡°Seems the youngdy is truly fortunate,¡± one whispered, half¨Cawed, half¨Cenvious. Julius kept his gaze fixed on Quinn¡¯s retreating silhouette. ¡°No¨Cif anyone¡¯s fortunate, it¡¯s me,¡± he said softly. He had once seized that radiant beam of light and convinced it to linger at his side. Now, terrified of losing it, he fought with every breath to keep that brilliance from slipping back into darkness. Han pulled Julius into a shadowed alcove, voice low and edged. ¡°She ended things with you. Stop parading her as your girlfriend.¡± ¡°We¡¯re only apart for a while,¡± Julius replied, unwavering. ¡°She¡¯lle back to me.¡± 172 Chapter 320 Ballroom Glimmers Han¡¯s stare turned ice¨Ccold. ¡°If you try to force her, I don¡¯t care if the Whitethorn family rule; jexburgii I¡¯ll tear your dynasty apart. I keep my promises.¡± Julius narrowed his eyes. ¡°You really believe you can do that?¡± ¡°Try me.¡± Han shot back, challenge zing. Tension crackled between them¨Cone man wrapped in frost, the other smoldering with anger, the ballroom¡¯s glitter now a brittle backdrop to their silent duel. Quinn wove through the glittering rows of crystalden tables, her heels clicking a restless tattoo against the marble floor as her eyes swept every corner of the ballroom, hunting for a face that haunted her waking hours. Would Leander Fane really , just as Julius had promised? I have scoured the room, yet he remains a ghost. If I miss him now, where else can I possibly look? He isn¡¯t even a local¨Che¡¯s from Celosia¨Cand for all I know, he could fly home tomorrow and vanish forever. Just then, her stride broke, a sudden jolt as though the air itself had wrapped invisible hands around her ankles. In that heartbeat, a familiar silhouette flooded her vision¨Cunbidden, impossible, unbearably near. Rowan? Leander? Or have I been chasing a single man wearing two names? Before her mind could catch up, her body lunged forward, cutting across thecquered floor in a sprint born of pure instinct. Not again¨Cnot this time! I can¡¯t let Rowan slip through my fingers once more. If I fail to hold on now, he¡¯ll dissolve into the crowd, and I may never see him again. When awareness finally mmed back, Quinn found her fingers locked around the man¡¯s wrist while he stared down at her, wide¨Ceyed, as though the music had cut mid¨Cnote. 2/2 Military 321 Chapter 321 Misced Reunion Chapter 321 Misced Reunion He tilted his head, dark eyes steady, and asked in a low, courteous voice, ¡°Miss, can I help you with something?¡± Quinn¡¯s eyes flooded at once, tears shimmering like city lights caught in rain. That voice¨Cdeep, protective¨Csounded exactly the way her brother used to speak to her. Rowan? Could it truly be Rowan? This was no dream conjured in midnight loneliness; the man stood in full, undeniable flesh before her. Without meaning to, she lifted a trembling hand, reaching for his face, desperate to feel the warmth of living skin and prove she was awake. Yet just before her fingertips brushed his cheek, another hand pped hers away with sharp force. A young woman clinging to Leander¡¯s arm snapped, ¡°Who do you think you are, touching my brother?¡± Stunned, Quinn stared at the woman and stammered, ¡°He¡­ He¡¯s your brother?¡± With a curl of contempt on her painted lips, the woman shot back, ¡°Who else would he be¨Cyours?¡± One of the hangers¨Conughed. ¡°Everyone knows Mr. Fane has only one sister¨Cour Serena.¡± Another scoffed. ¡°This woman thinks rich men are that easy to cling to.¡± A third sneered. ¡°She should look in a mirror before dreaming so high.¡± The jeers piled up, echoing in Quinn¡¯s ears like stones hurled at ss. Scornful eyes swept over her, stripping away what littleposure she had left. Quinn ignored them, her gaze locked on the man. ¡°Leander Fane, my name is Quinn Bridger.¡± She offered her name like a key, watching his face for even the smallest flicker of recognition. But his eyes remained distant, as though she were nothing more than another passing guest. A dull weight crashed through her chest; she felt herself sinking fast, breath by breath. Is it possible¡­ he really isn¡¯t Rowan? Someoneughed behind a manicured hand. ¡°Told you¨Cshe came prepared, knows his full name, even introduces herself.¡± Another voice chimed in, ¡°Shameless.¡± A third shouted, ¡°She must have sneaked in to hunt for a sugar daddy¨Cthrow her out!¡± usations ttered all around, an avnche of polished shoes and sharper tongues. Leander spoke atst, voice t as winter stone. ¡°Your name has nothing to do with me. Release my arm.¡± Quinn¡¯s fingers were still locked around his wrist; at his words her grip only tightened. 1/2 20:05 Tue, 19 Aug Chapter 321 Misced Reunion She couldn¡¯t let go¨Cnot yet. So many questions were: crowded in her throat.. Until she knew for certain whether he was Rowan, she would not loosen her hold. Quinn parted her lips. ¡°I-¡± A sudden, merciless p cracked against her check, stealing the rest of her sentence. Quinn blinked, the world tipping out of focus for a heartbeat. Heat bloomed across her cheek before her mind caught up with her body. Only when her vision steadied did she see Serena¨Cstationed at Leander¡¯s side¨Clowering a still¨Ctrembling hand. ¡°You disgusting creature. Do you have no shame? Release him now, or I¡¯ll see that hand of yours cut clean off.¡± She punctuated the threat by snapping her arm back, intent on branding Quinn¡¯s cheek a second time. The second strike nevernded. Quinn¡¯s right hand shot up, fingers mping around Serena¡¯s wrist with unflinching precision. ¡°Ah! That hurts!¡± Serena yelped, her poisedposure shattering into raw panic. Leander¡¯s free hand closed around Quinn¡¯s wrist, steel hidden beneath velvet. ¡°Whatever game you¡¯re ying, remember this¨Cyou can¡¯t afford to mess with the Fane family.¡± Pain blossomed where his fingers dug in, and reflex loosened Quinn¡¯s grip. Freed, Serena snatched her hand back and thrust it toward Leander like evidence. ¡°Leander, she hurt me. Break her hand for me¨Cnow.¡± A spear of agony knifed through Quinn¡¯s wrist, hotter, sharper than before. ¡°You would really do that for her?¡± Quinn asked, meeting his gaze with a sorrow too deep for words. If he were truly my brother, he would never stand idle while she struck me, nor threaten my hand because she asked. In the past, any hint of someone bullying me sent Rowan barreling in, reckless of consequence. He once nearly lost half his life saving mine. A brother like that would sooner bleed than see me bruised. Yet¡­ what if there is a reason behind this cruelty? What if the coldness in his eyes is a shield, not a sword? Suddenly, Quinn twisted her arm, disengaging the pressure on her wrist and stepping back, cold resolve settling over her. If he is not Rowan, I will never let him touch me. If he is Rowan, I must protect him from the guilt of hurting me. Either way, my pain would only break his heart. 2/2 Military 322 Chapter 322 shing Loyalties Chapter 322 shing Loyalties Leander froze, evidently stunned that Quinn had slipped from his grasp with such effortless grace. ¡°Security! Where are the guards in this ce?¡± Serena shouted, fury ring hotter now that her own strength had failed. Uniformed personnel hurried over, their faces shifting when they recognized Serena. Though the Fane family traced its roots to Celosia, Serena had be a darling of Doria¡¯s social pages; her reputation preceded her. ¡°She injured my hand¨Cdrag her out,¡± Serena said. Then, as if remembering something, she walked up to Quinn. ¡°Apologize first, and perhaps I¡¯ll be merciful.¡± ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be apologizing to me?¡± Quinn shot back, voice icy. ¡°Apologize to you? You¡¯re not worth it,¡± Serena sneered. ¡°Every life is born equal¨Cstatus doesn¡¯t change that,¡± Quinn replied, the words falling like frost. Serenaughed, short and cruel. ¡°Equality is the luby nobodies sing to fool themselves. Right now, I demand an apology, and you will give it.¡± With a tilt of her chin she signaled the guards to advance. The foremost guard stepped up. ¡°Please apologize to Ms. Fane, or we will be forced to act.¡± Serena might have belonged to a coteral branch of the sprawling Fane dynasty, yet the shadow standing behind her¨CLeander, the family¡¯s sole heir¨Cmade every whispered insult crawl back into the speaker¡¯s throat. Quinn¡¯s brows knitted, but she forced the tension down. I still have too many questions for Leander. Starting a scene won¡¯t get me answers. ¡°I am Julius Whitethorn¡¯s date,¡± Quinn announced, her voice as calm and sharp as ss sliding across stone, each syble refusing to tremble. In Doria, even a whisper of Julius¡® name could still a ballroom; the very mention of him carried all the menace of a drawn de. Serenaughed, a bright brittle sound. ¡°Are you kidding me? Julius Whitethorn¨Cthe head of the Whitethorn family? Everyone knows he never brings a woman to his gs. If you¡¯re going to lie, at least research first.¡± Around her, the other silk¨Cd heirs and heiresses echoed the derision,ughter rippling like broken porcin across the marble floor. Serena¡¯s smile vanished. ¡°Forget apologies. I¡¯ve decided¨CI¡¯m taking her hand.¡± Malice glimmered in her eyes, cold and deliberate. Something about Quinn¨Cthe way she had looked at Leander, as though greeting a long¨Clostpanion- scraped like sandpaper against Serena¡¯s nerves. A new voice cut through the tension. ¡°If you want to break my girlfriend¡¯s hand, then I¡¯ll break yours first. Julius¡® words fell like iron weights. The entire gathering gasped. 111 Chapter 322 shing Loyalties Quinn spun toward the voice and saw Julius striding across the parquet with Han Ingram on his heels both men moving with the purpose of iing storm clouds. Han skidded to Quinn¡¯s side. ¡°Quinnie, what happened?¡± ¡°Nothing worth fussing over,¡± Quinn murmured. Han¡¯s brow furrowed as his gaze settled on the fresh bruise blooming across her cheek. ¡°This is ¡®nothing? Who hit you?¡± Julius¡® tone dropped to ice. ¡°Who did it?¡± Moments ago, the onlookers had doubted Quinn¡¯s im, but Julius¡® rage burned all uncertainty away. Their skepticism dissolved as his furious gaze swept the room like a searchlight. Julius was famous for his cold detachment; to see him enraged for a woman left no doubt of her status. Every eye pivoted to Serena, the handprint on Quinn¡¯s face suddenly glowing like a signature. Julius faced Serena. ¡°You hit her?¡± Serena lifted her chin. ¡°Yes, I did. She grabbed my brother for no reason. One p was a lesson.¡± Julius¡® eyes narrowed. ¡°Then you¡¯ll repay it tenfold.¡± He lifted his hand toward her cheek, intention clear as daylight. ¡°Stop!¡± Leander¡¯s voice rang out, but it was Quinn¡¯s palm that caught Julius¡® wrist mid¨Cswing. Serena stumbled behind Leander as he stepped forward, his arm shielding her while astonishment rippled across the crowd at Quinn¡¯s sudden intervention. Julius looked down at the hand restraining him. ¡°She struck you, Quinn. She deserves the same.¡± Han nodded emphatically, surprisingly agreeing with Julius for once. ¡°Exactly, Quinnie. That p can¡¯t be erased.¡± And if Julius hesitated, Han was fully prepared to deliver justice himself. Leander drew Serena behind him and faced the two men squarely. ¡°If you truly wish to raise your hands against a member of the Fane family, I will fight back. We are not pushovers.¡± Julius and Han froze, taken aback by Leander¡¯s face¨Cso uncannily reminiscent of Rowan¡¯s¨Cthat for a breath they wondered whether they were staring at friend or foe. After all, no one had yet proved the stranger¡¯s identity. Military 323 Chapter 323 Moonlit Confrontation Chapter 323 Moonlit Confrontation +10 Free Colm Quinn advanced through the uneasy ring of guests, lifted her chin, and addressed Leander Fane. ¡°I can overlook your cousin¡¯s p,¡± she said, her voice steady but edged with frost. ¡°All I ask is a moment alone with you. There are things I need to discuss¨Cprivately.¡± A flicker of puzzlement crossed Leander¡¯s dark eyes. ¡°Have we met before, Ms. Bridger?¡± he asked, genuinely searching her face for a memory that refused to surface. Quinn¡¯sshes trembled. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not sure.¡± She truly did not know whether the man standing before her was the brother who had vanished years ago or an imposter wearing his face, and the doubt gnawed at her more viciously than any p. Escting the scene in front of the entire ballroom would only tighten the noose around everyone¡¯s pride, so a quiet conversation seemed the cheapest price to pay for the answers she craved. With a courteous nod, Leander simply said, ¡°Very well.¡± Quinn gestured toward a narrow side balcony draped in ivy and drenched in moonlight. ¡°Please, Mr. Fane, could we speak over there? It¡¯s quieter.¡± Leander inclined his head, but before he could take a step, Serena clutched his hand, her manicured nails pressing crescents into his skin. ¡°Leander, are you really going to speak to her alone?¡± Serena¡¯s voice cracked with barely disguised panic. Leander covered her restless fingers with his free hand, warmth against worry. ¡°I¡¯ll only be a minute, Serena. Nothing will happen to me.¡± Watching Leander¡¯s tenderness toward Serena stabbed Quinn with a memory so sharp her eyes burned. When she was reckless and young, Rowan had always knelt beside her scraped knees, whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t fret. Even if the sky falls, I¡¯ll hold it up for you.¡± Leander turned back to Quinn afterforting Serena. ¡°All right, Ms. Bridger¨Cshall we?¡± Quinn forced a swift blink, locking the tears behind hershes. She and Leander walked through the parted crowd, his broad shoulders carving a silent path toward the balcony¡¯s silver glow. Serena¡¯s re bored holes into Quinn¡¯s retreating silhouette. She spun toward Julius and hissed, ¡°Isn¡¯t that woman your girlfriend? You¡¯re just letting her flirt with another man? I never guessed you were so¡­ amodating, Mr. Whitethorn.¡± Julius¡® eyes narrowed to slits of cold sapphire. ¡°Be grateful Quinn pulled me back moments ago. Cousin or not, I¡¯d have repaid that p, even if the entire Fane family stood behind you.¡± Serena swallowed her outrage, cheeks blotched with humiliation, unable to fathom what charm Quinn possessed. Her mind snagged on the memory of the tall man who had called Quinn ¡°Quinnie.¡± There was something hauntingly familiar about him, as though his face had drifted through her dreams before. Quinn and Leander stepped onto the side balcony. The door clicked behind them, sealing off the pulse of music andughter. Chapter 323 Moonlit Confrontation The balcony was secluded, shadows pooling in the corners while moonlight spilled like milk across the stone tiles, a stark counterpoint to the glittering chaos inside. From behind her, Leander¡¯s voice cut through the hush. ¡°All right, Ms. Bridger. Say what you came to say Quinn drew a deep breath, the night air cool against her lungs. She turned slowly, facing him squarely beneath the moon¡¯s pale corona. Under the gentler light, his features sharpened¨Cstrong jaw, upromising brows, the faint scar at the corner of his lip. Yet the eyes that met hers were distant, edged in frost, not the warm amber she remembered. The dissonance mmed into her; this wrap around her like spring sunlight. s chill was nothing like the brother whoseughter used to ¡°You truly don¡¯t recognize me?¡± Quinn asked, studying every twitch of his expression. ¡°Should I?¡± Leander replied, his tone as smooth and cold as the marble rail between them. Quinn¡¯s fingers curled inward where her hand hung at her side, the knuckles bleaching beneath the ballroom lights as a sudden tension cinched her pulse. ¡°Because you look uncannily like someone I once knew, Mr. Fane. I heard you returned to the Fane family only three years ago. Before that¨Cbefore the name and the estate¨Cwhat life did you lead?¡± Leander¡¯s gaze hardened, the te¨Cgray irises shuttering like steel doors. ¡°That is my private business. I see no reason to discuss it.¡± Unshaken, Quinn let the silence breathe only a heartbeat before stepping back into it. ¡°A moment ago, you shielded Serena so fiercely that I envied her. Do you have other sisters?¡± The answer came without a pause. ¡°None. Serena is the only sister I have. Though she¡¯s a cousin.¡± A sudden sting climbed up Quinn¡¯s nose, and heat pooled behind hershes. Rowan had once said the same thing to her, too. ¡°Quinn is my only sister,¡± he had said. Is he really not Rowan? Leander¡¯s brow creased, a flicker of concern sneaking through his reserve when he sensed Quinn¡¯s emotions. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn drew a ragged breath, the sound catching like torn silk. ¡°I¨CI was thinking about my brother. He always protected me. If anyone dared hurt me, he fought for me. But when he needed protection, I failed him.¡± She stared at Leander¡¯s features, and oveying them was the memory from the grainy video¨Cher brother, frail, being yanked away and dumped onto a merciless curb. The picture split herposure wide open, and the tears finally rushed out. Plip. Plip. Each teardrop struck the marble floor like tiny beads snapping from a broken string, scattering light across the polished stone. Leander froze, blindsided by the sudden storm of tears. He slipped a crisp white handkerchief from his 2004 Tue To AUGU Chapter 323 Moonlit Confrontation inner pocket and held it out to her. ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± She stared at the offered linen, fingers unmoving, as if the gesture itself had welded her to the moment Instead of casing, the tears ran harder, a silent rain driven by memory. For an instant, she thought she saw Rowan kneeling to wipe her cheeks, murmuringfort only she could hear. There are too many echoes of Rowan in this man. Is he really a stranger? 33 Military 324 Chapter 324 Shattered Composure Chapter 324 Shattered Composure Leander stood frozen before Quinn¡¯s tears, a tight ache blooming behind his sternum, as though someone had slipped an unfamiliar key into a locked chamber of his heart and turned. In his memory, this woman was forged of iron¨Cdecisive, unswerving, made to chase thermals like an eagle above open sky. Never, not once, had he pictured her trembling beneath the weight of sorrow. He exhaled, reached for a folded handkerc tracks on her cheeks. and, without thinking, dabbed gently at the shimmering Even he could not exin the impulse that guided his fingers. Serena¡¯s shout knifed through the air. ¡°What are you doing?¡± The sudden st of sound yanked Leander back to himself, as if a switch had been flipped behind his eyes. Quinn stiffened, hurriedly brushed the damp from hershes with the heel of her hand, andposed herself in a single breath, shoulders squaring as the pilot within reupied her frame. ¡°Thank you,¡± she murmured. Serena stormed forward, fury zing. ¡°I knew it¨Cyou¡¯re after Leander, you have no shame!¡± She swung, intent on pping Quinn¡¯s face. Quinn¡¯s palm shot up, mping Serena¡¯s wrist with effortless precision. Serena yelped as painnced from bone to shoulder. Leander¡¯s voice cut in, low and controlled. ¡°Ms. Bridger, let her go.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Quinn released her grip, wrist flicking free. ¡°For your sake, I¡¯ll let this slide. But if Ms. Fane raises a hand again, I won¡¯t be so polite.¡± At that moment, Julius arrived with Han pacing beside him, the two men radiating contrasting shades of power¨Cone cool and aristocratic, the other sharp as a drawn de. Serena rubbed her abused wrist, shooting Quinn a venomous re. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, your girlfriend is hitting on my brother in broad daylight. Aren¡¯t you furious?¡± ¡°Serena.¡± Leander¡¯s brow knotted. ¡°Ms. Bridger did nothing of the sort. I don¡¯t want to hear that usation again.¡± ¡°But-¡± Serena started. Leander¡¯s tone hardened. ¡°And apologize to her. Now.¡± ¡°What? Me apologize to her? On what grounds?¡± Serena fumed. Han¡¯s voice drifted over, calm as falling snow. ¡°If you won¡¯t apologize, I guarantee news about you will be trending online by tomorrow Whether they¡¯re true or not¨Cwell, who can say?¡± Color drained from Serena¡¯s face; the threat was unmistakable. He was ckmailing her, in as day. Chapter 324 Shattered Composure Yet what unsettled her more was the certainty that this man would follow through. As a member of the Fane family, she had met countless yers of power and wealth. Still, the aura coiling around Han was that of a born ruler¨Cvery much like Julius, equally dangerous to provoke. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, surely you agree I deserve an apology. Doesn¡¯t it bother you that your girlfriend and another man sneak off for private chats, maybe even disgraceful secrets behind your back?¡± She hoped to weaponize Julius¡® jealousy against them. Julius¡® expression remained smooth ascquered wood. ¡°If Quinn truly wanted Leander, Serena, I¡¯d hog- tie the man myself and deliver him to her doorstep.¡± ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡± Serena spat, teeth grinding. A dryugh slipped from Julius¡® throat. Insane? Yes, I am. If Leander weren¡¯t Quinn¡¯s brother, and if she simply needed a stand¨Cin to soothe her longing, I would tie him up and hand him over without hesitation. He cut through the murmurs like a razor. ¡°Apologize,¡± Julius said, his voice cold enough to frost ss. Leander turned to his cousin, tone clipped yet restrained. ¡°Serena, you¡¯ve crossed the line today.¡± Serena swallowed her pride, cheeks flushed. Facing Quinn, she forced out, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I spoke wildly¨CI shouldn¡¯t have.¡± ¡°See that it doesn¡¯t happen again,¡± Quinn said, each syble a measured warning. Serena¡¯s mouth opened, fury flooding her lungs. Yet in this room, with so many eyes, she swallowed the outburst and fell silent. He sped Serena¡¯s wrist. ¡°Come,¡± Leander said, steering her toward the exit. When they drew level with Julius, he halted, voice low but sharp. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, I¡¯m not easy prey. If you intend to tie me up, make sure you have the skill to pull it off.¡± Julius¡® reply was a whisper of ice. ¡°Is that so?¡± he murmured, though his gaze drifted past Leander and anchored on Quinn. As though her single nod could unleash him, the air around Julius tightened, promising he would abduct Leander himself if Quinn so wished. Quinn lifted a hand, cating. ¡°Mr. Fane, please don¡¯t take it to heart. He was only joking. Julius straightened like an obedient soldier. ¡°Indeed¨Conly a joke,¡± he agreed. The way he echoed anything Quinn said was as if her words werew he had long vowed to obey. Leander studied Julius, a frown tugging at his brow. Earlier, the man hadn¡¯t sounded yful in the least. He filed the detail away. Whoever Quinn truly was, she was impressive enough to have Julius be so obedient to her. With that, Leander ushered Serena out, the click of their shoes fading down the corridor. Chapter 324 Shattered Composure Han stepped close, noting the redness rimming Quinn¡¯s eyes and the faint tracks of tears. Quinnes why were you crying?¡± He had served beside her on missions where bullets outnumbered breaths, moments bnced between life and death, and never¨Cnever¨Chad he seen her weep. 19:52 Wed, 20 AU0. Chapter Military 325 325 Silent Questions Chapter 325 Silent Questions Quinn drew a steadying breath. ¡°When I was alone with Leander Fane, my guard slipped for a moment that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°Do you think Leander is Rowan?¡± Han pressed. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Quinn said. ¡°While we spoke, I used several covert signals only Rowan and I would recognize, but he showed no reaction.¡± If Rowan were under watch or forced to hide his identity, he would still find a way to answer those signals. hesitation. Yet Leander gave her noto Blicker of recognition, 1 ¡°And when I asked about where he¡¯d been three years ago, he dodged the question,¡± she added. Han¡¯s eyes sharpened. ¡°Then e pull his DNA¨Chair, blood, anything¨Cand settle it in ab.¡± or it won¡¯t be that easy. The man rarely Julius folded his arms. ¡°Blood or hair means we have to drug him, fights, but don¡¯t doubt his skill.¡± Quinn weighed the options. DNA was decisive, yet hair had to be plucked¨Cthree to five strands with follicles intact, tweezers in sterile gloves. Drawing blood, of course, would be even more obvious. Just as Julius warned, unless Leander volunteered or they incapacitated him, collecting either sample would be near impossible. Still, an idea began to form, faint but insistent. Quinn¡¯s eyes sharpened with sudden resolve. Her voice, a soft yet startling de, cut through the tentative hush. ¡°We could always strip him down.¡± Han froze. ¡°Strip him?¡± Julius, however, caught on in a heartbeat. ¡°You want to see whether there¡¯s a scar on his shoulder?¡± Quinn dipped her chin, calm but unyielding. ¡°If he really is Rowan, even amnesia can¡¯t erase that scar.¡± That mark had been carved into Rowan¡¯s flesh the night he threw himself between her and danger. The memory of it still throbbed inside her like a hidden knife. Elsewhere, Leander settled into a velvet couch beneath muted lights, his gaze fixed on the handkerchief resting in his palms. Moments earlier, that square of fabric had brushed tears from Quinn¡¯s cheeks; the damp traces now glimmered like ghosts against the weave. His fingertips grazed the faint stains, and an inexplicable heaviness pooled in his chest. Serena wrinkled her nose. ¡°Leander, that cloth touched her face. It¡¯s filthy¨Cjust toss it, okay?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Leander replied, voice steady as still water. 1/3 Chapter 325 Silent Questions Serena muttered, ¡°Why not? Women like her who flirt with every man are disgusting. I can¡¯t imagine what Julius is thinking, dating someone like that.¡± ¡°Serena, I offered the handkerchief. And I¡¯ve told you¨Cshe isn¡¯t that kind of woman,¡± Leander said. The look she¡¯d given him hadn¡¯t been hungry or calcting. It had felt like yearning for family Pure. Deep. Unmistakable. Was she staring through me, searching for someone who shared my face? After all, she had said he resembled a man she once knew. Who is that man, and what story did he carry? The question stabbed him with sudden pain. He pressed a palm to his temple. Serena¡¯s tone softened. ¡°Leander, your head again ¡°Yeah,¡± he said. ¡°Let¡¯s get back to the hotel. You can take your meds. We¡¯re flying home in a week, and Dr. Reid can check you then.¡± Leander managed a short nod. At the hotel, Serena rattled a pill bottle, shook two into her palm, and passed them over. He swallowed them with a gulp of water. ¡°Serena, about the ident three years ago¨Care you sure nothing from my past survived?¡± he asked suddenly. She sighed. ¡°If anything had made it through, I¡¯d have given it to you long ago. Even if you lost everything, you¡¯re still Leander Fane, and I¡¯m the only sister you¡¯ve got.¡± ¡°Right. The only sister,¡± he murmured, letting his eyes close. Yet the image flickering behind his lids was Quinn, her face awash in tears. Night had fallen, and Leandery on the bed, yet sleep clung to him like a fever¨Crestless, fragile, never quite deep enough to heal. The world inside his dream was burning. mes roared across the horizon, licking at his skin until every nerve screamed. Yet he would not die. He must not die here, swallowed by this inferno. Faces waited beyond the fir people he still had to meet, souls/he had sworn to guard. He clung to that promise, telling himself again and again that, whatever it cost, he had to stay alive. A razor¨Csharp surge of instinct mmed through him. He snapped awake, heart punching against his ribs. Someone had slipped into the room and left the lights off. 2/3 Chapter 325 Silent Questions That ruled out Serena. Then who is it? The mattress dipped as the intruder crept closer. Leander exploded upward, a coiled spring suddenly unleashed. driving his fist toward the shadow. The stranger¡¯s palm rose in a clean block, absorbing the blow with trained precision. ¡°Mr. Fane.¡± A woman¡¯s voice cut through the dark, low but steady, ¡°it¡¯s Quinn Bridger.¡± He yanked his arm away. ¡°Quinn? Ms. Bridger?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she said. The overheadmp blinked alive, flooding the room with stark, unforgiving brightness. Leander studied her, brow furrowing. ¡°Ms. Bridger, you need to exin yourself for breaking into my room at this hour.¡± Military 326 Chapter 326 Midnight Intrusion Chapter 326 Midnight Intrusion ¡°Of course,¡± she began, but her words faltered when she saw the color drain from his face. ¡°What happened to you? You¡¯re white as paper.¡± His skin carried the gray tint of wax¨Calmost no blood left in it. +10 Free Count ¡°Nothing,¡± he said. ¡°Just a nightmare. Now, perhaps you¡¯ll tell me why you¡¯re here at an hour like this?¡± Quinn pursed her lips, drew a thick stack of photographs from her coat, andid them before him. ¡°These are pictures of my brother.¡± Confusion tightened his features. ¡°Pictures of your brother? Why hand them to me?¡± ¡°Just look. You¡¯ll understand.¡± Leander epted the stack; the first image alone drained the color from him. He flipped through them until none remained unseen. ¡°The man you said resembles me¨Che is your brother?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Quinn nodded. ¡°In fact, I¡¯m starting to wonder whether you and my brother are actually the same person. Mr. Fane, have you ever lost your memories?¡± Earlier, the banquet hall had been crowded¨Ctoo many prying ears for questions like these. She had not hesitated to slip through the hotel corridor after midnight, override the electronic lock, and ghost into his suite, fingers dancing across her tablet until the entire security grid went dark. Leander listened without blinking. ¡°And if I tell you I never did?¡± he asked, voice mild yet edged with steel. 1 The man in the photograph did resemble himi¨Csame sharp jaw, same cool eyes¨Cbut the captured youth had been sealed in an earlier time, untouched by the storms that now lined Leander¡¯s face. Quinn¡¯s heart skipped, then crashed, a stone hitting water. I thought he had lost his memories. Could the world truly hold two faces carved from the same mold? ¡°And you, Ms. Bridger, are Azanian,¡± Leander continued, calm as drifting snow. ¡°I, however, was born in Celosia. I fear I am not your brother.¡± ¡°I understand, but may I see your shoulder? My brother earned a scar there saving my life. One nce is all I ask,¡± Quinn said, hope wedged between every syble. ¡°Scar?¡± Leander echoed, eyebrows lifting before he could stop them. ¡°Yes, a scar.¡± Quinn pulled a single photograph from the stack. The image showed Rowan, his left shoulder marred by a ragged sh that the camera captured in merciless detail. ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll be disappointed. There is no such mark on me,¡± Leander said quietly. Chapter 326 Midnight Intrusion The words dragged Quinn deeper into the undertow of doubt, yet she knew the swell would not recede until her own eyes delivered the verdict. ¡°Just a nce¨Cnothing more. If my request offends you, Mr. Fane, I willpensate you however you deem fit,¡± she offered. ¡°Compensate?¡± He arched one brow. ¡°What if I demand you kneel before Serena and apologize? After all, you ruined my sister¡¯s day.¡± The suggestion struck Quinn like cold rain. If this man were truly Rowan, he would never ask such a thing. Yet the ember of possibility refused to die, hissing stubbornly beneath her ribs. ¡°Very well. Let me see your shoulder, and I will apologize exactly as you wish,¡± Quinn agreed, drawing a deep breath that tasted of surrender and resolve in equal measure. ¡°Why push it this far? Like I said, I haven¡¯t lost my memory, and I don¡¯t bear the scar in that picture. Knowing all that, you still want to inspect my shoulder?¡± Leander narrowed his eyes. ¡°Yes, I need to see it for myself. If I must get on my knees, knock my head to the floor, or beg¨Cnone of it matters. Nothing is too much when my brother is at stake.¡± Even if Leander demanded something mortifying or cruel, she would grit her teeth and do it. Simply because the matter involved Rowan, she needed absolute certainty. If she were going to abandon hope, she wanted to do it all the way¨Cno room left for doubt. ¡°Is your brother really that important to you?¡± ¡°Yes. To me, he is the single most important person in this world. For Rowan, I wouldy down my life without hesitation.¡± Leander froze. He had never expected such an answer. A sister willing to die for her brother¨Cthe heaviness in his chest pressed harder, stealing a fraction of his breath. ¡°It seems the bond between you and Rowan is extraordinary,¡± Leander said, envy flickering behind his eyes as his fingers moved to the first button of his pajama top. ¡°One button, then another¨Ceach soft click sounded louder than thest until every fasteningy undone. The light fabric slid down his arms, His left shoulder was nowid bare before her, unshielded and undeniable.¡± The moment her gazended on his exposed skin, Quinn forgot how to breathe. Her eyes locked onto his left shoulder, pupils dting with shock. A sudden mist blurred her vision. Her lips trembled, and the words escaped in a quivering whisper, ¡°How How can this be?¡± 2/2 Chapte Military 327 r 327 Burn Marks And Doubt Chapter 327 Burn Marks And Doubt The first thing that met her eyes was a patchwork of mottled skin¨Cpale inds against darker ridges, an ugly map scorched into flesh. The burns did not stop at his shoulder; angry scars sprawled across his chest, coiled over his ribs, and vanished only when they slipped beneath the waistband of his trousers. Quinn¡¯s voice quavered as she whispered, ¡°How did you end up with so many burn scars?¡± Unable to stop herself, she lifted a tentative hand toward the damaged skin on his shoulder. But before her fingertips could make contact, he had already tugged his shirt back over his shoulders, sealing the evidence from sight. Leander fastened thest button and said, ¡°You¡¯ve seen it, Ms. Bridger. Burns¨Cnothing like the marks in the photograph you gave me.¡± Quinn pressed her lips together; the word burn echoed through her mind like a struck bell. Could these scars be from the ze five years ago? No. In the clip Marley produced, Rowan¡¯s shoulder was still bandaged and raw. Which meant the man standing in front of her might still be a stranger, wearing a face too familiar to trust. Quinn swallowed and asked, ¡°When did you get those scars?¡± ¡°Three years ago¨Canother fire,¡± Leander replied. ¡°Now, Ms. Bridger, I¡¯ve answered every question. I¡¯m obviously not your brother. May I leave?¡± Quinn bit her lip. ¡°Would you consent to a DNA test?¡± Leander smoothed the fabric over his chest. ¡°I¡¯ve exined, even showed you my shoulder. You still believe I might be your brother?¡± ¡°If I¡¯m to give up, I want to give uppletely,¡± she murmured. The way he stood there, the quiet in his breathing, everything about him felt uncannily like Rowan. Only Rowan had never looked at her with such wintry detachment. He lifted his gaze, eyes like sheet ice. ¡°Why should I submit to DNA testing because of a whim? Ms. Bridger, I am not your brother. I couldn¡¯t have been clearer.¡± A chill opened beneath Quinn¡¯s ribs, pulling her heart into something dark and deep. So¡­ he really isn¡¯t Rowan? He had spoken inly, yet a part of her refused to surrender to the truth. If she quit now, she might never find Rowan again. After leaving Leander¡¯s room, Quinn returned to her hotel room. The information she had on him still felt painfully thin. 173 Chapter 327 Burn Marks And Doubt Leander insisted he hadn¡¯t lost his memory and that the burns came from a fire three years ago. That only proved the new scarring now nketed whatever old wound had once been there. It did not prove his left shoulder had never been injured before. One way or another, she would obtain Leander¡¯s DNA. Only then could she ept that he was truly not Rowan. Earlier today, he had turned her down, t and final, yet Quinn refused to concede. She simply reshuffled the chessboard in her mind, certain another path would still lead her to the sample she needed. That resolve carried her down the hushed hallway of the hotel until, reaching the door to her suite, Quinn¡¯s steps faltered. There, propped against the doorframe like a statue abandoned mid¨Cthought, stood, or rather slouched, Julius Whitethorn. Arms folded across his chest, head bowed and eyes closed, he seemed wrapped in an uneasy stillness. Is he really sleeping? Here of all ces¨Cat my door, in the middle of the night? What on earth is going through that impossible man¡¯s head? Curiosity nudged her forward until she stood an arm¡¯s length away, close enough to study the nes of his face. He leaned in a careless angle against the panel, a few loose strands of hair spilling over his brow, the light entuating the proud line of his nose. Under the warm corridor glow, those longshes cast delicate shadows, but the smudged darkness beneath his eyes looked deeper than she remembered. Narrowing her eyes, Quinn lifted a tentative hand and brushed the shallow bruise¨Ccolored crescents with the soft pad of her thumb. The skin felt cool, unbroken¨Cnothing like the aftermath of a fist. Not that anyone would dare swing at Julius Whitethorn. So¡­ has he not been sleeping well? Even as the thought formed, hisshes trembled, the faintest flutter like a moth beating against ss. Startled, she moved to withdraw, but his hand shot up, capturing hers with gentle decisiveness. Momentster, those famously unreadable eyes drifted open, soft and bright, anchoring straight onto her. ¡°Quinn.¡± His voice came out in a hushed, almost reverent murmur. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ awake.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice wavered with self¨Cconscious surprise. She attempted to slide her fingers free, heat prickling up her neck. Instead of letting go, Julius guided her hand back, retracing the feather¨Clight path she had drawn along his cheek as thoughmitting the sensation to memory. ¡°I wasn¡¯t asleep,¡± he confessed, voice low enough to almost be stolen by the hallway air. A hot rush thundered through her ears, loud as a drumbeat. Color red across Quinn¡¯s cheeks, mortification blooming despite the dim corridor light. So he had been awake when I touched him. Wonderful. O Chapter 327 Burn Marks And Doubt. Then why are you camped outside my door in the middle of the night instead of sleeping she demanded, striving for severity that fell a little short. ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Julius answered simply. ¡°Being near you seemed¡­ easier. I thought the silence might finally let me rest.¡± The admission left her momentarily mute. Insomnia had never factored into the myths she had spun about him. ¡°And you? Where did you disappear to?¡± Julius asked, his fingers still grazing the back of her hand. ¡°I went to see Leander Fane.¡± Quinn slid the name between them like a ying card before adding, ¡°Now please let go ande inside so we can talk.¡± Reluctantly, Julius uncurled his fingers, as though surrendering more than just her hand. Quinn produced her keycard, the lock chimed, and she stepped into the muted hush of the suite. Julius drifted in after her, the door snicking shut behind them like the closing of a secret. Military 328 Chapter 328 Hidden Shadows Chapter 328 Hidden Shadows Quinn leaned in, elbows brushing the edge of the coffee table, eyes like pinpointsers over the rim of her cooling espresso. ¡°Can you track down every detail of Leander Fane¡¯s past from three years ago¨Cevery job, every alias, every whisper?¡± Julius drummed two fingers against the glowing tablet, scanning lines of code as though sheer willpower could make them unfurl faster. ¡°We¡¯re digging, but remember, he¡¯s the Fanc family¡¯s illegitimate son. Even in thest three years, he¡¯s barely shown his face in public. Anything before that feels deliberately scrubbed. It¡¯ll take time.¡± Quinn then recounted how, earlier that night, she had slipped into Leander¡¯s suite and, beneath the amber glow of a bedsidemp, showed him Rowan¡¯s photo. Julius¡® brow knotted, the faint scar at his temple tightening like a warning line. ¡°You went in alone? What if something had gone wrong¨Chave you even thought about that?¡± Quinn offered a measured shrug, the faintest ghost of a smile¨Cskating across her lips. ¡°Going solo made it easier to slip in unnoticed. A bigger team would have set off rms. Besides, I¡¯m standing here in one piece, aren¡¯t I?¡± Julius let out a sharp breath. ¡°And what if you weren¡¯t standing here right now?¡± ¡°I set a timed message to Han. If I wasn¡¯t back by three in the morning, the alert would hit his phone automatically. He¡¯d know what to do.¡± She never stepped into a mission without a failsafe¨Cand tonight had been no exception. ¡°Leander keeps insisting he isn¡¯t my brother, but I still want a DNA test. When I brought it up, he refused outright. Getting a usable sample won¡¯t be easy. I could knock him out and take what we need¨Cwould you be able to tidy up the aftermath? Or maybe we catch him drunk enough to pull a few stray hairs.¡± Quinn shrugged out of her jacket, tossing the leather onto the armrest while she floated each possibility aloud. Had they been back home in Azania, she could have filed a request with the military, and a mandatory DNA swab would have followed almost automatically. But they were in Doria now, a nation wrapped in different red tape. Worse still, Leander was shielded by the formidable Fane family, their influence seeping into every corridor of power. When she finished speaking, silence pooled in the room, thick enough to taste. Then Julius voice cut through it like a knife unsheathed in the ¡°Why Han?¡± He stepped closer, the air between them crackling with unspoken usation. ¡°Of all the people you could rely on, why choose Han instead of me?¡± Quinn said nothing. She simply looked away, lips pressed so tight they lost their color. ¡°You know I have more ways to keep you safe here in Doria than Han ever could. Even if things went sideways, I could protect your She should have chosen me. C J Chapter 328 Hidden Shadows Quinn sighed, shoulders settling. ¡°Han and I have run countless missions together Our rhythm second nature, so I set the timer to him¨Cnothing more She had canceled the alert the moment she reached the hotel. ¡°You¡¯ve never partnered with me¨Chow can you be sure we have no rhythm?¡± he asked. ¡°You¡¯ve already helped me more than enough, Julius. I can¡¯t keep piling everything onto you.¡± Julius let out a hollowugh, the sound brittle as cracked ice. Helping her? As if I weren¡¯t helping myself just as much. Julius stood by the window, city lights flickering against his suit sleeve, shoulders knotted with worry. I hope Quinn finds Rowan soon, and I hope he¡¯s safe. ¡°Quinn, stop using flimsy excuses just to keep me at arm¡¯s length. If Rowan¡¯s rescue needs my power, then take it all¨Cuse me without holding back.¡± ¡°Julius, let¡¯s be honest¨CI¡¯m not merely borrowing your strength. I¡¯m exploiting it, exploiting you. I know ! shouldn¡¯t, yet to find Rowan quickly, I¡¯ll do it anyway. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t owe me an apology. Borrow me, use me¨Cit makes no difference. I give willingly. ¡°But what if I still refuse to go back to you? I know your feelings let me use you, yet I¡­¡± ¡°Stop.¡± Julius¡® voice cracked, slicing through her words before they could wound them both. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. If ever you need anything¨Csay the word. I¡¯ll be there. I will repay every kindness you¡¯re giving me now.¡± Julius closed the gap between them, his shadow swallowing themplight. ¡°Repay me? Then answer this: when insomnia keeps me awake, will you take my hand and stay until I fall asleep?¡± She frowned. ¡°If you¡¯re that sleepless, you should see a doctor.¡± He shot back, ¡°And how do you know I haven¡¯t?¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze locked on the bruised smudges beneath his eyes. So the insomnia was real, not another of his dramatic ploys. ¡°Or is your so¨Ccalled repayment nothing but sound? If that¡¯s the case, don¡¯t insult me by saying the word again.¡± Making him taste hope only to rip it away hurt worse than never hoping at all. ¡°If you truly can sleep when you¡¯re near me, then while we¡¯re abroad, you can stay here at night.¡± When they returned home, he could begin proper treatment, structured and systematic. ¡°You mean it? You¡¯re agreeing? ¡°Yes. I¡¯m agreeing.¡± 2/3 Chapter 328 Hidden Shadows This, she figured, was a different kind of repayment, one that cost her nights instead of cash. That felt fan enough. Military 329 329 Midnight Compromise Chapter 329 Midnight Compromise ¡°Can we start tonight?¡± he asked. ¡°Tonight?¡± Julius bowed his head until his hair brushed her shoulder, his voice raw with exhaustion. ¡°I haven¡¯t slept properly in days, Quinn. I won¡¯t do anything¨CI just want one good night¡¯s rest.¡± ¡°All right. Start tonight. But I don¡¯t have your pajamas, so you¡¯ll need to bring your own.¡± Julius pulled out his phone and dialed without hesitation, his fingers moving like a man who had rehearsed this moment. Fifteen minutester, Fabian arrived, a sleek suitcase swinging from his hand. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s essentials and clothes,¡± Fabian announced, setting the case by the door. At the threshold, Fabian pressed a small pill bottle into Quinn¡¯s palm. ¡°These are for Mr. Whitethorn. If he still can¡¯t sleep here, give him these, no more than five tablets at once. Please, don¡¯t let him exceed the dose.¡± ¡°Does he often take more than he should?¡± Quinn asked, eyeing the bottle. She hadn¡¯t realized Julius was already at the point where he needed medicine to help him sleep. ¡°When Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s insomnia grows so fierce it rattles his nerves, he¡¯ll sometimes swallow an extra tablet,¡± Fabian disclosed, his gaze flicking toward the closed bedroom door as though the very walls might overhear. Quinn inclined her head, letting a wisp of hair fall forward, then brushed it back with a steady hand. ¡°All right, I understand.¡± After seeing Fabian to the door, Quinn lingered in the dim hallway, the pill bottle cool and unfamiliar against her palm. She crossed the threshold into the bedroom just as Julius emerged from the bathroom, steam curling around him like a fleeting veil. Freshly washed and already dressed in silken nightclothes, he looked so achingly familiar that Quinn¡¯s breath tripped, sending her back to the nights before everything had broken. Night after night, he had stepped out exactly like this¨Chair still damp, eyes soft, a quiet expectancy hovering between them. For one fragile heartbeat, she believed none of the hurt had happened. Julius¡® attention snagged on the small amber bottle glinting in Quinn¡¯s hand. ¡°Fabian gave that to you?¡± Quinn rotated the container between her fingers, the pills rattling like muted dice. ¡°He was afraid you might still struggle to sleep while staying with me, so he left it¨Cjust in case.¡± Thebel warned in crisp medical print that the medication was neither to be taken in excess nor relied upon for long stretches of nights. Ignore the caution, and the body would rebel¨Cliver and kidneys bearing the silent brunt of the cost. Raising her eyes from the warning, she asked, ¡°When did you start taking these?¡± 64 19.53 Wed, 20 Aug Chapter 329 Midnight Compromise The third day after you left,¡± Julius replied, each syble falling like a stone into still water. Quinn froze. That meant he had been leaning on the drug for at least half a month. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t keep taking them. Too many will damage your kidneys and your liver,¡± she cautioned, the words as sharp as the chill crawling through her chest. Julius stared at the floorboards as though they could solve his riddle. ¡°If my body truly does fail, would it matter to you?¡± Quinn lifted her gaze to meet his. ¡°It would. Breakup or not, I still want you to take care of yourself.¡± A quiet sigh slipped from her lips. She ced the bottle on the nightstand, the stic click sounding louder than it should have. ¡°Julius, when I discovered you¡¯d hidden the video of my brother, I hated you¨Chated that you didn¡¯t tell me sooner, hated that you kept the truth from me, even resented you for not saving him that night. But on this trip to Doria, you stepped in for me again and again, and each of those moments is carved into my memory. So I don¡¯t hold a grudge. I don¡¯t hate you. I¡¯m grateful, and naturally I want you to be healthy and safe.¡± With nothing left to say, Quinn gathered her fresh clothes, inhaled, and slipped into the bathroom, leaving the door to click softly behind her. Julius moved to the nightstand, staring down at the bottle as if it were an aplice to his weakness. Her words had promised no me, no hatred, yet they had not promised renewed love either, and the vacancy of that omission pressed against his ribs. If she truly wished for my peace, she would stay. Only beside her can I be safe. He lifted his left hand and brushed his lips against the sandalwood bracelet. The murmur slipped out, no louder than a prayer. ¡°Quinn, as long as you¡¯re with me, I will never need these pills.¡± The bracelet had been her gift to him. Ever since, he had worn it faithfully, and on nights when sleep eluded him, he would kiss each bead, pretending his lips found hers instead. Only then did the storm inside his skull quiet enough for a sliver of rest to slip through. Military 330 Chapter 330 Sleepless Confessions Cradling her pillow and nket, she crossed to the couch and settled there. Sharing a bed until dawn no longer suited who they were¨Cor who they had be. +20 Free Coins She told herself she had agreed only out of gratitude for his help, nothing more. Yes. Nothing more than that. Then why did her heart ache, a quiet throb, as though mourning for the man on the bed? No. Do not pity him! Because pity could entangle this already frayed love even tighter, until none of them could breathe. But can I really be with him again? Even if he swore never to lie, the years ahead might find me questioning every word, turning me into someone suspicious¨Csomeone I would not recognize. That was not the future she wanted. Quinn shut her eyes, and only then did sleep im her. Yet once she drifted away, a shadow rose from the bed and walked, soundless, to the couch. Julius gazed at her sleeping form, bitterness blossoming across his tongue. Even if it was only repayment, she still would not stay with me until morning? Does she truly believe a few carefully chosen words can draw a boundary between us? They had passed the point of clear borders long ago. However many walls she tried to raise, he would shatter them, every single time. ¡°Quinn, what must I do for you to take me back?¡± Julius¡® voice came out rough, ragged around the edges. The plea rasped through the dark room, fading into the quiet as he crouched beside her, resting his brow against the couch¡¯s edge. His fingers inched toward hers, hovering, barely brushing her skin¨Cafraid that too much pressure might stir her from sleep. Morning light slipped past the drapes when Quinn¡¯s eyes opened, and the first thing she saw was Julius¡® face inches from her own. His fringey in a careless tangle across his forehead; eyes shut,shes dark and long, separated like fine ink strokes viewed up close. That high, straight nose and lips tinted with the faint sheen of sleep drew her in, tempting her to reach out and trace their shape. Then the question pierced the haze. What is he doing here? A sharp shiver coursed through her as memories of the night before snapped into ce, She had invited him to stay. Last night, he had fallen asleep on the bed. So what¡¯s he doing on the couch now? She shot upright. The sudden movement roused him; his eyes fluttered open, still fogged with sleep. ¡°Morning, Quinn,¡± Julius murmured. ?? O < 16:58 Thu, 21 Aug 0 Chapter 330 Sleepless Confessions ¡°Morning¡­ but why are you sleeping here? Weren¡¯t you on the bed?¡± Quinn asked, puzzled. +20 Free Coins ¡°Because I can only sleep well at your side,¡± Julius replied. ¡°You chose the couch, so I, of course, settled right next to it.¡± ¡°But you fell asleep on the bedst night,¡± Quinn protested. ¡°I did drift off,¡± he admitted, lifting her hand. ¡°You promised to repay me. Don¡¯t change terms halfway. If you truly want me to rest, you must hold my hand until morning.¡± Quinn found no words. The doorbell rang, sharp and unexpected. She snatched her hand back. ¡°I¡¯ll get the door,¡± she said. Without another nce, she hurried to the entrance and swung it open. 16:58 Thu, 21 Aug Military 331 Chapter 331 Unwee Morning Chapter 331 Unwee Morning 29% +20 Free Coins ¡°I figured you were already dressed,¡± Han said from the threshold. ¡°Wanted to invite you downstairs for breakfast.¡± ¡°Give me a minute,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°You won¡¯t mind an extra guest, will you?¡± Julius said, stepping forward. Han¡¯s expression hardened when he saw Julius in sleepwear standing behind Quinn. Anyone could tell Julius had spent the night in that room. Han lunged past Quinn and fisted Julius¡® cor. ¡°Julius, what are you doing here?¡± ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be?¡± Julius asked, unruffled. ¡°The owner of this room hasn¡¯t questioned me, so what right do you have?¡± Han red, wanting to wipe the smugness off that face. If Quinn weren¡¯t standing there, he would have thrown a punch already. ¡°Han, let go. He stayed here overnight for certain reasons.¡± Only then did Han unclench his hand, grudgingly. When Quinn disappeared into the bathroom to wash up, the two men left behind locked eyes like drawn des. ¡°Don¡¯t fool yourself, Julius,¡± Han said, his voice dipped in frost. ¡°Sneaking into her room with some despicable trick won¡¯t win you a second chance. She broke up with you. She doesn¡¯t look back¨Cshe proved that when she walked away from Trent.¡± Despicable? The word flickered across Julius¡® gaze, leaving a faint, dangerous glint. Maybe he was despicable. He had brandished his insomnia, let her think he was unraveling, and preyed on her need to sende every debt, luring her into what he called repayment. Yet without such schemes, she would never have allowed him this close¨Cneyer within breathing distance of her guarded heart. Julius kegn his voice low. He said. Tim not Trent From the beginning to the bitter end. I¡¯ve loved only Quinn. She knows why else would she let me stay in her room tonight?¡± Han let out a short, coldugh I don¡¯t know how you managed to nt yourself in her room, but nothing happened¨Cdid in Which means she isn¡¯t interested in you at all Julius expression soured, the insult crawling under his skin Julius knew all too well that Quinn¡¯s logic and self¨Ccontrol eclipsed that of most women he had met In the past, his face and body had been enough to temps her, but only because she had allowed herself to be tempted. If her heart truly shut the door, no amount of seduction no matter how artful¨Cwould move her. 16:58 Thu, 21 Aug Or Chapter 331 Unwee Morning 29% +20 Free Coins He remembered thest time: he had drained the drugged liquor himself, begged and teased before her. only to be knocked unconscious and left in a hospital bed. Julius gaze darkened. He said. ¡°Even if she has lost interest in me, it doesn¡¯t mean she¡¯s interested in you.¡± Han¡¯s tonended like a vow. ¡°Who can predict the future, Julius? This time, I won¡¯t miss my chance with Quinn.¡± The air between them thickened, choking the small room with unspoken violence. In the club¡¯s private room, Leander waited until his men escorted the casino executives out. Then he tugged at his tie, fatigue etched between his brows. Serena glided closer and slipped her arms around Leander¡¯s neck. ¡°Did the negotiations go smoothly?¡± she asked, her voice a practiced purr. Leander¡¯s brow tightened. He said. ¡°More or less. The contract to follow shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡± ¡°I knew you were impressive¨Cthat¡¯s why I set my sights on you.¡± She smiled. As she studied his striking features, a pulse of desire climbed unbidden through her. If she could truly im this man, then the vast Fane empire might one day be hers as well. Serena ran a fingertip along his cor. ¡°When we get back, Uncle Everett will value you even more. Over these three years, he¡¯s treated you like a son.¡± The ¡°Unde¡± she referred to was Everett Fane, the man who, on paper, had adopted Leander. Everett was the true power behind the Fane dynasty. Leander met her gaze without flinching. He said, ¡°And what of it?¡± Serena¡¯s voice slithered closer. ¡°Are you really unmoved by the Fane fortune? The estate is enormous, and Unde Everest never married. He¡¯s imed you as his son. Charm him a little more, and the whole empire could someday br your Leander sowered quietly, ¡°I stay with the Fanes only to repay a debt.¡± Serena let out a deriveugh. That sounds noble. Most people would lose themselves in the face of such waith; If you and I were together, even if you failed to tolerit, our child would carry Fane blood, Uncle Le migle dly pass the estate to dial child¡± Leander¡¯s eyes shed with gouyance He said. ¡°Remember, I already bear the Fane mame¡± Serena leaned in soul her lower tunash from his ¡°So what? We¡¯re notid by b¨¢nak. If I had your Military 332 Chapter 332 Sibling Confrontation Chapter 332 Sibling Confrontation +20 Free Coins Serena leaned in, her perfume curling through the dim light as her lips drifted toward his. Leander turned his face at thest possible heartbeat. ¡°Serena, I only ever regarded you as a sister.¡± Her smile fractured. A hard glint shed across her eyes. ¡°A sister?¡± She scoffed, the sound sharp as breaking ss. ¡°Do you truly imagine you belong in the Fane family?¡± With a sudden shove, she forced him back against the velvet couch. ¡°Years ago, you were half¨Cdead, skin scorched by that fire, penniless on a hospital bed. Lady Margaret mistook you for someone else, and Uncle Everett¨Cfearing for her health¨Cimed you as an illegitimate son. Without that mercy, infection would have finished you long before now.¡± Leander straightened, steadying his breath. ¡°I have never once believed I was truly one of you.¡± Serena¡¯sugh was cold and brittle. ¡°Good. Remember this¨Cthat woman still survives only because the Fane family pays her bills. You¡¯re nothing but a dog kept to amuse Lady Margaret.¡± High heels clicked like gunshots as she swept out of the VIP lounge, chin lifted in haughty triumph. One day, she vowed, that man would crawl to her on his knees. Silence settled in the lounge. Leander remained alone, the echo of her steps fading like a receding storm. He unlocked his phone and opened a remote¨Cmonitoring app. A¨Chospital room flickered onto the screen: sterile walls, muted lights, the soft hiss of an oxygen line. On the bedy a young woman, her features pale beneath the respirator, an IV drip feeding time back into her veins. Leander brushed two fingers over the ss. ¡°I will cure you, I swear. Hold on a little longer.¡± As long as he stayed inside the Fane estate, money and medical ess were his tomand. Who he had been¨Cwhatever memories the mes had stolen¨Cno longer mattered beside her fragile pulse. Though Julius and Han could hardly stand each other, they foundmon ground in plotting the theft of Leander¡¯s DNA. Julius traced Leander¡¯s uing schedule. Han greased palms until a bartender agreed to slip a potent sedative into the liquor. The drug merely induced deep drowsiness¨Ceasy to mistake for the after¨Cburn of strong drink. When Leander retreated to the dressing suite for a brief rest, Quinn slipped inside with Julius and Han close behind. Outside, Julius men cordoned the corridor. Every staff member had already been bought. Seeing the unconscious figure¨Cvery possibly her long¨Clost brother¨CQuinn¡¯s heartbeat skipped. An open assault is simple to guard against. A hidden de is another story. The bribed bartender was reputedly an expert, even outfitting the boule with a tiny mechanism to deliver the dose. 12 A 16:58 Thu, 21 Aug O Chapter 332 Sibling Confrontation Han whispered, ¡°Blood sample or hair?¡± He patted the small toolkit slung at his hip¨Cthe choice did not matter to him. ¡°Hair,¡± Quinn decided. ¡°Needles leave questions.¡± ? ?? 29, +20 Free Coins Tweezers in hand, she plucked several strands from Leander¡¯s temple, slipping them into a sterile pouch. For safety, she took a few more. Then she knelt, studying the tranquil face beneath the soft light, as if trying to trace family likeness in every quiet angle. Deny it all you want, but my instincts scream¨Cyou are Rowan. ¡°Rowan¡­ Do you have any idea how much I miss you? If I had found you sooner,¡± she said, sorrow quivering beneath her measured tone, ¡°would you have been spared even a portion of the pain you¡¯ve endured?¡± Julius and Han stood a short distance away. Han¡¯s brows lifted in quiet empathy, while Julius pressed his lips together, the tension carving a hard line across his face. Han stepped closer andid a light hand on Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Finding him now is not toote. Let¡¯s pray he truly is Rowan.¡± Julius¡® jaw tightened. Quinn had told him Leander Fane bore severe burns¨Cscars from a ze three years ago, not from the border inferno five years past. If he had met Rowan back then and pulled him from the mes, those scars might never have existed. And if Leander proved to be Rowan, each time Quinn glimpsed those burn marks she would recall Julius¡® failure to act. The thought stirred a ripple of dread deep in his chest. On the couch, Leander¡¯s fingers twitched¨Csmall, involuntary movements signaling the drug¡¯s grip was loosening. Military 333 Chapter 333 Edge Of Awakening Chapter 333 Edge Of Awakening ¡°The sedative¡¯s almost gone. He¡¯ll wake any minute,¡± Han warned, voice low. +10 Free Coins Quinn nodded once, certainty settling inside her like a quiet drumbeat, even though the DNA test had yet to be run. The dose that would have kept an ordinary man unconscious for more than two hours had held him only thirty minutes. His body, like Rowan¡¯s, resisted chemicals with stubborn resilience. Exactly like my brother. ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± Quinn whispered, tightening her grip on the strands of hair she had collected. Once the sample reached theb, they would finally learn whether Leander was truly Rowan. Roughly fifteen minutester, Leander¡¯s eyes fluttered open. He pushed upright, scanning the quiet room¨Calone, just as when he had arrived. Nearly fifty minutes had vanished. Have I really cked out that long? So I was drunk and out for almost an hour? He rubbed at his temple, a dark shadow passing through his gaze. Elsewhere, Quinn arrived at theboratory and allowed a technician to draw her blood topare with Leander¡¯s hair sample. ¡°The report will be ready in two days. Shall we mail it, or-¡± the technician asked. ¡°I¡¯ll pick it up in person,¡± Quinn replied, leaving no room for debate. Only a report handed directly to her would quiet the storm inside. Back at the hotel, Quinn faced Julius and Han. ¡°Thank you for everything today.¡± ¡°Quinnie, no thanks needed,¡± Han said, a yful glint surfacing. ¡°But there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss with you¨Cprivately.¡± Quinn nced at Julius, then turned to him with a gentle smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t you head to the room first? Han and I will talk for a bit.¡± Julius shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t have a key card. Surely you¡¯re not nning to break your promise of a proper thank¨Cyou?¡± Quinn pressed the card into his palm. ¡°I don¡¯t break promises,¡± she said, her voice quiet but firm. Julius slipped the key card into the inner pocket of his jacket, his lips tilted in a quiet, ambiguous curve. A sidelong nce at Han carried fqual parts amusement and warning before he told Quinn, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you upstairs.¡± With the words hanging in the air, he turned and headed for the elevator. Han watched Julius disappear and could not hold back. ¡°Quinn, why hand him your key card? And this repayment he mentioned¨Cwhat does he actually want?¡± ||| r Fri, 22 Aug Chapter 333 Edge Of Awakening +10 Free Coins ¡°He hasn¡¯t been sleeping welltely,¡± Quinn exined, voice low yet matter¨Cof¨Cfact. ¡°I just help him sleep. that¡¯s all. These past few nights, he¡¯s done more than a few favors for me¨Cthis is how I square the ledger.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s your n?¡± Han blurted, frustration cutting through his usualposure. ¡°Can¡¯t you see it might be calcted? Maybe all he wants is to drag you back to his side.¡± ¡°He will only hold my hand until sleep takes him. Nothing more,¡± Quinn said, calm but unyielding. ¡°Whether his motives are genuine or maniptive, I refuse to owe him anything. And right now, aside from finding my brother, I¡¯ll spare no thought for anything else. Han, don¡¯t waste your time on me.¡± Han fell silent, then smiled, faint but stubborn. ¡°Whether it¡¯s a waste of time is for me to decide. Quinnie. I¡¯ve never believed a single second with you is wasted.¡± ¡°And if there¡¯s never an answer¨Cdoesn¡¯t that make the waiting pointless?¡± she asked softly. ¡°Nothing in this world is predetermined,¡± Han said, arching an eyebrow with reckless confidence. ¡°One day you might realize I¡¯m not just a brother to you.¡± He knew she kept him in the safe, distant boxbeled family, but he swore to himself that box would splinter sooner orter. In her eyes, he would be something more. When Quinn used her card and stepped into the suite, she found Julius settled on the couch, back straight, tie loosened no more than half an inch. Aptop dominated the coffee table, its glow reflecting in his sharp features. Phone pressed to his ear, his free hand danced over the keyboard with decisive strokes. ¡°Good. Send the entire file set to me. Also, dig into the Fane family in Celosia. I need to know exactly why Everett Fane made that move,¡± Julius instructed before ending the call. ¡°You¡¯re investigating the Fanes?¡± Quinn asked, stepping closer. ¡°Naturally. Leander Fane is likely your brother, is he not?¡± Julius replied. Quinn froze mid¨Cstep, startled. She had clung to the word uncertain whenever Han or Julius raised the possibility, yet Julius now spoke as though it were undeniable. ¡°Your expression when you look at Leander isn¡¯t questioning¨Cit¡¯s recognition,¡± Julius continued, voice patient. ¡°I pulled records. Three years ago, a factory caught fire. Leander was injured there and rescued by a woman named Lena Durand. Soon after, the Fane family attended a charity g in Doria. From that night onward, Leander surfaced as the Fanes¡® illegitimate son and left for Doria.¡± Quinn¡¯s breath caught¨Cthe same fire, three years ago. Military 334 Chapter 334 What Really Happened Chapter 334 What Really Happened +10 Free Coins Everything Leander had once told her aligned with Julius¡® report. The burns marring his skin must havee from that ze, and if he had indeed been in Doria three years prior, the likelihood that he was Rowan grew even stronger. ¡°And Lena?¡± Quinn asked, hope flickering behind the question. If Leander was truly her brother, she owed that woman a debt beyond words. ¡°She¡¯s in intensive care back in Doria,¡± Julius answered. Quinn stared at him, stunned. ¡°I¡¯ve just forwarded the dossier to your inbox,¡± Julius added, fingers flying across the keys as he spoke. Phone in hand, Quinn opened her mail app and quickly located the file tagged with Lena¡¯s name. Lena Durand, a girl from the slums of Doria, had known Leander before the fire. She had dragged him from the mes andter broken into the charity g, pleading with Margaret, the matriarch of the Fane family, to save him. That was how it all happened. Margaret headed to the hospital to visit Leander. After that visit, everything changed. Word spread that Leander was the family¡¯s illegitimate son. He took Lena with him to distant Doria. One yearter, doctors in Doria delivered a harsher sentence. Tests revealed Lena carried aggressive blood cancer, and no suitable bone¨Cmarrow match could be found. Her condition became worse. ¡°Right now, Lena¡¯s entire course of care is bankrolled by the Fane family. They have secured the world¡¯s leading protocols, experimental drugs, and an elite medical team. And they do it, Quinn, only because Leander is ¡®for the moment¡® still counted as one of them.¡± Quinn understood at once. So that¡¯s why Leander refused a DNA test with me, insisting it was unnecessary? If a test proved he is my brother and not a Fane, would the family cut Lena off? Yet if he truly is Rowan, home would guarantee state assistance for the girl. After all, she once saved his life. And I could help too¨Cmy savings, my patents, everything my parents left me. I¡¯d pour it all into Lena¡¯s care. ¡°Anyway, in two days, we¡¯ll know for certain whether Leander is my brother.¡± ¡°If he is, will you me me even more for leaving your brother to die back then?¡± Quinn froze, caught off guard. ¡°Would you think that if I¡¯d stepped in, he¡¯d have avoided the border fire three years ago? That the burns, the agony, everything he endured/-are they my fault?¡± Quinn sighed. ¡°I won¡¯t me you.¡± Julius was taken aback. ¡°Truly? ¡°I told you before: back then, my brother was just a foreign stranger to you. You had no obligation to save him. Yes, I hated you for it¨Cdespite knowing you owed him nothing. But that anger is gone. You¡¯ve helped < Chapter 334 What Really Happened me so muchtely. I see it, I remember it, and I¡¯m grateful.¡± ¡°I, two days from now, Leander is proven to be your brother, could we be together again?¡± Julius fixed his gaze on Quinn. Quinn shook her head. ¡°I ended things because I can¡¯t trust you anymore. How can you still not see that?¡± ¡°What will it take for you to trust me again? If trust can shatter in a moment, tell me how long before it can be rebuilt? I¡¯ll do anything.¡± Quinn stayed silent. cone year, two, live- He caught her hand and pressed her palm to his cheek, trapping it there. ¡°I know you still feel something. When you learned of my insomnia, you let me fall asleep holding your hand, You still ache for me, don¡¯t you?¡± Heat flooded her palm, while his usually cold eyes shimmered with gathering mist. ¡°Quinn, forgive me, please. I¡¯ll repay every hardship your brother suffered. From now on, I will neither lie nor hide anything. Every ounce of trust you need, I¡¯ll give.¡± His hoarse plea plucked the rawest strings of her heart. Because, as he¡¯d said, part of her still hurt for him. Even though I keep warning myself not to care, I don¡¯t want future me swallowed by distrust born of this love. Yet, staring into the fog in his eyes, the word no stuck fast in her throat. ¡°Quinn, when you left, you took everything but this bracelet. On the card you wrote, ¡®May every year bring you peace. Without you, do you honestly think I will?¡± As his question faded, the mist became tears, falling onto the back of her hand. Military 335 Chapter 335 Till Death Promise +10 Free Coins For an instant, Quinn felt the tears scorch her cheeks, heat searing straight to her heart. Cool logic urged her to pull her hand away, to voice a sharper, cleaner rejection. In the end, her voice came out hushed, almost fragile. ¡°Julius, I honestly don¡¯t know if shredded trust can ever be rebuilt.¡± Trust, she knew, shattered in seconds, yet demanded an eternity of delicate work to piece together again. ¡°I¡¯ll wait,¡± Julius said, breath hitching with hope. ¡°I¡¯ll wait until the day you choose to trust me again.¡± At least this time she hadn¡¯t pped his hand away. That alone proved there was still room for him inside her guarded heart. Her eyes lifted, wary. ¡°And if that day neveres?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll keep waiting¨Cthrough gray hair, through thest breath I draw.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze; the promisended with the weight of a boulder on her chest. Wait until old, wait until death¨Chow many souls on this earth could truly honor such words? After all, their entire romance spanned mere months. Can feelings so new dive that deep? Mercifully, Julius let the heavy topic drift away. ¡°Tonight¡­ will you hold my hand the whole time? I don¡¯t want to wake and see you sleeping on the couch again.¡± ¡°Uh¨Cokay. I won¡¯t move to the couch tonight,¡± she promised. Even so, when darkness finally pooled across the room, an awkward heat crawled beneath Quinn¡¯s skin. They were no longer lovers, yet the ritual of falling asleep hand¨Cin¨Chand lingered like a stubborn ghost. It¡¯s repayment, that¡¯s all¨Cjust repaying a debt. Perched on the mattress, Julius watched her hovering by the edge. ¡°Are you not sleeping?¡± he asked, brows lifting. ¡°I am.¡± She drew a full breath, climbed in beside him, and deliberatelyced her fingers through his. Sooner orter she would have to do so; better to get it over with now. The tiny motion sent a tremor through Julius; his throat bobbed, amazed that a single touch could set his blood surging. Quinn flicked off themp and shut her eyes, yet sleep refused to im her. In the hush, every sense sharpened. She felt his palm against hers¨Cthe texture of skin, the quiet warmth, the almost imperceptible twitches of his fingertips. ¡°Quinn, are you asleep?¡± Julius whispered into the darkness. She stayed silent, choosing to let him believe she had drifted off. r 17:46 Fri, 22 Aug. Chapter 335 Till Death Promise +10 Free Coins ¡°You have no idea how much I regret,¡± he murmured, voice half confession, half self¨Cmockery. ¡°I hate- man I used to be¨Cthe man who felt neither sympathy nor mercy. In the Whitethorn n, goodness. weakness. To hold power, you learn to use any weapon. But I want to be better. Had I been decent back then, your brother would not have died for nothing. And maybe¨Cyou wouldn¡¯t have left me. If I¡¯d met you as a child, would you have shown me how to choose the right path?¡± His voice grew softer and softer until the words were no more than a sigh drifting into the dim room. With Quinn¡¯s fingers threaded through his, a fragile peace settled over Julius. For a moment, he believed he could keep living in this brutal world. Only after a long while did Quinn lift hershes. Juliusy beside her, already asleep, and something tangled¨Cfear, relief, determination¨Cred briefly in her eyes before sinking back into stillness. The next two days slipped by in a blur. Quinn spent the hours poring over the documents Julius hadpiled on Leander and the wealthy Fanc family. When she wasn¡¯t doing that, she was calling Laura to let her know she was safe. ¡°So the moment the DNA reportnds, you¡¯ll finally know if Leander Fane is Rowan or just a stranger wearing his face,¡± Laura said, her concern leaking through the static. ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°But if he does turn out to be your brother and still refuses to leave the Fane family or return to Azania, what then?¡± Laura pressed. ¡°Even if amnesia has stolen every memory, I¡¯ll help him find each missing piece. Once he remembers who he is, he wille home with me. He has to. He¡¯s my brother.¡± Her brother had once been the kind of man who would sacrifice his life to shield their country, a devotion carved into the marrow of his bones. Montague and Arlene had carried the same fierce fire, and Quinn believed that me could never be extinguished. It was the kind of steadfast conviction etched so deep it would oust memory itself. Military 336 Chapter 336 Love And Abandonment Chapter 336 Love And Abandonment ¡°I can only hope that this so¨Ccalled Leander Fane really turns out to be Rowan,¡± Laura began, her voice sizzling with gossip¨Ccharged excitement. ¡°Oh, did you hear? Grafton Technologies has ground to a halt. Suppliers are moring for unpaid invoices. Raw materials have stopped arriving altogether, and the stock price is in free fall¨Chonestly, you don¡¯t want to look. Just yesterday, a whole swarm of furious investors stormed the headquarters. Rumor says Trent got his head split open in the chaos.¡± Quinn froze for a heartbeat, though the news hardly surprised her. She knew Trent¡¯s limits far too well. The man had never possessed the shoulders to carry a public corporation that size. If, the moment she left, he had hired a seasoned chief executive, thepany might have limped along, maybe even survived. But Trent, obstinate to the bone, trusted no one¡¯s judgment but his own. ¡°At this rate,¡± Laura tutted, ¡°Grafton Technologies will be nothing but rubble before long. Trent will fall back to who he really is¨Cworse than he was three years for him when that happens.¡± sorry ago. Promise me you won¡¯t feel ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Quinn said, her tone t as leveled stone. The day Trent refused to apany her to collect her parents¡® ashes, every feeling she had for him died. Just as Quinn ended the call, a low voice stirred the air behind her. ¡°You won¡¯t pity Trent?¡± She turned and found Julius standing there, immacte and unreadable. ¡°No,¡± she answered. He stepped closer, his shadow folding over hers. ¡°Then what about me¨Cwill you pity me?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve never needed my pity,¡± Quinn replied. Julius braced both palms on the couch¡¯s arms, imprisoning her between his arms 16.50 Sat 28 Aug 100 Chapter 336 Love And Abandonment and the leather. Quinn pressed her lips together before speaking. ¡°Julius, why torture yourself? A man like you¨Cprivileged, brilliant¨Ccould have the world onmand. We dated only a handful of months. Even if we end here, you will meet someone else. You¡¯ll still¡­ ¡°Stop,¡± he burst out, eyes shing. A live current of anger leapt across his face. ¡°I know that our feelings were never equal. Your love for me is shallowpared with mine for you. You think we were only together a few months. To me, that span already feels like a lifetime.¡± The words struck her numb. ¡°Yes, you can loosen your grip and walk away,¡± he went on. ¡°I cannot. I don¡¯t know how to love another.¡± Straightening, he retreated two steps, a crooked smile curdling on his mouth. ¡°Quinn, how shallow do you imagine my feelings truly are?¡± Her throat seized. No answer woulde, so she met his question with silence. His smile twisted further. ¡°It¡¯s absurd, isn¡¯t it? You wanted me, then cast me off. My mother discarded me, my father too. Abandonment is the wound I hate most, yet after you abandoned me, I still begged to stay. I never regretted loving you.¡± Heughed at himself, but grief dripped from his eyes like rain from broken eaves. A sharp ache cinched around her heart. Only now did she learn how much his sorrow could hurt her. Quinn sat frozen as Julius pivoted and walked away. From her distant perch, she lifted a trembling hand and pressed it against her sternum. The spot still throbbed. Yes, he had been cast aside by both parents. When she first discovered that shattered childhood, she swore she would never do the same. 16:50. Sat, 22 Aug. El Cy Chapter 336 Love And Abandonment Yet in the end she did. He had lied and hidden things¨Chis fault, not hers. She had been the one to say the words that ended them. She kept insisting they were wrong together, that she wanted a love untainted by suspicion. So why, now, did her heart feel as if someone were twisting a de inside it? Knuckles struck the door¨Ctwo crisp, urgent taps that sliced through the hush of the suite. The sound hung in the air, vibrating like a tiny bell that promised news too heavy for silence. Quinn pushed herself up from the couch. A slow breath steadied her as she padded across the carpet and eased the door open. On the threshold stood Han, hand still half¨Craised from the knock. ¡°You look awful. Are you in pain?¡± Han¡¯s brow furrowed as he took in the washed¨Cout pallor that dimmed her usually bright face. ¡°No. Maybe it¡¯s just¡­ the DNA reporting in a little while. I keep thinking about it,¡± Quinn whispered, voice thin from a night of restless worry. ¡°Then the clock¡¯s nearly there. Let¡¯s get going,¡± Han said, quiet but decisive, as if motion alone could sweep doubt aside. Quinn nodded. She grabbed her handbag, slipped the strap across her shoulder, and followed Han out of the room, the door clicking shut behind them like a full stop. ¡°Where¡¯s Julius?¡± Han asked once they reached the elevator, surprised the ever- present shadow of the Whitethorn heir was missing. ¡°Let him be,¡± Quinn replied. Her tone was t, final¨Cmore a barricade than an answer. Han¡¯s expression flickered. Something unspoken had clearly unfolded between Quinn and Julius. Yet if she chose silence, he would not pry. As long as she was not running back into Julius¡® arms, he still had a chance. They drove through thinning morning traffic and pulled into Helix Diagnostics Centre, its ss fa?ade catching weak winter light like a mirror too tired to shine. Chapter 836 Love And Abandonment Inside, Quinn epted an envelope from the attendant. Her fingers trembled so fiercely the thin paper rattled, betraying the storm she tried to cage beneath a steady smile. Will it be Rowan? If it isn¡¯t, where do I even begin again? Military 337 Chapter 337 The Test Results Heart pounding, she peeled the envelope open millimeter by millimeter. The stiff report sheet slid free, its sterile weight somehow heavier than stone. Bold text near the top read: Findings support full¨Csibling rtionship. Probability of a brother¨Csister rtion more than or equal to ny¨Cpercent. She had told herself again and again that Leander could very well be Rowan, yet the finality of printed proof sent fresh waves of nerves crashing through her. Then everything inside her broke wide open, nerves dissolving into a flood of indescribable joy. Tears burst free, warm and relentless, blurring ink, lights, and walls into a single shining haze. She clutched the report to her chest and sobbed withughter. ¡°It¡¯s him. It really is him! I¡¯ve found my brother¨CRowan is alive!¡± Mom, Dad, can you see this? I did it. Rowan is home. Han lifted a gentle hand and brushed salty tracks from her cheeks. ¡°Quinnie, don¡¯t cry.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ so happy,¡± she choked out, voice cracking around the words. ¡°After all these years, I¡¯ve finally found him.¡± Rowan was herst thread to the life her parents once held together. To lose him would have meant losing the world. Now that thread glowed bright and unbreakable. Across the lobby, Julius stood in stillness, watching. The woman he loved tilted her tear¨Cstreaked face toward a man wiping those tears away. Julius¡® lips thinned into a de, the muscles along his jaw turning to granite as a re of jealousy burned behind his pale eyes. It should have been him standing beside her¨Cthat truth hammered at his ribs with every slow heartbeat. Beside him, Fabian dipped his head and asked in a cautious whisper, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, aren¡¯t you going over?¡± 1661, Sat, 23 Aug Do Chapter 337 The Test Results Only moments earlier, back at the hotel. Julius had watched Quinn step into a taxi with Han, Unable to resist, he had climbed into his own car and tailed them throughte¨Cmorning traffic, anticipation pulsing with every passing streetlight, Today was the day the DNA report would be ready¨Che had etched that date into his memory long ago. Yet the sight that greeted him upon arrival left him sick with surprise and longing. Julius pivoted on his heel, gravel crunching beneath polished shoes. ¡°No,¡± he muttered, voice low and tightly leashed. ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± If I walk over there now, jealousy will spill from me like poison. She would only recoil¨Cand every backward step she takes will push her farther from my reach. He drew a steadying breath and turned to Fabian. ¡°Where is Leander Fane right now?¡± The expression on Quinn¡¯s face moments earlier had told him enough- Leander had to be her long¨Clost brother. After leaving the diagnostics center, Quinn and Han headed straight for the Eyre Hotel where Leander had been staying. Every mile of asphalt stretched her impatience thinner; she ached to burst through a door and say the words she had rehearsed a thousand nights: You¡¯re my brother. He could deny it all he liked¨Cthe DNA report in her bag carried an authority no argument could overturn. If trouble shadowed him, he only had to name it. She would tear down walls or bargain with devils to set him free. There was so much she had never told him. for up years, now rattling inside her like coins in a shaken purse. stories bottled Halfway there, Han¡¯s phone erupted with its harsh ring. He answered on speaker. The color drained from his face, and without warning, he wrenched the wheel, sending the sedan veering onto a side road. Quinn¡¯s fingers dug into the seat. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked. Han kept his gaze locked on the road. ¡°Intel just came in¨CSerena Fane¡¯s been kidnapped. Leander is on his way, alone, carrying ransom money to the drop site.¡± Shock stung the back of Quinn¡¯s throat. ¡°Do you know where they told him to go?¡± 16:51 50013 AUM () Chapter 387 The Test Results ¡°I do,¡± Han said. Even in Doria, he had his ownwork of favors and spies and he had stationed one of them in Leander¡¯s shadow. He floored the elerator. The engine howled, and the city blurred into streaks of color as they rocketed toward the coordinates. Quinn¡¯s face tightened, every muscle braced against dread. She had only just found her brother; fate had no right to threaten him again. ¡°Stay calm,¡± Han said, eyes flicking between the mirror and the road. ¡°Leander called the police. He¡¯s meeting the kidnappers alone, yes, but undercover officers are tailing him.¡± The reassurance floated for a moment, fragile as ss. Quinn knew better than to trust ss. Doria was no stranger to guns, nor to the gangs that thrived on abductions and midnight ransoms. I almost lost him once. I won¡¯t let the world steal him a second time. They reached an alley a block from the rendezvous point. Quinn popped the glovepartment and pulled out apact handgun, its matte steel cold against her skin. Sincending in Doria, she and Han had armed themselves¨Cjust in case the worst announced itself, exactly like it was doing now. She had never imagined the emergency tactic she kept hidden up her sleeve would be forced into y on a wind¨Cgnawed roadside like this. ¡°Stay in the car,¡± Quinn said, voice t yet unarguable. ¡°I¡¯m heading down to ger a read on the situation.¡± ¡°I¡¯m getting out with you.¡± Han¡¯s arm shot across her path, firm as a steel bar yet quietly protective. ¡°You stay,¡± Quinn answered, eyes hard. ¡°I¡¯m only stepping in because my brother¡¯s involved. You don¡¯t need to add your name to the risk ledger.¡± ¡°If your brother is the one you feel bound to protect, then you are the one I¡¯m sworn to guard,¡± Han insisted. ¡°Besides, we work best as a pair¨Ctwo guns are safer than one.¡± A sudden gunshot split the air. Then another, and another. Military 338 Chapter 338 Crossfire Night Chapter 338 Crossfire Night Quinn flung the door open and slid out, crouching low behind a rusted guardrail before sprinting toward the gunshots, every movement economical, lethal, swift. Han followed at her heels, matching her rhythm without a wasted breath. Still moving, Quinn hissed, ¡°Keep your head. The second this turns uglier than we can handle, fall back to cover¨Cno debate.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Yet Han knew the truth. If danger erupted, his first and only priority would be her safety, no matter the cost. Even if she had once been his captain¨Ceven if it meant disobeying her direct order. The soundtrack of gunfire intensified, sporadic pops turning into a brutal, stato drumroll. When Quinn skidded to a halt, bodies already littered the cracked asphalt¨Csome in police blues, others in the street clothes of desperate men. Only one pattern was clear: four kidnappers were closing in on Leander. Serena cowered behind her brother, hair disheveled, terror stered across her face like wet paint. ¡°Leander, you can¡¯t abandon me! Remember¨CI¡¯m the real blood of the Fane family!¡± Serena shrieked, fingers digging into his arm. Leander¡¯s brow knotted, frustration ring behind his measured stare. Moments earlier, had Serena not provoked the gunmen with her reckless mouth, police and family could have slipped her out clean. Instead, she¡¯d spun the night toward chaos, turning a surgical rescue into a bar- room brawl with bullets. Now the kidnappers were feral, their logic drowned beneath adrenaline and fear. 16:51 ¡°Sat. 23 Aug 5 Chapter 338 Crossfire Night Leander counted four gunmen; he held only one pistol, and failure was not an option¨Che could not die tonight. If he fell, Lena would lose the Fane fortune¡¯s backing, and her chance at life¨Csaving treatment would evaporate. The kidnappers pressed closer. Backup sirens were nowhere in earshot. Leander¡¯s pulse hammered in his temples. Two kidnappers jerked as unseen rounds punched into them. They copsed, groaning, before their weapons ttered uselessly on the pavement. Leander blinked, spotting Quinn and Han. ¡°How did you-¡± ¡°Talkter. Move now,¡± Quinn ordered. Another volley erupted. Quinn and Han answered in seamless tandem, muzzle shes strobing their faces. Serena, wild¨Ceyed, yanked Leander¡¯s arm. ¡°You have to protect me! If I go down, Lena goes with me!¡± ¡°Let go of my hand first. If you keep holding on like this¡ª¡± ¡°Lena and I are a half¨Cmatch for stem cells, and I can still donate to save her, provided nothing happens to me.¡± 7 ¡°What?¡± Leander¡¯s voice cracked with disbelief. A primal jolt of danger stabbed through Leander. In the corner of his eye, he caught a kidnapper pivoting, the barrel shing toward him. At that exact second, Serena still clung to his arm holding the gun with desperat strength. Leander wrenched the weapon into his left hand, fired on instinct, while the other man¡¯s bullet was already screaming back toward them. There was no time left to dodge. Yet one truth overrode everything. Serena could not be hurt. He folded her against his chest, determined to take the round himself. 16:51 Sat, 23 Aug Chapter 338 Crossfire Night But the expected impact never came. Instead, a man¡¯s voice split the chaos, raw with terror. ¡°Quinnie!¡± In that heartbeat, Leander spun around, sudden dread flooding his veins. Quinn stood between him and the gunman, her white shirt blooming crimson at the shoulder like a dark rose. She had taken the bullet for him. Why? Helping a stranger is mercy enough; if she thought I might be her brother, it¡¯s already more than enough that she came to help me. Yet she chose flesh and blood over fear, as though her own life meant less than his. Did it never ur to her that one bullet could take her life? Han dispatched thest kidnapper, then vaulted to Quinn¡¯s side, barely catching her before she copsed. Breathing hard, he ripped off his tie and pressed it against the wound, voice shaking. ¡°I¡¯m getting you to a hospital now.¡± Quinn¡¯s face turned chalk¨Cwhite; beads of sweat rolled from her brow as she fought the pain. ¡°Why?¡± Leander whispered, the words torn from somece raw. ¡°Why throw yourself in front of me?¡± Drawing a shallow breath, Quinn looked at him¨Csafe, whole¨Cand managed a fragile smile. Thank goodness, Rowan is safe! ¡°Because¡­ you are Rowan,¡± she said, voice thin but steady. ¡°You¡¯re the only family I have left. Years ago, you were wounded protecting me. Today I repay that debt with my own body.¡± They were brother and sister. Bound by blood, by love too fierce for reason. A sudden, blinding ache knifed through Leander¡¯s skull. Military 339 Chapter 339 Blood And Memory +5 Free Coins Fragments streaked behind his eyes: rooftops, summer sun, a small girl shouting the name ¡°Rowan.¡± Each call tore at his soul like nails on raw nerve. ¡°I¨CI¡¯m all right, Rowan. You don¡¯t need to worry, really.¡± Yet as the words left her colorless lips, Quinn forced a lopsided, carefree smile, as if pain were an illusion and the streaming blood belonged to someone else. ¡°The bleeding won¡¯t stop. I¡¯m getting you to the hospital¨Cnow!¡± Han had knotted his silk tie around her shoulder in a shaky tourniquet, yet crimson still welled through the fabric, running in hot rivulets between his fingers. With one swift motion, Han swept Quinn into his arms. As he turned, squad¨Ccar sirens wailed and the first wave of officers skidded to a halt beside the shattered ss. Marching in with the uniforms was Julius, suit rumpled, eyes wild. He never expected the sight that punched the breath from his lungs¨CHan clutching the woman he loved, her arm dangling lifeless while scarlet droplets traced a morbid path to the ground., The once¨Cwhite blouse clinging to her left shoulder had turned a grim, soaking red. That stain flooded Julius¡® vision, the same drowning crimson that had enveloped him the night his mother took her life. Terror surged through him, cold and electric, in a single vicious heartbeat. His entire frame began to shake, a tremor he could neithermand nor conceal. ¡°Quinn!¡± He stumbled toward her, nearly tripping over debris, desperate to reach her before fate imed another person he cherished. If she vanished from this world, he wondered, what purpose would remain for him to keep breathing? O ¤¯ Chapter 339 Blood And Memory +5 Free Coins Quinn felt the chill spreading, as though ice water reced her blood; even her eyelids sagged, heavy as lead. She understood with clinical rity that the creeping frost was simply hemorrhage. A moment earlier, she thought she¡¯d heard Julius shouting her name. The voice had sounded shattered, as though forged from pure terror. What frightened him so deeply? The possibility I might truly die? She tried to pry her eyes open, to assure Julius it was only a shoulder wound, nothing more. Yet hershes felt stitched together, impossible to lift. ¡°Julius, move! I¡¯ve got to get Quinn to the hospital!¡± Han barreled forward, shoulder¨Cchecking Julius out of the way with bruising force. Julius staggered two steps, disoriented, then saw Han sprint toward the waiting sedan with Quinn cradled against his chest. Shock fused to resolve, he lunged after them. The officers hurried to Leander and Serena, weapons still raised, eyes sweeping the area. One officer asked, ¡°Mr. Fane, Ms. Fane, are you all right?¡± ¡°Of course we¡¯re not all right!¡± Serena snapped. ¡°Do you have any idea how terrified I¡¯ve been? Your department is utterly useless!¡± Leander, however, lowered his gaze to the pavement, fixated on the scattered beads of blood only steps away. They were Quinn¡¯s. If she hadn¡¯t taken that bullet, he would be lying in a pool of his own blood. Why did hearing her call me by that tender name¨Cseeing her shield me¨Ctwist a knife inside my chest? ||| ? 14:25 Sun, 24 Aug Chapter 339 Blood And Memory The ache grew until his skull throbbed. ? ???59%¨C s He fought to master the pain, but the agony radiated from his temples down every nerve. He pitched forward, both palms mped to his temples as though he could hold his skull together. A raw, guttural cry tore from Leander¡¯s throat¨Chalf scream, half plea¨Cechoing through the corridor. A uniformed officer lunged toward him, worry etched deep between his brows. ¡°Mr. Fane, what¡¯s happening? Are you hurt?¡± Leander answered only by curling tighter, knuckles whitening as he fought the pounding inside his skull. Waves of pain rolled over him, each one worse than thest, until breathing itself felt like shrapnel. The bullet never touched me. So why does my chest feel like it¡¯s being ripped apart? It shouldn¡¯t have been Quinn standing in that line of fire. I should have taken the hit¨Cdly ¡ªif it meant shielding her from a single ounce of pain. Why does it hurt this much? Could I really be her brother¡ªcould that be why every throb feels like my own heart betraying me? The doors to the operating theater swallowed Quinn and the gurney beneath her, stainless¨Csteel panels rolling shut with a final metallic thud. Han and Julius stationed themselves outside, silent sentries beneath the harsh corridor lights. Han stared at the dark crimson smeared across his palms¨Cthe warmth had already cooled, yet he could still feel it pulsing, as though Quinn¡¯s heartbeat were trapped inside his skin. His hand trembled. Years in the army had taught him to keep breathing while blood poured and bullets whined. Wounds, even death, were upational habits¨Cnot horrors. Yet the instant a round punched into Quinn¡¯s side, terror, pure and unfiltered, flooded his lungs. He dreaded the possibility that she might crumple and never rise again. ? Military 340 Chapter 340 Shattered Calm 59% +5 Free Coins Julius surged forward, fist knotting in the front of Han¡¯s jacket, yanking him close until their breaths collided. ¡°Why did she end up in a bullet¡¯s path? Were you not the one charged with keeping her safe?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡­ I failed to protect her.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Julius¡® voice cracked, equal parts fury and desperation. ¡°I never thought she would sprint forward to shield Leander¨Cno, I should have anticipated it. Leander is Rowan, her brother. Of course, she¡¯d throw herself between him and a gun.¡± Had I been sharper, moved a fraction sooner, Quinn might never have felt that slug tear through her. Julius¡® grip ckened. His hand slipped away, leaving faint creases in Han¡¯s uniform. Yes¨CLeander was Rowan, the brother Quinn treasured above all. The realization settled, heavy and merciless: the one who truly deserved me was himself. If he had hauled Rowan out of danger earlier, none of this would be unfolding now. Or, if, at theb, he had choked down that re of jealousy and nted himself next to her, they would have arrived at the scene together. Then, when danger came, he could have covered her instead of watching her being carried away, slick with her own blood. He dropped his gaze to the sandalwood bracelet circling his wrist, the jade beads catching the fluorescent re. ¡°May every year bring you peace¡± was the blessing Quinn wrote when gifting him the bracelet. But if she wasn¡¯t safe, he wouldn¡¯t find peace. Leander swallowed the pills Serena had pressed into his palm, and atst the iron vise around his temples/loosened. Serena tipped the empty bottle aside and snapped, ¡°I¡¯m flying home this instant. O ¤¯ Sun, Chapter 340 Shattered Calm Doria is far too dangerous!¡± 59% s ¡°Immediately?¡± Leander echoed, his voice strained by surprise. The image of Quinn, pale and half¨Cconscious on that gurney, shed before him. He still needed to see her, to learn how deep the bullet had cut. He yearned to ask how he might ever repay her. He had warned himself repeatedly that, brother or not, he would never im the connection. For now, he had to remain inside the Fane household; only there could he marshal the power to save Lena. Yet shame and regret pooled behind his ribs, thick and sour, mingling with an emotion he could not name. ¡°Yes, this minute,¡± Serena insisted, eyes shing. ¡°I refuse to stay here another second. Leander, you¡¯reing with me on the first ne home.¡± She had not forgotten the way Quinn, after taking that bullet, dered with absolute certainty that Leander was her brother. The memory sent a ripple of panic through Serena¡¯s carefully constructed calm. If Leander truly belonged to the Bridger bloodline and chose to embrace it, every scheme she had woven inside the Fane family would unravel. Leander was her most valuable piece on the board; for now, she could not afford to lose him. Serena leaned closer, voice a cold whisper. ¡°Refuse to do so, and I¡¯ll withdraw the treatment for your precious Lena. If she dies, don¡¯t you dare me me.¡± ¡°You-¡± Leander¡¯s re burned, but the rest of the sentence crumbled behind clenched teeth. He understood better than anyone that he had no room to negotiate, Lena¡¯s leukemia demanded a matching stem¨Ccell donor. Without one, the doctors could prolong her life only a handful of years. A handful of years¨Ctop brief, an insult to hope. He wanted Lena vibrant,ughing, living a long life. ||| O 14:25 Sun, 24 Aug Chapter 340 Shattered Calm He drew in a painful breath. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll go back with you.¡± 59% +5 Free Coins When Quinn¡¯sshes fluttered open, a sterile white ceiling pressed into her vision. Where am I? A hospital room? She shifted, and fire tore through her left shoulder. A strangled moan escaped before she could stop it. Two male voices ovepped at the doorway: ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Quinn focused on Julius and Han crowding her bedside. ¡°Where¡¯s my brother? How is he?¡± Han¡¯s shoulders stayed squared as he spoke, his voice as calm as a man reading coordinates off a map. ¡°He¡¯s fine. When I got you out, the police rolled in right behind us. Everyst thug whoid a hand on Serena is now in cuffs. As for the shots we fired and the injuries we caused, I already went to the police station and gave a full statement. Everything was by the book, so nothing ising back on us.¡± Quinn finally let her lungs dete, shoulders dipping as though she had been carrying a boulder that suddenly rolled away. Julius mmed his thumb against the bedside call button. The tiny red bulb red, casting a pulse of warning light over the white sheets and the tangled tubing at Quinn¡¯s wrist. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake. Let¡¯s have the doctor and a nursee in and T.. make sure everything inside you is still where it belongs.¡± Soft¨Csoled shoes scuffed down the corridor; a doctor and two nurses swept into the room momentster, clipboard tops flipping before they even reached the bed. Quinn blinked at them, groggy, then caught the date on the wall clock and realized an entire day had slipped away while she slept. After a series of quiet prods and murmured measurements, the doctor dered the surgery a clear sess. Even so, he warned that only when the wound closed could they know whether her shoulder would ever be the same. ¡°I want to see my brother. Is he still at the hotel?¡± Quinn¡¯s words tumbled out in a rush, thin and breathless. Serena¡¯s kidnapping had stolen the chance for her to hand over the DNA report ||| J 14:25 Sun, 24 Aug Chapter 340 Shattered Calm +5 Free Coins and tell the man she had just found that he was really Rowan¨Cher own flesh¨Cand- blood brother. She had pictured bringing him home, guiding him to their parents¡® headstone, and whispering to the gray marble that their lost son had atst been found. Han shifted uneasily beside the window. ¡°Your brother¡­¡± He let the words hang, as though unsure they would survive the air between them. ||| Military 341 Chapter 341 Beyond Her Reach s ¡°What about him?¡± Quinn demanded. ¡°You told me he was safe¨Cdid something happen?¡± ¡°He is safe,¡± Julius answered, each syble deliberate. ¡°But while you were unconscious, he and Serena caught the first flight back to Celosia.¡± The news struck her like a smack of cold water. Rowan¨Cgone to Celosia. The distance yawned wide enough to swallow her. ¡°Then I¡¯m going to Celosia,¡± she dered, pushing against the mattress in a reckless bid to stand. Julius caught her uninjured shoulder and held her down. ¡°Do you care for him so much that you¡¯ll tear the stitches you earned defending him? You¡¯ve been out for twenty¨Cfour hours¨Cdo you want that arm ruined for good?¡± ¡°He¡¯s my brother. Of course I care.¡± Julius went rigid, the truth of her words slicing through him. He had always known that. ¡°Would you trade your life for his without a second thought?¡± Julius asked, barely more than a whisper. During the long vigil beside her bed, he had reyed the sight of her drenched in blood until his own body shook with helpless terror. Was it anxiety, pure fear, or something darker that gripped him? Even he could not tell. ¡°He is my brother.¡± Four simple words¨Cyet they carried the weight of an oath, a creed, an entire lifetime. ¡°If you knew the ce was dangerous, why didn¡¯t you call me?¡± Julius pressed. Quinn wet her cracked lips. ¡°Everything happened too fast. Besides, you were under no obligation to help.¡± ||| O 14:25 Sun, 24 Aug . Chapter 341 Beyond Her Reach ? ?, 59%¨C +5 Free Coins Only hours earlier, they had parted on bitter terms; asking for his aid had felt impossible. ¡°So you¡¯d rather be injured than call me?¡± His re burned. ¡°Do you know what it did to me to see you like that, Quinn? How could you¨Chow could you¡­¡± The words rasped away, leaving him choking on silence. His voice finally failed, breaking against the raw edge of his worry, and for once, Han stood by in silence. Quinn met Julius¡® fierce stare and saw past it to the grief and near¨Cdesperate dread swimming in his eyes. It was the look of a man convinced that if anything snatched her away again, his own world would simply stop. She couldn¡¯t hold the words back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I made you worry.¡± The quiet confession drifted from her lips before she had a chance to gather herself. Julius lowered his gaze,shes casting a sharp shadow across his eyes. After a still moment, he straightened, voice low but decisive. ¡°I¡¯ll arrange a private jet. It leaves tomorrow, takes you directly back to Azania. The hospitals there are better equipped, and your wounds will mend faster.¡± Quinn blinked, startled, the decisionnding on her like unexpected snow. Han spoke up, tone steady yet urgent. ¡°I agree. You¡¯re hurt, Quinnie; home is safer. Besides, Rowan¡¯s already in Celosia. If you truly want to meet him there, you¡¯ll need to return first and secure a new visa.¡± A wan smile tugged at the edge of her mouth. Practicality, relentless and cold, reminded her that Rowan was already across the sea in Celosia. Whether she liked it or not, she still needed to go back to Azania first. ¡°All right,¡± she said, the words a fragile surrender. ¡°I¡¯ll go home.¡± Julius finally straightened. ¡°The jet lifts at dawn. I¡¯ll assign a medical team to stay with you you the entire way. Get some rest.¡± With that, Julius turned and strode from the room. ||| O Chapter 341 Beyond Her Reach +5 Free Coins Outside the ward, Fabian was already waiting, posture crisp. He handed Julius a slim dossier¨Cevery detail on the gang that had kidnapped Serena. Fabian reported, voice low so only Julius could hear. ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed the shooter who hit Ms. Bridger. Name¡¯s Connor Gage. Right hand injured¨Che¡¯s currently at the detention center.¡± Julius¡¯s gaze flicked to the mug shot, contempt sharpening his features. ¡°Only his right hand?¡± he asked, voice like ck ice. This was the man responsible for the wound that still bled beneath Quinn¡¯s bandages. Had that bullet strayed a hair closer, it would have pierced straight through her heart. ¡°Let him rot in prison for the rest of his life,¡± Julius said, each syble deliberate. ¡°I want every limb shattered. Pain¨Cevery day, every hour.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± Fabian replied without a quiver. No one who hurt Quinn ever walked away¨Cnot while Julius was alive. Inside, Han wore an expression of raw remorse. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I failed to keep you safe.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Quinn countered, shaking her head. ¡°My injury isn¡¯t on you. In fact, I only made it through because you were there.¡± ¡°That¡¯s hardly a victory,¡± Han murmured, bitterness scraping every word. ¡°If things had truly gone well, you¡¯d be unhurt. I always believed I could shield you, Quinn, but now I realize, I¡­ His voice stalled when Quinn lifted her bandaged right hand and rested it gently atop his hair. ¡°Enough,¡± she said, fingers remaining in his hair. ¡°I should be the one to protect you. Never forget¨CI was once your captain.¡± Han held her gaze. The heavy, sorrow fog inside his chest began to thin under the warmth of her words. ||| O < 14:25 Sun, 24 Aug Chapter 341 Beyond Her Reach s ¡°If one day danger finds me,¡± he whispered, ¡°will you stand like this for me?¡± ¡°Without hesitation.¡± To Quinn, their bond had been forged where bullets spoke and blood sealed promises. A small smile curved Han¡¯s lips, yet in his mind, he pledged that if that day ever came, she would not bleed for him. He¡¯d shoulder every wound himself before letting harm brush her skin again. Outside, Julius watched through the sliver where the door hadn¡¯t fully closed. His mouth was a razor¨Cline, and the grind of his teeth echoed like distant gravel. Military 342 Chapter 342 Restless Hearts s She worries about Rowan. She worries about Han. Where does that leave me? Does she ever spare a thought for the man who cannot stop thinking of her? If bullets started flying my way, would she step in front of them the way she would for Han? The answer terrifies me so much that I cannot even bring myself to ask. Maybe the moment she no longer wants me is the moment she stops caring altogether. Julius turned aside, jaw clenched so hard a vein pulsed in his temple. Without another nce at the closed door, he strode down the corridor. Fabian hurried after him, shoes clicking like nervous apuse in the silent hall. The following evening, Quinn¡¯s chartered ne banked over the sprawling lights of Jexburgh, bringing her home just as dusk bled into night. Inside the private hospital suite, Laura stopped short. Her breath snagged when she saw her best friend lying pale beneath the white sheets, an IV drip whispering beside the bed. Moisture zed Laura¡¯s eyes before she could blink it away. ¡°Honestly, Quinn, you were gone only a handful of days and managed tond yourself like this! You promised me you¡¯d stay safe. Do you have any idea how it felt when your phone went dead, when Han finally told me you¡¯d been shot? I thought I might never see you again!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Everything happened too fast,¡± Quinn said, voice soft but steady. ¡°Besides, this is nothing I haven¡¯t handled before.¡± During her years with the special forces, she had walked away from injuries far uglier than the neat bandage now marking her side. ¡°Nothing? For heaven¡¯s sake, must you be at death¡¯s door before it counts as something?¡± Laura¡¯s tone cracked between anger and relief. While the two women talked, Weston drew Han a few steps toward the window and lowered his voice. ¡°You¡¯re certain Rowan and the Fane family¡¯s so¨Ccalled illegitimate son are one and the same?¡± ¡°DNA doesn¡¯t lie,¡± Han answered. ¡°The report proves Rowan and Quinn are siblings. I still have to brief the Ministry of Defense once we¡¯re done here.¡± ¡°Then why did the Fane family im him as an illegitimate son? How did they pass him off as Everett Fane¡¯s son?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know yet. Rowan lost his memory and once refused testing. I¡¯ll take Quinn to Celosia soon to see Leander.¡± Weston¡¯s brow pinched. ¡°The Fane family may be Azanian by blood, but they y by their own ruthless rules¨Cespecially Everett. Unmarried, no heirs except Leander, and a reputation for cruelty. He must know Leander isn¡¯t his child.¡± ¡°So you think Everett is running/some long game?¡± Han asked, eyes darkening. ¡°Whatever the motive, keep your guard up around that household,¡± Weston warned. Han dipped his head in silent agreement, O r 53% Chapter 342 Restless Hearts +5 Free Coins Weston¡¯s tone softened, yet worry lingered. ¡°You vanished to Doria without a word. Do you know how badly your parents panicked?¡± ¡°I know.¡± Han¡¯s shoulders rose and fell. ¡°But I had to try. Three years ago, I lost my chance because I stayed silent. I won¡¯t make that mistake again. No more regrets.¡± ¡°And what about Quinn?¡± ¡°Even if she only sees me as a kid brother, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll stay by her side anyway.¡± Weston¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Suppose Julius refuses to let her go? Rumor says he chased her all the way to Doria.¡± ¡°Others may fear the Whitethorn name¨CI don¡¯t.¡± Han¡¯s voice went steel¨Chard. ¡°If she chooses anyone but Julius and he dares force her, I¡¯ll stand against him and his entire family, whatever it costs.¡± Weston¡¯s eyes narrowed to thoughtful slits. ¡°You love her that deeply?¡± Han lowered his gaze,shes shadowing a rare tenderness. ¡°Yes. When I first met her, I treated her like an opponent, challenged her at every turn. But the moment I saw her pilot a fighter jet, carving loops against an open sky, I knew I was already lost.¡± The moment the wheels kissed the runway and she marched out of the cabin in razor¨Csharp dress blues stayed burned behind his eyes. He feared that a single look would be enough to make him surrender, no questions asked. In the end, fear was useless; resolve snapped like cheap wire. The longer he shared her orbit, the faster he tumbled, helpless against the pull. When she carried his fever¨Cracked body through a snowstorm in search of a doctor, everyst defense copsed. That night, he epted the truth: he loved Quinn Bridger. ¡°You-¡± Weston¡¯s brows shot up, surprise cutting through his usually measured voice. He had never guessed his nephew¡¯s feelings for Quinn ran this deep, this early. ¡°Rx,¡± Han said, tone steady yet iron¨Chard. ¡°Even if I end up shing head¨Con with Julius Whitethorn and his n, I will not drag the Windore or Ingram families into the fire.¡± Weston let out a low snort. ¡°Watch your wording. The Windores never start trouble, but we do not run from it either.¡± Han smiled. He knew that meant his uncle was showing him support. ¡°Didn¡¯t Julius charter that jet to fly Quinn home?¡± Weston asked, scanning the corridor as if expecting the man to appear. ¡°Why hasn¡¯t he shown his face?¡± Military 343 Chapter 343 Death Is Not An Option Chapter 343 Death Is Not An Option 52% +5 Free Coins ¡°He vanished after dropping her at the hospital,¡± Han replied, a faint crease forming between his brows. The disappearance struck him as odd, though he kept the thought to himself. ¡°Han, go home,¡± Quinn urged once Laura and Weston had gone. ¡°You followed me to Doria, then kept watch two more days in this ward. Your parents must be worried. Ge some rest.¡± ¡°I already spoke with them on video,¡± he said. ¡°They know I¡¯m staying here to look after you.¡± ¡°But-¡± ¡°Remember when I caught that fever on base? You sat by my bunk all night until the heat broke,¡± Han reminded her. ¡°I¡¯m simply returning the favor¡± Quinn fell silent. ¡°Rest for now. I¡¯m heading to the Ministry of Defense to file¨Cthe DNA report and confirm we located Rowan. I¡¯ll be back once the paperwork¡¯s done.¡± Quinn nodded. The military had chased leads on Rowan for months; atst, there was something solid to deliver. When Han left with the folder, the room felt suddenly cavernous and too quiet. Propped against her pillows, she opened her phone and scheduled a visa appointment with practiced taps. She needed to heal fast; once the paperwork cleared, she would head to Celosia without dy. Across town, Gavin Huxley¨Chouse physician to the Whitethorn family¨Cstudied Julius over his spectacles. ¡°Your insomnia is mainly psychological. Keep upping the dosage, and one day the pills will kill you. See a therapist.¡± Julius lowered his gaze, thumb caressing the sandalwood bracelet. ¡°Until Quinn is back at my side, no shrink can fix what¡¯s wrong inside me.¡± ¡°She¡¯s only a woman, Julius. The world is full of options. You could find another to suit you,¡± Gavin pressed. A dryugh escaped Julius. ¡°Suit me? I searched for years and discovered only her.¡± And he knew, with bleak certainty, no one else would everpare. ¡°Stay trapped like this and you¡¯ll choke on your own devotion,¡± Gavin warned, voice softer now, heavy with the concern of an old friend. ¡°Your father once tried to persuade mine to let go of the woman he loved.¡± Julius¡® voice flowed like winter rain¨Csoft, cold, impossible to stop. ¡°Tell me, did any of that pleading work?¡± Gavin¡¯s breath caught. For a heartbeat, he simply stared at him, the question striking harder than any scalpel he had ever wielded. For generations, the Huxleys had served as private physicians to the Whitethorns. Gavin¡¯s own father had 18:37 Mon, 25 Aug 2 Chapter 343 Death Is Not An Option +5 Free Coins worked beside Julius¡® father, Joaquin, and¨Cout of friendship¨Chad begged the older man to reconsider. It changed nothing. Joaquin stormed forward, seized the marriage he wanted, and tragedy followed like night after a blood¨Cred sunset. Every day since, Gavin¡¯s father had carried the weight of that failure like a stone in his coat pocket. ¡°You swore you¡¯d never be him,¡± Gavin said, forcing steadiness into his tone. ¡°If that¡¯s true, then you have to release whatever you¡¯re still feeling for Quinn.¡± ¡°Exactly. I will never walk my father¡¯s path,¡± Julius murmured. ¡°That¡¯s why I refuse to use force to keep Quinn near me. What I want is her willing heart¨Cthe warmth we once shared, nothing less, nothing stolen.¡± ¡°So you¡¯ll keep driving yourself in circles?¡± Gavin asked, the words edged with equal parts worry and exasperation. ¡°I didn¡¯te for philosophy.¡± Julius tossed a brown bottle across the desk. Itnded, rattling against ss instruments. ¡°Change the medication. This one¡¯s useless to me now.¡± ¡°Fine. But stop swallowing pills like candy,¡± Gavin warned. ¡°Whatever happens, follow the dosage I give you.¡± The thought of Julius one day overdosing frightened Gavin more than any medical emergency ever had. Rx, Julius said, a faint, almost wistful smile crossing his face. ¡°Death isn¡¯t an option yet.¡± Quinn was still alive. Because of that single fact, Julius could not bear the idea of leaving this world. After a full week confined to a hospital bed. Quinn was finally discharged. Her injured shoulder kept her left arm nearly useless, but day¨Cto¨Cday tasks remained manageable. During those seven days, Julius never once appeared, his absence a silent echo in every white corridor. The emptiness left Quinn with a tangled feeling¨Crelief twisted with something that tasted like loss. She understood that faint ache all too well: some part of her still hadn¡¯t cut thest thread binding her to Julius Give it time, she told herself, one day the thread will break on its own. Han drove Quinn from the hospital, reciting after¨Ccare instructions to Laura the entire way. Even after delivering Quinn to Laura¡¯s ce, he stayed until night pressed against the windows before finally leaving. ¡°Looks to me like Han is rather devoted,¡± Laura said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Have you truly never considered him?¡± Tve told you¨CI¡¯m not ready for romance,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Finding my brother is the only thing that matters right now.¡± She knew atst that Leander was Rowan¨Cher long¨Clost brother¨Cyet she had not brought him home. ¡°When will you fly to Celosia to see him?¡± Laura asked ¡°As soon as my visa is approved¨Ctwo days, maybe three¨CI¡¯ll be on the first ne out,¡± Quinn said. 18:38 Mon, 25 Aug Chapter 344 Firm Resolve Military 344 Chapter 344 Firm Resolve Chapter 344 Firm Resolve ¡°What?¡± Laura¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That soon? But your shoulder-¡± +10 Free Coins ¡°The wound is fine,¡± Quinn cut in gently. ¡°I just¡­ need to see Rowan, and understand why he chooses to remain with the Fane family.¡± Laura leaned forward. ¡°Does Han know?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t told him yet, and I¡¯d rather you didn¡¯t either.¡± Quinn shook her head. She feared that the moment Han learned the news, he would volunteer to trail her all the way to Celosia¨Cbinding his future to hers out of stubborn devotion. Before she had understood the true weight of Han¡¯s feelings, the possibility seemed harmless, almost quaint. Now every gesture of his felt like another debt she could never repay, interestpounding with each breath she drew. Laura lowered her voice to a teasing whisper. ¡°By the way¨Cwhat¡¯s going on with you and Julius? You¡¯ve been in the hospital all week, and he hasn¡¯t shown up once.¡± Quinn let out a dryugh. ¡°We broke up, Laura. Him staying away is exactly what I¡¯d expect.¡± Laura sighed, sounding half¨Crelieved, half¨Cperplexed. ¡°Makes sense, I suppose. I thought that chartered jet he arranged to fly you home meant he still cared¨Clike he couldn¡¯t let go.¡± Quinn shrugged, though Laura couldn¡¯t see the motion. ¡°I was his ex, that¡¯s all. He did me a favor- nothing more.¡± She exhaled, as though handing down a verdict. Whatever had once bound her to Julius was over¨Cashes scattered on a wind that would never circle back. Two dayster, a snag surfaced. Her visa application stalled without warning, gged only as ¡°pending issues.¡± ¨C Quinn returned to the agency, demanding answers. The clerk offered bright smiles and empty chatter about the weather and holidays. Cornered atst, the woman whispered that the order hade from somewhere higher up. ¡°Higher up?¡± The phrase rattled inside Quinn¡¯s mind like a loose screw. Someone powerful didn¡¯t want her traveling to Celosia¨Cbut who, and for what reason? As she stepped outside, a ck sedan glided to a halt, its paint swallowing the afternoon light. Fabian emerged from the driver¡¯s seat, smoothing his jacket. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn would like to see you.¡± Quinn folded her arms. ¡°There¡¯s no reason for us to meet, Fabian. We ended things; the cleanest path is distance.¡± Fabian¡¯s expression remained fixed. ¡°If you hope to see that visa approved, I suggest you grant him an audience.¡± A chill rippled through her; the clerk¡¯s cryptic hint echoed back. ||| O 18:38 Mon, 25 Aug W Chapter 344 Firm Resolve +10 Free Coins Could Julius be the one jamming the paperwork? She swallowed the thought, slid into the back seat, and stayed silent. The sedan stopped beneath the steel¨Cand¨Css tower of the apartment, the ce she and Julius had once called home. Fabian opened the rear door. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is waiting upstairs.¡± Quinn stepped out, crossed the silent lobby, and entered the elevator. Momentster, she stood before the apartment door. The familiar walnut door blurred her vision with memories. For a heartbeat, time seemed to double back on itself. She pressed the bell. No answer. Is Julius not inside? But Fabian brought me here¡­ Drawing a steady breath, she tapped the old ess code¨Cthe rhythm still engraved in her fingertips. Beep. The lock clicked open. Even the security code was unchanged, as if the keypad itself refused to admit that anything between them had ever shifted. Quinn pressed her palm to the familiar panel and heard the quiet click, then pushed the door wide and stepped inside. Silence draped the ce. When she reached the living room she found Julius settled on the couch, a full coffee serviceid out on the ss table while he tended to the kettle like a ritual. Fragrant steam curled through the air. ¡°That visa of mine¨Cdid you have your people hold it hostage?¡± Quinn asked as she strode forward, her voice crisp enough to slice through the quiet. ¡°Yes,¡± Julius said at once, the admission dropping as casually as a pebble into still water. Quinn¡¯s¨Ceyes narrowed, darkshes cutting a sharp line beneath her brow. ¡°Why would you do that?¡± Her anger vibrated at the edges of every syble. ¡°You are injured,¡± Julius replied, his tone maddeningly calm. ¡°A trans¨Cocean flight to Celosia is thest thing your body needs.¡± ¡°My body is none of your business,¡± Quinn shot back. ¡°I know exactly how bad the wounds are, and the airline has already cleared me to fly.¡± ¡°I hope you could recover before going anywhere,¡± Julius said, fingers steady over the porcin lid. ¡°But if you are desperate to see Leander Fane, I can have him delivered¨Ctied and gift¨Cwrapped¨Cright in front of you.¡± ¡°Julius Whitethorn!¡± Quinn cut him off, a fierce sh of sound. ¡°We are finished. You have no reason to do any of this, and I do not need you meddling in my life.¡± The motion of his hand stilled above the kettle. After a long, silent beat, he resumed and said, ¡°And if I refuse to let you go until you are fully healed?¡± Chapter 344 Firm Resolve +10 Free Coins ¡°Then I will ask someone in the Ministry of Defense to intervene. The visa will arrive all the same. Jexburgh does not bend to the Whitethorn family.¡± His brows knit, a crack in his usualposure. ¡°Do you really care so little for your own body?¡± ¡°This has nothing to do with you,¡± she answered, voice cold enough to frost the rim of the cup. ¨C When the coffee was ready, Julius lifted the cup and offered it to her. ¡°Taste it. See if it suits you.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯te here to drink coffee,¡± Quinn replied, refusing the veneer of civility he tried to drape over the situation. ¡°If you drink it, your visa is yours,¡± Julius promised. ¡°Unless, of course, you despise me so thoroughly you cannot stomach a single cup poured by my hand.¡± Quinn epted the cup and, without hesitation, downed the coffee in one breath. ¡°I do not despise you,¡± she said, wiping a stray drop from her lip. ¡°Let us hope you feel the same in a moment,¡± Julius murmured, almost to himself. ¡°What?¡± Quinn began, but the word fractured as the room pitched. A sudden dizziness mmed into her, forcing her to grab for bnce while the walls blurred. In the next heartbeat, Julius¡® arm wrapped around her waist, steady and unyielding, and she copsed against the firm ne of his chest. Her eyelids grew impossibly heavy. Somewhere at the edge of consciousness, she heard his voice, faint and far away, weaving through the dark. ¡°Quinn, even if youe to hate me, I will still¡­¡± His words followed her into the gathering ck. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 345 Chapter 345 Missing At Night Chapter 345 Missing At Night ????, 33% ¨C +10 Free Coins Evening had already draped itself over the city when Laura finally realized Quinn was nowhere to be found. She had waited at home, pacing. When Quinn still had not walked through the door, she dialed Quinn¡¯s number¨Conly to meet the hollow hush of an unanswered ring. Under mounting worry, Laura jabbed at her phone¡¯s screen and called Han. ¡°Han, do you have any idea where Quinn might be right now?¡± ¡°What¡¯s happened to her?¡± Han¡¯s voice came through, clipped with concern. ¡°I can¡¯t reach her, and she hasn¡¯te home,¡± Laura said, her words tightening like a noose around her throat. A small pocket of silence opened on the line. ¡°I¡¯ll find her,¡± Han said. ¡°All right,¡± Laura replied. With Han¡¯s resources, Laura believed he would locate Quinn before the night turned cold. An hourter, Laura pushed through the ss doors of the police station. Han waited in the stark lobby with Weston beside him. ¡°You said on the phone that Julius took Quinn away. What on earth happened?¡± Laura demanded, words tumbling out ahead of her racing pulse. Han¡¯s mouth thinned to a pale, rigid line, his expression carved from worry and quiet rage. An officer stepped forward. ¡°We reviewed the street cameras. Ms. Quinn Bridger was seen getting into Mr. Julius Whitethorn¡¯s car earlier today.¡± ¡°She actually met with Julius?¡± Laura¡¯s brows shot up in disbelief. Even if the two had met, Quinn would never have left her phone silent. Battery dead or not, her meticulous nature would have forced her to borrow a device or use a payphone to say she¡¯d bete. ¡°We¡¯ve already spoken with Mr. Whitethorn,¡± the officer added. ¡°He assures us Ms. Bridger is safe and asleep. Once she wakes tomorrow, he¡¯ll have her contact you.¡± Laura blinked, momentarily speechless. Is Quinn really spending the night under Julius Whitethorn¡¯s roof? It made no sense. Quinn didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of getting back together with Julius, and back when shey in the hospital, Julius had not shown his face even once. ¡°What¡¯s his phone number? Give it to me¨Cright now,¡± Laura snapped, determination ring. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± the officer said, genuinely apologetic, ¡°Regtions prevent us from sharing private numbers.¡± Laura pivoted toward Weston in a single, urgent step. ¡°You know Julius. You must have his contact.¡± Chapter 345 Missing At Night ¡°I do.¡± Weston admitted. ¡°Then hand it over. I need to speak with him¨Cnow.¡± +10 Free Coins Weston¡¯s gaze held hers, unhurried and sly. ¡°And why should I, Laura? What exactly are we to each other?¡± Laura¡¯s patience frayed. ¡°I¡¯m your girlfriend¨Ctemporary or not. So, are you giving me the number or not?¡± Even if it was only a one¨Cyear arrangement, it still made her his girlfriend. Weston¡¯s mouth curved into a faint, almost yful smile. He unlocked his phone, scrolled through his contacts, found Julius¡® number, and held the device out to her without a trace of hesitation. A sudden hitch lodged in Laura¡¯s throat, refusing either to be swallowed or expelled. A creeping realization brushed her skin¨Cshe might have stepped straight into one of Weston¡¯s carefullyid traps. Laura snatched Weston¡¯s phone, her thumb already darting across the ss. Before her pulse could settle, the call to Julius was ringing. A beatter, Julius¡® low voice slid through the speaker, smooth as chilled ss. ¡°Weston?¡± Laura ignored the mistake, spine snapping straight as a ruler. ¡°It¡¯s Laura Wentworth. Julius, what have you done with Quinn?¡± Julius sounded almost bored, as though discussing weather instead of people. ¡°Nothing serious. She was exhausted and went to sleep. Whatever you need, she¡¯ll phone you tomorrow.¡± Laura¡¯s reply came out sharp enough to cut. ¡°Tomorrow isn¡¯t good enough. Where is she right now? I¡¯ming for her.¡± Julius gave a velvet¨Csoft chuckle that still felt like poison. ¡°I don¡¯t recall owing you that courtesy.¡± Rage punched the breath from Laura¡¯s lungs. ¡°Julius, you-¡± ¡°It¡¯ste. We¡¯ll talk tomorrow.¡± With that, the line went dead. Laura red at the ck screen, knuckles whitening around the device. For a heartbeat, she nearly hurled it against the squad¨Croom wall. She spun toward the nearest uniform. ¡°Can¡¯t we arrest him? That¡¯s kidnapping!¡± There had to be a reason Quinn¡¯s phone was off, a reason she¡¯d vanished sopletely. The officer managed a strained smile. ¡°The footage shows Ms. Quinn Bridger getting into the car willingly, and she¡¯s an adult. Let¡¯s wait until morning and see whether she contacts you.¡± In other words, thew had no hook to hang a case on. Han, leaning by the doorway, understood that bitter logic all too well. 1 tea/3 He spoke, quiet steel threading every word. ¡°Fine. Tomorrow, if Quinnie hasn¡¯t reached out to us, I¡¯ll tear 18:21 Tue, 26 Aug Chapter 345 Missing At Night the Whitethorn estate apart to find her.¡± Laura turned to Weston, brows knotted. ¡°Have you and Han tracked where Julius took her?¡± 33 +10 Free Coins Weston shook his head. ¡°No. We traced Quinn to Julius¡® car. The vehicle reached his Jexburgh apartment, then the trail vanished. Every nearby feed was scrubbed, and they¡¯re both gone.¡± Military 346 Chapter 346 She Vanished Chapter 346 She Vanished Her voice trembled with worry. ¡°What is Julius really after?¡± Weston answered with practiced calm. ¡°We¡¯ll know tomorrow. He said she would call.¡± Still, the knot between Laura¡¯s brows refused to loosen. Weston¡¯s tone softened. ¡°It¡¯ste. Let me drive you home.¡± 33% +10 Free Coins ¤Ì They stepped into the cool night outside the station, sirens ghosting through city haze. Weston extended his palm. ¡°Key to your car.¡± She asked, ¡°You drove here yourself?¡± He nodded once. ¡°I did.¡± ¡°What about your car, then?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have my family driver collect itter.¡± Laura shrugged, remembering btedly that old¨Cline families like the Windores traveled with conveniences that nouveau riches like her still found extravagant. She flipped the keys into his waiting hand with practiced ease. Together they climbed into the sedan, the night swallowing the metallic click of the doors. Laura tilted her head,shes flicking upward like shutters snapping open. ¡°How well do you and Julius really get along?¡± Weston reclined a fraction, straightening the cuff of his tailored jacket as if considering the exact measure of truth he wished to release. ¡°We have some history, nothing I would call deep,¡± he answered, each word clipped yet unfailingly courteous. ¡°If Julius truly hurts Quinn and Han decides to cross him, where will your loyaltiesnd?¡± she pressed. Weston flicked her a sideways look so brief it felt like the glint of a de. ¡°You already know the answer,¡± he said, voice cool as morning steel. ¡°Seriously? Han is your own blood. You would leave him hanging?¡± Her disbelief cracked through the air. ¡°Choosing not to help Han does not mean I would aid Julius,¡± Weston replied, folding his hands like a judge about to render a ruling. ¡°The Whitethorn legacy is vast. If the Windore family confronts it head¨Con, we would be devoured.¡± Yet Weston already knew where the final line was drawn. Should Han ever find himself in open war with Julius, the Windore banners would unfurl at his side, no matter the cost. Laura curled her lower lip, amused in that way people are when a stereotype proves true. ¡°Typicalwyer. Every oue is calcted to thest decimal.¡± 18:21 Tue, 26 Aug Chapter 346 She Vanished 33% +10 Free Coins If Weston could cold¨Cshoulder his own nephew, she thought, begging for his help would only earn her humiliation. Weston broke the silence, his tone sliding in like a knife between ribs. ¡°If Julius truly harms Quinn, do you want my hand in the matter?¡± ¡°You and I both know you won¡¯t,¡± Laura answered, steady as stone. ¡°So I won¡¯t waste time asking. After all these years, I learned the hard way that leaning on others is riskier than leaning on my own backbone.¡± ¡°Laura, you never even asked,¡± Weston said, sounding almost casual. The words jolted her. What does he mean? ¡°You mean to tell me that if I open my mouth, you¡¯ll square off against Julius for Quinn¡¯s sake?¡± A bitterugh slid out. ¡°Come on. Even I¡¯m not that na?ve.¡± ¡°Not for Quinn,¡± Weston said softly. ¡°But perhaps for you.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± The sound was more wounded than amused. ¡°Spare me. You would pit the Windore family against the Whitethorn family for me?¡± ¡°No. I cannot speak for the Windore family,¡± he replied. ¡°But I do speak for myself.¡± Though his tone stayednguid, the statementnded like a vow etched in stone. Laura froze, breath stalling mid¨Cchest. Could it be possible? ¡°Weston Windore, are you saying you¡¯d stand against the Whitethorns for me?¡± she whispered after a long, jagged pause. ¡°Because you are my girlfriend,¡± he said, as if reciting a simple fact. A surge of emotion rose in Laura, too tangled and swift to name, Had they never shared a past, those words might have spun her into a giddy daydream, the sort of romantic delirium teenage girls scribble into diaries. But they had dated once, and memory was merciless, Back then, while she wore the title of his girlfriend, he had looked her in the eye and murmured that she was merely a distraction from boredom. To him, she had been a useful tool, nothing more. ¡°Weston, just what does the word girlfriend mean to you?¡± The question slipped out before she could stop
  1. it.
His brows drew together. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Did I say something I shouldn¡¯t?¡± He felt the sudden shift in her mood, saw her turn her face from him, eyes breaking contact like shutters mming closed. ||| O < 18:21 Tue, 26 Aug Chapter 346 She Vanished 33% +10 Free Coins ¡°You said nothing wrong,¡± Laura said, her smile soft yet distant. ¡°But I always meant to be your girlfriend for a single borrowed year. To make you oppose the Whitethorn family for someone so temporary¨Cit¡¯s a burden I can¡¯t carry.¡± She and Julius had never been meant to cross paths. Two encounters were more than enough. The prince who once starred in her teenage dreams had turned into the dragon that scorched those dreams to ash. That was the bitter end of it. Quinn drifted back to consciousness beneath a ceiling she did not recognize, dim light etching unfamiliar patterns across the ster. Where am I? In the next breath she froze, every muscle locking tight. An unfamiliar arm cinched her.waist, and a solid chest pressed against her back, radiating a stranger¡¯s steady, possessive heat. Instinct took over. She twisted, pivoted, and in a heartbeat had rolled atop the intruder, pinning him beneath her with the practiced grace of a soldier springing a trap. Her left shoulder still burned, but the right answered the call, swift and sure enough toplete the takedown. Then her forearm pressed into the captive throat, and the man¡¯s face slid into focus¨Cunmistakable, disarming, and painfully familiar. 3/3 Military 347 Chapter 347 Rude Awakening It was Julius Whitethorn. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± Julius murmured, his voice a velvet hush. Quinn froze mid¨Cmotion, staring at the man in rumpled pajamas stretched across the bed. +10 Free Coins How in the world have I ended up sharing a mattress with Julius? Last she remembered, she had been standing in his living room. Right, I had taken the cup of coffee he had offered, and after that, everything dissolved into darkness. ¡°You drugged my coffee, didn¡¯t you?¡± Quinn demanded, eyes zing as she straddled his chest. ¡°I did.¡± he admitted without apology. ¡°It won¡¯t hurt you. It only made you sleep for a while.¡± She frowned. ¡°Why would you do that?¡± ¡°Because I can¡¯t bear the thought of you flying to Celosia,¡± he replied. She blinked, struggling to connect his twisted logic: knock her out so she could not board a ne? ¡°You think slipping me a sedative is enough to keep me grounded?¡± ¡°At least until that shoulder mends, yes,¡± Julius said, unruffled. Quinn scowled, pushed off him, and swung her feet to the floor. Julius sat up slowly, saying nothing, his gaze following her like a fixed spotlight.¡± She spotted her bag on the couch, checked it¨Cpassport and phone were both inside. Snatching the bag, she strode for the door. The moment she stepped into the hallway she stopped cold. The ce was a vi¨Cbroad staircase, a polished corridor, and at its far end a sunlit balcony. The balcony doors stood open/framing an endless sheet of sapphire water that glittered beneath the morning sky. Where on earth is this? Jerburgh? But there isn¡¯t a ce in Jexburgh where you can see the ocean. A nervous jolt shot through Quinn She tore down the corridor¨Cslippers pping the hardwood¨Cand burst onto the balcony like a swimmer lunging for air. It really is¡­ the ocean! There¡¯s the beach, and a forest, too. But I don¡¯t see anyone else around It was quiet, with only the sound of the waves. What is this ce, really? 111 r 18:21 Tue, 26 Aug 33% Chapter 347 Rude Awakening As the question echoed in her mind, a measured footfall clicked against the floor behind her. +10 Free Coins ¡°This is an ind, encircled by water on every side. Without a boat or a ne, no one leaves.¡± Julius voice- rang out. Quinn spun around. Julius Whitethorn advanced in measured steps, his shoes whispering across the terrazzo as though even the floor dared not deny him. ¡°I am leaving, right now!¡± ¡°Impossible. With no boat or ne, you cannot leave,¡± he said. She shot him a burning re. Is he really nning to cage me on this ind? But if I could leave with a boat or a ne¡­ Julius guessed her thoughts and continued, ¡°The boats and nes are kept elsewhere. Every three days, a helicopter drops the supplies we need. If there is anything special you want, I can have it flown in the same way.¡± A flicker of astonishment crossed her face; she had never imagined he would orchestrate something this borate. ¡°For the moment, it is just you and me on this entire ind.¡± He closed the remaining distance until their breaths mingled. Quinn¡¯s brows knitted. ¡°What are you really after?¡± He spread his arms and gently pulled her into the shelter of his chest, as though his body alone could shield her from every storm the world might send. ¡°I told you, Quinn. I want you healed, not rushing off to Celosia with your stitches barely dry. Once you are better, I will escort you back to Jexburgh.¡± ¡°So you intend to imprison me on this ind?¡± ¡°Imprison? If that is how you choose to see it, so be it,¡± he murmured, still holding her in ce. She wrenched free, pped him hard across the face, and snapped, ¡°Julius Whitethorn, I am not a toy for you to lock away. If you do not want me reporting you to the police, send me home¨Cnow!¡± He barely seemed to feel the strike. Instead, he leaned in closer, his breath brushing her cheek. ¡°Does your hand hurt? There¡¯s one more side. Want to hit this side, too?¡± ¡°You-¡± She choked on the rest, lost for words. He lifted her hand and slowly kneaded her palm. ¡°Even if you press charges, I still will not let you go. I told you. Once you are healed, I will take you back myself.¡± She pulled her hand back and red at him. ¡°Julius Whitethorn, you are a madman!¡± Julius let out a low, self¨Cdeprecatingugh. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m crazy¨Cyou¡¯ve always known that, haven¡¯t you?¡± A lunatic made mad by you and you alone. Even he could not measure how far that madness would carry him, and the uncertainty hummed behind his eyes like an exposed wire. 18:21 Tue, 26 Aug Chapter 347 Rude Awakening 33%2 +10 Free Coins ¡°Quinn, once your wound heals and you¡¯re strong again, I¡¯ll send you home. If you decide afterward that you never want to see me, that you want every thread between us severed, I swear I¡¯ll honor it.¡± Military 348 Chapter 348 Keeping Her On The Ind Chapter 348 Keeping Her On The Ind 50% +5 Free Coins Quinn froze, the promisending harder than any threat. Honor it? Is Julius really ready to bury what we shared? Quinn lifted her chin. ¡°Then how long do you intend to keep me marooned on this ind?¡± Julius¡® gaze drifted to her bandaged left shoulder, as clinical as a surgeon studying a chart. ¡°Judging by the way your body heals, you¡¯ll need about two weeks. I¡¯ll keep you here for that fortnight, and I¡¯ve stocked every medicine you could need.¡± Quinn weighed the preparation behind his words; since he made such preparations, he never nned to let her escape. If she continued defying him, it would only make things worse. ¡°Very well¨Cjust see that, for once, you do exactly what you promise,¡± Quinn said, steel threaded through every syble. ¡°Always,¡± Julius answered, the word soft but unwavering. Quinn pulled her phone from her pocket; the screen was ck, the battery long dead. When she powered it up, a cascade of missed calls and voice mails flooded the disy¨Cdozens from Laura and a nearly equal swarm from Han. She dialed Laura first. The moment the line opened, her friend¡¯s voice exploded with frantic energy. ¡°Quinn, is that you? Are you all right? Tell me Julius Whitethorn hasn¡¯t crossed the line!¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Quinn answered, though a wry thought flickered through her mind. Does imprisoning me on a private ind count as crossing the line? ¡°Really?¡± Laura pressed, suspicion thick. ¡°Really,¡± Quinn insisted. ¡°Julius only ferried me to an ind to recuperate. In roughly two weeks, I¡¯ll be back.¡± ¡°An ind? Recuperate? Which ind?¡± Laura asked, disbelief cracking in her voice. Quinn cast a sideways nce at Julius. They were standing close enough for him to catch every syble, yet he remained silent, clearly unwilling to reveal their location. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± she told Laura. ¡°But don¡¯t worry¨Che isn¡¯t going to hurt me.¡± After a brief pause, Laura asked, ¡°Do you at least have unrestrictedmunication?¡± ¡°I do. He hasn¡¯t taken my phone, and he isn¡¯t policing my calls,¡± Quinn said. ¡°Then promise you¡¯ll text or call me every single day¨Cand if anything feels off, you tell me immediately,¡± Laura demanded. ¡°Deal,¡± Quinn replied. < 09:58 Mon, 1 Sept Chapter 348 Keeping Her On The Ind +5 Free Coins ¡°And ring Han right now, or he¡¯ll march into the Whitethorn residence and burn the ce to the ground,¡± Laura warned. Quinn let out a soft, nomittal hum. When the call with Laura ended, she drew in a measured breath, steadied her trembling fingers, and tapped Han¡¯s name on the glowing screen. ¡°Quinnic, are you all right?¡± Han¡¯s voice burst from the speaker, ragged after a night spent wrestling with worry. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said, keeping her tone calm. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in Jexburgh in about half a month.¡± ¡°Julius Whitethorn whisked you away¨Cwhat did he do to you?¡± Han demanded, knuckles whitening around the phone. He had stayed awake the entire night, chasing every lead he could find. Yet Julius had swept the trail so clean that the city itself seemed to have swallowed them whole. The man was clearly well¨Cprepared. ¡°He hasn¡¯t done anything. He¡¯s only letting me recover,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°Recover?¡± The single word came back, edged with a frown he didn¡¯t bother to hide. ¡°Exactly. He just wants me to recover, nothing else. Stop worrying about me,¡± she urged, unwilling to see Han collide with Julius on her ount. ¡°Where are you right now?¡± Han pressed. He needed to see her in person; only the sight of her breathing, unhurt, would loosen the ice crushing his chest. ¡°I-¡± Quinn began, but before she could finish, Julius¡® hand appeared, plucking the phone from her grasp. ¡°Han, investigate all you like,¡± Julius said, voice smooth and cold. ¡°For the next two weeks, you won¡¯t find where Quinn and I are no matter how hard you search.¡± ¡°If you so much as harm her, Julius, I won¡¯t care that the entire Whitethorn n stands behind you,¡± Han snarled. ¡°I wille for you.¡± ¡°Harm her?¡± Julius repeated, letting his gaze settle on Quinn. ¡°Even if it kills me, I will never hurt her.¡± Quinn felt her heart jolt, a single violent thud. The promise seemed meant for Han, yet somehow it wrapped around her too, sinking deeper than words should reach. She reached out, reimed the phone, and spoke quickly. ¡°Han, really, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m all right.¡± ¡°But-¡± he tried, frustration hitching on the single syble. ¡°One more thing,¡± she added. ¡°Please keep an eye on the Fane family and on my brother Rowan¡¯s movements.¡± Given the present tangle, she wouldn¡¯t reach Celosia for at least two weeks. ¡°All right. I will,¡± Han said, the words pulled from somewhere beneath his worry. The call ended. Han stared at the dark screen, then mmed his fist onto the desk. The wood shuddered beneath the blow. O Military 349 Chapter 349 Powerless Fury 50% s Arrogance had always been Han¡¯s second skin. Nothing, not even the brutal rites of the military camp where his father once dumped him, had ever made him feel truly cornered. If someone hit him, he hit back. Simple as that. Only one moment had broken that rule¨Cthree years ago, when news reached him that Quinn had married. The helplessness of that day had etched itself into his bones. He had sworn he would never taste it again. Yet here it was, creeping over him once more. He knew Julius had taken her, but he had no idea where to start looking. The vast world felt suddenly, mockingly, empty. He knew with painful rity that Quinn had been taken away by Julius, but he didn¡¯t even know where to find her or where she might be. The Whitethorn family. Julius Whitethorn. Julius had sworn he would never harm Quinn, yet an unnamed dread wed at him. These next fifteen days loomed like a trap waiting to spring. No. I would not wait. I would scour the world for Quinn and bring her back myself. Given she was stranded for fifteen long days, Quinn chose prudence over open war with Julius. Though he had trapped her on the ind, the cell towers still hummed; her phone and the inte were hers tomand. The single frustration was the nk patch on every map app; Julius had scrubbed the ind¡¯s coordinates clean, leaving her no clue where in the ocean she drifted. Just as Julius imed, they were the ind¡¯s only flesh¨Cand¨Cblood residents; cleaning, cooking, and evenundry were carried out by silent housekeeping drones that glided down the halls like silver ghosts. On the second dawn, he coaxed her into a dune buggy and traced the ind¡¯s ragged perimeter. The ride showed the ce was pocket¨Csized, with no boats, helipads, or hidden docks in sight. Unless a rescuer breached Julius¡® defenses¨Cor she swam through open sea¨Cescape was impossible. Even the fresh bandage on her shoulder was applied by Julius himself. The wound sat at the back of her left shoulder, a tricky spot for solo care. Inside the sitting room, she lowere/l her cor, revealing the bruised and stitched flesh. Julius¡¯s long, confident fingers skimmed the ragged edge of the injury with barely a whisper of pressure. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± he murmured. His voice drifted against her car, soft as a luby. ¡°Not really,¡± Quinn said, forcing calm. ¡°If you¡¯re going to medicate it, do it quickly.¡± 09:58 Mon, Sept Chapter 349 Powerless Fury Her sentence fractured when something satin¨Csoft grazed the wound. Only then did she grasp it was his mouth, reverent and warm, sealing kisses over the torn skin. +5 Free Coins ¡°Julius, what are you doing?¡± she snapped, twisting away, but his hand pinned her in ce with unsettling gentleness. He kept kissing, treating the injury as though it were a priceless shard of ss that might shatter beneath his lips. ¡°Julius, we¡¯re no longer in a rtionship. You can¡¯t do this.¡± Her voice hardened. ¡°Don¡¯t force me to fight back.¡± Left shoulder crippled or not, she knew a dozen ways to drop him before he blinked. He murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Quinn¡¯s spine went rigid while his apology kept spilling into the quiet. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I waste¨Csorry I failed to shield you¨Csorry for everything.¡± ¡°You have nothing to apologize for,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°The wound has nothing to do with you.¡± ¡°If I¡¯d reached you a breath sooner, no bullet would have touched you,¡± he whispered, a vow glinting in his voice. He could still see her blood soaking the white blouse as Han caught her, and in that memory, every light in his universe went out. Terror gripped Julius with ws of ice. He pictured Quinn slipping away, her pulse forever still, her voice swallowed by silence. He imagined never again feeling the faint warmth of her skin or catching the quiet glow in her eyes, and the thought cracked something deep inside him. For one crazed heartbeat, he wanted to drag the whole brutal world into the grave beside her. Then reality swung back¨Cshe was breathing, fragile but alive¨Cand the storm inside him eased just enough to let him move. ¡°Julius, thank you for everything you did in Doria. We¡¯ve broken up, and you¡¯re under no obligation to protect me. You¡¯re not responsible for my injury, so don¡¯t say you¡¯re sorry,¡± Quinn said. He lowered his eyes, shadows crossing their dark surface, and atst, he uncurled his fingers from her arm, the surrender small but echoing through the quiet room. ¡°Hold still. The dressing isn¡¯t finished. Let me do it.¡± This time, Julius worked with solemn focus, cleaning the torn skin along her shoulder and smoothing fresh ointment across the angry bruise. When he was done, heyered/gauze with surgeon¡¯s care, then guided her arm through the sleeve, fastening each button as though sealing away her pain. Quinn stared at his fingers. ¡°Your fingers¡­ How are they?¡± ||| O 09:58 Mon, 1 Sept T Chapter 349 Powerless Fury Three of his fingers had been snapped by her that day she ended it with him. ??? 50% s ¡°Almost healed. Give it a little longer, and the doctor says I¡¯ll be as good as new. Nosting damage.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± A flicker of light crossed his eyes¨Cthe smallest re of hope¨Cbecause her concern, however brief, meant she hadn¡¯t cut him out entirely. ¡°What do you feel like for dinner?¡± he asked. 09:58 Mon, 1 Septti T Military 350 Chapter 350 Her Dreams ¡°Anything is fine.¡± 50% +5 Free Coins Life on the ind ran on a simple rhythm. Three times a day, Julius tied an apron around his suit- shoulders and surrendered himself to the stove. Ingredients arrived by helicopter, silver des beating the sky before lowering crates of vegetables, seafood, and spice onto the sun¨Cbleached deck. Watching him move through the open kitchen, Quinn drifted back to the nights they had shared in the apartment. Then, too, he had experimented with sauces and saut¨¦ pans, and though the vors were never perfect, the meals tasted like home. Back then, her brother vanished, and not long after, news reached her that their parents had died overseas. In a single night, the word ¡°home¡± copsed for her. Even marrying Trent couldn¡¯t rebuild it. For three years in his mansion, she had felt like a guest wearing borrowed shoes. Strangely, it was the few months with Julius that made the walls feel solid again. Had he been honest about Rowan from the very start, perhaps their trust would still be standing. Perhaps everything would be different. But the world dealt in facts, not in ifs. Sensing her gaze, Julius paused mid¨Cchop, looked up from the bright steel countertop, and met her eyes across the room. ¡°Nothing,¡± Quinn murmured, dropping her gaze so the sudden mist in her eyes could dissolve unseen. Quinn cradled a freshly printed research journal, the ink on its glossy cover still smelling of warm machines. She surveyed the vi¡¯s study, shelves rising to the ceiling and packed with volumes¨Cbiographies, field reports, ecology tomes¨Call the subjects that usually tugged at her restless mind. It struck her then that the cement was deliberate; Julius had not scattered these titles by chance but chosen each one as though guessing the contours of her curiosity. ¡°Give it another minute,¡± Julius called from the open kitchen, his voice low but confident, ¡°then dinner¡¯s ready.¡± Momentster, he emerged, bncing a polished wooden tray. Five steaming dishes nked a porcin tureen of soup, colors vivid under the chandelier, To feed only two people, the spread felt almost excessive, a small feastid out for an unseen crowd. Yet every te presented one of her favorites. ¡°Go on¨Ctaste.¡± The invitation left his lips softly, but there was a flicker of anxious hope in his eyes. Quinn lifted her fork with her right hand, sampled a morsel, then another. Surprise shed across her gaze like a quick re. ¡°This is¡­ miles better than you used to cook,¡± she murmured, still testing the vors. 111 O < 09:58 Mon, Chapter 350 Her Dreams Honestly, the seasoning rivaled any professional kitchen she¡¯d visited. &50%= s ¡°I enrolled in a ss,¡± Julius admitted. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t improved, that would¡¯ve been the real disaster, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± The bite nearly caught in Quinn¡¯s throat. She stared at the man opposite her, struggling to reconcile this culinary student with the prodigy who usuallymanded boardrooms andboratories. Chefs all over the city would dly cook for him; he had never needed to lift a knife himself. ¡°What? Astonished?¡± he asked, one brow tilting in quiet challenge. ¡°A little. What made you decide to learn?¡± The question slipped out before she could filter it. Julius set his fork down, fingers deliberate. ¡°You once told me that when your dad had time, he¡¯de home and cook for the family. You said you wanted a husband who¡¯d cherish you the way he cherished your mom.¡± Suddenly, the fork in her hand felt heavy, as though carved from lead. Every offhand dream she¡¯d ever voiced¨Che had remembered them all. Taking a deep breath, she said, ¡°My father never hid or lied to my mother. They trusted each other, staked their very lives on that faith, and protected one another right up to thest breath!¡± Julius tightened his grip on the fork. ¡°Quinn, I can give you my life too. Is that what it will take for you to trust me again?¡± Julius, what would I do with your life?¡± She lowered her head and returned to her meal, as though the topic were nothing more than steam evaporating from the soup. Julius pressed his lips into a hard line, wondering if her words also meant she would never ce her faith in him again. That night, Quinn found Julius still sharing the same bedroom with her, the moonlight nting through sheer curtains and carving silver bars across the floorboards. ¡°Aren¡¯t you sleeping in your own room?¡± ¡°There¡¯s only this one bedroom,¡± he replied calmly. Quinn fell silent, incredulous¨Cthis sprawling vi and only one bedroom? ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll take the couch.¡± She gathered a nket and started foward the living¨Croom couch, determination in every footstep. Julius caught her wrist, his touch gentle yet unyielding. ¡°Can¡¯t we sleep together?¡± The room was drenched in salt¨Cwashed moonlight spilling through tted shutters, but Quinn¡¯s face remained tense. She pinched her brows together, as though tightening a drawstring on her own caution. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be sleeping together,¡± she said, the words clipped yet not unkind, leaving no room for misunderstanding. His shoulders sagged in petnt disbelief, the sand¨Ccolored stubble along his jaw catchingmplight. ¡°But ||| O 09:58 Mon, 1 Septej Chapter 350 Her Dreams back in Doria we managed just fine, didn¡¯t we?¡± 50% s Quinn exhaled, the sound impatient yet weary. ¡°That was only my way of returning the favor for your help,¡± she reminded him, voice low but steady. ¡°And I was clear then¨Cit applied only while we were in Doria. Now you¡¯ve dragged me to this ind against my will. I owe you nothing.¡± A crooked smile cut across Julius¡® face, equal parts self¨Cmockery and surrender. ¡°Fair enough. I¡¯ll take the couch.¡± Without waiting for permission, he swept a pillow and a light wool nket from the bed, carried them to the couch beneath the panoramic window, and tossed them down with practiced efficiency. Then he reached into the bedside drawer, produced a dark amber prescription bottle, and rattled a small mountain of tablets into his palm. Quinn¡¯s breath caught; the casual way he handled the pills jolted her more than his earlier sarcasm. She seized his wrist before the tablets reached his lips. ¡°What exactly are you taking?¡± she demanded. Julius lifted a brow as though startled by the concern, yet his tone remained cid. ¡°Nothing more than my usual insomnia meds,¡± he said. Quinn snagged the bottle from his loose fingers. Thebel, pale green under the fluorescent glow, was not the brand she had seen in Doria. Her gaze narrowed. The printed warning stated in bold, reminding him against taking more than five tablets at once. The small heap in his hand was clearly double that¨Cif not worse. Quinn¡¯s eyes shed, a storm rolling in behind them. ¡°Are you trying to kill yourself, swallowing that many at once?¡± she shot back. 09:58 Mon, 1 Sept Chapter 351 Pills And Pretense Military 351 Chapter 351 Pills And Pretense 50% +5 Free Coins Moonlight seeped through the half¨Cdrawn curtains, painting thin silver bars across the narrow sickroom. Julius sat upright on the edge of the bed, voice as calm as a still pond. ¡°Why would I throw my life away? The moment your wounds knit. I¡¯m getting you off this ind. Trust me, I intend to stay very much alive.¡± Quinn¡¯s brows drew tight. ¡°Then why swallow so many pills? Thebel is clear¨Cno more than five at a time!¡± Julius shoulders lifted in a barely there shrug. ¡°Five are useless to me. If I¡¯m taking them at all, it¡¯s because I need the kind of sleep they promise.¡± Her concern slipped out before she could cage it. ¡°The insomnia still hasn¡¯t eased? Did you at least see a physician when you flew home?¡± He nodded once, gaze sliding up to meet hers. ¡°Of course I did. New prescriptions, same old nights.¡± A faint, crooked smile ghosted across his mouth. ¡°What is it¨Care you worried about me?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together, the answer caught behind her teeth. ¡°No need to worry. My body¡¯s built a tolerance; a higher dose only brings me down to ordinary. I¡¯ll be perfectly fine.¡± With that, he tilted his head, ready to toss the tablets back. Quinn caught his wrist mid¨Carc. ¡°If you held my hand at night, would you fall asleep without any of this?¡± His eyes flickered, dark and unreadable. ¡°Are you sympathizing with me? If I say yes, will you lie beside me tonight¨Chand in mine¨Cbecause you feel sorry for me?¡± She hesitated, a single breath stretching long enough to form an answer she never spoke. Julius broke the silence first. ¡°And could you keep that sympathy burning forever?¡± Quinn blinked, thrown off bnce. ¡°What are you saying?¡± He exhaled, words sliding out t and final. ¡°If you can¡¯t keep sympathizing with me, when you leave the ind, I¡¯ll will have to take the pills. Whether I skip them for a handful of nights or swallow them for a handful more¨Cwhat difference does it make?¡°) He pried her fingers loose, tipped the tablets past his lips, and washed them down in one practiced gulp. Quirin turned away. He thought distance would case the tension between them, yet watching him choke down medicine like water only pressed heavier on her heart. In a private room of a club, someone lifted a crystal flute andughed ¡°Ms. Wentworth, you look positively stormy taught. Who rained on your paraste? ¡°Come on, Laura¨Cyou justnded a new project. That contract is prime steak and you carved the first slice. Celebrate!¡± Laura swept her gaze over the circle of well¨Cheeled socialites¨CJesburgh¡¯s legendary patrons who wore wealth the way others wore perfume Breaking into this clique had once taken her every ounce of strategy, and although their chatter bored her 751 09:59 Mon, Sept Chapter 351 Pills And Pretense now, business required alliances. Clients first, preferences second. 50% +5 Free Coins ¡°True enough.¡± She raised her ss. ¡°Fresh contract on the table, and I¡¯ll need all of you to keep mypany in mind. Tonight¡¯s tab is on me. Drink up.¡± A woman in sequins leaned forward, lips curling with mischief. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit. By the way, I hear the club just recruited a batch of neers. Care to browse the menuter?¡± Their so¨Ccalled ¡°neers¡± were, of course, the club¡¯s fresh¨Cfaced male models. On any other evening. Laura might have weed the distraction. Tonight, the thought grated. Quinn was somewhere on an Ind, fate in Julius¡® hands. Yes, the girl had phoned, insisting all was well. But how could Laura rx? A man who could spirit someone away as cleanly as a kidnapping was capable of almost anything. Laura¡¯s worry for her friend tugged at her heart, yet she reminded herself that the evening was not only about loyalty. The fragile webs of influence she had spun over the years still demanded careful tending tonight. ¡°Fine,¡± Laura said, her voice light but guarded. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve arranged for us tonight.¡± Momentster, the door slid open and a line of well¨Cdressed young men filed in, each carrying the easy confidence of someone paid to be admired. Laura¡¯s gaze caught on one of them. Her breath snagged, and before she could stop herself, a quiet ¡°Hmm?¡± slipped from her lips, equal parts wonder and disbelief. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ms. Wentworth? You took a liking in this one?¡± someone said. ¡°Come, now. Sit beside Ms. Wentworth and tell her your name.¡± Color rose in the young man¡¯s cheeks, but he obeyed, sliding onto the velvet banquette beside her. ¡°I¡¯m Harvey Cole,¡± he murmured, voice polite yet shaky. ¡°Good evening, Ms. Wentworthdies.¡± Harvey. The man who saved me all those years ago shares a simr name. Is it really him¨Cthe stranger who helped ¡°Look at her Maring¨Cshe must really fancy Harvey. Harvey, stop dawdling and offer her a toast!¡± someone joked, the room erupting in easyughter. Flustered, Harvey scrambled for the boule, filled a slender crystal ss, and held it out to her with both hands. At that same moment, Weston was passing the corridor outside the lounge, surrounded by a small circle of associates ¡°Hey, Mr. Windore, I think your girlfriend¡¯s in that room one of then remarked, cocking his head toward the half¨Copen door. Weston paused mid¨Cstep, a muscle tightening along his jaw. Through the narrow gap, he caught what was going on inside. ? Military 352 Chapter 352 Turmoil At The Club Chapter 352 Turmoil At The Club s Inside, a man with soulful eyes lifted the winess to Laura¡¯s lips. All around them, guests pped and whistled, some chanting for him to feed her the drink with his lips. Weston narrowed his eyes, tracking every micro¨Cexpression on Laura¡¯s face. ¡°Look at that¨Cfull of male models in there.¡± Serena whispered beside him. ¡°The one toasting Ms. Wentworth must be one too. Who knew she liked to hire ythings? Imagine how messy her private life is¡­¡± ¡°Have you said enough?¡± Weston asked, his voice dropping to a frosty register. Serena snapped her mouth shut. The rest of the entourage fell equally silent. No one could miss the storm gathering in Weston¡¯s expression. Meanwhile, the noise inside the private room swelled,ughter and ssware echoing against marble walls. Laura kept her gaze locked on Harvey, emotions tumbling in tidal waves beneath her calm exterior. If not for his courage back then¨Cif he hadn¡¯t saved her¨Cshe might not be sitting here, alive and whole. She had never imagined their paths would cross again like this, under chandeliers and forced merriment. Her hesitation stretched on, and the awkwardness on Harvey¡¯s face deepened with every second. ¡°Guess Ms. Wentworth isn¡¯t into him after all. Off you go, Harvey,¡± someone called breezily Red¨Cfaced, Harvey started to rise. Laura jolted from her reverie, snatched the offered ss, and tipped it back in one decisive swallow, The crowd erupted once more, cheers crashing over her like surf. She set the ss down, mouth parting to speak, when a cial voice sliced through the mor Enjoying drinks here without inviting your boyfriend¨Chow thoughtless of you, Laura¡± Lauras spine snapped rigid She turned and found Weston standing in the doorway, midnight fury gathered about him like a storm front I¡¯m it. What in the world is Waten Windore doing here? The songs mmed into Laura like a sheet of ck ice, and she froze where she stood. At the entrance, Weston loomed, his usualpous stripped away, every line of his face sharpened by a storm¨Cdark Someone in the private room narrowed their eyes, Bually cing the tall man by the door. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, Laura You¡¯re Mi Windore¡¯s girlfriend? ¡°Since when? You never breathed a word of it. Laura!¡± ¡°Ms Wentworth, you really do move in rarefied circles¡± < Chapter 352 Turmoil At The Club +5 Free Coins Laura forced out a brittleugh that cracked before it even sounded natural. Under Weston¡¯s unwavering stare, a nonsensical guilt coiled through her. After all, what did she have to feel guilty about? Their rtionship was ink on a contract, nothing more. Laura cleared her throat. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Weston flicked a nce at Harvey¨Cfar too close to Laura for his liking¨Cthen fixed his attention on her. ¡°Have you finished your drink?¡± ¡°Uh, not exactly¨CI¡¯ve barely taken a sip.¡± She stared at the ss still half¨Cfull in her hand. Without warning, Weston plucked the ss from her fingers, tipped it back, and drained the remaining liquor in one smooth motion. ¡°There. Now it¡¯s finished.¡± Laura blinked, still processing the theft of her drink, when a firm hand mped around her arm. A heartbeatter, she was being towed out of the lounge, heels sliding against plush carpet, too stunned to resist. No sooner had they cleared the doorway than Laura ran straight into the entourage that had arrived with Weston. Serena raked Laura from head to toe, disdain etched across her wless features. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you hired male eye candy behind Weston¡¯s back. If I were his girlfriend, I¡¯d never stoop to that kind of trash.¡± Laura¡¯s re fired back. She remembered Serena from a previous dinner¨Chovering close to Weston, interest practically radiating off her. Serena¡¯s intentions toward Weston might as well have been printed on a neon sign. Though Weston¡¯s grip left her slightly off¨Cbnce, Laura refused to lose face. She lifted her chin with practiced pride. ¡°Hate to disappoint you, but you aren¡¯t Weston¡¯s girlfriend. I am.¡± ¡°You!¡± Serena sputtered, her face flushing a furious crimson. Weston turned to the others, voice clipped and cool. ¡°I have business to attend to tonight. We¡¯ll be heading out.¡± He didn¡¯t wait for an answer. His fingers tightened around Laura¡¯s wrist as he guided her away, leaving the gathering in stunned silence, ¡°Hey, what are you doing? I¡¯m still at the party!¡± Laura protested, but her words dissolved in the corridor while Weston marched her straight out of the club. Behind them, someone let out a low whistle. ¡°It¡¯s rare to see Mr. Windore actually lose his temper.¡± ¡°Tell me about it. I¡¯ve worked with him for years and never seen this side. Looks like he¡¯s serious about that girlfriend of his.¡± Serena¡¯s mrs ground together, jealousy spreading like acid. In her mind, Weston had always been the picture of disciplined brilliance¨Ccool, restrained, unshakeable. Yet a moment ago, he¡¯d shown anger over Laura, that nouveau¨Criche upstart. 09:59 Mon, 1 Septti T. Chapter 352 Turmoil At The Club .49% s Back inside the private room, the wealthy women who had hired the male models clustered together, whispering about the spectacle they had just witnessed. ¡°Who would have thought Laura Wentworth couldnd Weston Windore?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he supposed to be immune to women? The Windore family¡¯s clout in Jexburgh is no joke. With Weston at her side, Laura¡¯s footing just got a lot steadier.¡± ¡°So young, and already that lucky¨Csome people really do win the lottery in life.¡± Harvey sat in the soft gloom of the lounge, letting the strangers¡® gossip wash past him. His gaze drifted downward to the crystal tumbler before him¡ªnothing left but the thin sheen where whiskey had once gleamed. Laura Wentworth¡­ was the girl I saved all those years ago. Military 353 Chapter 353 Unexpected Reunion s He had never imagined seeing her again beneath the glittering chandeliers of a private club, and certainly not tonight. The woman before him looked nothing like the frightened teen he remembered; time had sculpted her features, polished her confidence, turned innocence into a dangerous kind of grace. Then again, he mused with a hollowugh, he had changed even more. A moment earlier, when he raised his ss at her, an unexpected wave of self¨Ccontempt had flooded him, cold and swift. After Weston all but bundled Laura into the sleek midnight sedan, he drove without a word, engine humming like a threat, until the city lights thinned and his building rose out of the quiet street. Momentster, he ushered her into his apartment, the door snapping shut behind them like the closing of a cage. ¡°I said stop! Why drag me to this ce, Weston? I want to go home! Do you hear me?¡± she shouted, breaking free from his grip and reaching for the door handle. Her fingers barely brushed the brass handle before Weston¡¯s hand mped around her wrist and yanked her back. The next second, she found herself pinned against the cool ster, his body an unyielding wall that stole the breath from her lungs. Weston muttered, lips brushing her ear, ¡°Why the rush, Laura? A moment ago at the club, you seemed to have all the time in the world.¡± The mere mention of the club lit a fuse; Laura¡¯s temper red instantly, bright and vtile. ¡°Do you have any idea I was meeting friends? You pull a stunt like this and everyone¡¯s going to get the wrong idea!¡± ¡°Wrong idea? Should a boyfriend really stand by, smiling, while his girlfriend hires a male escort?¡± His voice was ice as he closed his mouth over her earlobe, sucking hard. A violent shiver rippled through her. Her ears had always been hypersensitive; the sudden heat of his mouth raised goose bumps across her skin. ¡°Weston, have you lost your mind¡­¡± ¡°Just giving you what you wanted, so you won¡¯t have to pay another model for attention.¡± A coil of anger twisted in his chest, hot and relentless. He had seen her ept that young man¡¯s drink, and the sight had ignited something feral inside him. Worse than the rage was the fear¨Che way her eyes had fixed on the stranger, so intent it made Weston¡¯s pulse stutter. Has she fallen for him? She was shallow, he reminded himself, years ago, she had chased Weston¡¯s face, not Weston himself. And now, just as casually, she was looking at someone else. 09:59 Mon, 1 Sept Chapter 353 Unexpected Reunion 49% s ¡°You honestly think that pretty boy is better looking than me? Or that he can please you more? Laura, don¡¯t you dare forget¨Cyou belong to me.¡± His teeth grazed her earlobe, then mped down with possessive finality. ¡°Ow!¡± Laura cried, pain ring. ¡°What are you, some kind of dog? Stop biting me!¡± ¡°You should be grateful all I did was bite. If you¡¯d taken things further with that man, my punishment wouldn¡¯t have stopped there.¡± He soothed the bitten spot with anguid sweep of his tongue, satisfied to see a distinct indentation¨Chis mark¨Cbloom against the delicate skin. ¡°So what if I do hire a model? We¡¯re together on paper only¨Cthis isn¡¯t real.¡± ¡°So you¡¯ll continue doing so?¡± His voice sank into a dangerous hush. An animal sense of danger crawled up Laura¡¯s spine. She knew that if she dared to say yes, whatever Weston did next could drown her, and she would have no defense. In terms of tricks, the man outssed her by every mile; matching him was like fencing blindfolded against a master. Refusing to show weakness in front of Weston, she lifted her chin provocatively. ¡°Fine. You im you can satisfy me? Then strip. Take every single piece of fabric off, one by one. Let¡¯s see you prove it.¡± Weston narrowed his eyes, the te¨Cgray irises sharpening until they felt like scalpels aimed straight at her. ¡°Can¡¯t do it, can you? Then quit bragging.¡± She ced two palms on his chest and pushed him back. ¡°We¡¯ll call tonight a draw, but next time, you¡¯d better not-¡± ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll strip.¡± Weston¡¯s voice cracked clean through her protest, a whip¨Csharp promise. ¡°What?¡± Laura¡¯s eyes flew wide, disbelief flooding them like sudden surf against rock. Before she could blink, the famously ascetic barrister began unbuttoning. First, the cuff links clicked loose, then the cor parted,posure falling away with each precise motion. One piece, then another¨Ca jacket, the starched shirt, the belt¨Cuntil a small pile grew at his polished shoes. Laura wavered, unsure whose sanity had snapped first¨Chis forplying, or hers for challenging him. Weston caught her chin between thumb and forefinger, forcing her dazed eyes up to his. ¡°While we¡¯re together, any pleasure you want, I¡¯ll deliver. But if you ever hire another male model, I swear I¡¯ll make you regret it.¡± Quinn counted the days¨Cfive of them now¨Csince she had been marooned on the ind. Strangely, captivity felt like a vacation. Each morning, she woke when her body chose, read novels in a sun¨Cbleached lounge, and strolled the shoreline while Julius handled the cooking. Had she not been forced to stay, had her brother not awaited her elsewhere, such easy days might have been perfect. 09:59 Mon, 1 Septt T Chapter 353 Unexpected Reunion She stepped onto the balcony, eyes tracking the indigo sheet of sea beyond the rocks. 49% s A wool sweater settled over her shoulders, warm and sudden. Julius moved beside her and murmured, ¡°Easy, the wind¡¯s fierce today. Don¡¯t catch a chill.¡± She studied him; faint bruised crescents darkened beneath his eyes. Even with medication, the man had been sleeping poorly, and she knew it. The sudden thump¨Cthump of rotors sliced through the quiet. Looking up, Quinn saw a helicopter sweep across the sky toward the ind. ¡°Are they bringing supplies?¡± she asked, remembering that food and necessities were usually air¨Cdropped. In five days, she had not once witnessed an arrival, so the whirring machine felt oddly momentous. Military 354 Chapter 354 Uninvited Descent +10 Free Coins Julius¡® face drained of color the instant he recognized the aircraft. It was not the helicopter he had scheduled to drop rations. Who¡¯s in that helicopter? Spinning on his heel, Julius bolted downstairs and sprinted toward the clearing where the helicopter aimed tond. Confusion flickered through Quinn. Julius¡® reaction proved the chopper was unexpected. Who would fly a helicopter out here? She hurried after him down the stairs. He burst through the mansion¡¯s front doors, boots crunching over loose gravel. Ahead, the helicopter still whirred, its rotors spraying dust across the manicuredwn. A lone figure stepped down from the cabin, and Julius¡® pupils drew to pinpoints. It was Joaquin, his father. ¡°Well now, Julius, do I shock you that badly?¡± Joaquin called, a yful lift in his voice as though father and son had merely met at breakfast. ¡°You actually broke out,¡± Julius said, voice t as cold steel. ¡°Indeed, I did, and it cost me more effort than you¡¯d believe.¡± Joaquin lifted both hands in a rueful shrug. Joaquin knew the breakout had yanked every hidden thread he had. By nightfall, those undercover loyalists would be uncovered¨CJulius would hunt them without mercy¨Cbut the price felt worth paying. Julius pressed his lips into a hard line, eyes locking on Joaquin. ¡°Why dide?¡± you ¡°Help, naturally. I heard you ferried Quinn to this ind and barred every soul fromnding¨Csupplies only by air. Tell me, do you n to keep her here forever, a pretty bird in a gilded cage?¡± he said calmly. 111 O 15:04 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 354 Uninvited Descent ¡°Enough. What do you really want?¡± Julius growled, the storm in his eyes darkening. 2.00% +10 Free Coins ¡°Only to give Ms. Bridger a choice,¡± Joaquin said, his gaze sliding past his son to the slender figure behind him. ¡°Ms. Bridger, do you wish to leave this ind with me?¡± Julius spun, coat ring, to look behind him. Quinn had been following him; now she stood a few paces away, eyes wide with muted shock. She walked forward, studying Joaquin with guarded curiosity; never had she expected to meet this man here. ¡°Ms. Bridger, fancy seeing you again,¡± Joaquin said lightly. ¡°So¨Cany interest in my proposal?¡± Quinn opened her mouth. Julius¡® hand shot out and sped her right hand, cutting the words short. ¡°Father, you need to leave now. If you refuse, don¡¯t me me for forgetting we¡¯re rted,¡± Julius said, voice an icicle. Yet the fingers wrapped around Quinn¡¯s knuckles trembled, betraying a fear that she might actually ept Joaquin¡¯s offer. ¡°Rted?¡± Joaquin scoffed. ¡°You cast those aside when you locked me up. Ms. Bridger, if you wish to leave, I can whisk you away this very minute.¡± ¡°You will not take her,¡± Julius said, each word edged in ss. ¡°Is that so? Whether she goes or stays isn¡¯t for you to decide. I came prepared,¡± Joaquin drawled. Julius lunged, a blur of tailored ck, fist arcing toward Joaquin¡¯s jaw. Joaquin caught the punch and twisted, driving his own elbow toward his son¡¯s ribs. Father and son collided again and again, breathless, brutal¨Cyears of resentment hammered into every strike. 15:04 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 354 Uninvited Descent 68% +10 Free Coins Quinn watched the violent dance, then nced at the waiting helicopter, its cabin door still yawning open. Can I really leave this ce sooner than nned? She was a licensed pilot; even if Joaquin went down, she could fly that bird herself. With the machine on the pad, her escape route hovered within reach. But to owe that freedom to Joaquin tasted like another cage. On thewn, the momentum shifted; Julius, younger and stronger, began pressing his father back, Joaquin¡¯s fifty¨Codd years showing in every slowing dodge. Thud! Julius¡¯s fist drove straight into Joaquin¡¯s sternum. The older man toppled, his back hitting the ground with a dull, bone¨Crattling thump. Yet, sprawled on the floor, Joaquin showed no shame or defeat¨Conly a widening, almost delighted smile. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Julius¨Cis that temper ring because you¡¯re embarrassed?¡± ¡°I warned you. You will not take her away from here.¡± Julius¡® eyes burned darker, the violence in them sharpening with every word. ¡°Then why not ask Ms. Bridger herself?¡± Joaquin wheezed augh, coughing twice before forcing shaky legs to straighten. ¡°There are only three of us here. Her shoulder is hurt, sure, but if she teams up with me, we could probably subdue you. So, Ms. Bridger, how does that sound?¡± Both men snapped their heads in unison, their gazesnding on Quinn¡¯s face like twin spotlights, waiting for her verdict. O Military 355 Chapter 355 Tense Ind Standoff Quinn¡¯s gaze moved from Joaqui n to Julius. +10 Free Coins Julius¡® familiar, elegantly tilted eyes were locked on her, burning with a mixture of tension and aching uncertainty. ¡°If you¡¯re worried, let me ease your mind. I have the means to get you off this ind, and I can make sure my son never bothers you again,¡± Joaquin said. Quinn stayed silent. Leave¡­ of course I want to leave. I need to reach Celosia as fast as possible. Rowan is waiting. With every extra second of her silence, the taut anxiety in Julius¡® phoenix eyes slowly curdled into something close to despair. ¡°So, Ms. Bridger, have you decided?¡± Joaquin pressed, sounding utterly certain of victory. Quinn pursed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t need your assistance, Mr. Joaquin Whitethorn. I n to stay here.¡± Shock shed simultaneously in the eyes of father and son. Joaquin frowned. ¡°Stay? You mean to let him keep you caged? I never took you for someone who enjoys being a gilded canary.¡± ¡°I¡¯m merely recuperating here. Once my wounds heal, Julius will see me off himself.¡± ¡°Ha¡­¡± Joaquinughed, a sound dripping with mock pity. ¡°You really think once you¡¯re healed, he¡¯ll let you go? You¡¯ve already broken up, haven¡¯t you? You have no idea how obsessive the Whitethorns can be. He¡¯ll trap you on this ind. Try to flee, and he¡¯ll snap your legs, or threaten the people and things you hold dearest. He might even force you to bear his child¨Cuse the baby as chains so you can never leave.¡± Joaquin delivered each syble slowly, while Julius¡® face darkened shade after threatening shade. ¡°Enough!¡± Julius barked, desperate to keep Quinn from hearing another word. every impulse he had tried to bury. ¡°What, did Lsay something untrue?¡± Joaquin chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re my son, Julius. You saw how I acted. You will do the same. When you love someone, you¡¯ll shackle them by any means, won¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Stop talking! Not another word!¡± Julius¡® eyes were red, teeth grinding with fury. ¡°But I haven¡¯t finished. She deserves to know exactly what you intend to do to her¡­¡± A blunt, bone¨Cdeep thud shattered the humid stillness. Quinn¡¯s boot drove straight into Joaquin¡¯s ribs, lifting him off the ground and mming him across the deck; whatever poisonous words he¡¯d been spewing died mid¨Csyble, swallowed by the ocean wind. He sprawled there, staring back at her, disbelief widening his eyes. Beside him Julius¨Ceyes once crimson with wrath and despair¨Cblinked, the fury draining, reced by raw astonishment. Quinn leveled an icy stare at Joaquin. ¡°If my shoulder weren¡¯t injured, I¡¯d skip the kick and use my fists. Believe me, Joaquin, you¡¯d crawl away looking worse thanst time.¡± A muscle jumped at the corner of Joaquin¡¯s mouth as he staggered upright. That single kick had been brutal; even if his ribs remained intact, tomorrow a bruise the size of a dinner te would bloom across his side. Clutching his wounded nk, Joaquin sucked in a ragged breath, then red at Quinn. ¡°I¡¯m doing you a favor, girl. The beast standing beside you is dangerous. He¡¯ll turn every filthy trick he knows on you.¡± Quinn¡¯s lip curled with disgust. ¡°Oh, you mean the way you treated his mother? You may be his father, but that doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯ll grow into your image.¡± A hoarse, manicugh tore out of Joaquin. ¡°You really think he won¡¯t? How precious. Julius is my son. He¡¯ll be darker, smarter, more ruthless than I ever was.¡± Quinn¡¯s expression chilled further. ¡°Have you finished? If you¡¯re still here in five 2/3 15:04 Tue, 2 Sept O Chapter 355 Tense Ind Standoff seconds, I¡¯ll be happy to kick you again.¡± +10 Free Coins Joaquin tipped his head, conspiratorial. ¡°If I leave, aren¡¯t you afraid he¡¯ll keep you prisoner on this ind? No rescue wille next time.¡± Quinn cut him off with a snort. ¡°That¡¯s between me and him. It has nothing to do with you.¡± The smile slid off Joaquin¡¯s face, his gaze turning as dark as gathering thunder. Few women had ever daredy a hand on him. This one had done it twice. And each time she moved, it was clean, decisive¨Ca raptor stooping on its prey. A woman like that would never be easily caged. Yet the harder she was to cage, the more maddeningly desirable she became. He steadied his breath and fixed Quinn with a probing stare. ¡°You really won¡¯t leave? No regrets?¡± Quinn turned her head toward Julius, who stood silent at her side. Those crimson, phoenix¨Csharp eyes simply watched her, as if he were still caught halfway between nightmare and waking. Regret? She could not foresee whether she would rue the choice she was making. But in this moment, she wanted nothing from Joaquin, least of all his help to escape. Chapter 356 You Are Not Like Him Military 356 Chapter 356 You Are Not Like Him +10 Free Coins She lifted her chin, voice steady. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m not leaving. You, however, may go.¡± A tangle of emotions flickered across Joaquin¡¯s features before he climbed into the helicopter alone. Momentster, the machine rose, rotors shredding the sky, and dwindled toward the horizon. Quinn watched the helicopter shrink to a speck, then disappear. She turned to Julius. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± She managed only two steps before something¨Cperhaps a shadow of pain, perhaps a second thought¨Cmade her stop short. Julius remained rooted to the spot, shoulders squared yet unmoving, as though a silentmand had nailed his shoes to the ground. His eyes stayed on her¨Cwide, baffled, almost childlike¨Csearching her face for an answer to a question he had not yet learned to voice. Quinn glided thest few steps until she stood directly before him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Julius¡®shes trembled, a telltale quiver betraying how fiercely he drank in the sight of her, as though a single blink might steal her away. He had been certain she would follow his father back, the same way every fragile, reasonable hope usually fled him. He knew¨Cbetter than anyone¨Chow desperately she ached to see Rowan again, how her brother¡¯s ce in her heart eclipsed almost everything else. Yet here she was, still on the ind, choosing him over the quickest route home. Moments earlier, she had even said, point¨Cnk, that he and his father were nothing alike, a line drawn in bright, defiant ink. Scenes like this belonged in sleep, not in the brutal daylight that had governed his life until now. ¡°You¡­ You didn¡¯t go?¡± The words scraped out of him after a long, raw silence, his || O 15:05 Tue, 2 Sept. Chapter 356 You Are Not Like Him throat as parched as driftwood. +10 Free Coins ¡°No. I¡¯m still here,¡± Quinn answered, simple as sunlight breaking through cloud. ¡°Why¡­ are you still here?¡± The question cracked from him again, disbelief wrestling with a fragile surge of relief. ¡°Because I can¡¯t stand your father, that¡¯s all.¡± Her tone was light, almost offhand, yet the wordsnded with the weight of a promise. Before the sybles finished hanging in the air, Julius surged forward and pulled her into his arms, as though the earth itself might tilt and fling her away if he hesitated. Even in that desperate rush, he kept his left hand clear of her injured shoulder, fingers angling awkwardly but carefully, terrified of brushing the wound beneath her shirt. ¡°You didn¡¯t leave. You really didn¡¯t.¡± The words spilled against the curve of her neck, muffled, half prayer, half confession, his face buried in the shallow hollow where her scent lived. Her breath, her warmth¨Cquiet, human proof¨Csank into him, and the frantic drum in his chest finally eased into something like a rhythm. Quinn did not push him away. She simply stood there, letting his arms shake around her. They had broken up; they should not be hugging like this. Yet his hands were trembling so violently she could not bring herself to pry them off¡ªnot immediately. 2/4 13.05 Tue, 2 Sept 50 2 Chapter 356 You Are Not Like Him father a short while ago. ¡°Put some antiseptic on that,¡± she said. ¡°All right,¡± Julius replied, the single word soft but obedient. 68% +10 Free Coins Back in the mansion, he fetched the battered first¨Caid kit and dabbed ointment onto each reddened ridge along his fingers. ¡°Anywhere else? Did he hit you badly?¡± Quinn asked, scanning the rest of him with clinical precision. ¡°A few spots hurt, nothing serious,¡± Julius said, though a faint wince slipped through the practiced calm. She had watched the entire brawl. She knew how hard those punches hadnded. Bruises were a certainty; fractures a real possibility. And on this isted ind they were alone¨Cno doctor in sight, no hospital within miles of ocean. ¡°Take your shirt off,¡± Quinn ordered, voice brisk, already rolling up her sleeves for triage. Julius paused, surprise flickering across his dark eyes, but he offered no words. Without ceremony, he reached for the hem of his T¨Cshirt, peeled it over his head, then shrugged free of the undershirt as well until his torso stood bare to the chill air. Quinn¡¯s gaze drifted to his chest and the lean muscles across his abdomen. Bruises bloomed there, ugly and raw, the unmistakable souvenirs of the brawl he had waged moments earlier with Joaquin. She lifted a hand, fingertips brushing the injured skin. Her touch shifted into practiced pressure, and she murmured, ¡°If it hurts, tell me.¡± Her mother had served as a military doctor, and Quinn herself had once worn the uniform, so the basics of diagnosing fractures and blunt trauma still lived in her hands. If Julius carried nothing worse than surface bruises, the matter would remain simple. But if a boney cracked beneath the swelling, he would need a hospital, 15:05 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 356 You Are Not Like Him and quickly. ÈÕ68%ýX +10 Free Coins Her palms traveled across his torso in small, methodical circles, mapping each contour, testing for hidden fractures. He stared at her, stunned into stillness. The single fact that she had not walked away yet wrapped around him like a warm nket. After pressing several spots without drawing so much as a hiss, Quinn lifted her head. ¡°Any of those feel especially bad?¡± she asked. Julius blinked, as though waking from a deep reverie. ¡°Nothing hurts in particr,¡± he said. ¡°Then your bones are fine,¡± she concluded. ¡°A little ointment will do the trick.¡± He held her with an unwavering gaze, the question spilling out before he could cage it. ¡°Do you truly believe I am not the same kind of man my father is?¡± Quinn hummed a soft assent. ¡°You are different.¡± ¡°Yes, different,¡± Julius whispered, almost to himself. His eyes searched hers. ¡°You left with me instead of my father today. Are you certain you will not regret it?¡± ¡°Not at this moment,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°I only ask that you keep your word and take me home when the timees.¡± The flicker of hope in Julius¡® eyes slowly dimmed. ¡°So you still do not trust me, do you?¡± Military 357 Chapter 357 A Gamble +10 Free Coins Quinn kept her voice level. ¡°I never truly believed you, Julius Whitethorn. I was gambling¨Cgambling that this time you would not lie and that, when the houres, you will really send me home. I pray I have not made the wrong bet.¡± Julius let out a thin, bitterugh. ¡°If you do win this gamble, Quinn, will you ever allow yourself to trust me?¡± Quinn shook her head. ¡°Trust is not that easy to earn. I¡¯m going to the study for a book. See to your wounds on your own.¡± With that she turned, the hem of her dress whispering across the polished floor as she disappeared into the corridor. Julius lowered his head and lifted a hand to the patch of skin her fingertips had brushed only moments earlier. The spot still throbbed with borrowed warmth, as if her touch had branded him. He ought to feel relieved. She had chosen to stay rather than leave with her father. Yet something kept tearing at his chest, shredding whatever hope remained. It was as though the universe itself whispered that a single misstep, once taken, could never be undone. Later that night, Quinn¡¯s phone lit up with an iing call from Laura. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯ll never believe this. People from the Fane family are heading to Jexburgh.¡± ¡°What?¡± Quinn gasped. ¡°You mean the Fane family from Celosia?¡± ¡°Of course. Why else would I mention it? Leander Fane himself ising too. They¡¯reing because the Fanes are about to sign a deal with the Whitethorn family.¡± ¡°Since when do the Whitethorns and the Fanes work together?¡± Quinn blurted. ¡°It happened fast. Evidently, the Whitethorns were the ones who reached out first. When the Whitethorns wave an olive branch, the Fanes don¡¯t hesitate. They¡¯ll arrive in Jexburgh in a few days, which saves you a flight to Celosia.¡± Chapter 357 A Gamble Quinn fell silent, mulling over the news. Is this truly a coincidence? +10 Free Coins The Whitethorns had issued the invitation to the Fanes just before her nned trip to Celosia. ¡°Do you think Julius cooked this up just so you wouldn¡¯t have to fly all the way to Celosia?¡± Laura teased. Quinn thought for a moment. ¡°A partnership of that scale moves serious money. can¡¯t imagine them shifting it just to save me a single flight.¡± I ¡°Ordinary people wouldn¡¯t, but with the Whitethorns, you never know,¡± said Laura. The Whitethorns were infamous in Jexburgh for their audacious streak, and everybody knew it. After all, Quinn had dered the rtionship over, yet Julius had still chartered a ne from Doria to rush back to Jexburgh for her. Now he had even spirited her away to his private ind, hardly the behavior of a man content with a breakup. ¡°When are youing back, anyway?¡± Laura added. ¡°Two more days,¡± Quinn replied. Assuming Julius honors the agreement and puts me on that return flight. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Laura said. After the call ended, Quinn unlocked her phone and began searching for news about the partnership between the Fane family and the Whitethorns. Articles flooded the screen. The reports said the Whitethorns were moving into the electric¨Cvehicle market and were eyeing the Fane family as their battery supplier. The deal on the table was pure sirloin¨Crich, tender, and gleaming with profit. Every battery supplier in Azania was salivating over it. The Fane family, entrenched in the same trade, could hardly sit still. They wanted that contract as badly as anyone. So the moment whispers drifted from the Whitethorn family that negotiations were open, the Fanes packed their briefcases and booked the next flight to O 15:05 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 357 A Gamble Jexburgh, determined to strike first. +10 Free Coins Quinn stared at the newsfeed, thumb hovering above the screen, eyes locked on the photograph of Everett, the Fane family¡¯s patriarch. He looked to be in his early sixties, with iron¨Cgray threaded through ck hair, fine wrinkles fanning from dark eyes. Yet the bone structure remained¨Csharp jaw, straight nose¨Cremnants of a man who had once turned heads without trying. The tailored charcoal suit, silver cuff links, and patient half¨Csmile lent him the air of an old¨Cworld gentleman schr, someone who measured his words the way a jeweler weighs gems. For all that polish, he had never married¨Ca rarity for men of his stature. Apart from the acknowledged illegitimate heir, Leander Fane, Everett had no children, no hint of domestic obligations. He was no recluse nor did the tabloids pin him with male lovers; there was simply nothing¨Cnk space where romance should live. It was as though his veins carried a strange instion, wiring him for power and profit but forever short¨Ccircuiting at love. This time, the party flying into Jexburgh included not only Leander but the patriarch himself. If Quinn wanted to reunite with her brother, their paths would inevitably cross, cing her face¨Cto¨Cface with the formidable head of the Fane family. Across town, Laura ended the call, checked the dashboard clock, and swung her car toward the club¨Cthe same upscale den where she had once ordered male models. ¡°I want to see Harvey,¡± Laura told the club manager at the reception desk. The manager lifted a perfectly groomed eyebrow. ¡°Ms. Wentworth, have a special liking to Harvet?¡± ¡°Consider it that way,¡± Laura said, tone cool but decisive. you taken ¡°Rumor says you¡¯re Mr. Windore¡¯s girlfriend,¡± the manager murmured, lowering his voice. ¡°If youe here behind his back to see another man, and he finds out, I¡¯ll be the one in trouble.¡± III O 15:05 Tue, 2 Sept Chapter 357 A Gamble @X 68% +10 Free Coins In Jexburgh, few dared offend the Windore family, and the club manager was certainly not brave enough to test their reach. Chapter 358 Seeing Harvey Military 358 Chapter 358 Seeing Harvey Chapter 358 Seeing Harvey 90 +10 Free Coins In Jexburgh, the four dominantw firms all bowed, sooner orter, to the Windore banner. People liked to joke that if one crossed the Windores, one¡¯s future would be a never¨Cending parade ofwsuits. ¡°He won¡¯t find out,¡± Laura snapped. The manager shifted from foot to foot, still looking cornered. ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°But what?¡± she barked. ¡°Mr. Windore instructed us explicitly. From today on, we¡¯re not allowed to arrange male models for you,¡± the manager confessed. Laura nearly choked on her own breath. Weston is overbearing. We¡¯re only a contract couple, yet he dares to control whether I hire a model? ¡°I only want to talk to Harvey¨CI¡¯m not booking him,¡± she said through clenched teeth. ¡°Please, Ms. Wentworth, show mercy. If you meet him, Mr. Windore will gut this club,¡± the manager begged. Just then, amotion erupted from a nearby VIP lounge. ss clinked, chairs scraped, and the heavy door swung open with a bang that echoed through the marble hallway. ¡°I¡¯m not for sale! I¡¯m only here to pour drinks!¡± a male voice protested from inside. ¡°If you¡¯re not for sale, why sign up as a model? I¡¯m having you tonight¨Cmoney¡¯s no object. Drag him over here!¡± a woman shouted. Out of the neon¨Cwashed corridor, a young man burst into view, sprinting straight for Laura. Two burly men and a high¨Cheeled woman thundered after him, their footsteps hard enough to rattle the marble. Laura blinked. The runner was none other than Harvey, the very man she hade here to find. ¡°Harvey!¡± Laura called out, her voice cutting through the club¡¯s pounding bass like a re over dark water. Harvey skidded to a stop the instant he heard her, sneakers squealing against polished stone. Panic still quivered across his boyish features, as though the danger nipped at his heels. 16:22 Wed, Sep 3 Chapter 358 Seeing Harvey 90 +10 Free Coins ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid!¡± Laura surged forward in a single arrow¨Cswift stride, nting herself between Harvey and the pursuers. ¡°I chose him tonight,¡± the woman hissed,cquered nails glinting as she waved Laura away. ¡°Step aside while you still can.¡± Laura snorted and turned to the nearby manager. ¡°Since when does this club allow transactions against the employee¡¯s will?¡± The manager offered a strained smile. ¡°If both parties are, ah, consenting, the club doesn¡¯t interfere.¡± ¡°Does he look the least bit consenting to you?¡± Laura shot back, one brow arched to a dagger¡¯s point. ¡°If he won¡¯t cooperate, I¡¯ll make sure he can¡¯t find another job in Jexburgh starting tomorrow,¡± the woman snarled. ¡°I¡¯m the eldest daughter of the Farnell family.¡± The Farnell family? So that¡¯s her trump card¨Cwaving pedigree like a club. Cute. ¡°Funny, he¡¯s a friend of mine,¡± Laura said, her tone suddenly light. ¡°And my boyfriend is Weston Windore of the Windore family. Are you absolutely sure you want to take something from my table tonight?¡± A flicker of doubt shattered the woman¡¯s bravado; her painted smile slipped. Weston Windore¨Cwithin Jexburgh¡¯s rarefied circles, few names carried heavier gravitas. ¡°You¡¯re Weston Windore¡¯s girlfriend?¡± she asked, uncertainty thinning her voice. ¡°That¡¯s right. Should I ring him now, tell him you¡¯re bothering my friend?¡± Laura dangled her phone between two fingers. ¡°So you¡¯re friends with a pretty¨Cboy model? Weston will punish you, not me,¡± the woman scoffed. Laura shrugged. ¡°Weston already knows Harvey. Met him, actually. How about I call and we see who gets burned?¡± The woman red, weighing pride against prudence. Harvey was hardly worth a head¨Con collision with Weston. ¡°Forget it!¡± she snapped and stalked off, her twockeys scrambling after her heels. Laura turned back to Harvey, her expression softening. ¡°You all right?¡± 16:22 Wed, Sep 3 Chapter 358 Seeing Harvey 90 +10 Free Coins The panic finally drained from Harvey¡¯s face, leaving him merely breathless. ¡°Thanks, really.¡± ¡°Do you have a moment? I¡¯d like to take you out,¡± Laura said. After years apart, words had piled up inside her. Harvey stiffened. In club pance, ¡°taking out¡± usually tranted to a bed before dawn. Seeing the worry in his eyes, Lauraughed. ¡°Rx. It¡¯s just ate¨Cnight bite, nothing more.¡± She tossed the manager a nce. ¡°I¡¯m signing Harvey out for the night.¡± Color drained from the manager¡¯s face. ¡°B¨CBut¡­¡± Laura ignored him, took Harvey¡¯s hand, and strode out of the club without a backward nce. The manager ground his teeth, then yanked out his phone. It¡¯s better to let Mr. Windore know. Laura slid behind the wheel, the dashboard lights tinting her profile cobalt. ¡°So,¡± she said in a low, easy drawl, ¡°what are you craving for a midnight snack?¡± Colin shifted in the passenger seat, rubbing his palms over his jeans. ¡°Uh¡­ whatever¡¯s fine. Anything, really.¡± Laura tapped the steering wheel like a drummer finding the groove. ¡°You know, I¡¯m craving pasta. How about pasta?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± he answered. The car glided through half¨Csleeping streets until neon faded into a dim storefront. She parked outside a small pasta shop whose washed¨Cout sign whispered of decades gone by. Harvey¡¯s gaze locked on the crooked doorway, and a flicker of recognition cut through his eyes. God¨Cthis is the ce we used to together back then. They chose a scarred wooden booth. The owner shuffled over with aminated menu. Laura ordered two tes of the house special and waited until the woman left before turning to Colin. ¡°Does that happen to you a lot at the club?¡± Harvey blinked, realizing she meant the chaos at the club. ¡°Honestly¡­ that was my first. I Chapter 358 Seeing Harvey haven¡¯t been on the job long,¡± he muttered. Military 359 Chapter 359 Pasta And Memories Chapter 359 Pasta And Memories 90 +10 Free Coins ¡°Why would you even take a job in a ce like that?¡± Laura asked, eyes steady, voice softer than her words. Harvey exhaled a brittleugh. ¡°Money, what else? Graduated from college, couldn¡¯tnd a decent position, hospital bills piling up back home¨Cthis gig pays fast.¡± Laura studied him. The crooked smile he wore felt like armor made of spite. The boy whose eyes once burned with justice now hid behind a cynic¡¯s grin. ¡°Guess I should be grateful I¡¯m easy on the eyes,¡± Harvey added with a shrug. ¡°Otherwise I wouldn¡¯t even qualify for this line of work, let alone make any money.¡± Just then, the owner returned, bncing two steaming tes whose aromas curled through the air like an invitation. Harvey ducked over his te, letting the rising steam screen his difort while he wolfed down the food. ¡°If it¡¯s money,¡± Laura said, leaning forward. ¡°I can lend you some. No interest, no deadline. Get a regr job and pay me back whenever.¡± She offered it gently, afraid that shoving bills across the table would only make him run. Harvey paused. Temptation shimmered in his eyes. ¡°But I¡­¡± ¡°No buts,¡± Laura cut in. ¡°You saved me once, remember? If you hadn¡¯t testified, my stepbrother -the one who tried to force himself on me¨Cwould never have seen a day behind bars.¡± Those days were a tunnel with no light. Quinn was away on assignment, impossible to reach, and Laura had overheard Weston telling his friends that she was nothing but a fleeting diversion. Her father was gone, her stepmother coddled the son from her first marriage, and that son- Laura¡¯s stepbrother¨Chad begun to leer at her like a predator stalking prey. The night he tried, she fought like a cornered cat and escaped, only to have her stepmother demand silence and even prepare false testimony for him. Harvey had been the lone witness, the single voice willing to refuse the hush money and take the stand. Because of him, justice had found her stepbrother. Every time she remembered his upright silhouette in that courtroom, gratitude welled inside her like water behind a dam, fierce and unending. Chapter 359 Pasta And Memories Sometimes, in the hush between meetings and midnight phone calls, Laura asked herself a forbidden question. If Harvey had never walked into her life, would fate have hurled her into something even worse? Laura leaned forward. ¡°Harvey, I¡¯ve never stopped being grateful for what you did back then. I had nothing to offer you at the time, no power, no leverage, nothing. But things have changed. I can finally give back, properly and without strings. And listen, you¡¯ve been hunting for a job. right? Shoot me your r¨¦sum¨¦, let me see whether there¡¯s a position that fits you.¡± Harvey exhaled, gratitude settling over him like warm rain. ¡°Thank you, Ms. Wentworth,¡± he said atst, choosing¨Cthis time¨Cnot to refuse. Sheughed, a bright, quick sound. ¡°Don¡¯t call me Ms. Wentworth. I¡¯m a few years older¨Cjust stick with Laura, all right?¡± ¡°Laura,¡± Harvey answered, the single word carrying an ease he had not felt in months. A gentle grin tugged at Laura¡¯s lips. Having a younger brother like this, she realized, might not be so bad after all. After thete¨Cnight meal, she drove Harvey back to the modest t he had rented, waiting until his silhouette vanished behind the gate. Only then did she guide her car toward her own ce. But the moment she reached her hallway, the key froze halfway to the lock. She stood rigid, breath caught. Weston loomed outside her door, shoulders stiff, a cigarette smoldering between two elegant fingers. ¡°You¡­ started smoking?¡± Surprise, not judgment,ced her voice. ¡°Yeah. I did.¡± His tone was cial, and the carpet of ashes at his feet proved it hadn¡¯t been just one. Waiting for her had knotted his nerves; he kept lighting cigarette after cigarette until half the packy spent. He could not recall thest time he was this frustrated. ¡°Laura Wentworth, am I really so incapable of satisfying you? Is that why you left with a male model tonight?¡± He red at her. Color drained from Laura¡¯s face. She lunged forward and pressed a palm over his mouth, terrified the neighbors might catch even a whisper of that usation. ¡°Will you stop talking nonsense?¡± 99 Chapter 359 Pasta And Memories +10 Free Coins With a dark re, Weston yanked her hand away. ¡°Nonsense? The man you escorted from the club¨Cwasn¡¯t he a male model?¡± ¡°Harvey is my friend,¡± she said, each syble honed by indignation. ¡°Friend?¡± He scoffed. ¡°You already have a surplus of those. Tell me, do you think he can please you better than I can?¡± Laura rolled her eyes, deciding the corridor was no arena for this quarrel. She unlocked the door in one swift motion and dragged Weston inside before the hall lights could blink. ¡°What are you talking about? For the record, there¡¯s nothing romantic between Harvey and me.¡± Weston caught her chin between two fingers, tilting her face toward the ceiling glow. ¡°Then what are you two? Are you going to say friends again? Funny¨CI never knew you had friends like him.¡± She opened her mouth. ¡°He¡¯s-¡® The rest dissolved beneath his mouth. Weston crashed down, lips crushing hers while his arms pinned both wrists behind her back. A muffled protest slipped free¨Cno more than a breath trapped between them. Yet Weston only kissed harder, wild and consuming, as though the sole cure for jealousy was to devour every breath she owned. Military 360 Chapter 360 Unrestrained Desire 90 +10 Free Coins Laura felt the air flee her lungs as Weston¡¯s kiss grew fierce, stealing every breath she tried to take. His mouth traced a slow, possessive path from her trembling lips along the fragile ridge of her jaw, down to the curve where her neck began. ¡°Weston¡­ w¨Cwhat¡¯s gotten into you? Are you mad?¡± she gasped. She pushed at his shoulders, but it was like shoving a wall of stone. ¡°Mad? Perhaps I am a little mad,¡± he murmured, voice thick with something darker than desire. In that moment, only one impulse hammered in his veins¨Cto im her utterly and make certain her eyes saw no one else. D*mn it, I never should have let their rtionship shatter so easily back then. Had he known she would fester in his heart like a splinter, he would have chained her to him and thrown away the key. Suddenly, Weston bent, hooked an arm beneath her knees, and swept her off the floor as though she weighed no more than a feather. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Laura cried, shock pitching her voice high. ¡°What am I doing? I¡¯m going to satisfy you, make sure you have no time to chase other men,¡± Weston said. He strode into the bedroom and tossed her onto the mattress, sheets billowing like startled doves. Laura scrambled upright just in time to see Weston yank his tie free and shrug out of his jacket, stripping with unhurried boldness. Every discarded garment seemed to thicken the air. ¡°I don¡¯t need any so¨Ccalled satisfying¨Cstop undressing!¡± she shouted. Her pulse thundered so loudly she could barely hear her own words. ¡°Really?¡± Weston nted his hands beside her shoulders, caging her. ¡°You walked out of the club with that male model; if that isn¡¯t pent¨Cup hunger, what is? I¡¯m here to feed it¨Care you turning me down?¡± What hunger? This is madness. I didn¡¯t do anything! ¡°I¡¯ve told you¨Che¡¯s just a friend, nothing more. And I am absolutely unwilling to do it with 16:23 Wed, Sep 3 Chapter 360 Unrestrained Desire you. Put your clothes back on, now!¡± ¡°Not interested?¡± he asked, one brow arched. 90 +10 Free Coins ¡°Right¨Cno interest at all!¡± Laura fired back, eyes zing. ¡°Force me and I swear I¡¯ll sue you-¡± Her warning never finished; Weston¡¯s mouth crashed over hers again, sealing off the words. The kiss felt less like passion and more like punishment. His teeth caught her lower lip, a sharp sting that burst into the metallic taste of blood. She winced in pain¨Che had broken the skin. ¡°Weston, stop this madness! If you needpany, pick any of the women outside¨Cplenty would line up for you¨Cmph!¡± The torrent of kisses continued, unrelenting as summer rain hammering a tin roof. Only when her lungs burned did he let her breathe, and shey gasping, limp as a caught fish. ¡°If you keep this up, I¡¯ll call the police¡­ Mmph¡­ Don¡¯t!¡± She jerked her head sideways, desperate to escape the next descending kiss. His fingers locked beneath her jaw, firm enough to bruise, angling her face upward so flight itself became impossible. His mouth followed, relentless as a shadow bent on eclipsing every inch of light she had left. Inside her mouth rose the metallic tang of blood thinned by shared saliva, chased by the hot, smoky imprint of his breath. Only after her lips had gone wholly numb¨Cbuzzing with too much stolen air¨Cdid Weston Windore finally retreat. ¡°Tell me, Laura¨Care you still plotting to sue me, or are you dialing the police the moment I loosen my grip?¡± Laura mped a trembling hand over her lips, terrified that he¡¯d start kissing him again. When had he be this unhinged? Wasn¡¯t he the picture of self¨Crestraint just a year ago? Back when we dated, I¡¯d have to go through so much trouble coaxing him just to kiss him once. Now he looks ready to devour me whole. ¡°Easy now, Laura. Quit looking forfort from anyone else.¡± He nted a kiss on her face. ¡°If there¡¯s something you crave,e to me. I¡¯ll take care of it, and I promise you¡¯ll be nothing but happy.¡± Even Laura, normally thick¨Cskinned, felt heat flood her cheeks. Chapter 360 Unrestrained Desire ¡°Will you stop spouting this nonsense?¡± she blurted out. 90 +10 Free Coins Weston arched a brow, then worked the top button of his dress shirt free, moving unhurriedly until the fabric slid from his shoulders. A sculpted chest and attice of tempting abs came into sudden focus, as though the room¡¯s very air sharpened to honor the reveal. ¡°I rememberst time¨Cyou were more than satisfied, more than happy, weren¡¯t you?¡± he whispered next to her ear. His baritone, rich as a cello yed in an empty hall, vibrated straight through her bones. The single word mmed through her. Color surged brighter, mercilessly betraying her. The memory mmed in: him hauling her out of the club, spiriting her to his apartment, his body shamelessly seducing hers until her will copsed and they tangled through the entire night. Morning light had found her too wrung out to stand. Regret nipped at her like cold water against sunburned skin as she thought about it. She and Weston had signed that ridiculous pretend¨Crtionship contract out of sheer desperation, nothing more. Hookups had never been part of the fine print. ¡°Last time was an ident. I will not let that sort of ident happen again,¡± she huffed. ¡°And what if I decide I want a second round?¡± ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Don¡¯t even think about forcing me. You¡¯re awyer, Weston. You know assault couldnd you behind bars for years.¡± 16:23 Wed, Sep 3 Military 361 Chapter 361 Edge Of Temptation 90 +10 Free Coins ¡°I¡¯m not so desperate that I need to force you.¡± His breath, warm as summer wine, caressed her cheek. Lips grazed the shell of her ear, tongue painting an unhurried, maddening stroke. ¡°Laura, are you sure you don¡¯t want this? You used to beg me for it¨Ccouldn¡¯t wait to pin me down. Have all those cravings really disappeared?¡± That cultured voice, wrapped in the hush of night, became a hook baited with irresistible promise. Laura froze, spine taut as if caught in a hunter¡¯s snare. D*mn it! He¡¯s actually using his looks as a weapon. He knew she couldn¡¯t resist him, especially when desire hung this thick, yet he still dared to press. ¡°Laura,¡± Weston murmured, his voice a dark velvet drawl. ¡°Every woman who ever tried to have their way with me in bed never even got the chance. I saved that privilege for you alone. Tell me¨Care you going to im it?¡± Words deserted her. She could only re, eyes sparking like flint struck in the gloom. Overhead light nted across Weston¡¯s frame, carving out each contour with painterly precision. Lean muscle rippled beneath skin the color of warm sand¨Cdefined, yet never excessive, a study in controlled power. Laura had always been a shameless worshipper of beauty, and this man, face and body alike, fit her personal pantheon perfectly. Small wonder her resolve thinned, trembling beneath temptation¡¯s weight. ¡°Laura, you honestly don¡¯t want this?¡± Weston¡¯s voice slipped into every corner of the room, coaxing, daring. She sucked in one breath, then another, clinging to thest thread of reason. That thread snapped the instant Weston tipped his chin and brushed his Adam¡¯s apple against her lips. With a sudden twist, she rolled, pinning him beneath her, hair spilling forward like a banner of conquest. 16:23 Wed, Sep 3 Chapter 361 Edge Of Temptation ¡°Weston, tonight you follow my lead.¡± ¡°All right.¡± He smiled, satisfaction shing in those storm¨Cdark eyes. If her appetite centered on him alone, if she never again searched for another would dly surrender. Only to her¨Cno one else. 90 +10 Free Coins Weston Watching her writhe across his chest, his grin widened, pleasure bending the curve of his mouth. Had he known he would ache for her this deeply, he would never have ended things back then. Late, yes¨Cbut not toote. Hourster, she copsed, spent, and drifted into a heavy sleep. Weston eased upright, gazing down at the woman tangled in sheets. ¡°Laura Wentworth, don¡¯t let me catch you two¨Ctiming.¡± A man¡¯s voice cracked through the darkness of Julius Whitethorn¡¯s dream. ¡°Julius, you are my son. One day, you will be exactly like me.¡± Laughter¨Chigh, frantic¨Cspiraled in next. ¡°Haha! You¡¯re his son. You¡¯ll turn into a monster just like him. Don¡¯t cling to me. I don¡¯t want to be your mother. I wish I¡¯d never borne you!¡± Male and female voices tangled, needles of sound stabbing his mind without mercy. Blood¨Cred light flooded everything, spreading until no corner of his consciousness stayed untouched. No! Stop! Stop talking! Don¡¯t make another sound! Julius jerked awake, eyes snapping open into total ck. He gulped air and sat upright, realizing his clothes clung, soaked with cold sweat. A nightmare¨Cnothing but a nightmare. Before turning in, Julius had taken pills, yet sleep abandoned him long before morning crawled in. He rose atst, stealing a nce toward Quinn, still curled in the center of the bed. She remained asleep, breathing deep, untouched by his unrest. Pale moonlight filtered through the curtains and rested on her face, a hush made visible. 16:23 Wed, Sep 3 Chapter 361 Edge Of Temptation Earlier, she had insisted he was not like his father. But what if that faith is misced? 90 +10 Free Coins In his dream, his parents¡® voices fused into one dire oracle, promising he would grow into the very man he feared. If that destiny arrived, would Quinn¡¯s gaze still soften, or harden into something colder than silence? A dull throb began behind his eyes. He jerked his head, as if the pain might fling the thought away. Then, he left the room and descended to the ground¨Cfloor bathroom. The mirror showed a face so bloodless it looked sculpted from wax. Was it because of the nightmare? Or Dad¡¯s visit? Some buried desire in his heart kept wing toward daylight. He twisted the faucet and let stabbing cold water scour his skin. When he finally stepped out, dressed after a bath, he saw Quinn standing outside. ¡°Did I¡­ wake you?¡± he asked, caught off guard by her silent vigil. ¡°Not really. I never sleep deep,¡± Quinn replied. She had felt him rise from the bed, and when he never returned, she got out of bed to find him. After all, she could sense that Joaquin¡¯s sudden arrival had stirred something in Julius. Military 362 Chapter 362 Night Terrors Chapter 362 Night Terrors Concerned, Quinn had gone downstairs to check on him. ¡°Why a shower at this hour?¡± she asked, frowning at the dripping corridor tiles. ¡°I had a nightmare and was soaked in cold sweat, so I rinsed it away,¡± he answered. He moved to step around her, but she caught his sleeve. ¡°Wait.¡± He halted. She slipped back into the bath and returned with a towel. 90 +10 Free Coins ¡°Your hair¡¯s still wet. The night air is heavy,¡± she murmured, offering the towel to him. Julius did not lift a hand to take the towel. Instead, he bent at the waist and lowered his head in front of her. The image was almostical¨Clike an overgrown, rain¨Csoaked retriever silently begging its master to dry its coat. Quinn hesitated only a beat. Then she draped the towel over his dark hair and began to blot away the water with slow, deliberate strokes, her fingers moving as gently as the wings of a moth brushing candlelight. ¡°In a little while, I want a drink. Will you stay nearby and keep mepany?¡± Julius spoke in a low, almost tentative voice, the words rising from somewhere deep in his chest. ¡°It¡¯ste,¡± Quinn answered, surprise edging her tone. ¡°Why the sudden urge for alcohol?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t sleep,¡± he said, voice soft but steady. ¡°A ssh of liquor might quiet my head.¡± ¡°Is that what you usually do when you can¡¯t sleep¡± she asked, not usatory, simply curious. ¡°Not often,¡± he replied. ¡°Only tonight, for some reason, the thought won¡¯t let go.¡± She kept drying his hair until it was merely damp, the strands clinging to her fingertips before she finally set the towel aside. Julius crossed to the small marble bar, uncorked a bottle, and filled a ss. Without hesitation, he tipped his head back and drained it in one long swallow, throat working, Adam¡¯s apple sliding like a piston. Quinn started forward to stop him, but he had already finished it. Chapter 362 Night Terrors ¡°Rx,¡± he murmured, pouring a second measure. ¡°This isn¡¯t enough to do damage.¡± 90 +10 Free Coins Quinn stepped closer and pressed two fingers over the rim of his ss. ¡°Gulping it like that will hurt you.¡± ¡°So you do worry about my health?¡± His gaze locked onto hers. ¡°Just like earlier today, when you checked my injuries. Quinn, do you truly feel nothing for me?¡± ¡°Saying I feel nothing would be a lie,¡± she admitted after a pause. ¡°Yes, Julius, I still care. But I¡¯m learning to set that care down. Someday, I¡¯ll manage to feel absolutely nothing-¡± She never finished the sentence. He leaned forward so abruptly the air seemed to fold around them. His mouth brushed hers¨Cno more than a fleeting touch, as light as a dragonfly skimming the surface of a pond. It was not exactly a kiss, yet it stole her breath all the same. Quinn¡¯s entire body went rigid. Julius whispered against her lips, ¡°Please, stop talking. If you keep exining how you¡¯ll forget me, you¡¯ll only remind me how pathetic I¡¯ve be.¡± She pulled back, lips tightening, and abruptly changed direction. ¡°Was it deliberate, handing that project to the Fane family so Leander woulde to Jexburgh?¡± Julius¡® tone turned almost casual. ¡°And if I said yes?¡± ¡°You did it¡­ because of me?¡± ¡°Because of you, yes.¡± His eyes burned with a sudden, unguarded heat. ¡°I wanted to spare you the hassle of traveling overseas. Here in Jexburgh, everything you need is within reach.¡± ¡°And,¡± he added after a breath, ¡°I hoped that when you saw all I¡¯d done, your heart might soften and you¡¯d agree to start over with me.¡± Quinn froze, stunned by how openly heid his calctions on the table, as though confession itself were proof he would never hide anything from her again. She turned away and rose to her feet. ¡°Two days from now, you promised to send me home. I expect you to keep that promise. And from now on, when we meet, you could call me Ms. Bridger.¡± A shadow slid over Julius¡® eyes, dimming the earlier fire. So this is another refusal, isn¡¯t it? 16:24 Wed, Sep 3 Chapter 362 Night Terrors 90 +10 Free Coins As she turned to head back upstairs, he asked, ¡°Tell me the truth¨Cno matter what I do, will you nevere back to me?¡± Quinn turned her head, themplight carving a sharp line across her cheekbones. ¡°I told you before. Trust shatters in a heartbeat, but rebuilding it? That takes a lifetime.¡± ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is this,¡± Julius pressed, his voice frayed. ¡°Even if I dropped to my knees and begged¨Ceven if I handed you everyst thing I own, the entire Whitethorn estate included¨Cyou still wouldn¡¯t take me back?¡± ¡°I never wanted any of that.¡± The light in his eyes guttered, turning ashen. ¡°Then who is it you want beside you?¡± ¡°That¡¯s my business,¡± she answered, cool as frost. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going to bed.¡± ¡°Quinnie, I can break the promise,¡± Julius blurted, the confession slipping out before he could leash it. ¡°What?¡± Quinn blinked, startled, her hand pausing on the banister. ¡°I could keep you here on this ind,¡± he went on, lips barely moving. ¡°Lock every pier, ground every ne¨Cjust the two of us, staying put until you love me again, until you trust me the way you used to.¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze darkened to storm¨Ccloud gray. ¡°So does that mean I¡¯ve made the wrong gamble?¡± He advanced, one measured step after another. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to do that, all you have to say is that you trust me again¨Cthat you¡¯lle back to me.¡± Military 363 Chapter 363 A Child Chapter 363 A Child : $47 +10 Free Coins ¡°We don¡¯t fit, Julius. I can¡¯t give you unreserved trust,¡± Quinn replied, her voice cial. ¡°And honestly¨Cdo you really believe this ind can hold me?¡± If she put her mind to it, she would find a way off the ind. It would simply take more time, nothing more. Julius let out a brittleugh. ¡°Unreserved trust? Tell me, who on this can hand another person that kind of nk check?¡± ¡°My father and mother can,¡± Quinn said, conviction ringing through every syble. ¡°They¡¯ve spent a lifetime side by side, sharing the same breath. I¡¯ve told you. I want what they have.¡± After her first marriage had crumbled, she valued her parents¡® bond with fierce rity. That bond had be something she yearned for with every beat of her heart. ¡°Julius, from day one, I¡¯ve spelled out exactly what I want,¡± she said. ¡°Yes, you did,¡± he shot back. ¡°And I can give it¨Ctotal transparency. I¡¯lly out every scheme, every ambition I harbor. But must one mistake condemn me to a lifetime without you?¡± Quinn lowered hershes. ¡°Julius, we¡¯re finished. All I ask is that you keep your word¨Csend me home in two days. Don¡¯t shatter thest sliver of trust I have left.¡± With that, she turned and walked toward the bedroom, her footsteps steady, resolved. She had barely crossed the threshold when Julius followed, only a breath behind. ¡°Quinn!¡± He caught her from behind and tumbled with her onto the mattress, arms locked around her. ¡°Julius Whitethorn, what are you doing?¡± Quinn gasped, shock rippling through her. ¡°We are nowhere near the end. Not in this lifetime,¡± he rasped, pressing frantic kisses along her cheek. Soft, desperate kisses rained over her skin, unrelenting. His hands roamed, seeking familiar curves, trying to coax a response he knew by heart. He had spent years learning the map of her body; every subtle shift betrayed that knowledge. Stop. This has to end here. 2 $47 Chapter 363 A Child +10 Free Coins Quinn shoved at his chest with her right hand, but he absorbed the force, pressing even closer, their breaths colliding in the dark. Quinn frowned, swung her leg upward, and aimed a sharp kick at Julius. He slipped aside, seized the moment, and lowered his knee, pinning her calf against the rumpled sheet. In the span of a heartbeat, the fight spilled fully onto the bed, sheets twisting beneath the two locked bodies like waves in a storm. Pain shed through Quinn¡¯s left shoulder¨Cstill healing, still fragile¨Cso she could rely only on her right hand to strike. Yet Julius fought as though his own safety were nothing but a rumor, absorbing every blow shended, choosing bruises over even a single step of retreat. His reckless closeness felt less likebat and more like a desperate vow to die tangled in her limbs. Gasping, Quinn stared up at the man straddling her; even amid the chaotic scuffle, he had kept every assault clear of her injured shoulder. ¡°Quinn, just don¡¯t walk away from me. Anything else¨Canything at all¨CI¡¯ll do it Everyst thing, I swear.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve told you already. You and I¡± your way. The rest of her protest vanished as his mouth crashed onto hers, a fierce seal that swallowed every syble before it could escape. He kissed her like a man drowning in open sea, wing for the single mouthful of air that might keep him alive a moment longer. She broke free in a sudden surge of strength, shoved him off, and swung her hand in a hard, ringing arc across his face. The impact cracked through the bedroom¨Ca sharp, echoing p that left the silence stunned. ¡°Julius, stop¨Cdon¡¯t make me hate you!¡± Panting, she red at him. Slowly, Julius lifted trembling fingers to the reddening print, his fox¨Cbright eyes locked on her with a baffled, wounded steadiness. The sting burned hot, a child¡¯s punishment revived on a grown man¡¯s skin; not since his father¡¯s blows had anyone dared strike him. Chapter 363 A Child : 47 +10 Free Coins Yet she had. And the ache in his cheek was nothing beside the hollowedndslide her words had opened in his chest. D Every breath scraped him raw, spreading that hurt through bone and marrow until pain itself became the rhythm of living. He murmured, ¡°Would you still despise me if we had a child? Would you give us another chance¨Cstay with me¨Cif there were a baby between us?¡± The idea struck him with sudden, blinding rity. Why didn¡¯t I see it sooner? Quinn loved responsibility like oxygen; if a child existed, she would fight to forge a whole, unbroken home around it. ¡°Quinn, family means everything to you. You¡¯d never let our child grow up without aplete home, without a father¨Cright?¡± he asked, as if grasping a lifeline, desperation surfacing in his eyes. Quinn stared at him, breath catching, disbelief widening her eyes until they shimmered like ss on the verge of shattering. ¡°Do you even hear yourself?¡± ¡°Yes. With a child, everything changes. You¡¯ll stay. I can keep you¨Conce we have our child.¡± Words still hanging in the air, Julius surged forward again, forcing her beneath him as his fingers ripped at the soft buttons of her nightdress. The need in his eyes was savage, a storm determined to im and cage her, to bind her so tightly she could never slip beyond his reach. A single reckless desire roared through Julius¡¯s veins¨Cto keep Quinn wholly, perfectly, irreversibly at his side, as though he could raise steel walls around her and trap her heartbeat next to his forever. If a child is the only chain strong enough to anchor her, then I will¡­ p! Sep 4 Military 364 Chapter 364 Never Love Again Another crack rang out, as crisp and merciless as ice shattering in the dead of winter. $47 +10 Free Coins ¡°So that¡¯s your n¨Cfollow in your father¡¯s footprints and force a child to grow up bearing your scars?¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was arctic, every word a de. Julius froze, spine locking straight as a post. All color drained from his face in a single brutal heartbeat. He had sworn, with every breath, that he was nothing like the man who sired him, and yet moments ago, he almost did the same thing his father would. ¡°But you¡­ you¡¯re not my mother. You would never choose death the way she did, right?¡± Julius¡¯s lips trembled as he whispered the plea. ¡°You¡¯re right¨CI¡¯m not your mother, and I won¡¯t end my life for anyone. Push me, Julius, and I will either terminate the child or vanish with it, so deep into the world that you will never, ever find us,¡± she said coldly. A tremor rippled through him; breath snagged in his throat as though invisible fingers were choking the very air away. Yes¨CQuinn was not his mother; she would not drift into death¡¯s arms. Instead, she would carve a new path, one that erased himpletely. Am I doomed to chase her forever, wanting what I could never hold? ¡°Do you really hate the thought of being with me again that much?¡± The despair drowning his eyes was almost painful to witness. ¡°I despise being forced. Whether I carry a child is my decision¨Cnever yours. Julius, I am not your mother, and you must stop trying to be your father.¡± He lowered hisshes and let darkness close over his eyes. ¡°Ha¡­ Hahaha¡­¡± Theughter that spilled from his lips was a ragged, defeated thing, as though he wereughing at the funeral of his own hopes. He was a child again, back in that suffocating mansion, eachsh of his father¡¯s belt branding the same verdict: useless, worthless, incapable even of keeping his mother alive. He had sworn he would never be that man. And yet, here he was, bing the man he hated most. ¡°Julius?¡± Quinn watched him, the sight of his broken smile stirring an ache she could not name. Chapter 364 Never Love Again $47 +10 Free Coins She knew his wounds; she had traced their scars with her eyes. Yet understanding did not equal forgiveness, and it never would if he tried to cage her. No amount of pity for a boy mistreated could excuse the man he chose to be. Atst, after what felt like whole seasons passing, Julius opened his eyes. The despair was gone; in its cey a barren, colorless stillness. It was the same emptiness she had seen the very first time their paths crossed. ¡°Very well, Quinn. I won¡¯ty a hand on you, and I won¡¯t force you. If you choose not to stay by my side, I will stop chasing after you. Like you said before, we walk apart from here.¡± Thest word had barely left Julius¡® mouth when he rose from the edge of the mattress. He never looked back at Quinn. Silent and rigid, he walked straight out of the bedroom. In the hush that followed, the room felt cavernous, its stillness pressing down until Quinn seemed the only soul on earth. t on her back, Quinn let a long, tremoring breath leak from her chest. You should feel relieved, she told herself. If Julius had pushed any further, with my injured shoulder, real danger might have for me. So why can¡¯t I shake the image of those lifeless eyes he showed me at the door? Across the house, Julius strode into his study and mmed a clenched fist against the ss cab. Shards burst outward, glittering as they fell, and scarlet streaked across his knuckles. Bright drops spattered the hardwood, a dark trail marking each heartbeat. ¡°I will never¨Cnever¨Cbe my father,¡± Julius hissed, a brokenugh scraping across his throat. He knew too well that loving someone, begging for love, could twist a man into the monster he despised. Maybe if I stop loving altogether, none of that will happen, right? If he could cut loose every strand of yearning, every restless memory, he might never repeat his father¡¯s tragedy. If only I could return to the way things were. Back to the days before I ever met her¡­ 18:00 Thu, Sep 4 Chapter 364 Never Love Again : 47 +10 Free Coins. The next morning, Quinn woke to an empty bed¨Cand an emptier house. Julius was nowhere in sight. Downstairs, the dining table held a neatly arranged breakfast, steam curling from a pitcher of fresh coffee. Did Julius make this? She scanned every doorway, yet the man himself remained conspicuously absent. Is he avoiding me on purpose? Quinn had just sat down when the corner of her eye caught a sh of silver outside the floor- to¨Cceiling windows. A helicopter rested on thewn, and she froze mid¨Cbreath. A helicopter? Why would one set down here of all ces? Could Joaquin Whitethorn have shown up again? Heart leaping, she dashed outside, eyes fixed on the whirring machine. Yet thewn was free of Joaquin or any other familiar figure. Footsteps crunched on the gravel behind her. Quinn spun and found a face she had not expected. ¡°Fabian?¡± ¡°It¡¯s me, Ms. Bridger,¡± Fabian said as he stepped closer. ¡°Why are you here? And what¡¯s with the helicopter?¡± Military 365 Chapter 365 Leaving The Ind I thought Julius and I were the only two souls on this ind? $46 +10 Free Coins Fabian said, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn sent me to take my cues from you, Ms. Bridger. If you wish to leave the ind, we can lift off the moment you say so.¡± The words drove a tiny jolt through her chest, and Quinn found herself standing very still, salt air caught in her lungs. Leave? ording to my arrangement with Julius, I should still have two days left. D Quinn lifted her gaze, forcing a steadiness she did not feel. ¡°Where is Julius, then?¡± Fabian¡¯s tone remained impably polite, almost soothing. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn has already departed. If you wish to stay a while, I¡¯ll arrange for staff and medical personnel so the ind bes your private retreat.¡± Quinn shook her head sharply. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± She repeated the fact in her mind: Julius had left. He had even released her two days ahead of schedule. So he meant every word. He¡¯s parting ways with me. Perhaps night had been the true goodbye. Her gaze dropped, and a sting of bitterness swelled in her throat. Maybe this is for the best. We were never meant to fit. Now we¡¯ve done nothing more than circle back to where we started. Fabian cleared his throat softly. ¡°Ms. Bridger, what would you like to do now?¡± She squared her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯m going home. I¡¯m going back to Jexburgh now.¡± Fabian dipped his head. ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll make the arrangements immediately.¡± 2 The rotors thundered overhead as the helicopter skimmed upward. Only then did Quinn grasp how near the indy to Jexburgh¨Cbarely a thirty¨Cminute hop. During the ride, she had already pinged Laura and Han, letting them know she was on her way back. The moment her boots hit thending pad, she spotted Laura and Han waiting. Chapter 365 Leaving The Ind 46 +10 Free Coins Han lunged forward and wrapped her in a fierce hug. ¡°Quinnie, thank goodness¨Cyou¡¯re finally back!¡± Quinn lifted a calming hand and patted his tense back. ¡°I told you over the phone, I¡¯m all right.¡± Yet Han refused to let go, arms locked as if he could shield her from unseen harm. No matter how many reassurances she offered, worry gnawed at him; he knew nothing of what she had endured or how Julius might have treated her. Behind them, Fabian¡¯s calm baritone carried over the rotor wash, calling her name. Quinn tapped Han¡¯s shoulder once more, and only then did he loosen his grip, reluctant but obedient. Fabian offered a courteous nod. ¡°Since you have returned safely to Jexburgh, I¡¯ll report back now.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Fabian turned on his heel and strode toward the waiting sedan, disappearing into the city traffic. Laura slipped up beside Quinn, her heels clicking like punctuation on the marble floor, and gave a teasing sideways nce. ¡°So where¡¯s Julius Whitethorn? Why didn¡¯t hee back with you?¡± She had been convinced the man cherished Quinn so fiercely that nothing could pry him away, least of all the flight back to Jexburgh. Seeing Quinn alone shattered that assumption in an instant. ¡°Julius and I are finished,¡± Quinn said, her toneposed but her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. ¡°From now on, this sort of drama simply isn¡¯t happening again.¡± Laura¡¯s brow lifted, a small, sharp motion. She could tell whatever happened on that ind must have been far from tranquil. Han stepped forward. ¡°Quinnie will never be taken like that again,¡± he promised, voice low and steely. ¡°If Julius tries to force her away, I¡¯ll make sure to make him pay.¡± 3 ¡°There won¡¯t be a next time,¡± Quinn said. ¡°By the way, the news mentioned the Fane family has already reached Jexburgh, right?¡± ¡°Yeah, they got in yesterday,¡± Han confirmed without missing a beat. He had been tracking the Fane entourage since their jet touched down. Information flowed to 18:01 Thu, Sep 4 Chapter 365 Leaving The Ind 46 +10 Free Coins him the way water found a riverbed¨Cswift, unerring, inevitable. ¡°If you want to see Leander Fane, Quinnie, just say so. I¡¯ll arrange the meeting.¡± ¡°Thanks, Han. I owe you one,¡± Quinn replied, the corner of her mouth softening in genuine gratitude. Han¡¯s smile was quick and bright. ¡°Anything for you is never a bother.¡± The warmth in his words made Quinn¡¯s cheeks flush. She understood his feelings, yet saw him only as a younger brother in the trenches¨Carade whose loyalty was carved from shared battles, not romance. ¡°All right, enough,¡± Laura interjected, pping her hands lightly. ¡°It¡¯s nearly noon¨Clet¡¯s hunt down some lunch.¡± They chose a venerable establishment renowned across Jexburgh, its gilt sign announcing a century of vors. They settled at a window table wherete¨Cmorning sun painted honey stripes across the linen. Menus ordered, conversation paused when Han¡¯s phone vibrated sharply against the wood. ¡°I need to take this,¡± he said, already moving toward the quiet hallway with the device pressed to his ear. Once he was out of earshot, Laura leaned in, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. ¡°You and Julius -are you really done for good?¡± ¡°Looks that way,¡± Quinn murmured,shes lowered. ¡°Then what¡¯s this mark on your neck?¡± Laura asked, zeroing in on a faint crimson bloom just above Quinn¡¯s corbone. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me someone else left it.¡± Quinn startled, fingers flying to the spot. That must be from night¨Cwhen Julius kissed me. The realization sent a ripple of heat racing up her spine. Han reappeared, sliding his phone into his pocket. ¡°What are you two whispering about?¡± ¡°N¨CNothing,¡± Quinn stammered, tugging the neckline of her blouse higher, mortified. Her hair was gathered in a neat ponytail, leaving her throat exposed. The blouse she wore dipped modestly but not enough to disguise the telltale stain of passion. Han said nothing, yet his gaze flickered, deliberately casual, toward the small red imprint. Anyone with the slightest experience could read that mark for what it was. Chapter 365 Leaving The Ind She and Julius did it on the ind? Military 366 Chapter 366 Faint Red Marks Chapter 366 Faint Red Marks Han¡¯s fingers tightened around his fork. 69 +20 Free Coins Just then, the waiters arrived, setting dish after fragrant dish between them, the aroma masking¨Cif only briefly¨Cthe tension that had begun to coil over the table. The three of them ate, and between bites, they pieced together the weeks Quinn had spent away on Whitethorn Ind, trading rumors of everything that had erupted back in Jexburgh. Yet neither Han nor Laura so much as brushed the subject of Julius; the omission hung between them like an unspoken pact. ¡°I¡¯m told the Stonehurst main branch and their second branch have torn each other to shreds,¡± Laura began, eyes glittering with the thrill of gossip. ¡°Trent Grafton has filed suit, using Sidonie Stonehurst of conspiring to defraud him and bleed Grafton Technologies dry. She¡¯s been knocking on everyw firm in Jexburgh, but not a single attorney will touch the case.¡± The reason was obvious, and Laura¡¯s nce toward Han made it iner still. In a city where the Windore family¡¯s influence could still tilt the scales of justice, nowyer dared cross Han¡¯s cousins. ¡°And to think we once believed Trent was head over heels for Sidonie.¡± Laura scoffed, rolling her eyes. ¡°Look at them now. What a mess.¡± Quinn kept her expression mild, the names Trent and Sidonie stirring no more than a faint ripple across a pond long since frozen over. Halfway through the meal, Quinn excused herself and slipped into thedies¡® room. Cool fluorescent light sharpened her reflection as she braced her palms on the marble sink. Her gaze drifted to her neck, where a small crimson bloom peeked just above the cor. The imprint was unmistakable¨Ca souvenir Julius had branded beneathst night¡¯s feverish kisses. Memory surged¨Cthe weight of him pinning her to cool sheets, his mouth tracing fire down her skin. She bit her lower lip, heat wing at her chest. If her throat was marked, the rest of her body was surely a constetion of simr smudges. Han hadn¡¯t mentioned a thing over lunch¨Ceither he hadn¡¯t noticed, or politeness kept him. silent. Still, a scarlet brand on a woman¡¯s neck invited questions she had no intention of answering. 17:55 Fri, Sep 5 Chapter 366 Faint Red Marks 69 +20 Free Coins She tugged free the stic band, letting her ponytail copse into a waterfall of chestnut waves that curtained the mark from view. On her way back to the private lounge, Quinn halted. A cluster of well¨Cdressed patrons. streamed through the revolving doors. Among them strode Leander, tall, cool, and impossible to mistake. ¡°Mr. Fane,¡± Quinn called, closing the distance in quick strides. ¡°Hello, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you. Could we speak in private?¡± ¡°Well, look who we¡¯ve bumped into again.¡± Serena sneered, slipping between Quinn and her brother. ¡°What¡¯s the game this time¨Canother long¨Clost¨Crtive reunion act? Or are you simply hoping totch onto the Fane name?¡± Quinn ignored the barbed remarks and kept her gaze locked on Leander. ¡°Just a minute of your time, alone,¡± she said quietly. ¡°All right,¡± Leander agreed after studying her face. ¡°What could you possibly need to discuss with her?¡± Serena snapped. ¡°I won¡¯t allow it.¡± ¡°She did take a bullet for me back in Doria,¡± Leander reminded her, voice mild but unyielding. ¡°Basic decency says I should at least hear her out.¡± Serena huffed, then leaned close enough for her whisper to graze his ear. ¡°Do what you want, but if you defy me, the woman lying in that hospital bed won¡¯t get the help only I can provide.¡± Color drained from Leander¡¯s face as the threatnded. Lena was the axis on which his world still turned. Had she not shielded him back then, he would never have been alive today. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Bridger,¡± Leander said atst. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t spare the time today.¡± ¡°So this is how the illustrious Fane family repays a debt?¡± Han¡¯s voice rang out from behind Quinn. Quinn turned to see Han approaching. ¡°I thought you were staying inside. Why did youe out here?¡± Han eyed Serena, a mocking smile curling on his lips. ¡°I noticed you still hadn¡¯t returned to the lounge, so I stepped out to check on you. Serena, do you recall what happened in Doria? When you were kidnapped, Quinnie and I flew all the way there to bring you home. My sister even caught a bullet for the Fane family and spent an entire day unconscious. Yet tonight that 17:55 Fri, Sep 5 Chapter 366 Faint Red Marks : 69 +20 Free Coins same family won¡¯t allow her a private word with Leander. Remarkable sense of gratitude. If memory serves, the main branch of your house has no daughter. You, Serena, belong to the coteral line, yet you decide who may or may not speak to Mr. Fane. Truly eye¨Copening. Perhaps I should ask Mr. Everett Fer if this is standard Fane family etiquette.¡± Serena¡¯s smile cracked; it felt as though a hammer had struck the mask she wore. Han¡¯s words branded her with a single, ugly usation¨Cungrateful. She still had no idea who Han really was, yet anyone who had slipped through those Dorian gs unannounced could not be ordinary. If this scene reached Everett¡¯s ears, her future would shatter like thin ss. The Fane family was courting a fragile partnership with the Whitethorn family; one blot of bad press could sink the deal. At the thought of the Whitethorns, Serena¡¯s gaze flicked to Quinn, uncertainty pooling in her eyes. Back in Doria, Julius had seemed unusually close to this woman. Noticing the guests looking their way, attracted by themotion, Serena quickly said, ¡°Leander, since she insists on talking, go ahead. I¡¯ll wait for you in the lounge.¡± Military 367 Chapter 367 Lingering Debts Chapter 367 Lingering Debts. Leander gave a curt nod, and Serena hurried off. ¡°Need me to stick around?¡± Han asked, lowering his voice. 69 +20 Free Coins ¡°No. Head back inside.¡± Quinn pointed toward the empty VIP lounge nearby. ¡°We¡¯ll talk in there.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Leander said, his tone unreadable. They stepped into the lounge. Quinn shut the door behind them and turned to face Leander. To her, this man was Rowan, her big brother. ¡°You lost your memories, so you don¡¯t remember the past. I can tell you what you¡¯re missing.¡± She cut straight to the point. ¡°You¡¯re about to im I¡¯m the brother you¡¯ve been searching for and you¡¯re my sister, aren¡¯t you?¡± Leander asked, recalling the night she had broken into his hotel room in Doria. ¡°Exactly.¡± Quinn confirmed. ¡°Why should I believe you? Because you once took a bullet for me?¡± His voice remained t, almost bored. Quinn¡¯s chest tightened. A sour sting rose behind her eyes. She remembered how gentle Rowan was with her, smiling at her and holding her hand, saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid. I¡¯m here. I¡¯ll protect you.¡± She hadughed back then. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll protect you one day. If I get hurt doing it, don¡¯t be too touched.¡± Rowan had scolded her, half¨Cserious, half¨Cteasing. ¡°If you dare get hurt protecting me, I won¡¯t be moved¨CI¡¯ll be furious. Promise me you¡¯ll keep yourself safe first.¡± If those memories still lived in him, he would never speak to her with such chill indifference. ¡°I have a DNA test report. The file¡¯s backed up on my phone¨Clook. If you still doubt me, we can visit the diagnostic center together for another test,¡± she said, showing him her phone. Leander spared her only anguid sideways nce. ¡°And so what?¡± he asked, voice smooth as steel wrapped in velvet. ¡°Let¡¯s pretend I really am your brother¨Ctell me, Quinn, what 17:55 Fri, Sep 5 Chapter 367 Lingering Debts difference does that make?¡± 69 +20 Free Coins Quinn drew a steadying breath. ¡°I want you to reim the name Rowan Bridger,¡± she said, her voice a tremble wrapped in resolve. ¡°The memories you¡¯ve lost¨CI¡¯ll find a way, little by little, to bring them back to you.¡± Leander¡¯s gaze sank; when he finally spoke, the words were scarcely louder than a prayer. ¡°I don¡¯t remember the man I used to be. What I do remember is Doria¨Cevery sunrise nothing but another gamble with death. I was beaten, cursed, pushed into deeds my heart despised. The night I slipped away, survival still dangled by a frayed thread. I don¡¯t have a family. No one at all.¡± But there was Lena¡ªalways Lena¨Cpulling him back from the edge, mending wounds no one else cared to see. ¡°I¡¯ve been looking for you, Rowan¨Csearching everywhere,¡± Quinn whispered, her heartbreak cracking through every syble. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just me. The whole country joined the search. You¡¯re a soldier. During an assignment, the border inferno erupted, and that¡¯s how you were stranded in Doria.¡± Leander¡¯s head jerked up. ¡°A soldier?¡± ¡°Yes. All these years, we never stopped, Rowan. Not once,¡± she said. Even when her parents were overseas on theirst call with her, they still promised that once their mission ended, they¡¯de home and find Rowan together. ¡°Rowan, Dad and Mom had always hoped to find you¡­ If they were still¡­¡± He cut her short, ¡°I¡¯m not nning to be Rowan Bridger¡ªat least not now. You pulled me from the jaws of death in Doria, and I¡¯m grateful. If you ever need repayment¡ªsomething within my reach¨Cname it, and I¡¯ll see that you get it.¡± Quinn froze, blindsided; never, in all her imagined reunions, had she pictured her brother rejecting his name. ¡°Why?¡± Quinn breathed, bewilderment flooding her gaze. ¡°You¡¯re my brother. There¡¯s no blood tie to the Fane family, so why keep parading as their illegitimate son?¡± ¡°Because I¡¯ve always known I share no blood with the Fanes,¡± Leander said with a bitter half- smile. ¡°But inconveniently, this life of mine was bought and paid for by them, so now I can only be Leander Fane.¡± His eyes settled on the mist gathering in her round eyes, shimmering like rain about to fall. Seeing her hurt expression, a raw ache twisted in his chest, as though the very act of refusing had opened a wound inside him. 17:55 Fri, Sep 5 Chapter 367 Lingering Debts It felt as if an unseen voice whispered that he was the reason she ached. 6 (6) +20 Free Coins Quinn was never meant for sorrow; she was built for sunlight, for fierceughter that dared the world to flinch. Almost against his will, his hand lifted toward the tears clouding her eyes; yet under her steady gaze, he forced the gesture to freeze mid¨Cair. ¡°If, in the future, you decide how I can repay you, reach out any time.¡± Leander pulled a sleek card from his pocket, slid it between her trembling fingers, then turned and disappeared through the heavy velvet curtains of the lounge. Military 368 Chapter 368 Rejected Identity : Quinn stared at the card resting in her palm until her nose burned with unshed tears. 69 +20 Free Coins The crisp ck letters¨CLeander Fane¨Cfelt like tiny des pricking at every nerve in her body. He was supposed to be Rowan Bridger¨Cher brother. A gentle voice broke the silence. ¡°Quinnie?¡± Han called softly. She pivoted toward the doorway and found Han crossing the threshold. ¡°What are you¡ª ¡°I never returned to my room,¡± Han exined, hands stuffed into his pockets. ¡°I stayed outside. Just now I saw Rowan walk away, so I came in to check on you. Did the conversation go badly?¡± Quinn managed a bitter smile, battling the moisture in her eyes. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want his identity back. Right now, all he wants is to remain Leander Fane.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Han¡¯s brows knit. ¡°Maybe he feels indebted,¡± Quinn murmured. ¡°He said the Fanes saved his life, and that he¡¯s always known the blood between them isn¡¯t real.¡± ¡°There might be reasons we don¡¯t see,¡± Han said, voice calm. ¡°Let¡¯s wait until we uncover the whole truth.¡± Quinn gave a firm nod, determination shing beneath the calm surface of her eyes. She had to untangle whatever knoty between the Fane family and her brother. ¡°Come on, back to the lounge, or Laura will start pacing.¡± She pivoted gracefully, but the cascade of loosened hair swept forward and, without her noticing, hooked itself onto one of the polished buttons of Han¡¯s tailored jacket. ¡°Hold on,¡± Han said, catching her wrist before she could step away. ¡°Your hair is snagged on my button. Let me free it before you hurt yourself.¡± Embarrassment rushed to Quinn¡¯s cheeks. She stood rigid, afraid the slightest move would tug her scalp. ¡°Why¡¯d you let your hair down?¡± Han asked softly as his fingers worked at the offending thread. ¡°Weren¡¯t you wearing it up a minute ago?¡± 17:55 Fri, Sep 5 Chapter 368 Rejected Identity : 69 +20 Free Coins ¡°Uh¡­ the hair tie snapped,¡± she offered, scrambling for the first excuse that came to mind. Han¡¯s eyes darkened with something unreadable. He lifted a single strand, letting it slide across his fingertips, and his gazended on the vivid red mark hiding at the hollow of her neck. ¡°Quinnie, tell me¨Cdid you really break things off with Julius?¡± The question burst out before he could stop it. After a beat of silence, she murmured, ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s over.¡± ¡°Good,¡± he said, relief softening the line of his shoulders. The word made Quinn whirl around, and the sudden jerk sent a sting through her scalp¨Cher hair was still trapped. ¡°Easy. I¡¯m not done untangling you yet,¡± he warned. ¡°Han.¡± Her tone turned solemn. ¡°Stop wasting your time on me. I see you as a friend, arade, the kid brother I never had. I can¡¯t, and won¡¯t, see you as a partner.¡± ¡°I know, Quinnie¨Cyou¡¯ve told me.¡± His smile was patient, almost infuriatingly so. ¡°But I also said I¡¯d wait. You can¡¯t picture it now, but who knows about the future? You never thought you¡¯d end up with Julius, did you?¡± His words left Quinn momentarily speechless. He finally freed thest strand, yet kept it between his fingers, then bent to press a light kiss against the silky curl. ¡°Han!¡± Quinn gasped and backed away two quick steps. The captured lock slipped from his hand, sliding free like moonlight off water. Han lifted his gaze, eyes steady, almost solemn. ¡°Quinnie, Julius may have broken your trust. I never will.¡± For a heartbeat, Quinn said nothing, realizing only now that the boy she¡¯d always seen as a brother understood exactly what mattered to her. Inside the presidential suite, Everett regarded Leander with a chill that could crack ss. ¡°Serena tells me a woman named Quinn Bridger came looking for you today.¡± 69 Chapter 368 Rejected Identity ¡°She did.¡± +20 Free Coins ¡°She also said that, back in Doria, the woman called you her brother. Care to exin?¡± ¡°She believes I¡¯m her brother Rowan Bridger. But to me, I¡¯m Leander Fane.¡± ¡°As long as you understand.¡± Everett¡¯s voice was colder than winter steel. ¡°I don¡¯t give a d*mn who you think you are in private. In public, Lady Margaret expects you to be a Fane, and that is non¨Cnegotiable.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Then get out.¡± He waited until Leander had closed the door, the echo of his nephew¡¯s footsteps fading down the marble corridor. Only then did Everett unlock his phone, the blue glow breathing across his angr face like midnight frost. On the screeny an old photograph¨Ccolors sun¨Cwashed and creased by time. A boy of about seven or eight stood straight and proud, his small hand protectively clutching that of a girl no older than four. Their eyes, bright and trusting, looked forever into the lens, not yet aware how merciless the world could be. That photo was a relic. He bowed his head, a de of anguish carving through the ice in his gaze. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered to the silent room, the phone trembling between his fingers. ¡°It was my fault. I lost you. Yara¨Cplease, forgive your brother.¡± Military 369 Chapter 369 Scars Remain Chapter 369 Scars Remain : 62 +20 Free Coins That vanished girl was the ache of Everett¡¯s lifetime, a family secret spoken only in hushed fragments behind closed doors. Decades rolled past. Everyone told him to let go. He had been a child himself, they said. The me was never his to bear. Yet how could he release it? In his mind, Yara remained permanently three, herughter bright as morning bells. Their mother, crushed by grief, had slipped into a twilight of confusion that deepened every year. Everett searched every orphanage, every city archive, but found nothing¨Conly dust and dead ends. Some whispered a three¨Cyear¨Cold could not have survived those hard times, that she must have died long ago. He carried that possibility like a chain. Remaining single, fathering no children¡ª those were acts of silent penance for the life he failed to protect. Even the question of the child¡¯s true blood¨CRowan Bridger or Leander Fane- mattered little to him. If iming Leander as his own could ease Margaret¡¯s suffering, then Leander he would remain, heritage be damned. It didn¡¯t matter even if he had no blood connection to the Fanes. Han guided the sleek sedan through Jexburgh¡¯s quiet after¨Cmidnight streets and reached Laura¡¯s ce. Quinn unfastened her seat belt, turning to Han with a tired smile. ¡°Thank you for everything tonight. Get some rest when you¡¯re home, okay?¡± Han dipped his head, dark hair falling over his brow. ¡°All right. But Quinnie, please consider what I said today. You don¡¯t have to answer now. Take all the time you need until you¡¯re absolutely certain.¡± The car disappeared down the avenue, its taillights shrinking into the city¡¯s glow. Laura slipped her arm through Quinn¡¯s and leaned closer, amusement twinkling 19.06 Sat, Sep 6 Chapter 369 Scars Remain +20 Free Comms behind her sses. ¡°So,¡± she murmured, ¡°what exactly does Han want you to ¡®consider?¡± Heat climbed into Quinn¡¯s cheeks. ¡°N¨CNothing important,¡± she stammered, eyes skittering away. Laura grinned. ¡°Let me guess¡ªhe asked you to give the two of you a chance.¡± Quinn could only sigh; her friend¡¯s intuition was annoyingly precise. Laura, sharp as ever, needed no words. One look at Quinn¡¯s face confirmed her guess beyond doubt. Laura tapped Quinn¡¯s arm. ¡°Seriously, why not? Han isn¡¯t so bad. You¡¯ve known him forever. The so¨Ccalled Jexburgh¡¯s tyrant bullies everybody else, yet in front of you, he turns into the gentlest kid brother.¡± Quinn shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve just ended things with Julius. A new romance isn¡¯t on my agenda. Right now, reuniting with my brother is all I care about.¡± ¡°Speaking of your brother, didn¡¯t you run into him at the restaurant? Why didn¡¯t you tell him the truth?¡± Laura asked curiously. She and Han had only learned of the encounter when the two returned to the lounge; Quinn¡¯s long absence had been exined by that chance meeting with Leander. Quinn exhaled, shoulders drooping. ¡°I mentioned doing a DNA test,¡± she said quietly. ¡°He replied that, even if the results proved he¡¯s my brother, he would still choose to remain Leander Fane.¡± Laura¡¯s brows cinched beneath the softmp glow. ¡°Could it really be the Fane family¡¯s fortune? That makes absolutely no sense,¡± she whispered to herself. She had known Rowan Bridger for years. The man she remembered cared little for money; if he had, he never would have buried himself in barracks and war zones for so long. Even amnesia could not scrape away a person¡¯s bedrock. Yet he now knew the truth 19:07 Sat, Sep 6 Chapter 369 Scars Remain 62 +20 Free Coins of who he was and still clung to the name Leander Fane. It didn¡¯t make sense. ¡°I¡¯m going to find out exactly what¡¯s going on,¡± Quinn said, voice steady but eyes fierce. The moment her brother returned to Jexburgh, she vowed she would never lose him again. Whatever tethered him to the name Leander Fane, she would cut it. ¡°Go wash up, then try to sleep early,¡± Laura reminded. Quinn nodded. The day had hurled too many shocks at her, and exhaustion pooled behind her eyelids like twilight flooding a room. ¡°I¡¯ll rinse off now,¡± Quinn murmured, scooping fresh clothes into her arms before disappearing into the bathroom, the door clicking shut behind a curtain of steam. Left alone, Laura gathered stray cushions, ready to straighten the apartment. The doorbell abruptly split the quiet, its shrill note slicing the air. Who on earth drops by at this hour? Did Han forget something and circle back? She swung the door open¨Cand her eyes vaulted wide as if yanked by invisible strings. It was Weston. What is he doing here? Memories of that night¨Chis relentless pace, her own surrendered restraint¨Cshed hot across her skin, and her knees threatened to buckle. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± she demanded, re sharp enough to draw blood. Without invitation, Weston hooked a hand behind her neck, stepped inside, and pressed her against the foyer wall in one liquid movement. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe looking for me?¡± ¡°Why would I? I had no business with you,¡± she shot back, rolling her eyes even as her pulse stumbled, His lips hovered by her ear, breath cool and deliberate. ¡°Was I so bad that night, : Chapter 369 Scars Remain Laura, you felt nothing worth missing?¡± +20 Free Coins ¡°Your technique was hardly impressive, so no, I don¡¯t miss it at all,¡± she said, every syble a clean, decisive cut. Military 370 Chapter 370 Uninvited Visit : Chapter 370 Uninvited Visit 62 +20 Free Coins A shadow crossed his eyes. ¡°Then tell me whose technique I should study. I¡¯ll go seek a master.¡± Great, and how exactly am I supposed to answer that? Sure, I fangirl over handsome faces, but admiration is one thing and sheets are another. Weston is the only man I¡¯ve actually slept with. ¡°Try a nightclub. Plenty of male models stack up experience there¡ªperhaps you could learn a thing or two,¡± she suggested, sweet as poisoned honey. The words struck him like a match to dry tinder. He dipped his head and bit her lower lip¨Dhard¨Csending a bright sting spiraling through her nerves. She cried out, a sharp yelp slicing through the quiet. The scoundrel had bitten her again. He didn¡¯t draw blood this time, but the sting red so fiercely she had to bite back a curse. ¡°Weston, you¡ª¡± Laura gasped, the plea hanging unfinished. Before the words could settle, Weston¡¯s mouth crashed onto hers, sealing every syble in a hard, unyielding kiss. Her senses reeled as his tongue swept through, stirring chaos, tugging breath from her lungs while he drank from her like a man long parched. ¡°Weston¡­ you¡­ mm¡­ stop. Please¡­ Let me go¡­¡± she begged between ragged breaths. She pushed at his chest in vain, yet he only leaned closer, caging her until the kiss left her breathless and her lips tingling with hot, unfamiliar numbness, ¡°Then I¡¯ll learn properly right now,¡± Weston murmured, his long fingers tipping her face toward him. ¡°I learn fast. Give me a few more tries, and I swear you¡¯ll be delighted.¡± Laura blinked, stunned. What on earth is he talking about? 19:07 Sat, Sep 6 Chapter 370 Uninvited Visit 62 +20 Free Coins Before she could speak, Weston swept her off her feet, cradling her against his chest as though she were light as air. For a heartbeat, Laura went numb, shock freezing every nerve. Then dread mmed into her. Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s trying to¡­ ¡°Weston, put me down. I never agreed to¡­ to that!¡± Laura protested. ¡°But I want to,¡± Weston replied, perfectly calm. ¡°Because you want it, I¡¯m supposed toply? I-¡± she snapped. ¡°Laura, I¡¯m done. Do you want the heater left on?¡± Quinn called from the bathroom. Laura jolted, icy awareness darting along her spine¨Cshe had almost forgotten Quinn was still inside the apartment. ¡°N¨CNo, it¡¯s fine!¡± Laura shouted back, forcing cheer into every syble. ¡°Quinn¡¯s back?¡± Weston lifted an eyebrow. ¡°Yes, she¡¯s back, so you can¡­ uh¡­ leave,¡± Laura hissed. She had nearly barked ¡°get lost,¡± but feared the word might glue him to the spot. ¡°If you truly want me gone, give me a real kiss. Once I¡¯m satisfied, I¡¯ll go,¡± Weston said. Laura¡¯s pulse hammered; the fastest way to cut this knot was to meet his demand before Quinn walked out and saw this absurd scene. So she looped her arms around his neck and brushed a fleeting, light kiss across his lips. ¡°Do you take me for a child? You call that a kiss?¡± Weston asked, gaze darkening. The retort caught in her throat, but there was no time for pride. 19:07 Sat, Sep 6 Chapter 370 Uninvited Visit 62 +20 Free Coins Determined, she surged forward and imed his mouth again, embarrassment burning away to resolve. This time she sucked gently on his lower lip, slid her tongue past his, and deepened the kiss with everything she had, intent on erasing all doubt in one breath¨Cstealing sweep. Laura pulled back, eyes narrowed. ¡°Is that good enough?¡± she demanded. Weston narrowed his eyes, a sliver of light sliding across his irises as he fixed on Laura like a hawk deciding whether to strike. Beyond the frosted bathroom door came the p of water and the muffled ck of the tap. The noise jerked Laura upright, panic throbbing behind her ribs. Quinn must have finished showering; any moment she would step into the hall. ¡°Go¨Cquickly!¡± Laura whispered, urgency wobbling in her throat. Weston did not budge. His gaze never left her face. Then, just as Quinnie drifted out in a cloud of steam, he scooped Laura into his arms and strode straight into the bedroom, as though he owned every inch of the ce. ¡°I told you to leave the apartment, not invade my bedroom,¡± she hissed. ¡°I did leave,¡± Weston murmured, lips curving with deliberate mischief. ¡°I walked- right in here.¡± Laura¡¯s lungs emptied in frustration. Is he really ying word games right now? ¡°Fine. After Quinnie goes back to her room, you can go.¡± She exhaled, surrender leaking from each syble. ¡°What, am I so shameful you have to hide me?¡± Weston¡¯s voice sank a degree. ¡°She¡¯s back¨CI should at least say hello.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± she blurted, louder than intended. ¡°Don¡¯t?¡± He repeated the word softly, yet the glint in his eyes promised trouble. Chapter 370 Uninvited Visit 62 +20 Free Coins A chill trickled down Laura¡¯s spine; Weston¡¯s stare had grown unsettling, almost predatory. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ I never mentioned you were here. If you suddenly walk out of my room, it¡¯ll be awkward,¡± she muttered. ¡°This is awkward?¡± Weston scoffed, eyes narrowing in mock amusement. ¡°Tell me -are you truly embarrassed, or do you simply want nothing to do with me?¡± Their rtionship rested on ink and signatures, not romance. Still, she had never invited him to meet her friends or coworkers. Unless he came to her, she never called, never texted, never reached first. 19:07 Sat, Sep 6 Military 371 Chapter 371 Only Laura : 62 +20 Free Coins He remembered how she had once clung to him with relentless tenacity, wearing down every refusal until he finally agreed to date her. Now she acted as though she couldn¡¯t wait to cut ties with him. Is her love truly that fleeting? Has she already stopped liking me altogether? Images shed¨Cyoung, chiseled male models crowding around her, one of them toasting her with easy familiarity while she smiled. Unease coiled through Weston, dark and sudden. Does she think I¡¯m old now? Less appealing than men half my age with wless smiles? ¡°Weston, put me down-¡± Laura started, the words dying as his mouth found the curve of her neck. The contact was no gentle kiss; it was a punishing bite, a proprietary mark. ¡°What are you doing?¡± she hissed, voice clipped by urgency, as he pinned her against the back of the door. He still cradled her, though the angle had shifted; instead of carrying her sideways, he held her upright, shoulders pressed to the wood. Her legs dangled uselessly, toes searching for ground that refused to appear. ¡°What do you think I¡¯m doing? I¡¯m your boyfriend¨Cthis heat between us is the most natural thing in the world. Unless you feel like crashing to the hardwood and giving the whole hallway a show, you¡¯d better lock those legs around me, tight.¡± ¡°Weston¡­ what exactly are you trying to pull?¡± Laura was exasperated. ¡°Laura, don¡¯t pretend you don¡¯t know.¡± He pressed even closer, his breath pouring over her skin like warm smoke. Her smile froze. In that scant inch of space, she felt the unambiguous shift in his body, a silent announcement of how far his patience had stretched. Chapter 371 Only Laura ¡°D¨CDon¡¯t start anything crazy. Quinn¡¯s right outside.¡± 62 +20 Free Coins He lowered his voice to a teasing whisper, their foreheads almost touching. ¡°We¡¯re a couple. Even Quinn understands that sometimes people in love get carried away.¡± ¡°Weston¨Cplease.¡± Her face med scarlet. ¡°Anything but¡­ this. If you have other requests, I¡¯ll meet them, I swear.¡± ¡°Anything?¡± His gaze darkened, each breath rougher than thest. She had no idea that the promise spilling so casually from her lips was gasoline on an already roaring fire. Every instinct in him screamed to im her here and now. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ try my best,¡± she faltered. ¡°Then call me every single day.¡± ¡°Every day? That¡¯s such a hassle.¡± A soft knock interrupted them, followed by Quinn¡¯s muffled voice from the corridor. ¡°Laura, are you in there?¡± Laura stiffened, a live wire suddenly yanked taut. Weston¡¯s lips brushed her ear. ¡°Why not open the door just like this?¡± He reached for the handle, mischief dancing in his eyes. She pped a hand over his, hissing, ¡°Fine¨Cfine, I¡¯ll call every day.¡± Raising her voice toward the hallway, she added, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m changing clothes, Quinn. What¡¯s up?¡± ¡°Just letting you know I¡¯ll head to the office with you in the morning,¡± Quinn called. ¡°Got it. Try to turn in early, okay?¡± 19:07 Sat, Sep 6 Chapter 371 Only Laura ¡°Will do. You get some rest, too.¡± D: 62 +20 Free Coins Footsteps retreated, and the hall fell silent. Laura exhaled, shoulders sagging with relief. ¡°One more thing,¡± Weston said, counting off on invisible fingers. ¡°No more hiring male models. While you¡¯re with me, no cheating. And when anyone asks what we are, you say you¡¯re my girlfriend¡ªloud and clear.¡± Laura¡¯s brow knit. The first rule she could stomach; the second made her bristle. ¡°If I stay faithful, so do you. No flirting with other women.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± he agreed without a blink. His quickpliance actually surprised her. ¡°All right, then. You¡¯ve got your promises¨Cnow put me down.¡± He pressed himself close, his face buried in the warm hollow beneath her ear. The hush between them throbbed with the muted drum of their intertwined breaths. ¡°Just a little longer,¡± he whispered, drawing in her scent as though it were oxygen after a near¨Cdrowning. Laura stiffened, worry cutting through the heat that still clung to her skin. She shot an anxious nce toward the closed door that led to the next bedroom, where Quinnie was sleeping. ¡°Hey, Weston Windore, you can¡¯t go back on your word!¡± Weston¡¯s voice emerged as a low scrape, rasping against the dark like flint. ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to im you this very second, then don¡¯t make another sound.¡± For years, he had assumed his appetite had withered, a rumor of hunger that never quite reached his blood. There were nights he genuinely wondered if something inside him was broken. Yet when his skin brushed Laura¡¯s, his body turned feral, as if some caged beast had scented the moon. Every nerve screamed that it could, and would, take her at any moment. Chapter 371 Only Laura 62 +20 Free Coins Is this a sickness that lives in my head¨Csome lingering wound from the day she left me¡ªone that made every other woman invisible? Or is it simpler, crueler: only Laura has the power to overturn the walls I¡¯d built and let the madness flood in. Only she can unmake me. Military 372 Chapter 372 Out Of My League Chapter 372 Out Of My League Laura went perfectly still, afraid even a shift of breath might detonate him. 50 +10 Free Coins After a long moment, Weston exhaled, set her gently back on her feet, and stepped away as though distance were the only armor he had left. He hovered, his voice a bare tremor. ¡°Laura Wentworth, do you really not care for me anymore?¡± The question locked her spine. ¡°A man like you is out of my league.¡± He narrowed his eyes, as though searching her face for hidden text. ¡°What is that supposed to mean?¡± She let out a short, derisiveugh that tasted of old disappointment. ¡°I suppose golden boys like you have always had a harem orbiting since childhood. I was merely the loudest hanger¨Con back then, useful when you were bored. A convenient human shield to wave off the other women¨Cexactly what I am doing for you now, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Weston¡¯s breath snagged; the usationnded harder than any courtroom blow. If he was honest, back then, he had indeed viewed her that way. But now, things were different. Laura¡¯s tone turned businesslike, as though she were drafting a contract aloud. ¡°During the one¨Cyear term you proposed, I¡¯ll be the dutiful, convenient girlfriend you want. Beyond that, I expect nothing more, so let¡¯s not repeat what just happened.¡± A shadow crossed Weston¡¯s features. ¡°What exactly do you mean by ¡®what just happened¡°?¡± She bit her lower lip, gathering courage. ¡°I don¡¯t want to sleep with you anymore!¡± Things like this could happen once or twice, but she had never intended to let it be a habit. ¡­ 50 Chapter 372 Out Of My League +10 Free Coins Even Weston¡¯s wless face and body couldn¡¯t justify drowning in such brief, empty pleasure. Anger shed in his eyes like distant lightning. ¡°You don¡¯t enjoy being with me?¡± She met his gaze without flinching. ¡°Such things are better shared with someone you love. We¡¯re a contract couple, Mr. Windore. You don¡¯t love me, and I don¡¯t love you.¡± He stepped closer, urgency tightening each word. ¡°And if I choose to love you- would you love me back?¡± Laura stared at him as though he had just imed the moon had fallen into the sea. ¡°Mr. Windore, you must be joking. If love was in the cards, you¡¯d have felt it the first time we dated. Who waits until after the breakup to fall in love? Besides, I told you¨CI can¡¯t even afford to like a man like you, much less love you. So quit the jokes.¡± The room chilled as Weston¡¯s expression iced over. For the first time in all these years, he had bared a sliver of his heart to a woman. The answer hade back sharp and clean¡ªa refusal that sliced through his Back then she had looped both arms around his elbow, her voice lilting with yful indignation. ¡°Weston, I am your girlfriend, after all. How about you try loving me¨Cjust once?¡± He had answered without blinking. ¡°We made it clear from the start. Dating you never meant I loved you.¡± She had only grinned, eyes bright, confidence overflowing. ¡°That¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll work until you do. If you like me even a tiny bit now, I¡¯ll turn that spark into a wildfire.¡± What in the world had I been thinking back then? He had decided she was mildly amusing¨Cnothing more than a convenient 18:54 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 372 Out Of My League :D 50 +10 Free Coins pastime, a pretty decoy to keep the endless parade of bored socialites off his heels. Yet she had convinced herself he liked her, even dared to believe he might one day love her. Her clingy fingers slipping over his shirt never disgusted him. In truth, those small, ridiculous faces she made had, on rare asions, struck him as almost cute. Still, he refused to assign those flickers any meaning. He only realized something in him had shifted after they broke up. Her face began to ambush him at odd moments, and every other woman in his orbit suddenly seemed transparent, hollow, uninteresting. He kept trying to deny the way her memory clung to him like perfume on a suit. He told himself a woman who had dumped him first had no right to haunt him. But that denial shattered the instant they crossed paths again. He could still taste the jealousy that had gnawed at him when he saw her march into a hotel with Harvey, booking a room as casually as ordering coffee. Weston red at her, voice low and dangerous. ¡°Laura, don¡¯t forget¨Cyou were the one who came after me first.¡± ¡°So I¡¯m already spending a whole year as your girlfriend under contract,¡± Laura replied, calm but firm. ¡°When the year is over, let¡¯s part ways peacefully. On good terms.¡± Weston¡¯s lips pressed into a de¨Cthin line. Good terms? Clean break? She has no idea. He no longer wished for a polite farewell; he wanted something far messier, far more permanent. Only once she had closed the door behind Weston did Laura finally let out a long, unsteady breath. What on earth was Weston doing here this at night? Surely he didn¡¯t drop by just to see ¡­ Chapter 372 Out Of My League
  1. me.
50 +10 Free Coins Forget it, stop overthinking. Laura gave her head a shake, locked the door, then turned¡ªand nearly jumped. Quinn was standing in the middle of the living room, staring at her, silent as a statue. 18:54 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 373 Midnight Interrogation : Military 373 : Chapter 373 Midnight Interrogation Laura cleared her throat. ¡°Howe you¡¯re out here?¡± ¡°That man who just left¨Cwas it Weston Windore?¡± Surprise shed across Laura¡¯s face. ¡°You knew?¡± 50 +10 Free Coins ¡°I saw you leading him out of your bedroom,¡± Quinn said, her tone steady but probing. A few minutes earlier, while knocking on her friend¡¯s door, Quinn had sensed something was off. She had slipped back into the hallway and watched until Laura escorted Weston outside. ¡°He¡­ just stopped by to look around,¡± Laura answered, the words stumbling over one another. Quinn arched an eyebrow, her gaze sharpening. ¡°You and him- ¡°¡± ¡°Nothing¡¯s going on. We¡¯re simply signing on to be boyfriend and girlfriend for one year, nothing more. All I have to do is stand between him and every lovesick stray that tries totch on, then, when twelve months are up, we split.¡± Quinn asked, ¡°Does he see it the same way?¡± Laura answered before the question had even settled in the air. ¡°Absolutely.¡± ¡°And if, when the year is over, he refuses to let go?¡± Laura scoffed,ughter snapping like a spark. ¡°Impossible! We¡¯re talking about Weston Windore. Do you honestly think he¡¯d ever love me so much he couldn¡¯t bear to walk away?¡± Quinn only shrugged, a ripple of nonchnce rolling across her shoulders. The future, after all, was anyone¡¯s guess. She had never expected to fall for Julius Whitethorn, and she certainly hadn¡¯t foreseen the brutal way their story would end. D 18:54 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 373 Midnight Interrogation 50 +10 Free Coins The next morning, Quinn and Laura arrived at the office together, the autumn sun still struggling to clear the rooftops. Quinn had been gone for weeks. Stacks of proposals and unanswered e¨Cmails waited like restless dogs, and the moment she stepped inside, the day exploded into motion. Laura reminded, ¡°Your shoulder¡¯s not fully healed. Don¡¯t drown yourself in work.¡± Quinn offered a confident, almost mischievous smile. ¡°Rx. I know my limits.¡± On top of restarting thepany¡¯s stalled projects, she needed to uncover why her brother Rowan insisted on staying with the Fane family in far¨Coff Celosia. Han had promised to keep digging, but Quinn refused to sit back and rely on someone else¡¯s answers. While she was sorting out documents, she paused in surprise. ¡°There¡¯s an invitation to bid from Whitethorn Group tomorrow?¡± Laura nodded. ¡°Yeah. Three¨Cparty priceparison. Kevin and I will handle it. You don¡¯t have to get involved.¡± Quinn shook her head. ¡°It concerns the droneponents project, and if we win, I¡¯ll be in charge. I¡¯m going with you tomorrow.¡± Laura hesitated, worry stitching across her brow. ¡°But you and Julius¡­¡± Quinn waved the concern away. ¡°Rx. This is business. Julius isn¡¯t the type to mix personal issues and business. Besides, I¡¯m going to be in Jexburgh for the foreseeable future. I can¡¯t avoid him like a fugitive every time I spot him.¡± Laura let the matter drop since Quinn had already said so. She managed a small smile. ¡°All right, we¡¯ll go together tomorrow.¡± The following morning, the two women drove toward Whitethorn Group¡¯s building, city traffic hemming them in like slow¨Cmoving steel walls. 18:54 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 373 Midnight Interrogation 50 +10 Free Coins Just outside the lobby, Quinn unexpectedly spotted Leander and Serena. Then she remembered the Fane family hade to Jexburgh at the Whitethorns¡® invitation. Seeing them here should not have surprised her. Leander and Serena noticed her at the exact same moment. Serena¡¯s lip curled in open disdain. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯ve got some nerve. Still chasing my brother? Didn¡¯t he make himself clear at the restaurant?¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze turned cial. ¡°You and I both know whose brother he really is.¡± A family as powerful as the Fanes would never ept a rtive without a DNA test. If no test had been done, it could only mean they already knew there was no blood tie at all. Laura¡¯s eyes went wide when she finally saw Leander up close. She had met Rowan before, yet hearing Quinn insist Leander was Rowan and now seeing the uncanny resemnce shook her to the core. Laura¡¯s voice wobbled, barely above a whisper as she edged closer, hope zing in her eyes. ¡°Rowan!¡± Leander¡¯s jaw tightened, yet his reply was crisp. ¡°My name is Leander Fane.¡± Laura stammered, the words tumbling over themselves. ¡°But Quinn already had the DNA test run¨Cyou¡¯re unmistakably-¡± Leander cut her off, voice sharp enough to slice the air. ¡°I know nothing about any DNA analysis, and I have never authorized such a test.¡± Silence mped over Laura. She looked helplessly toward Quinn, the plea in her eyes saying what her tongue could not. She knew better than anyone how many years Quinn had spent scouring the world for Rowan¨Crisking border crossings, chasing digital shadows, grasping at rumors that dissolved like smoke. Quinn drew a deep breath, then stepped forward until only inches separated her from Leander. ¡­ 50 Chapter 373 Midnight Interrogation +10 Free Coins ¡°Mr. Fane, you once told me that because I saved your life, you owed me a single favor within your power. Well, I¡¯m here to collect that.¡± Leander blinked, surprised by her directness. ¡°All right. Name it.¡± ¡°I want you toe with me to honor our parents at their graves. I don¡¯t know what binds you so tightly to the name Leander Fane, and I won¡¯t force you to acknowledge me. But our parents deserve that much. You can deny me, yet you must not turn your back on them.¡± 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 374 The p Military 374 Chapter 374 The p 50 +10 Free Coins Chapter 374 The p Leander went sheet¨Cwhite, as though every drop of blood had abandoned his face in the blink of an eye. Parents. If Quinn were truly his sister, then somewhere out there, he must have had parents. Yet she spoke of paying respects, of graves. Does that mean they were already gone? A sharp, inexplicable pain squeezed his heart, each throb urging him toward a truth he could not remember. ¡°Where¡­ are they buried?¡± The question crawled up from the bottom of his throat. ¡°They¡¯re in Yarburn,¡± Quinn answered softly. ¡°I¡­¡± Leander¡¯s lips moved, but the rest refused to surface. ¡°He¡¯s not going!¡± Serena hooked her arm around Leander¡¯s elbow before he could speak. ¡°Say no to her, or after we return home, I will not go to the hospital for Lena.¡± Leander¡¯s free hand curled into a fist so tight his knuckles whitened. He was a man without memories. Even if those people truly were his parents, he could not picture their faces. So why did his heart feel as though someone drove a spike through it every time Quinn spoke? The ache carried grief, regret, and a crushing guilt he could neither name nor escape. ¡°The Fane family¡¯s stay in Jexburgh is brief. We simply do not have the time. Ms. Bridger, please ask for something else,¡± said Leander, forcing the words out. ¡°You refuse to honor our parents?¡± Quinn asked, her voice trembling with hurt. ¡°Do you realize how they suffered after you disappeared on the border? Even in their final call to me, they worried only about you. Don¡¯t you owe them at least a 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 374 The p word of reassurance at their graves?¡± 50 +10 Free Coins Leander¡¯s shoulders shook, the pain in his chest ring until even the rush of blood seemed to burn. He stared at her, words grinding out between clenched teeth. ¡°I told you¡ªI am Leander Fane.¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze dimmed, a bruised shadow passing over her eyes, and she could not decide whether the hollow inside her chest was simple disappointment or something closer to grief. The Leander who stood in front of her was a photograph bleached of color, a brother in shape only¡ªhis memories erased, his history scrubbed clean. If the real Leander¨Cthe Leander who remembered¨Cwere here, he would never have let such careless words slip past his lips. In his heart, their parents were more than parents; they were living, breathing legends. Their example had driven him into uniform, had spurred him to ept mission after mission, never mind the danger. She wondered, almost afraid of her own question, what that true Leander would do if the news of their deaths reached him. Would he break down, sobbing without shame? Or would he sprint straight to their graves? ¨D ¡°You know how ridiculous you look right now, Quinn Bridger?¡± Serena sneered, her chin tilted in scorn. ¡°Tell me what are your parents, exactly? You actually think your precious Leander should go pay respects to them? How pathetic. Maybe their graves are so lonely they¡¯ll take anyone, even him, to kneel there.¡± Smack! Quinn¡¯s palm sliced through the air andnded, vicious and precise, against Serena¡¯s cheek. The crack ricocheted off the ss fa?ade of Whitethorn Tower like a gunshot. ¡°Y¨CYou¨Cyou actually hit me?¡± Serena gasped, one hand flying to her stinging face as disbelief pooled in her eyes. 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 374 The p ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Quinn asked, her voice forged from ice. 50 +10 Free Coins To her, her mom and dad were a sacred line no one crossed. They had died for their country¨Cmartyrs whose names deserved reverence, never the filth that now dripped from Serena¡¯s mouth. ¡°My parents are not yours to insult,¡± she warned, each word edged in frost. A chill crept up Serena¡¯s spine; instinct begged her to keep silent. Yet pride, loud as a siren, refused to let her back down. She was a daughter of the Fane family¨Chow could she yield to someone like Quinn? ¡°So what if I talk about them?¡± Serena hissed. ¡°Anyone who raised a brute like you couldn¡¯t have been much good to begin with.¡± Thud! Quinn¡¯s boot mmed into Serena¡¯s abdomen, hurling her backward like a rag doll. She struck the stone wall of the building with a sickening thump, then crumpled to the pavement in a tangled heap. Across the courtyard, security guards spotted themotion and started toward them, radios crackling at their belts. ¡°You¡­ You wretched witch,¡± Serena coughed, one arm wrapped around her ribs. ¡°Treat me like this and you¡¯ll regret it. I swear I won¡¯t let you off!¡± ¡°Listen well,¡± Quinn said, advancing with lethal calm. ¡°Every time you utter one vile word about my parents, I¡¯ll hit you once. Say it twice, I hit you twice. Keep counting.¡± ¡°You disgusting¨Cyour parents-¡± Serena tried again, stubborn spite still clinging to her tongue. Chapter 374 The p Quinn¡¯s hand shot up, ready to deliver another punishing arc. 50 +10 Free Coins But another hand intercepted her mid¨Cswing, fingers mping around her wrist with iron restraint. It was Leander. ¡°You¡¯re stopping me?¡± Quinn whispered, shock ring like lightning in her eyes. The Leander she once knew would have done the punishing himself, leaving the offender in far worse shape. Leander lifted a cating hand. ¡°My sister spoke out of turn. This is her fault, not yours. Ms. Bridger, there¡¯s no need to batter someone who cannot lift a hand in defense.¡± Laura snapped, her voice edged with fury. ¡°Sister? Rowan, open your eyes¨CQuinn is your sister!¡± Leander turned back toward Quinn, disappointment flickering across his usually unreadable eyes. He said nothing at first, simply standing between the two women like a wall that refused to crumble. ¡°Enough,¡± he murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t raise your hand to her again.¡± 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 375 Insulting A Martyr Military 375 Chapter 375 Insulting A Martyr : Chapter 375 Insulting A Martyr 50 +10 Free Coins Quinn¡¯s chin lifted, her voice low but vibrating with a rage that threatened to crack the marble floor. ¡°I warned you. Every insult she spits at my parents earns her a blow. She still owes me one more.¡± Leander stepped forward, shoulders squared. ¡°I won¡¯t allow you toy another finger on her.¡± Quinn did not flinch. ¡°And what if I decide I must?¡± He nted himself in front of Serena, arms spread as though he could shield the entire world. ¡°She belongs to the Fane family,¡± he said evenly. ¡°You can¡¯t do whatever you want with her.¡± Until Serena delivered the stem¨Ccell donation Lena needed to stay alive, nothing could be allowed to happen to her. That single fact hammered through Leander¡¯s brain louder than the throbbing in his gut. Quinn¡¯s fist pivoted mid¨Cair and crashed into Leander¡¯s stomach. The impact sounded like a dull drumbeat inside the ss lobby. Quinn¡¯s voice trembled, yet every word shed. ¡°Rowan, those are our parents¡ª the ones who gave you life and raised you. You know your own blood. How can you stand idle while strangers disgrace them? If their souls still hover above us, watching, do you think they can rest with you shielding the one who taunts their memory?¡± Misted tears swam in Quinn¡¯s amber eyes, threatening to spill yet refusing to grant her the mercy of blindness. She could excuse anything¨Chis hidden burdens, the amnesia that had stolen his past, all of it. But she could not, would not, ept that he would stand in front of her and defend the mouth that dirtied their parents¡® names. Leander doubled over but refused to stagger back, swallowing the wave of pain as though it were penance long overdue. A sharp, pulsing ache fanned out from his abdomen, each throb reminding him of 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 375 Insulting A Martyr her outrage. : 50 +10 Free Coins Yet the hurt in her eyes¨Cand the usations threaded through her voice¨Cbroke him far more than any aching muscle. Serena scrambled to her feet, hair disheveled yet smile vicious. ¡°How dare you strike Leander! You¡¯re finished, Quinn. The Fane family will ruin you for this.¡± She was merely a cousin from a coteral line, but Leander¨Con paper, at least- stood as the sole son of the Fane patriarch. Laura stepped forward, seething. ¡°The Fanes can¡¯t touch Quinn here. This is Azania, not Celosia! Remember that before you threaten her.¡± Serena jabbed a finger at the circle of uniformed security guards. ¡°She hit someone. That¡¯s a fact. All of you saw it. These men are witnesses. Are you nning to twist the truth for her?¡± Laura snorted. ¡°Twist what? You insulted her parents first, you poisonous little viper!¡± One of the guards stepped forward, voice diplomatic. ¡°Miss, perhaps you should apologize to Ms. Fane before this esctes further.¡± After all, everyone working the lobby knew Serena¡¯s pedigree; she had drifted in and out of the building all week, unting it like a badge. Quinn¡¯s renced across the space to Serena. ¡°Apologize? To her? She isn¡¯t worthy.¡± Color rushed into Serena¡¯s cheeks, fury and humiliation colliding in a single hot wave. At that moment, a convoy of ck sedans glided to a stop at the building¡¯s grand entrance. The security team snapped to attention, forming two neat lines to wee whoever was about to emerge. 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 375 Insulting A Martyr 49 +10 Free Coins When the rear door swung wide and a familiar silhouette unfolded from the leather interior, Quinn¡¯s spine locked rigid. It was Julius. The razor¨Ccut midnight suit hugged his tall frame, and the chill in his sculpted features made the temperature in the lobby dip a sudden degree. He stood only a few steps away¨Cso close she could have counted the golden flecks in his eyes. Just days earlier, they had shared the same windswept ind, the silence between them broken only by the surf. Yet, now, an invisible wall rose between them. He felt suddenly remote, a continent she could no longer reach. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn!¡± Serena hurried forward, her heels clicking like tiny gavel strikes. ¡°That woman attacked Leander and me right outside your building. We were invited here as honored guests of the Whitethorn family. Surely you won¡¯t let her get away with it.¡± ¡°It was a misunderstanding, nothing more,¡± Leander said as he joined them, his tone aiming for calm even while tension pulsed in his jaw. ¡°Misunderstanding?¡± Serena¡¯sugh was sharp enough to split ss. ¡°She hit me, Leander¨Ckicked me. I¡¯m getting a medical exam the moment we leave. And when you stepped in to help, she struck you too, then dared to call you her brother. What sister beats her own brother?¡± She then looked at Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, you aren¡¯t involved with this Quinn Bridger, are you? Don¡¯t tell me you n to shield her and sweep everything under the rug.¡± Julius¡® eyes¨Ccool, eagle¨Cbright¨Cflicked toward Quinn for the briefest beat. ¡°She and I share no connection,¡± he said, voice t as winter stone. Relief shed across Serena¡¯s face. She straightened, victory lighting her smile. Today, she told herself, Quinn would finally be ruined. ¡°Julius, you¡¯re not seriously taking her side, are you?¡± Laura called out. ¡°Do you even know why Quinn hit Serena?¡± 49 +10 Free Coins ¡°I have no interest in the why,¡± Julius replied. He turned to the nearest security guard. ¡°Call the police. Let them handle it.¡± ¡°At once, sir.¡± The guard dipped his head and moved off, phone already in hand. ¡°Security cameras caught the whole thing, didn¡¯t they?¡± Serena¡¯s smile widened, malice glittering behind perfectshes. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re finished.¡± Leander¡¯s brow tightened. ¡°Serena, this doesn¡¯t need to go that far.¡± ¡°Leander!¡± She stamped a heel. ¡°I¡¯m your sister. I¡¯m the one you¡¯re supposed to protect.¡± Leander¡¯s rebuttal caught in his throat. Words failed him, hanging there like birds afraid to leap. Quinn met Serena¡¯s re, her expression carved from calm granite. ¡°We¡¯ll see who¡¯s finished. Do you understand the penalty in Azania for insulting a fallen war hero?¡± Military 376 Chapter 376 Unforgivable Insult Chapter 376 Unforgivable Insult 49 +10 Free Coins ¡°War hero? Please. Are your parents supposed to be heroes now? They must not have amounted to much. That title is probably fake anyway-¡± p! Julius¡® handshed out, the sound of palm on skin echoing off the ss fa?ade. Serena lurched sideways under the force of the p. She staggered, nearly copsing, one hand scrambling for bnce. Blood blossomed at the corner of her lips, a thin scarlet ribbon sliding down her chin. The courtyard froze. No one¨CLaura, Leander, not even Quinn¨Chad seen thating. Shock rippled across every face. Triumph drained from Serena¡¯s eyes, reced by raw disbelief. ¡°You¡­ How could you-¡± Her voice quavered as she pressed trembling fingers to her burning cheek. ¡°Seems the Fane family failed to teach you what can and cannot be said in Azania,¡± Julius murmured, each syble clipped and lethal. Fabian stepped forward with a linen handkerchief. Julius wiped his palm, as though cleansing it of filth he refused to carry. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn¡­ you just said you had nothing to do with Quinn,¡± Serena whispered, fighting the sting in her cheek. ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Julius answered, calm returning to his voice. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t grant you permission to dishonor this nation¡¯s heroes,¡± He looked back at Fabian. ¡°When the police arrive, make sure they hear that as well. If she wants to sue me for striking her, let her try.¡± Fabian dipped his chin. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± 18:55 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 376 Unforgivable Insult 49 +10 Free Coins Serena finally felt real fear seep beneath her wless makeup; her pulse hammered against her throat. ¡°No, you can¡¯t do this! I¡­ I¡¯m from the Fane family, an honored guest personally invited by the Whitethorns. If you hand me over to the police, the Fane family will never let it rest!¡± Julius turned his eyes on Leander, the chill in them enough to frost ss. ¡°Unless the Fane family strikes Serena¡¯s name from its ledger, the Whitethorns will never again do business with you. And that is only the beginning. In Clusia, every enterprise connected to the Fanes will discover the Whitethorns have cut all ties.¡± Leander blinked, lost. ¡°What?¡± Terror peeled across Serena¡¯s face, whitening her lips. Impossible! All because of a few careless words, Julius is ready to ruin me? He would force my family to disown me and then cklist us across the nation! It¡¯s¡­ beyond absurd¨C even! The panic sharpened into spite, and before she could stop herself, Serena screamed. ¡°Do you love that cheap little nobody Quinn Bridger? Is that why you¡¯re jumping to defend her?¡± A collective intake of breath swept the crowd; every pair of eyes pivoted to Julius. Hisshes flicked, nothing more. ¡°I don¡¯t love her. But that doesn¡¯t stop me from finding you intolerable.¡± With that, Julius turned away, his stride unhurried as he vanished through the revolving doors of the building. Fabian hurried after him, bafflement pounding in his chest. I¡¯ve served Mr. Whitethorn for years. The man who ims no heart has always loved Quinn Bridger more fiercely than life itself. Yet he just said he doesn¡¯t love her. What on earth happened on that ind? He recalled the day Julius ordered him to fetch Quinn from the ind; even then, Fabian had sensed a rupture. At the time, he assumed it was nothing but a lover¡¯s quarrel; never had he imagined Julius would deny her in public. Is this even possible? Chapter 376 Unforgivable Insult : Quinn watched Julius¡® retreating back. Tears rose in her eyes. 49 +10 Free Coins Moments ago, she could not have guessed that after such a brutal breakup, he would still shield her parents¡® honor. He had even hurled that merciless ultimatum at the Fanes. Whatever choice the family made, Serena¡¯s future would be anything butfortable. Laura murmured, almost to herself, ¡°I never would have thought it¨CJulius is still looking out for you, even after the split.¡± A minute earlier, she had been furious, convinced Julius nned to side with Serena. The sudden reversal had struck so hard that Laura nearly apuded. ¡°He has always held deep respect for martyrs,¡± Quinn whispered. She remembered the funeral home, the way Julius had bowed to her parents¡® urns without anyone prompting him. That gesture hade from marrow¨Cdeep discipline and a love of country no scandal could tarnish. The Whitethorns were called mad by many, she mused, yet perhaps it took a touch of madness to live with such upromising conviction. Yet whenever the stakes were highest, when right confronted wrong, they had never once faltered. ¡°Go on inside before the bidding deadline slips past,¡± Quinn said, her tone calm yet urgent. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and wait for the officers.¡± After all, she had been the one who struck first. ¡°But¡­¡± Laura began, worry filling her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m not a child, Laura. I can handle this alone.¡± Chapter 376 Unforgivable Insult Only then did Laura enter the building. 49 +10 Free Coins At that moment, Serena clutched Leander¡¯s sleeve, her knuckles white with panic. ¡°I can¡¯t be thrown out of the family,¡± she hissed. ¡°Save me. If I fall, I¡¯ll take you with me!¡± 18:56 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 377 The Consequences Military 377 Leander¡¯s lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line. 49 +10 Free Coins Julius¡® ultimatum echoed in his mind. If the Fane family hoped to enter the Azanian market, they had to abandon Serena. In the past, her fate would have meant nothing to him. Now he needed her alive. Without Serena, Lena would die. ¡°Quinn,¡± Leander said, turning to her with strainedposure, ¡°Serena only spoke a few careless words. She does not deserve such harsh punishment. If you would plead with Mr. Whitethorn on her behalf, the Fane family will¡­¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t want me hitting you again, stop talking,¡± Quinn cut him off. ¡°You will regret these words once your memory returns, because¡ª¡± Her gaze locked on his. ¡°You would sooner die than tolerate anyone who dishonors your parents.¡± For an instant, Leander felt his blood freeze. A fierce curiosity red. He suddenly wanted to know what kind of man he had been. Minutester, the officers arrived, and Quinn, Leander, and Serena were taken to the police station to give their statements. While Quinn was answering questions, Weston swept into the station, his immactely tailored suit cutting through the fluorescent gloom. ¡°I represent Ms. Quinn Bridger,¡± he told the duty officer. Quinn stared at him in surprise. ¡°Why are you here?¡± Weston¡¯s fees were legendary, well beyond anything she could casually afford. ¡°Laura called. She said you were in trouble and asked me to help,¡± Weston replied. ¡°You didn¡¯t have toe yourself. Any attorney from your firm would have 18:56 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 377 The Consequences sufficed,¡± Quinn said. : ¡°She asked specifically for me, so I came,¡± Weston answered. Quinn arched a brow. ¡°I can¡¯t afford your rates.¡± ¡°No fee. You¡¯re her friend,¡± he said. 49 +10 Free Coins Quinn studied him, brow furrowed. ¡°You and Laura are bound only by a contract. Do you really need to go this far for her friends?¡± Weston¡¯s brows drew together. ¡°She told you?¡± ¡°She did. Whatever lies between you two, don¡¯t hurt her. If a year from now she wants to leave, I expect you to let her go, Mr. Windore.¡± Weston let out a dry, brittleugh. ¡°Quinn, what makes you so sure I¡¯m the one who¡¯ll hurt her? Perhaps she¡¯ll be the one who hurts me.¡± Letting go? The idea never even grazed his mind. Instead, his grip¨Con fate, on her, on the entire, tangled mess¨Conly tightened. Quinn froze, breath catching in her throat. At that same moment, Serena and Leander finished giving their statements to the weary desk sergeant. Serena spotted Quinn across the lobby; fury red, and she lurched forward. Leander caught her wrist. ¡°Do you want to spend the night in a cell? The man standing beside her is Jexburgh¡¯s most famouswyer, Weston Windore.¡± ¡°What?¡± Serena¡¯s voice cracked; for a heartbeat she stood frozen, jealousy slicing through the stupor. What does Quinn have that I don¡¯t? First Julius Whitethorn casts me out because of her, and now Jexburgh¡¯s top attorney shields her? This is impossible. Leander stepped up to Quinn, shoulders squared. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for today.¡± ¡°You owe that apology to our parents, not to me,¡± Quinn answered, her voice low but steady. 18:56 Mon, Sep 8 Chapter 377 The Consequences The words darkened Leander¡¯s face. He said nothing more and guided the seething Serena toward the exit. Weston angled his head. ¡°He¡¯s your brother?¡± 49 +10 Free Coins He remembered Han mentioning that Quinn had tracked down her brother Rowan while in Doria. ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn said, a bitter smile flickering. ¡°He simply refuses to acknowledge it.¡± Yet whether Rowan epted that truth or not, she would still bring him to their parents¡® graves. Outside the station, Leander slipped into the driver¡¯s seat. His phone rang the instant he turned the key. It was Everett Fane. ¡°Is Serena with you?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Bring her to see me.¡± Leander hesitated, heartbeat thudding, then replied, ¡°All right.¡± When the call ended, Serena¡¯s hands trembled. ¡°Mr. Everett wants to see me? Does he know what happened today?¡± Leander started the engine. ¡°Whether he knows or not, we¡¯ll find out soon.¡± Serena clenched her skirt so hard her knuckles nched. I will not be banished from the Fane family, Never. They stepped into Everett¡¯s study, thick with cedar and quiet authority. The patriarch sat upon a low leather couch, eyes sealed, prayer beads sliding rhythmically through his fingers. Leander¡¯s gaze fell on the beads. Legend said he had sought those beads at a church decades ago while searching for his missing sister, and he had worn them ever since. Minutes crawled by before Everett finally opened his eyes¨Csharp, unforgiving¡ª ¡­ 49 Chapter 377 The Consequences and fixed them on Serena. +10 Free Coins ¡°Call a press conference in Celosia,¡± he said. ¡°Erase Serena Fane from our lineage records. From this day forward, her actions are no concern of the Fane family.¡±¡± Military 378 Chapter 378 Stripped Of Protection ? 33 ) +20 Free Coins Serena¡¯s heart mmed against her ribs. A cold wave of dread spread through her limbs, leaving her knees hollow and her breath thin. ¡°No¨Cplease, not that. I¡­ I cannot be erased from the Fane family. Uncle Everett, I beg you, spare me this once.¡± Everett regarded her with a face carved from stone. Not a muscle shifted. ¡°So you expect the Fane family to make an enemy of the Whitethorns and surrender the entire Azanian market just for you?¡± Serena fell silent, the truth slicing her deeper than any insult. She knew she was worth far less to the n than the contracts waiting in Azania. ¡°Julius Whitethorn is targeting us on purpose. If all I did was mutter a few insults about Quinn¡¯s parents, why is he turning the world upside down?¡± Everett¡¯s voice cut like frost. ¡°I already looked into it. Quinn¡¯s parents died as national war heroes. You stood on Azanian soil and mocked them. Were you nning to have the whole Fane family carry that outrage for you? You are finished here. Go back to Celosia.¡± Back to Celosia? The very thought made Serena¡¯s stomach twist into knots. If she returned now, every path to redemption would m shut behind her. Expulsion from the Fane family meant exile from Celosia¡¯s elite. Even her own parents would abandon her to fend for herself. ¡°Uncle Everett, I-¡± The words snagged in her throat, shredded by fear. ¡°Leave.¡± Everett¡¯s tone allowed no argument. He closed his eyes, fingers rolling the beads in an unbroken circle. Serena gritted her teeth and followed Leander out of the suite. prayer ¡°I cannot be cast out of the family,¡± she shouted at Leander. ¡°Whatever it takes, you must make Julius withdraw those words.¡± ¡°What power do you imagine I have that could force Julius to swallow his statement?¡± Leander asked, looking at her near¨Chysterical face. ¡°He is only doing this because of Quinn. Go to Quinn. Aren¡¯t you her brother? She will agree to anything you ask!¡± Serena said anxiously. 16:56 Tue, Sep 9 Chapter 378 Stripped Of Protection : 33 +20 Free Coins ¡°And yet you kept insisting I am not her brother at all,¡± Leander replied. ¡°You imed I was yours.¡± Blood drained from Serena¡¯s cheeks. She had wanted Leander to stay in the family; once he held real influence, she could bend him to her will. Given the right moment, she even dreamed of carrying Leander¡¯s child. A single pregnancy could shift the bnce of power. After all, though Serena hailed from a branch line, Fane blood still ran in her veins. Leander, adopted and nameless, shared no such tie. ¡°If they drive me out, Lena dies with me,¡± Serena hissed. ¡°She saved your life in Doria. Without her, you would have died there instead of living thisfortable life.¡± Leander¡¯s lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line. Five years earlier, he had awakened in a foreign hospital bed, memory wiped clean. In those tortured, shapeless days, Lena had been his first constant, sitting beside him until the nightmares loosened their grip. She was the one person he could never forsake. ¡°I understand. I will speak to Quinn, but you will keep Lena alive.¡± Without another word, Leander turned and walked away. Serena¡¯s teeth tore at her lower lip, anger clotting inside her chest. In a single day, her world had flipped end over end. All because of Quinn. Without that woman, none of this would be happening. By the time Laura returned to thepany, she discovered that Quinn was already back. Without bothering to shed her coat, Laura marched straight to Quinn¡¯s desk. ¡°How is it? What did the police say?¡± Quinn lifted her head, expression calm. ¡°With Weston handling it, nothing serious can touch me. The punch was justified; at most, I¡¯ll owe some medical bills. Honestly, it¡¯s Serena Fane who should be afraid.¡± Laura nodded. ¡°After Serena¡¯s stunt today, the police will be after her, and even the Fane family won¡¯t stomach the embarrassment. If they want to keep their foothold in this region, Chapter 378 Stripped Of Protection 33 +20 Free Coins they¡¯ll throw her out¨Cno hesitation. That said, answer me straight, Quinn¨Cdid you really break up with Julius Whitethorn?¡± Quinn forced a dryugh, though hurt lingered at the edge of her voice. ¡°Do you think I¡¯d joke about something like that? You heard him today¨CJulius said he doesn¡¯t love me anymore.¡± Laura crossed her arms and began to pace. ¡°Yet if he truly felt nothing, would he move against the entire Fane family on your behalf? If they refuse to yield, it bes war¨Ctwo empires colliding. Even if the Whitethorns win, the losses will be massive.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze,shes casting delicate shadows across her cheeks. She understood every ounce of Laura¡¯s logic. Still, she no longer trusted that she and Julius could survive the distance already yawning between them. Worst of all, the way he had looked at her that afternoon¨Cdetached, almost polite¡ªmade it painfully clear he might have already let their love slip away. Military 379 Chapter 379 I Am On Your Side Chapter 379 I Am On Your Side 33 +20 Free Coins Laura reached out, squeezing Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Whatever you decide, I¡¯m on your side¨Cno questions asked.¡± Quinn inhaled, steering the conversation toward safer ground. ¡°What about the Whitethorn Group procurement bid? When will the three¨Cparty quote results be announced?¡± Laura consulted the tablet in her hand. ¡°Three days. If wend it, we¡¯ll also receive invites to the Whitethorn Group annual g.¡± The g was more than apany party. Suppliers, partner conglomerates, and anyone orbiting the Whitethorn sphere sent delegates in glittering gowns and faultless tuxedos. For ambitious executives, it was a hunting ground for contacts, alliances, and whispered deals. Laura straightened with visible pride. ¡°I¡¯m confident in our product¡ªand we refined it using your design. The new process trims costs by five percent. Unless Whitethorn Group is blind, they¡¯ll choose us.¡± Five percent might sound small, yet on a mass¨Cproduction scale, it tranted to savings that could tilt the bnce sheet of an empire. Quinn offered a muted nod, refusing to let her anticipation show. ¡°Let¡¯s hope.¡± She trusted her redesign, but the final decision still rested with Julius. Just then, a young secretary hurried over, breathless. ¡°Ms. Bridger, there¡¯s a visitor asking for you. He says his name is Leander Fane.¡± Quinn froze, surprise flickering across her features. Beside her, Laura¡¯s brows shot up in equal disbelief. Rowan¡¯s looking for Quinn? Quinn collected herself. ¡°Take him to the conference room.¡± The secretary nodded briskly and hurried off. Laura muttered under her breath. ¡°Why would your brother want to see you now? Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s here to plead for Serena.¡± Quinn considered, her voice even. ¡°Whether that¡¯s it or not, we¡¯ll know soon enough.¡± A few minutester, Quinn stepped into the conference room. Leander was already waiting, 16:56 Tue, Sep 9 Chapter 379 I Am On Your Side hands folded neatly on the polished table. : ¡°You came about Serena Fane, didn¡¯t you?¡± Quinn said, cutting straight to the chase. 33 +20 Free Coins Leander rose, eyes steady. ¡°Yes. I hope you¡¯ll forgive her this once, and¨Cmore importantly¨CI need you to persuade Julius not to have her expelled from the Fane family.¡± Quinn¡¯s dark eyes zed, her shoulders squared as though bracing for recoil. ¡°So she really is a little sister to you, huh? She matters that much? Enough that, after she drags Dad and Mom through the mud, you still pardon her without blinking¨Cstill throw yourself forward to plead for her?¡± Leander¡¯s voice came out hushed, almost t. ¡°Nothing can happen to her right now.¡± Not before Serena finishes the stem¨Ccell donation that could keep Lena alive. Quinn frowned. ¡°And why, exactly, can¡¯t anything happen to her right now?¡± He drew a breath deep enough to stretch his ribs. ¡°If you still recognize me as your brother, I need you to make Julius take back what he said. Let Serena stay with the family. Please.¡± Quinn replied, ¡°If so, thene with me.¡± Leander¡¯s brow tightened. ¡°To where?¡± ¡°The Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden in Yarburn,¡± Quinn said, pocketing the keys and slinging her bag across one shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s where Dad and Mom are buried. You lost your memories¨Cdo you at least remember how to drive?¡± Leander pressed his lips together. ¡°I may have lost my memories, but I can still work a wheel.¡± ¡°Perfect. We¡¯ll drive straight to Yarburn. The GPS will keep us honest, and we¡¯ll trade seats along the way. If we leave now, we¡¯ll see Yarburn by dawn.¡± Leander answered with silence, a slow nod that consented without surrender. Before leaving, Quinn paused to inform Laura. Laura¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°You¡¯re driving to Yarburn with your brother? All night?¡± ¡°Dad and Mom worried about him to theirst breath,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Whether he still remembers them or not, he owes them a visit.¡± Laura chewed her lip. ¡°Just the two of you, driving through the night¨Cwon¡¯t that be exhausting?¡± 16:56 Tue, Sep 9 Chapter 379 I Am On Your Side 33 +20 Free Coins ¡°I¡¯ve handled worse.¡± Quinn smiled. During field missions, forty¨Ceight sleepless hours had been routine. A night behind a windshield was child¡¯s y. Minutester, she led Leander across the lot to her sedan. She imed the driver¡¯s seat for the first stretch. Leander settled beside her, expressionless, offering no clue to the storm or stillness inside. As the city lights thinned, Quinn spoke into the quiet. ¡°Yarburn is our hometown.¡± Leander¡¯s gaze dropped to his knees. ¡°Is it?¡± ¡°It was the four of us¨Cyou, me, Dad, Mom. We lived in Yarburn when we were little. Later, Dad¡¯s work pulled us to Jexburgh, but we¡¯d still go back whenever we could.¡± Mile after mile, Quinn began threading the lost years together¨Cbirthday cakes gone lopsided, snowball wars in the narrow alley, the day the family dog vanished and returned with a stolen shoe. Leander sat in still absorption, drinking the stories as if they were water after drought. ¡°Because of Dad, you vowed since young to be a soldier. You were my hero, so after high school, I enrolled at the National Defense University, then joined the service myself.¡± A crease formed between Leander¡¯s brows. ¡°Then why are you¡­¡± Military 380 Chapter 380 Only One Left : 33 +20 Free Coins Quinn¡¯s voice lowered. ¡°You vanished. Dad and Mom died. I was the only one left. Their biggest regret had been that neither of us married or had kids. After they passed, I left the service and chose marriage.¡± Yet when she was at her weakest, the hand she reached for turned out to be the wrong one. Leander blinked. ¡°You mean¡­ you didn¡¯t marry Julius Whitethorn?¡± ¡°His name was Trent Grafton.¡± Quinn let the name roll off her tongue the way one might flick dust from a sleeve. ¡°Five months ago, I divorced him.¡± Leander¡¯s fingers tightened around the steering wheel before he found his voice. ¡°That man¡ª Trent Grafton¨Cwas he cruel to you? Did he make you suffer?¡± ¡°Cruel? No. Just¡­ insufficient.¡± She stared through the windshield as if the night road could swallow the memory. ¡°I was the convenient second choice when his first dream slipped away. He hungered for things I could never give, while what I needed rested forever beyond his reach. Three years of marriage were nothing but my own private performance¨Cme apuding myself in an empty theater¨Cso I chose divorce and walked out before the apuse finally died.¡± ¡°A man like that,¡± Leander muttered, voice like gravel sliding over metal, ¡°doesn¡¯t deserve you.¡± A thin, almost yful scoff escaped Quinn. ¡°If you still had your memories, you¡¯d be itching to track Trent down and teach him a lesson with your own two fists.¡± Leander¡¯s jaw set, the tendons in his neck standing out beneath the dashboard glow. ¡°What if the memories nevere back? Would you still call me your brother then?¡± Quinn murmured, ¡°My brother is, aside from our parents, the person who has loved me most in this world. From the moment I took my first breath, he has shielded me. He would trade his life for mine without hesitation, and I would do the same for him. A man like that, if he ever regains what he¡¯s lost, will look back on certain choices he¡¯s making now and ache with regret. I refuse to stand by and let my brother live with that kind of regret. So instead of asking whether I¡¯ll still im you, ask yourself this¨Cdo you want to live as Rowan Bridger or as Leander Fane?¡± Silence folded over the car like an extrayer of night. When they rolled into a highway service area, Quinn climbed out, filled the tank, then leaned in through the open door. ¡°Your turn. Two hours behind the wheel.¡± 16:57 Tue, Sep 9 Chapter 380 Only One Left ¡°All right,¡± he said. : 33 +20 Free Coins They switched seats, the shuffle of limbs and clicking of seat belts loud in the otherwise still air. Quinn watched him settle into the driver¡¯s position. Even stripped of memory, his hands found the wheel with the same sure elegance, his knuckles turning white at the exact curve of leather they always had. Her brother had always been a gifted driver. Years ago, when she first learned, it was his calm instruction that kept her from jerking the clutch or stalling the engine. By the time the headlights carved into Yarburn¡¯s sleeping streets, it was well past midnight and the city was little more than a hushed constetion of streemps. Quinn opened her door, a rush of cold air pping her cheeks awake. ¡°We¡¯ll grab a motel for the night,¡± she said. ¡°At first light, we head to the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden.¡± Leander¡¯s hand hovered over the key before he asked, ¡°How did Mom and Dad die?¡± The question belonged to Rowan, not the man who answered to Leander Fane. ¡°Three years ago, they were on a Peacekeeping Force mission overseas.¡± Her voice roughened, every word scraped from the bottom of her lungs. ¡°They died protecting each other, locked in an embrace so tight the medics couldn¡¯t separate their bodies. They were cremated together abroad, and only their ashes came home.¡± Leander swallowed, voice barely more than breath. ¡°When you went to collect the ashes¡­ did someone go with you?¡± ¡°No,¡± she answered, the single syble soft yet absolute. She could still picture herself standing alone on the parade ground of the Yarburn Army Base, the urns cradled in her arms, the wind whipping her coat against her knees. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Leander whispered, as though anything louder might break her. ¡°I went alone, but the country did not abandon them. When I carried the ashes from Jexburgh back to Yarburn, half the base lined the road to salute. On the day we buried them, even more came to see themid to rest. I stood before their tombstones and swore that as long as I drew breath, I would find you. I would bring you home so we could honor them together, and they could finally rest easy¡± Leander¡¯s lips formed words that never escaped. The only sound was the brittle inhale he could not steady. 16:57 Tue, Sep 9 Chapter 380 Only One Left 32 +20 Free Coins ¡°Your disappearance was the wound they carried to their graves. After that mission, they nned to search the border again for you, but fate robbed them of the chance.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was hoarse. ¡°You are Rowan Bridger,¡± she said. ¡°Son of Montague Bridger and Arlene Gurney. My brother. A soldier sworn to this nation. You stand for honor and for family. If anyone dared nder our parents, you would never let it pass. Tell me, Rowan, can a man like that truly beg mercy for someone like Serena Fane?¡± The words mmed into Leander¡¯s ears like rolling thunder. For a heartbeat, he swore his eardrums trembled, a raw ache blooming deep inside his skull. He clenched his jaw so tightly his mrs groaned, as though invisible ws were raking at something buried within him. ¡°Or is it something else entirely? Did Serena Fane catch you in her ws, ckmailing you ¡°Or into shielding her?¡± Quinn held his gaze, refusing to blink. Military 381 He finally spoke, each sybl Chapter 381 No Turning Back +10 Free Coins He finally spoke, each syble dragged from the pit of his chest. ¡°I¡­ have someone I must save. Serena Fane is the only one who can do it.¡± Quinn froze, her breath snagging mid¨Cinhale. During her private investigation months earlier, Quinn had traced a hazy trail back to Rowan¡¯s lost years in Doria. There, a lone woman had reached for him when no one else would, then pleaded with Margaret¨Con a charity tour in Doria¨Cto pay for Rowan¡¯s treatment. Rowan was soonbeled the Fane family¡¯s hidden son, and the woman left with him for Celosia, her body already too frail to escape a hospital ward. The file had noted her battle with leukemia, a fight that kept her permanently tethered to IV lines. Could she be the life Rowan meant to save? The name crept back from memory: Lena Durand. ¡°Tell me straight¨Cthis person you can¡¯t abandon, is it Lena Durand?¡± Quinn asked. Leander offered a bitter smile. ¡°Yes. I have to save her.¡± He was not surprised she knew. If Quinn had stolen his DNA for a test, she would have peeled back everyyer of his past, including the people knotted tight around it. ¡°But why do you think Serena can help? She¡¯s no surgeon, no oncologist,¡± Quinn said, the pieces rearranging themselves behind her eyes. ¡°Wait¨CSerena¡¯s stem cells match Lena¡¯s, don¡¯t they?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Leander¡¯s tone was t. ¡°If anything happens to Serena, Lena dies.¡± Quinn fell silent, a heavy pause settling between them like fog. ¡°That¡¯s everything you wanted to know. It¡¯ste¨Cget some rest.¡± Leander turned away. They left the car and took adjoining rooms in a roadside motel, the night swallowing whatever remained unsaid. At dawn, Quinn stepped outside, ready to drive to Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, and found Leander waiting by the hood, cradling two bundles of flowers. Her brows lifted, surprise flickering across her eyes. ¡°We can¡¯t visit them empty¨Chanded,¡± he murmured. 17:31 Wed, Sep 10 40 Chapter 381 No Turning Back +10 Free Coins He possessed no memories of his parents, only stretches of darkness. Yet when Quinn spoke of themst night, a sharp, inexplicable ache pierced his chest, as though muscle remembered what the mind had lost. Learning they had died abroad three years earlier¨Cand that Quinn alone had weed their returning ashes¨Csent a tide of guilt crashing through him. The body, it seemed, kept its own cruel ledger. Without another word, Quinn drove. The car hummed toward the memorial garden while the rising sun burned off the morning mist. Inside the hush of the garden, theyid the flowers before the twin headstones of Montague and Arlene, then stood side by side, hands sped before them. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯ve brought Rowan to see you,¡± Quinn whispered, the petals rustling in the breeze. ¡°He¡¯s alive. He¡¯s lost his memories, but I believe one day everything will return to him. Rest easy, both of you.¡± Leander Fane stared at the ck¨Cand¨Cwhite photograph fixed to the granite headstone. The frozen smiles belonged to his parents¨Cwar heroes who hadid down their lives for Azania. For so many years he had believed he was an unwanted child, a castaway with no roof to call home and no blood to im him. Yet the truth stood here in marble and morning light: he had always had a family, and his parents were people any son could hold his head high for. And he still had a sister. Leander cast a quick nce at Quinn, who stood quietly beside him the entire time. He understood that his guarded heart had yielded to her the moment she stepped in front of a bullet meant for him. But reason whispered its warnings¨Che could not walk away from the Fane family now, and under no circumstance could he allow anything to happen to Serena. ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± Leander murmured, his voice scraping like gravel against the dawn¨Ccold air. ¡°I¡¯m finally home¡­ and I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°What are you apologizing to them for?¡± Quinn asked, studying his profile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t return sooner¨Csorry I wasn¡¯t beside you when Quinn brought our parents¡® ashes home,¡± Leander said,ying the small bouquet of flowers against the stone. He then dropped to his knees, spine straight, and bowed three times until his forehead cracked Chapter 381 No Turning Back against the frost¨Cdamp earth. Thud! Thud! Thud! : 40 +10 Free Coins Each dull report rang through Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, unnervingly crisp in the morning hush. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for this, too. Someone has been ndering Mom and Dad, yet I¡­ I still have to shield her. If you want to call me a monster, go ahead.¡± Leander turned to look at Quinn. ¡°Lena saved your life. You¡¯re simply repaying a debt¨CI understand. I can reach an agreement with Serena at the police station, but when ites to Julius, there is nothing I can say. He and I have broken up; he won¡¯t listen to me now.¡± ¡°Wait. You actually had a rtionship with Julius Whitethorn?¡± Leander asked, astonishment ring in his eyes. ¡°After my divorce, we dated briefly,¡± Quinn admitted without evasion. ¡°If Julius bes an obstacle, I¡¯ll find another path,¡± Leander promised. ¡°I¡¯ll try. Lena saved you-she¡¯s our family¡¯s benefactor, and I want her alive as much as e dragged from the pit of his chest. ¡°I¡­ have someone I must save. Serena Fane is the only one who can do it.¡± Quinn froze, her breath snagging mid¨Cinhale. During her private investigation months earlier, Quinn had traced a hazy trail back to Rowan¡¯s lost years in Doria. There, a lone woman had reached for him when no one else would, then pleaded with Margaret¨Con a charity tour in Doria¨Cto pay for Rowan¡¯s treatment. Rowan was soonbeled the Fane family¡¯s hidden son, and the woman left with him for Celosia, her body already too frail to escape a hospital ward. The file had noted her battle with leukemia, a fight that kept her permanently tethered to IV lines. Could she be the life Rowan meant to save? The name crept back from memory: Lena Durand. ¡°Tell me straight¨Cthis person you can¡¯t abandon, is it Lena Durand?¡± Quinn asked. Leander offered a bitter smile. ¡°Yes. I have to save her.¡± He was not surprised she knew. If Quinn had stolen his DNA for a test, she would have peeled back everyyer of his past, including the people knotted tight around it. ¡°But why do you think Serena can help? She¡¯s no surgeon, no oncologist,¡± Quinn said, the pieces rearranging themselves behind her eyes. ¡°Wait¨CSerena¡¯s stem cells match Lena¡¯s, don¡¯t they?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Leander¡¯s tone was t. ¡°If anything happens to Serena, Lena dies.¡± Quinn fell silent, a heavy pause settling between them like fog. ¡°That¡¯s everything you wanted to know. It¡¯ste¨Cget some rest.¡± Leander turned away. They left the car and took adjoining rooms in a roadside motel, the night swallowing whatever remained unsaid. At dawn, Quinn stepped outside, ready to drive to Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, and found Leander waiting by the hood, cradling two bundles of flowers. Her brows lifted, surprise flickering across her eyes. ¡°We can¡¯t visit them empty¨Chanded,¡± he murmured. 17:31 Wed, Sep 10 40 Chapter 381 No Turning Back +10 Free Coins He possessed no memories of his parents, only stretches of darkness. Yet when Quinn spoke of themst night, a sharp, inexplicable ache pierced his chest, as though muscle remembered what the mind had lost. Learning they had died abroad three years earlier¨Cand that Quinn alone had weed their returning ashes¨Csent a tide of guilt crashing through him. The body, it seemed, kept its own cruel ledger. Without another word, Quinn drove. The car hummed toward the memorial garden while the rising sun burned off the morning mist. Inside the hush of the garden, theyid the flowers before the twin headstones of Montague and Arlene, then stood side by side, hands sped before them. ¡°Dad, Mom, I¡¯ve brought Rowan to see you,¡± Quinn whispered, the petals rustling in the breeze. ¡°He¡¯s alive. He¡¯s lost his memories, but I believe one day everything will return to him. Rest easy, both of you.¡± Leander Fane stared at the ck¨Cand¨Cwhite photograph fixed to the granite headstone. The frozen smiles belonged to his parents¨Cwar heroes who hadid down their lives for Azania. For so many years he had believed he was an unwanted child, a castaway with no roof to call home and no blood to im him. Yet the truth stood here in marble and morning light: he had always had a family, and his parents were people any son could hold his head high for. And he still had a sister. Leander cast a quick nce at Quinn, who stood quietly beside him the entire time. He understood that his guarded heart had yielded to her the moment she stepped in front of a bullet meant for him. But reason whispered its warnings¨Che could not walk away from the Fane family now, and under no circumstance could he allow anything to happen to Serena. ¡°Mom, Dad,¡± Leander murmured, his voice scraping like gravel against the dawn¨Ccold air. ¡°I¡¯m finally home¡­ and I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°What are you apologizing to them for?¡± Quinn asked, studying his profile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t return sooner¨Csorry I wasn¡¯t beside you when Quinn brought our parents¡® ashes home,¡± Leander said,ying the small bouquet of flowers against the stone. He then dropped to his knees, spine straight, and bowed three times until his forehead cracked Chapter 381 No Turning Back against the frost¨Cdamp earth. Thud! Thud! Thud! : 40 +10 Free Coins Each dull report rang through Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden, unnervingly crisp in the morning hush. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for this, too. Someone has been ndering Mom and Dad, yet I¡­ I still have to shield her. If you want to call me a monster, go ahead.¡± Leander turned to look at Quinn. ¡°Lena saved your life. You¡¯re simply repaying a debt¨CI understand. I can reach an agreement with Serena at the police station, but when ites to Julius, there is nothing I can say. He and I have broken up; he won¡¯t listen to me now.¡± ¡°Wait. You actually had a rtionship with Julius Whitethorn?¡± Leander asked, astonishment ring in his eyes. ¡°After my divorce, we dated briefly,¡± Quinn admitted without evasion. ¡°If Julius bes an obstacle, I¡¯ll find another path,¡± Leander promised. ¡°I¡¯ll try. Lena saved you¨Cshe¡¯s our family¡¯s benefactor, and I want her alive as much as you do Military 382 Chapter 382 Burden Of Guilt Chapter 382 Burden Of Guilt She stopped, eyes heavy with guilt, and stared at the headstone. +10 Free Coins Despite Serena¡¯s insults, Quinn still had to seek a truce and even plead for the girl who had mocked her parents. As they left Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden and steered the car toward Jexburgh, Leander¡¯s phone vibrated with an iing call from the Fane family. Moments after he answered, the blood drained from his face. ¡°Everett Fane heard we visited the Memorial today. He wants us to meet him the moment we reach Jexburgh.¡± He turned to Quinn after hanging up. ¡°Us?¡± Quinn echoed, thrown off bnce. ¡°Yes. He wants to meet you,¡± Leander said. Quinn pressed her lips together. Perhaps it is time to meet the patriarch of the Fane family. ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± she said. ¡°But what about you? Will you stand before him as Leander Fane¨Cor as Rowan Bridger?¡± Leander fell silent for a moment, then spoke. ¡°Years ago, Lady Margaret saved me. Her support paid for my treatment. Without it, I wouldn¡¯t have survived a single month. Somehow, somewhere along the way, Lady Margaret fixed an idea in her heart. She decided I belonged to the Fane bloodline¨Cthat I was Mr. Everett Fane¡¯s son. Perhaps the illusion came from resemnce. Photographs of Everett in his youth look almost like mirrored versions of me.¡± Quinn stared at him, astonishment widening her eyes. ¡°But you¡¯re not. A simple DNA test would settle everything.¡± He let out a quiet breath, then said, ¡°Yes, everyone in the Fane family knows I¡¯m not. But no one dares speak the truth. Lady Margaret lost her daughter years ago. The shock damaged her mind, and age only deepened the haze. She can¡¯t bear Everett¡¯s being childless, so tearing away the lie would worsen her illness.¡± ¡°So you let thembel you Everett¡¯s illegitimate son?¡± Quinn asked. Leander dipped his head. ¡°I gave Everett my word. The Fane family saved my life. Until the day Lady Margaret closes her eyes forever, I will answer to the name Leander Fane.¡± Besides, after Lena fell gravely ill, the family¡¯s wealth became the only anchor he had to keep her treatment going. 17:31 Wed, Sep 10 Chapter 382 Burden Of Guilt $40 +10 Free Coins In that instant, rity dawned for Quinn. Now she finally sensed why her brother clung so fiercely to the borrowed identity even after reading the DNA test report that proved he was Rowan. By the time the two of them returned to Jexburgh, night had already draped the capital in velvet shadows. Inside the suite¡¯s reception lounge, Quinn came face¨Cto¨Cface with Everett, the family patriarch whose elegance was said to sheath a ruthless core. ¡°You must be Quinn,¡± Everett began, voice mild but carrying steel beneath it. ¡°When I heard you took a bullet for Leander in Doria, I knew I had to meet the person brave enough to shield him.¡± Quinn met his gaze without flinching, her back straight, her expression unreadable. Though he had crossed into his sixties, the man did indeed look like Rowan. Seen side by side, no stranger would doubt they were father and son. She imagined that in Everett¡¯s youth, the resemnce must have been even sharper¨Calmost unsettlingly so. ¡°I don¡¯t need the Fane family¡¯s gratitude,¡± she said, her voice firm. ¡°I saved my brother. That was nothing more than my duty.¡± ¡°Your brother?¡± Everett¡¯s eyes narrowed, a¡¯sliver of cold light glittering beneath hisshes. ¡°You and I both know the truth,¡± Quinn continued. ¡°He is Rowan Bridger¨Cmy brother.¡± Everett shifted his gaze to Leander. ¡°And you? Do you see yourself as Rowan Bridger or as Leander Fane?¡± Leander drew in a steadying breath. ¡°I am Rowan Bridger, son of Montague and Arlene, Quinn¡¯s elder brother. My memories may be gone, but that fact will never change.¡± A shadow crossed Everett¡¯s face. ¡°So you intend to live as Rowan?¡± ¡°I will not forget my promise,¡± Leander said. ¡°The Fane family saved both me and Lena. Until Lady Margaret¡¯s final day, I will answer to Leander- but only in front of her.¡± After listening to Quinn recount fragments of the childhood he had lost, he found the mask of Leander Fane growing unbearably tight. He could no longer pretend to be someone else entirely. ¡­ 40 Chapter 382 Burden Of Guilt +10 Free Coins His parents and sister had never stopped searching for him, refusing to give up even when hope seemed thin. Montague and Arlene had died with one great regret¨Cnever reuniting with their lost son. Everett¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°Only before Lady Margaret? So, everywhere else you¡¯ll be Rowan? You underestimate how quickly news reaches her. Within a month, she will know.¡± ¡°Then we must find another way to assure her I¡¯m still Leander,¡± he replied. Rolling the prayer beads between his fingers, Everett spoke slowly. ¡°Ms. Bridger, if you will ept the Fane family¡¯s gratitude, we can provide fifty million as a token of thanks. If you refuse¡­¡± 17:31 Wed, Sep 10 Military 383 Chapter 383 For Family 40 +10 Free Coins With a flick of Everett¡¯s hand, more than a dozen burly bodyguards burst from the shadows and formed an unbroken ring around Quinn. Leander¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Mr. Everett, what is the meaning of this?¡± ¡°I simply want you to understand¨Cwhen the Fane family chooses a target, wiping that person out is child¡¯s y,¡± Everett uttered the threat with a schr¡¯s grace, yet beneath the gentle tone coiled a faint, unmistakable hunger for blood. Quinn swept a cool gaze over the ring of bodyguards hemming her in, then lifted her chin toward Everett. ¡°So you¡¯ve decided, haven¡¯t you? My brother will never be allowed to im his own blood.¡± ¡°All my life, I¡¯ve cared for exactly two people. One is my mother. The other¡­ is my sister. For the sake of those two, I would torch cities, spill blood, raze the world itself. So, child, do not test how thin my patience can stretch.¡± The final words rang less like a warning and more like a loaded gun pressed to the ribs. Leander felt the chill first. He knew Everett never spoke idle threats. ¡°You cherish your family, Everett. I cherish mine as well. Yes, my brother owes you a favor. Let him repay it. But you have no right to erase everything he once was, or force him to spend the rest of his life behind a borrowed name.¡± Quinn stared him down coldly. ¡°Your arguments are sound, yet tell me¨Cwhat leverage do you, in this moment, truly possess?¡± Everett asked. Quinn¡¯s eyes stayed calm as still water. Without warning, she sprang forward, a streak of motion aimed straight at Everett. The circle of bodyguards tightened, surging toward her like wolves guarding their alpha. Leander tried to reach her, but two more guards intercepted him, their arms locking him into a useless struggle. Quinn fought with ruthless economy¨Cno flourish, only speed. She was not chasing victory, only the quickest route through. Her left shoulder, only recently stitched, tore open under the strain. Blood soaked her shirt in a spreading crimson star, yet she did not falter. In less than three minutes, she broke the cordon and stood face¨Cto¨Cface with Everett. He had never imagined anyone, let alone this woman, could reach him so easily. 17:31 Wed, Sep 10 Chapter 383 For Family 40 +10 Free Coins Her arm snapped around his neck, elbow wedged under his throat, the hold precise and merciless. The bodyguards froze, not daring to make a move. Quinn asked, ¡°Mr. Fane, do I qualify to negotiate now?¡± Shock flickered across Everett¡¯s features. He had not expected to be so neatly trapped by a woman. ¡°If you actually harm me, you dere war on the entire Fane family,¡± Everett hissed. ¡°I never meant to hurt you, nor to war with your family. After all, the Fane family saved my brother. But understand this¨CI¡¯m nomb awaiting ughter. We stand in Azania, not Celosia. Threatening Azanians on Azanian soil may prove a shade overconfident, don¡¯t you think?¡± Everett¡¯s stare drifted, as though thinking about something. ¡°Release Mr. Everett at once, or none of us will spare you.¡± ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll let go.¡± As her arm loosened, Quinn¡¯s fingers darted to the silver chain at Everett¡¯s throat. With a sharp tug, she ripped free the antique oval locket that hung there, its hinge darkened by years. Lockets like that usually contained a photo. Everett¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Give it back¨Cnow. That is not something you are allowed to touch.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was ice. ¡°I hear you prize two things above all. One is the prayer beads on your wrist. The other is this locket. If you think to threaten my brother through me, remember I can threaten you right back by shattering what you treasure.¡± She flicked the sp. The locket opened. Inside rested the faded photograph of a three¨Cyear- old girl, all sunshine grin and cottonce dress. The paper had yellowed, edges soft from time, proof that it had traveled many years close to his heart. Quinn¡¯s fingertip hovered over the child¡¯s face, light as a secret yet heavy enough to drain the color from Everett¡¯s cheeks. Everett¡¯s voice cracked through the silent room like a rifle report. ¡°No!¡± he roared. His hand shot forward, palm open, as though he could snatch the threat out of the air before itnded. ¡°You so much asy a finger on that photograph and I swear, I will hunt you down, no matter who you are or where you try to hide. I will not let it rest.¡± Chapter 383 For Family 40 +10 Free Coins The image in question was a portrait of his sister¨Ca slip of glossy paper norger than a postcard, yet priceless to him. Photographs of her were rare in the Fane household, but this one was singr. The negative was long lost, making the print in Everett¡¯s wallet thest surviving original. She had vanished half a century earlier, and in every one of those fifty years the picture had ridden beside his heart like a silent oath he dared not break. Quinn studied Everett with new rity, the overhead light carving his profile into stark nes of grief and steel. If the two people this man loves most are his mother and his sister, then that sister must be the one who disappeared all those years ago. Quinn squared her shoulders, voice steady even as her pulse thundered. ¡°You care about your family, Everett, so you should understand exactly how I feel. My brother is the only family I have left, and for him I will stand against you, no matter how hard you push.¡± Military 384 Chapter 384 A Familiar Gesture Quinn ended her sentence with an icy finality. The family locket¨Cstill warm from Everett¡¯s pulse moments before¨Carced through the air andnded in his open palm with a muted metallic click. She pivoted without waiting, fingers tightening around Leander¡¯s wrist, and strode toward the door. ck¨Csuited guards lunged, boots rasping against carpet. Everett lifted one hand, imcable. ¡°Let them go.¡± Themand shattered the tension. At once, the men fell back. The duo left the room and reached the hotel¡¯s lobby. ¡°Your shoulder¡¯s bleeding again,¡± Leander said, worry threading through every syble. ¡°We need to stop it now. The concierge will have gauze and antiseptic.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch,¡± Quinn replied, offering a brave smile that failed to hide the flicker of pain in her eyes. ¡°How could I not worry?¡± he shot back. ¡°You¡¯re my sister.¡± The word sister hit her like sunlight after rain. She stilled, warmth blooming in her chest and crowding out the burn in her shoulder. Even without his memories, this feels exactly like before. Leander practically hauled her to the concierge desk, where a calm attendant wrapped fresh gauze around the torn skin until the crimson flow dulled to a shy blush. The injury, mercifully, was shallow. The quick patch would hold for now. ¡°I¡¯m serious, Quinn,¡± Leander said once thest pin was secured. ¡°Please don¡¯tunch yourself into danger like that again.¡± ¡°Today was an exception,¡± she answered, her voice steady. ¡°If I¡¯d yed it safe, Everett would have treated me like background noise.¡± ¡°You were still reckless. If Everett had decided not to let you go¡­¡± His unfinished words lingered, heavy and cold. ¡°I¡¯m not as fragile as you think. And we¡¯re not in Celosia anymore; if the Fane family wants to touch me here, they¡¯ll have to do the math first. Besides, that intel you gave me about what Everett treasures? It handed me the knife.¡± She had simply turned Everett¡¯s threat back on him, point for point. 16:0 Chapter 384 A Familiar Gesture +10 Free Coins ¡°So tearing off his locket was part of that master n?¡± he asked, equal parts exasperation and grudging respect. ¡°It worked, didn¡¯t it?¡± A small smile tugged at her mouth. ¡°Now, tell me¨Cwhat¡¯s your next move?¡± ¡°Lena¡¯s still in Celosia,¡± Leander said, shoulders sagging. ¡°The Fane family covers every treatment, and she needs Serena¡¯s stem cells. For now, I¡¯m chained to them.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Quinn murmured. She knew he carried his own invisible shackles. ¡°And Lady Margaret is kinder than you¡¯d think. She¡¯s¡­ a troubled woman,¡± he continued, rubbing a hand over his eyes. ¡°Once the Fane family and Whitethorn Group¡¯s deal wraps up here, I¡¯ll fly back to Celosia, settle things, then return¨Cthis time as Rowan Bridger.¡± The deration stole the air from Quinn¡¯s lungs; she could only stare at him, wide¨Ceyed and shining. Does that mean he truly embraces the name Rowan? ¡°All right,¡± she said, a fragile yet radiant smile appearing. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± The smile triggered an old reflex in Leander. His hand rose, reaching to touch her head, a gesture he had repeated since childhood. Half an inch away he faltered, uncertainty freezing his arm midair. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn asked, lifting her eyes to him. ¡°Nothing,¡± he muttered, awkwardness creeping into his posture as he tried to withdraw. ¡°Wait.¡± She caught his wrist and guided it thest inch, pressing his palm against her hair. ¡°No matter what happens, you¡¯re my brother. Every time we parted, you¡¯d pat my head¨Csome habits shouldn¡¯t die.¡± Leander¡¯s palm tingled with the warmth of her trust, confirming¨Cmore surely than any memory¨Cthat the bond between them was real. The jolt that had rippled through his fingertips moments ago had not been a trick of nerves. Muscle remembered what mind had lost. He had smoothed his sister¡¯s hair exactly that way an untold number of times. After watching Quinn climb into the waiting car and watching the taillights dissolve into morning haze, Leander turned on his heel and rode the elevator back up to the presidential suite. O 16:05 Thu, Sep 11 Chapter 384 A Familiar Gesture 46 +10 Free Coins Inside, Everett sat beneath a spill of chandelier light, thumb brushing the worn rim of the family locket while his eyes stayed fixed on the faded photograph sealed within. Everett flicked a nce toward the door, voice unhurried but edged with something unreadable. ¡°Back already? For a moment, I thought you¡¯d leave the hotel with that young woman.¡± Leander straightened the cuffs of his coat before he spoke, each word carrying the cool precision of a soldier giving a report. ¡°I promised to keep pretending to be a Fane to soothe Lady Margaret. I will not go back on that. But I will also find a way to have her ept me as Rowan Bridger. Once the project with Whitethorn Group is signed, I¡¯m returning to Celosia.¡± Everett closed the locket with a soft click and slipped it into his breast pocket, then fixed his gaze on the young man who had just spoken. Leander was not his blood, but after three years under the same roof the boy had begun to feel unnervingly close¨Clike family that destiny had forgotten to record. Despite the amnesia, the boy¡¯s mind was a sponge, soaking up everything Everett poured into it¨Ccorporate strategy, negotiation, the subtleties of dominance¨Cand in record time, he had grown formidable. Already, Leander could juggle major operations of the Fane conglomerate with effortless grace. More than once, Everett found himself admiring the youth and¨Cdangerous thought¡ª half¨Cbelieving the boy truly was his own son. Military 385 Chapter 385 A Name Chosen Chapter 385 A Name Chosen +10 Free Coins Everett folded his arms, the words that followed shedding any warmth. ¡°Have you truly thought this through? The second you reim the name Rowan Bridger, everything the Fane family ced at your feet disappears¨Cincluding the medical resources keeping Lena alive. From what I hear, the Bridgers are an ordinary household with no real assets. Her treatment will drown you and that girl in debt before it ever saves her.¡± Leander¡¯s jaw set like a lock. ¡°If I have decided to stand as Rowan Bridger, then I have also calcted the cost. I will find a way to pay for Lena¡¯s care¨Con that point, I will not fail.¡± There had been a time when the sheer expense of Lena¡¯s illness had chained him willingly to the Fane family. Now, however, he knew he had once been a soldier. If Quinn was right and his disappearance in Doria hade during a ssified operation, then regaining his status might secure government support¨Csupport worth more than any private fortune. As long as he could make sure Serena donated her stem cells, Lena would stand a real chance at survival. Everett exhaled, more sigh than breath. ¡°So determined to leave us? Lady Margaret adores you. I admire you. In time, I could make you my legal heir, ce you at the helm of the Fane conglomerate.¡± For almost anyone, such an offer would ze like temptation itself. Leander didn¡¯t even blink. ¡°But I am Rowan Bridger. Leander Fane has always been a convenient fiction.¡± All he wanted now was to repay the debt he owed the Fanes¨Cand then walk away. Laura hurried to the doorway the moment Quinn stepped inside, eyes shing with worry. ¡°What took you so long? You left this morning¨Cdriving back shouldn¡¯t eat up an entire day. I called, and your phone was dead.¡± She had been seconds away from dialing the police again. Quinn gave her a quick summary of the detour¨Chow she had met with Everett after returning to town. Laura¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°You locked that old man in a chokehold and yanked the chain off his 16:05 Thu, Sep 11 Chapter 385 A Name Chosen locket?¡± : ¡°I couldn¡¯t just sit there and let him intimidate me.¡± ¡°Right, right. Frankly, you should have punched him for good measure.¡± ¡°He helped my brother. Unless I¡¯m forced, I don¡¯t want things to get violent.¡± 46 +10 Free Coins Besides, Everett¡¯s features carried echoes of Rowan¡¯s; the two men looked so alike that she kept seeing her brother aged several decades. Quinn flicked her pen back into the cup, lifted her eyes to Laura, and spoke with a calm finality that allowed no debate. ¡°By the way, I¡¯ll need tomorrow off. I have something to do.¡± Laura¡¯s brows knit at once. ¡°A day off? Are you feeling all right?¡± ¡°I have to stop by Whitethorn Group.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice lowered, as though the name itself carried its own weather. ¡°I need a word with Julius.¡± Laura blinked, unsettled. ¡°Julius? What business could you possibly have with him?¡± ¡°It¡¯s about Serena Fane,¡± Quinn answered, her tone clipped yet urgent. ¡°Serena? Didn¡¯t Julius already demand the Fane family strike her name from their records? What now?¡± Quinn exhaled. ¡°They can¡¯t erase her yet. Rowan¡¯s rescuer is battling leukemia. Serena is the only viable stem¨Ccell match. Because of Julius, the Fanes are ready to throw her out. I have to keep that from happening.¡± In that moment, Quinn realized the irony. To save Rowan¡¯s savior, she now had to shield Serena. 1 The next morning, she stepped into the marble lobby of Whitethorn Group¡¯s building. At the reception, she stated her request. The attendant offered a practiced smile. ¡°Without an appointment, I¡¯m afraid Mr. Whitethorn has no time today.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze, pulled out her phone, and, after a heartbeat of doubt, dialed Julius¡® direct number. It rang for a long while before his familiar baritone cut through. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I need to see you,¡± she said, breath tight. ¡°I¡¯m downstairs in your lobby right now.¡± ¡°If it¡¯spany business,¡± Julius replied, voice cool as winter ss, ¡°follow the usual 16:05 Thu, Sep 11 ¡­ 46 Chapter 385 A Name Chosen procedure.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not business. It¡¯s personal!¡± +10 Free Coins ¡°Personal? There¡¯s nothing personal left between us,¡± he said, the words falling like a closing gate. ¡°You¡¯re the one who insisted we walk separate roads. So there¡¯s no need for a meeting.¡± The line went dead. Quinn stared at the silent screen and managed a hollowugh. She had been the one to sever ties¨Cyet here she was, begging to see him. 2 She scrolled until Fabian¡¯s number appeared¨Csaved back when he doubled as Julius¡® bodyguard and aide. Fabian picked up ¡°Ms. Bridger?¡± almost immediately. ¡°Hello, Mr. Wooley. I¡¯d like to know when Julius might be free today. I called him, but he didn¡¯t answer my call. Could you help me?¡± ¡°He has two meetings on the schedule, both expected to run long.¡± Military 386 Chapter 386 The Long Wait ¡°I¡¯ll wait,¡± Quinn blurted before he could say more. ¡°Very well. When the meetings wrap, I¡¯ll mention your request again.¡± +10 Free Coins Quinn slipped her phone away and sank onto a chair in the lobby, the building¡¯s vast ss ceiling pouring daylight over her folded hands. She waited, uncertain how many hours¨Cor how much resolve¨Cwould be required before Julius agreed to meet her. Perhaps she admitted with a grim twist of humor¨Cthis wait would end in nothing at all. Yet quitting was unthinkable. She had to keep waiting. Minute after minute bled from the lobby clock until the morning in tatters. Quinn sat in the chair until Fabian finally appeared, smoothing his tie as though that small orderliness could soften bad news. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Bridger,¡± he said, the apology hushed. ¡°I spoke with Mr. Whitethorn, but he¡­¡± ¡°I understand. Thank you,¡± Quinn replied, bowing her head just enough to signal the conversation was over. Fabian ventured a suggestion, ¡°Perhaps you should head home for today and return when Mr. Whitethorn is in a better mood.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll wait a while longer,¡± Quinn answered, stubborn hope flickering across her face. ¡°His mood may improve before the day is out.¡± Out of options, Fabian retreated to the office. Inside the vast office, he reported, ¡°Ms. Bridger is still downstairs. She refuses to leave.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Julius murmured, lids half¨Clowered like steel shutters. ¡°If she wishes to wait, let her wait.¡± Fabian cleared his throat. ¡°It is nearly lunchtime. Ms. Bridger hasn¡¯t eaten, and her shoulder wound is not fully healed. If she keeps sitting there¡­¡± While he spoke, Fabian watched Julius¡® expression the way sailors watch a storm cloud. A crease formed between Julius¡® brows; a flicker of conflict edged his eyes. Only Quinn, Fabian realized, could move that iron heart. 16:05 nu, Sep Chapter 386 The Long Wait ¡°Bring her up,¡± Julius ordered coldly. +10 Free Coins Fabian almost ran back to the lobby. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn will see you now.¡± Quinn leapt to her feet and shadowed him toward the private elevator, each step strung tight between relief and dread. At the office door, Fabian rapped twice, then breathed, ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is inside. Please, go in.¡± Quinn drew a steadying breath, pushed the door open, and crossed the threshold. His silhouette struck her first¨Ctall, spare, upromising¨Cetched against the floor¨Cto- ceiling windows. A white dress shirt and ck trousers framed a physique tempered by ruthless discipline. Noon sunlight poured around him so fiercely that warmth and chill seemed to duel in the same beam. Hearing her footfall, he pivoted from the ss and fixed her with an unreadable gaze. ¡°What matter is so urgent that you insist on seeing me?¡± Julius asked, every syble carved from ice. ¡°I hope you will rescind the order instructing the Fane family to cast out Serena Fane, Mr. Whitethorn,¡± Quinn said, voice steady but soft. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn?¡± Julius let out a short, humorlessugh. ¡°If you call me Mr. Whitethorn, you must realize we share nothing now. Why would I grant your request?¡± The rebuff stung, though Quinn had braced for it. From their first encounter, Julius had moved through life with cial detachment, as if the world were a painting he could admire yet never touch. She hade prepared for ice. It¡¯s all right, she reminded herself. You¡¯ve survived worse. ¡°I know I have no right to ask,¡± she began, ¡°but when my brother Rowan was stranded in Doria, a woman named Lena Durand saved his life. Lena is now in Celosia battling leukemia. Serena Fane¡¯s stem cells match hers and could keep her alive, but Serena will only donate if she remains within the Fane family. Since your public statement, Everett Fane has scheduled a press conference in Celosia to disown her. I beg you¨Cwithdraw your words and give Lena a chance to live.¡± He leaned back, shoulders rxed as though the matter were a weather report, not a life. ¡°Tell 16:05 Thu, Sep 11 Chapter 386 The Long Wait 46 +10 Free Coins me, what does any of this have to do with me? Whether Lena Durand lives or dies is hardly my burden to shoulder, is it?¡± Quinn lurched forward before the words had finished echoing, desperation cracking through herposure. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to carry the me. I only need you to help my brother. I was grateful when you stood up for my parents, but now my brother¡¯s rescuer¡¯s life is at stake. Please, let bygones stay buried. At least withdraw what you said and make sure Serena donates her stem cells.¡± 4 Julius pursed his lips, a razor line cutting across his face as he considered her. ¡°And if I choose not to?¡± Quinn straightened. ¡°You didn¡¯t agree to meet me just to twist the knife, Julius. Tell me what you want. Name your price, your condition¨Cwhatever it is, I¡¯ll do it.¡± 4 The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 387 Chapter 387 An Unspoken Ultimatum .::. Chapter 387 An Unspoken Ultimatum 67 +20 Free Coins He stared at her without blinking, a storm gathered behind those obsidian eyes. ¡°For your brother,¡± he asked, voice gravel¨Csoft yet unyielding, ¡°would you truly sacrifice everything?¡± Quinn met that storm straight on, chin lifted, the city¡¯s neon rippling like water in her eyes, but her posture rooted as an oak. ¡°For Rowan, yes, I¡¯d do almost anything. But if it endangers my own life or tramples basic decency, then no. Conscience matters¨Cand if Rowan ever learned I¡¯d crossed that line, it would shatter him. I¡¯ll find another way to sway the Fane family, or persuade Serena Fane to give those stem cells.¡± Julius¡® jaw flexed, a minute twitch betraying turbulence he never voiced. The silence between them stretched, taut as wire, before he found breath enough to speak again. ¡°And if what I ask is thise back to me¨Cwould you consent?¡± Quinn blinked, lips parting, the answer hovering on her tongue. Before a single word escaped, Julius cut across the air like a de. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t! Not a sound. If you speak, every bargain dies right here.¡± Themand cracked through the room, and the calm mask he wore splintered. A flush- almost feral¨Csurged behind his eyes. Quinn felt, rather than saw, the warning: if she insisted on answering, he might simply unravel. He stepped forward, slow as a stalking cat, fingers lifting to brush her lips¨Cso gentle it hurt. If she said yes, jealousy would devour me whole. Memoryshed him: all the pleas she¡¯d once refused, the empty spaces where she should have been. Yet for her brother, she would bend. Then what am I to her? Do I mean nothing? ¡°Julius¡­¡± Quinn¡¯s voice came small, her gaze tilting toward the floor as she tried to slip from his touch. His hand shot up, iming her jaw, thumb tracing back and forth over the startled curve of her mouth, possessive, trembling. His breath grazed her cheek, voice dropping to a near growl. ¡°Come with me.¡± Surprise flickered across her face. ¡°To where exactly?¡± 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 387 An Unspoken Ultimatum 57 +20 Free Coins. He released her jaw. ¡°You¡¯ll see when we arrive. Afterward, I¡¯ll speak to the Fane family about your request.¡± Quinn exhaled, fingers circling his wrist as she gently lowered his hand. ¡°All right, I will.¡± Julius nodded once, decisive. ¡°Tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll pick you up.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Quinn turned, intent on leaving, but his fingers curled around her elbow, halting her. She looked back, confusion knitting her brow. ¡°Is there anything else?¡± A humorless smile tugged at his mouth. ¡°You¡¯re not even curious where I¡¯m taking you? Not afraid I might try something? Or is your devotion to Rowan so deep you¡¯d offer even your body?¡± His tone iced over, yet his eyes brimmed with something closer to sorrow than threat, and Quinn¡¯s chest tightened at the mismatch. She drew a steady breath. ¡°If you wanted my body you¡¯d say so outright. Roundabout games aren¡¯t your style¨Cand I trust that.¡± He barked a shortugh. ¡°You think you know me? Tell me¨Cwhat sort of man do you believe I am?¡± She pinned him with that clear gaze. ¡°So you do intend to take advantage of me?¡± Under the candor of her hazel eyes, Julius felt a rarity¨Cembarrassment¨Click up the back of his neck. ¡°You honestly believe I¡¯d keep loving the woman who walked out on me? Women are plentiful; I don¡¯t need you.¡± Yet even while saying so, he tugged her toward the couch, grip tight but careful. ¡°Sit. There are pastries¨Ceat before you go.¡± Quinn hesitated. On the ss coffee table rested a porcin tter of delicate pastries, a coffee pot steaming beside it. ¡°My assistant sent them in mistake. I¡¯ve never had a taste for such things.¡± He strode to the desk, eyes dropping to the files that waited for his signature. Is it really by mistake? The question fluttered through Quinn¡¯s mind, yet she said nothing more, finished the delicate pastries in silence, and finally rose to leave. Only after the soft click of the door signaled Quinn¡¯s departure did Julius let his finger descend 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 387 An Unspoken Ultimatum upon the inte button. 476 Free Com Momentster, Fabian slipped in and offered a respectful incline. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, any instructions?¡± ¡°Rowan once had a benefactor who is now in Celosia being treated for leukemia. Check whether Serena Fane¡¯s stem cells arepatible, and whether any other suitable donors exist,¡± Julius said. ¡°Understood,¡± Fabian replied. Julius lowered his gaze to his left wrist, as though the answer to every torment were etched in skin and veins. There, snug against his pulse,y the sandalwood bracelet Quinn had left him on that final morning. He had repeated the samemand in the dark of countless nights¨Cstop loving her, reel the feeling back before it devoured them both. Yet he couldn¡¯t bring himself to take the bracelet off. He feared that once the bracelet left his skin, whatever fragile thread still tied them would snap into nothingness. ¡°Quinn, you forgave Serena for Rowan¡¯s sake¨Cwhy can¡¯t you forgive me? Is trusting me again truly impossible?¡± One mistake, and the bill was his happiness for the rest of his life. Still, he did not dare to beg. 3 Military 388 Chapter 388 Caged Bird And Promises Chapter 388 Caged Bird And Promises (œQ +20 Free Coins He refused to be his father, grabbing until love strangled. Quinn was meant for open skies, not gilded prisons. Quinn had barely stepped out of Whitethorn Group¡¯s foyer when she spotted Han striding toward her. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Quinn asked, surprise flickering across her face. ¡°Laura told me you were meeting Julius, so I came to pick you up. Did he give you a hard time?¡± Han asked, worry edging his voice. He already knew why she hade. Laura had told him. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then¡­ did he agree?¡± ¡°More or less,¡± she answered. Han¡¯s brows knit. ¡°What does ¡®more or less¡® mean?¡± ¡°He wants me to apany him somewhere tomorrow as the price,¡± she said. ¡°Where exactly?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know¨Che didn¡¯t specify.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going even though you have no idea where?¡± he blurted. ¡°I am.¡± Her tone was steady. ¡°This concerns the person who saved Rowan¡¯s life. If I stand idle and Serena¡¯s stem cells never reach Lena, and she dies because of it, that guilt will shadow me forever.¡± ¡°Then let mee with you,¡± Han said. She shook her head with gentle stubbornness and patted his tense shoulder. ¡°I can handle this myself. Besides, Julius would never permit you to tag along. Come on, stop worrying. Nothing bad is going to happen.¡± ¡°Do you trust Julius that much?¡± Han demanded, frustration crackling beneath the calm he tried to project. ¡°He hasn¡¯t even told you where he¡¯s taking you.¡± 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B¡­ Chapter 388 Caged Bird And Promises 56 +20 Free Coins I know they broke up, yet the knot in my stomach won¡¯t loosen. Maybe it¡¯s because I understand, better than anyone, that whatever she feels for me has never been love. ¡°If he meant to hurt me, he wouldn¡¯t need to do this,¡± Quinn replied, voice calm but firm. ¡°And I know¨Creally know¨Che won¡¯ty a finger on me.¡± Over the years she had known Julius, he had lied to her exactly once. That was about her brother. At every other moment, he had shielded rather than harmed her. Han¡¯s eyes dimmed. He turned toward the gleaming fa?ade of Whitethorn Group¡¯s headquarters, resentment sizzling beneath hisposed exterior. He told himself their split had been the price of shattered trust, yet even now she still believed in Julius¨Chow could she not see that? One day, when that realization dawned, what would stop the two of them from finding their way back to each other? At the thought, Han¡¯s heart lurched. His lips pressed into a bloodless line. I can¡¯t ept that. Never. High above, in the chairman¡¯s office of Whitethorn Group¡¯s building, Julius stood before the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling windows, staring down at the za below. From that altitude, the two figures were nothing more than tiny crowns of hair. Yet he recognized them instantly. Quinn and Han. His knuckles cracked against the porcin cup he was crushing in his grip, jealousy rising like a wave against a seawall. ¡°I am not my father. Not,¡± he whispered again and again, each repetition a lifeline that kept the madness at bay. The next morning, when Quinn stepped out of the apartment, she found Julius¡® sleek sedan already waiting at the curb. The chauffeur hastened from the driver¡¯s seat and held the door with practiced deference. ¡°Ms. Bridger, please.¡± Quinn nodded, slid into the plush interior, and settled beside Julius, who waited in the shadows of the backseat like an unsmiling statue. As the car glided out of theplex, Quinn tilted her head toward him. ¡°Will you tell me now where we¡¯re going?¡± ¡°To visit my mother,¡± Julius answered, his tone as even as the hum of the engine. 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 388 Caged Bird And Promises 56 +20 Free Coins Shock flickered across Quinn¡¯s face. His mother was dead¨Cor so she had always heard. So is he taking me to the grave? Thirty minutester, she stood before a polished headstone, an unexpected swell of emotion tightening her chest. Just two days earlier, she had knelt with Rowan at her parents¡® resting ce; now she honored Julius¡® mother beside him. A ck¨Cand¨Cwhite photograph of a radiant woman was set into the marble. Quinn needed no introduction. She knew she was looking at the face of Julius¡® mother. Keeping her voice low, she asked, ¡°Why bring me here?¡± Back when she was still with Julius, Quinn had imagined returning here together on every memorial season, cing fresh lilies before his mother¡¯s stone and letting the silence bless their joined futures. That dream never happened. During the entire period they were together, she had not stepped onto this grass once; only after their break¨Cup did her feet finally bring her here. Julius lowered his eyes, his voice almost lost to the wind. ¡°I wanted my mother to meet you.¡± He had once pictured standing here with Quinn, presenting her to the stone as the woman he meant to keep beside him for life. Now he was here toplete that abandoned wish, and to carve a new oath into the cold April air. ¡°Quinn,¡± he murmured, each syble trembling, ¡°I swear I will never allow you to die the way my mother did.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Quinn asked, the question bursting out before she could tame the fear curling in her chest. ¡°That is why,¡± Julius said softly, ¡°from now on, you must keep as far from me as you can. Do not let me see you. Even if I lose control, the distance will stop me from hurting you.¡± Military 389 Chapter 389 Graveyard Vows 656 +20 Free Coins ¡°Julius Whitethorn, what does that even mean?¡± Quinn demanded, her brows knitting into a single sharp line. ¡°Exactly that,¡± Julius answered. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much longer my restraint willst if I keep forcing myself to stay away from you.¡± Night after night, hey awake, the darkness gnawing at his nerves until every hour felt like ss against skin. Reason told him to despise his father and choose the right path, yet he could no longer promise that reason would keep its grip forever. One day, he feared, the dam would break and he would be a madman every bit as obsessive and brutal as the man who sired him. ¡°If that dayes, and I do something you despise, hit me with everything you have. Cripple me. Kill me if you must. I won¡¯t me you.¡± ¡°Julius Whitethorn!¡± Quinn cut him off, voice cracking. ¡°What on earth is wrong with you? Did something happen?¡± ¡°No. Nothing has happened at all,¡± he said, tone t. ¡°Is it the insomnia talking? Are you spewing nonsense because you haven¡¯t slept?¡± She had, in fact, noticed the bruised crescents beneath his eyes, darker than she remembered. Whatever rest he managedtely clearly offered no mercy, and his lips pressed together in a silence that confirmed it. ¡°Have you been seeing a doctor regrly?¡± Quinn pressed. ¡°I have,¡± he replied. ¡°Which doctor? Give me the contact number.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Julius lifted an eyebrow. ¡°nning to take me to the doctor yourself?¡± ¡°Yes. Exactly that,¡± she said, every syble iron¨Cd. ¡°I told you already. Once we walk out of this cemetery, you need to stay as far from me as possible. You-¡± ¡°Quit stalling. Doctor¡¯s contact, now.¡± 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 389 Graveyard Vows Julius fell silent again, staring at her. : Quinn pulled out her phone without another word and tapped Fabian¡¯s number. 56 +20 Free Coins As Julius¡® personal secretary, Fabian would certainly know how to reach the doctor who treated him. Fabian did not disappoint her. As soon as she asked, he answered with disarming candor. ¡°Dr. Gavin Huxley. I¡¯ll text you his number right away.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn said, ending the call. She turned back to Julius, her gaze steady yet gentle. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you and see Dr. Huxley in a little while.¡± ¡°Why would you do that? We already broke up. You don¡¯t owe me a thing,¡± Julius asked, confusion edging his voice. ¡°Broken up or not, I can¡¯t stand by and watch you lose your mind someday. Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± Quinn¡¯s response was soft but unwavering. His earlier words kept circling in her head, refusing to settle. It was as though he had been warning her that one day he truly might be the madman everyone whispered about. Quinn slid her phone into her pocket, faced the headstone, and bowed three times in silence. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mrs. Grafton. I didn¡¯t know we¡¯d be visiting today and brought no flowers. Next time I¡¯lle prepared.¡± Next time? Julius stole a nce at Quinn. Will there really be a next time? ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Quinn said, straightening up. Seeing him still rooted to the spot, she stepped forward,ced her fingers through his, and nudged him toward the cemetery gate. His eyes fell to their joined hands, warmth blooming in his palm after an eternity of frost. What she did not understand was that the warmer it felt, the greedier a frozen heart could be. ¡°My mother despised me,¡± Julius said abruptly. ¡°She wished I had never existed.¡± Quinn stopped mid¨Cstep. ¡°That¡¯s not your fault. The me lies with your father. You and your mother were both innocent.¡± 7.24 Sat, Sep 13 :. Chapter 389 Graveyard Vows 56 +20 Free Coins ¡°Quinn, I told you. If you can¡¯t pity me all the way to the end, then put that pity away. Don¡¯t hand it out so cheaply.¡± That pity only stirred the restlessness coiled inside him. Quinn fell quiet for a beat. ¡°All right. I understand.¡± The moment the words left her, she released his hand. The warmth vanished. Julius¡® fingers twitched, aching to reim hers, yet in the end they curled back, empty. One after the other, they walked out of the cemetery. Inside the car, Quinn studied the text Fabian had sent, then instructed the driver to head to the listed hospital. The driver flicked a questioning nce at Julius through the rearview mirror. ¡°Do as she says,¡± Julius murmured. Gavin Huxley blinked when Julius and Quinn stepped into his office, as though the scene had short¨Ccircuited his expectations. ¡°You two got back together?¡± he asked. ¡°No.¡± Julius¡® reply was t. ¡°Dr. Huxley, I¡¯m only apanying Mr. Whitethorn so he can receive proper treatment for his insomnia,¡± Quinn exined. ¡°And in what capacity are you making that request, Ms. Bridger?¡± Gavin asked. ¡°He once defended my parents¡® honor,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°Naturally, I want him well.¡± ¡°But what if his insomnia can be cured only by you, Ms. Bridger?¡± Gavin countered. Military 390 Chapter 390 Hard To Let Go $56 +20 Free Coins Julius cut him off with a low, impatient bark. ¡°Enough, Gavin. She and I are finished. Stop dragging her into this. The pills you gave me aren¡¯t working¨Cfind me something else.¡± Gavin pulled a face that mixed resignation with dread. ¡°Do you realize how many prescriptions we¡¯ve already burned through?¡± There would soon be no medicines left to rotate; the pharmacy of hope was running dry. Everyone in the room knew the truth. Julius¡® insomnia was rooted deep in the mind. Only a cure of the heart could calm that restless night inside him. Julius¡® mouth barely moved. ¡°Change.¡± Gavin exhaled, shoulders sagging. ¡°Fine¨CI¡¯ll change it.¡± Quinn could not hold back. ¡°That¡¯s it? You¡¯re not going to run a full work¨Cup? He¡¯s been on medication for ages.¡± Gavin shook his head. ¡°Every test has already been done. Julius¡® body is half¨Cimmune to drugs; what knocks out others barely grazes him.¡± Back in Doria, she had counted the pills lined up beside his ss¨Cfar too many for any single evening. ¡°Isn¡¯t there any kind of therapy to go along with the medication?¡± she pressed. Gavin nced at her, biting back the obvious reply. The best therapy would be for this woman to stay by Julius¡® side; her presence would outperform any chemical cocktail. Julius seized Quinn by the wrist, drawing her closer only to push her away with words. ¡°Stop fussing over me, and don¡¯t you dare pity me. You¡¯ve seen I have a doctor. Now leave.¡± A chill of deliberate distance radiated from him, as if he were building invisible walls to keep her forever on the other side. ¡°I just¨D¡± Quinn began. But he sliced through her sentence before it could form. ¡°Just what? Are you about to confess you still love me, that you regret the breakup, that you¡¯d crawl back into my arms?¡± The faint smile on Julius¡® lips was colder than snow. 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 390 Hard To Let Go : Quinn¡¯s voice failed her. Silence was the only answer she had. 56 +20 Free Coins ¡°So, Quinn, if you don¡¯t want a man like me clinging to you, stop worrying about me, stop feeling sorry for me.¡± His wordsnded like a b of granite on her chest, stealing the air from her lungs. That evening, Laura spotted Quinn sitting alone on the balcony lounge chair, gaze lost in the night sky. Laura lowered her voice. ¡°What happened? Did meeting Julius go badly? Did he pressure you into something?¡± ¡°No,¡± Quinn whispered. ¡°I just-¡± Laura arched an eyebrow. ¡°Can¡¯t let him go, can you?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together. Is this what it means to be unable to let go? Julius¡® words at his mother¡¯s grave kept reying, scene after scene. She kept wondering what storm of emotions had driven him to say that if he bothered her again, she should simply kill him. She knew too well what Julius¡® father had done to him. She knew the revulsion he felt, his desperate vow never to be that man. After his mother¡¯s death, his father had spiraled into madness and cruelty. And now, after our breakup, does Julius fear he¡¯s destined to follow the same path? ¡°Yes,¡± she admitted atst. ¡°It seems I really can¡¯t let him go. I walked away from Trent Grafton without a backward nce, but Julius is different.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because Julius truly loves you,¡± Laura said. ¡°He¡¯s powerful, obsessive, and proud, but aside from dragging you to that ind, he¡¯s never actually hurt you, not the way that b*stard Trent did.¡± Laura tipped her chin, her voice soft yet unyielding. ¡°Julius flew you to the ind so you wouldn¡¯t bolt to Celosia before the stitches even closed. And, Quinn, he summoned the entire Fane family back to Clusia¨Cfor you alone.¡± ¡°With his power and status, if he really wanted to force you to be with him, there are plenty of ways he could hurt you, but he¡¯s never used any of them.¡± Quinn lowered hershes. The faintest whisper left her lips. ¡°Yes¡­ He never used a single one of those methods.¡± 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 390 Hard To Let Go +39 Free Cre Laura¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Tell me straight¨Care you and Julius truly past the point of no return? You once swore you could never trust him again. Is that still the absolute truth?¡± ¡°I-¡°The word snagged in Quinn¡¯s throat. For one breathless moment she had no idea how to answer. If I really couldn¡¯t trust him, why was I so certain he wouldn¡¯t hurt me when he asked me to apany him? Laura exhaled, a weary sigh that seemed to carry years of wisdom. ¡°Jealous hearts see no grit in the eye, and shattered trust is hard¨Chard, not impossible¨Cto rebuild. Ask yourself what you truly feel for Julius, and whether he is still worth that risk.¡± Military 391 Chapter 391 Trust At Crossroads Chapter 391 Trust At Crossroads 56 +20 Free Coins Quinn sat in silence. Maybe it was time¨Cpast time¨Cto sort through the knot in her heart. She had never truly let Julius go, notpletely. Laura brightened. ¡°Two days from now, Whitethorn Group hosts its annual g. Come with me¨Cuse the evening to think things through.¡± ¡°The annual g?¡± Quinn blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Exactly. After the three¨Cway bid, they chose our firm as the supplier. The invitation arrived this morning with the news.¡± Laura¡¯s smile turned knowing. ¡°That gives you a perfect window to decide.¡± Laura liked Han well enough, but Quinn seemed to view him only as a brother¨Cin¨Carms. With Julius, the shadows and sparks told an entirely different story. ¡°All right¨CI¡¯ll go with you that night,¡± Quinn said atst. Laura pped once. ¡°Shall we head to the styling salon together¨Cpick out your dress and jewelry?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the gown. I already have the perfect jewelry,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Done!¡± Back in her room, Quinn opened a velvet case and drew out her mother¡¯s ruby ne. The pendant was Arlene¡¯s keepsake¨Cdiscovered on her tiny neck the day her adoptive parents found her. Fortunately, Arlene had been bundled in thick winter clothes; otherwise, no child could have defended such a treasure. Along the delicate chain, almost invisible, the single word Gurney was engraved. At only three, Arlene remembered nothing but the nickname Yara, so her new parents renamed her Arlene Gurney. They raised her as their own. Arlene and Montague grew up side by side,ter bing husband and wife. The ne witnessed every chapter of her life¨Cuntil the year she traded it overseas for medicine and food, saving fifty orphans. 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 391 Trust At Crossroads Only then did the ne leave her hands. +20 Free Coins Now it rested in Quinn¡¯s palm once more, and for a heartbeat, she could almost see her mother¡¯s gentle smile reflected in the ruby¡¯s glow. If Mom were still here, how would she judge Julius Whitethorn? And when I¡¯m this lost, what advice would she whisper to guide me? She drew a steadying breath, meeting her mother¡¯s concerned gaze. ¡°Mom, I think I really do have feelings for Julius Whitethorn. It¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯m not sure I can trust myself yet.¡± Fragility coiled beneath the confession. Confidence once shattered was hard to reforge, and she dreaded tumbling into another failure before she had truly learned to stand. Laura looked up from a stack of quarterly reports to find Harvey standing in her doorway, shoulders tight with nervous resolve. Weeks earlier, she had told him that if decent work proved elusive, herpany would always have room. Yet he had waited¨Cdays folding into a restless week¨Cbefore summoning the courage to appear today. Harvey cleared his throat, palms rubbing together in silent appeal. ¡°Is the offer mentioned¡­ still good? Could I work here? I¡­ I¡¯m short on money.¡± you ¡°Of course,¡± Laura answered, warmth threading through every syble. ¡°My secretary will give you a tour. Get a feel for the departments, then we¡¯ll decide where you fit best.¡± Relief crashed over him like sudden rain on drought¨Cstricken earth. Gratitude filled his dark eyes until they gleamed, and his answering nod tried to say everything words could not. Laura folded her hands upon the desk. ¡°You said the modeling gig was to cover hospital bills at home. How much do you still need?¡± ¡°Two hundred thousand,¡± he whispered, as though the number itself might scold him for daring to speak it aloud. ¡°Text me your bank details,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ll wire it this afternoon.¡± Harvey¡¯s head jerked up. ¡°You¡¯ll send the full two hundred thousand? Aren¡¯t you worried I might never pay it back?¡± Laura¡¯s smile was gentle, almost teasing. ¡°If you could have avoided asking, you would have. 2/3 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 391 Trust At Crossroads That tells me all I need to know.¡± 56 +20 Free Coins After all, she mused, he hade only now¨Cdayste¨Cbecause pride had fought him every inch of the way. Color crept across his checks, contrition blooming in a visible blush. ¡°When life knots your hands,¡± Laura said softly, ¡°someone has to loosen the rope. You once pulled me free, Harvey. Now it¡¯s my turn to return the favor.¡± His eyes brimmed. ¡°Thank you¡­ Thank you.¡± The words trembled, wet and sincere. Laura handed him a simple onboarding form, then dispatched a secretary to guide him through the office. As soon as the door closed, she phoned ounting and ordered a transfer of three hundred thousand to the ount he had written down. She added an extra one hundred thousand, hedging against emergencies pride would never let him mention. Quinn stepped into the office just in time to catch the tail end of the call. ¡°Who¡¯s getting the money, Laura?¡± ¡°Harvey¨Cfriend, lifesaver, soon¨Cto¨Cbe colleague,¡± Laura replied. ¡°Now,e on. We still have gowns to choose for the Whitethorn Group annual g.¡± Quinn nodded eagerly, already picturing rivers of silk and crystal glittering beneath showroom lights. She had not expected, however, that the boutique would host a far tenser reunion: her brother and Serena were already there. Across the showroom, Serena clung to Leander¡¯s arm, imperiously instructing the attendants to bring out the most expensive gown in stock. Military 392 Chapter 392 Confrontation In The Boutique Chapter 392 Confrontation In The Boutique +20 Free Coins Upon seeing Quinn, Serena held her head high. ¡°Did you really think Julius standing up for you meant my downfall? Too bad. He¡¯s already withdrawn his statement. I¡¯m still a Fane, and I¡¯ll be at that g¨Cfront and center.¡± Quinn heard the braggadocio and, with a quiet nod, understood that Julius had kept his word and spoken to the Fanes. ¡°Rowan,¡± she said, ignoring Serena entirely and greeting her brother with a soft smile. ¡°Quinn, you¡¯ve gone to great lengths,¡± Leander said, fully aware that Julius¡® retraction traced straight back to her. The gentle intimacy of her name on his lips startled her. For a heartbeat, she simply stared, amazed by how much warmth a single syble could carry. Leander let the familiar name slip from his tongue¨Csoft, instinctive, exactly the way he had called her a thousand times before, as natural to him as breathing even after all the chaos of lost memories. ¡°Why¡¯d you call her so intimately?¡± Serena¡¯s brows knitted together, the question tearing from her in a sharp, disbelieving hiss. ¡°She is my sister. That bother you?¡± Leander¡¯s reply came cool and crisp, every syble edged with warning. ¡°Sister?¡± Serena blinked, momentarily thrown off bnce. ¡°You remember everything now?¡± ¡°Even without every memory, I can still know who my sister is.¡± Leander¡¯s voice stayed even, yet the subtext rumbled like distant thunder. The DNA test alone had spoken volumes. In the days since, he hadbed through fragments of his old life, piecing the puzzle together with snippets Quinn provided. Bit by bit, his past took shape¨Ca picture clear enough to defend. ¡°Sister? Don¡¯t forget¨Cyour only sister is me!¡± Serena¡¯s words cracked like a whip, her jaw clenched so hard the tendons stood out. ¡°You were never my sister.¡± Leander¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Remember this: you¡¯re standing here only because you might save Lena¡¯s life.¡± Serena¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Exactly. I can save her. So, right now, I want Quinn on her knees, forehead to the floor, begging my forgiveness. If she¡¯s your sister, she¡¯ll listen to you, 7:24 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 392 Confrontation In The Boutique $66 +20 Free Coins won¡¯t she?¡± A sh of irritation flickered in Leander¡¯s eyes. ¡°Enough of these tantrums. I¡¯ve done everything you asked. Stop testing the limits of my patience.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll test whatever I like,¡± Serena sneered, malice gleaming. ¡°Or have you forgotten you still need me to save Lena?¡± Leander¡¯s teeth ground together. ¡°Lena¡¯s rescue is my responsibility. If someone must kneel, it will be me.¡± He started to drop to the marble floor, shoulders squared for the humiliation he was willing to bear. Quinn lunged forward, seizing her brother¡¯s arm. Her stare cut toward Serena. ¡°You want me to kneel? Apologize?¡± ¡°Yes. If not for your words, I¡¯d never have been on the verge of exile from the Fane family. You cost me face¨Cso pay up.¡± Satisfaction curled on Serena¡¯s lips, convinced Quinn would fold. Quinn let out a low, icyugh. ¡°You? Worthy of an apology?¡± Color flooded Serena¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Do you want your brother¡¯s savior to die? Lena is his precious darling, and I¡¯m the only match for her leukemia!¡± ¡°Only match? Hardly.¡± Quinn¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°Without a transnt, Lena still has roughly a year. In that time, apatible donor could surface¨Cin Celosia, in Azania, anywhere. Given what my parents and my brother did for this country, officials won¡¯t stand idle.¡± Serena¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°But¡­ what if I truly am the only one?¡± Quinn advanced, a cold fire in her gaze. ¡°Then so long as you¡¯re breathing, we can strap you to a hospital bed and harvest those stem cells. Want to test me?¡± A tremor of fear crossed Serena¡¯s face, memories of Quinn¡¯s previous blows shing alive. ¡°T- That¡¯s illegal. Donation has to be voluntary!¡± ¡°Voluntary, yes¨Cyet if you refuse, I¡¯ll do what I must, then turn myself in.¡± Quinn¡¯s words were des. ¡°So, Serena, still craving that apology?¡± Her frigid stare radiated lethal intent. Serena¡¯s knees buckled, and she almost hit the floor. ¡°Rowan, Laura and I are going to choose dresses,¡± Quinn said, dismissing Serena with a flick of her eyes. 7:25 Sat, Sep 13 B Chapter 392 Confrontation In The Boutique 563 $20 Free Coins Leander blinked, finally collecting himself. His sister was fiercer¨Cmore decisive¨Cthan he had ever imagined. Only after several breaths did Serena regainposure, glowering as Quinn emerged from the fitting room in a sleek evening gown. ¡°Quinn, where¡¯s your ne? Let¡¯s test the pairing.¡± Laura suggested, tone airy yet attentive. Quinn nodded, producing the ruby ne and sping it around her slender neck. The vintage design¨Cgleaming crimson stones set in aged gold¨Crested against her throat with regal ir, its old¨Cworld charm striking against her lithe silhouette like a final, indelible signature. Serena¡¯s breath caught. The moment her gazended on the ne, it was as though someone had pressed pause on the entire room, freezing her in mid¨Cstep and draining the color from her face. That ne¨Chow can it look so uncannily like the one our family has spent years scouring the world to find? Is it nothing but coincidence, or¡­ 3/3 The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 393 Chapter 393 The Ne Chapter 393 The Ne It had to be a coincidence¨Cjust another trick of fate. After all, imitation flooded every market stall; someone could have lifted the Fane family¡¯s ne and reproduced it, stone for stone, chain for chain. The original piecest seen fifty years ago¨Cvanished the same night Everett¡¯s younger sister disappeared into the dark. For half a century, the Fane family had scoured continents, hunting both the woman and the ne that bound her story to theirs. The logic was simple: find the jewels, and just maybe they would find the girl, Violet Fane, whose absence still hollowed every family gathering. Legend said Lady Margaret Fane had intended the ruby ne as part of her dowry, but Violet had fallen in love with it¨Cclutching the glittering thing until the matriarch fastened it around her own neck. Its design was bespoke¨Ca singrmission no jeweler had ever duplicated, at least not officially. Laura stood behind Quinn, fingers gentle against the chain. ¡°Wait a second, Quinn, I think there are some words etched on the link right here. It¡¯s tiny¨Ccan¡¯t quite tell what it says.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the word ¡®Gurney,¡± Quinn said, smiling slightly. ¡°My granddad found my mother wearing this ne the day he discovered her¨Cso they used that character as her surname.¡± ¡°I see,¡± Laura murmured, remembering that Quinn¡¯s mother had grown up an orphan. Orphans were heartbreakinglymon in those years, yet Arlene had been spared a life of wandering thanks to the Bridger family¡¯s open door. Across the room, Serena overheard the exchange, and a storm detonated behind her poised expression. The name ¡®Gurney¡®-of course. That was Lady Margaret Fane¡¯s maiden name. Which could mean only one thing. The ne before her eyes was the very heirloom the Fane family had chased for generations. And Quinn¡¯s mother¡­ could she be Violet? Color drained from Serena¡¯s cheeks, reced by a sickly gray. If that were true, then Leander Fane would be her biological cousin, and the Quinn she O 15:29 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 393 The Ne disdained would rise overnight to Fane royalty. Everett had never married, had fathered no heirs. +10 Free Coins Ironically, the Bridger siblings might prove the closest blood sessors to the entire house. Once a DNA test confirmed it, the hierarchy would shift forever. Her own dreams of leveraging Leander¡¯s influence would vanish, and Quinn would have every right to stand on the very pedestal Serena coveted. No. She could not, would not, allow that future to unfold. She had to find a way to erase the ne¨Cerase the evidence. Meanwhile, Leander¡¯s gaze lingered on Quinn, radiant in her evening gown, the ruby ne burning against her skin. For an instant, another figure ovepped hers¨Ca girl in a simple flowered dress,ughing warmly at him and his toddler sister, the same rubies glittering at her throat. ¡°Is it beautiful?¡± the voice asked. ¡°Beautiful,¡± the little boy who had once been him murmured. The present crashed in. A white¨Chot throb exploded behind his temples, as if an unseen dam had cracked and memories were surging for release. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Leander sped his skull with both hands. Beads of sweat gathered on his brow, rolled down, and vanished into his cor. In the vision, he was no longer a man but a gangly adolescent, standing on scorched earth that still smoked from artillery. His mother knelt amid the rubble and pressed a ruby ne into the palm of a foreign soldier. Even then, he understood¨Cthe ne was her dearest possession, proof of who she truly was, a slender thread that might one day lead her back to the parents she had never met. Yet desperation had forced her to trade thatst fragment of identity for a sack of bread and a vial of medicine. In that moment, the boy vowed that someday¨Csomehow¨Che would reim the ne for her. ¡°Rowan! Rowan, talk to me. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Quinn¡¯s frantic cry drowned every other sound. He gritted his teeth against the stabbing inside his skull and pried his eyes open. Through the haze, he saw her skidding to her knees beside him, concern etched in every line of her face. It was Quinn¨Chis sister. ¡°I¡­ I think pieces areing back,¡± Leander murmured, staring at the pendant. ¡°I remember Chapter 393 The Ne Mom wearing this. Quinn, luckily, you recovered the ne.¡± 26 +10 Free Coins ¡°You remember? Do you really remember?¡± Quinn froze, hope ring so bright it almost hurt. ¡°Yes¨Csome of it,¡± Leander said, wrapping her in his arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I forgot too much. I came home far toote.¡± He had arrived sote that he missed their parents¡® burial,te enough that, before that, he had kept denying who he was. Late enough that his sister had stepped in front of a bullet meant for him¨Cwhile he had done nothing to protect her. ¡°Toote? No, never.¡± Quinn buried her face against his chest, tears of joy soaking through his shirt. ¡°You¡¯re here now, and memory or no memory, you¡¯ll always be my brother.¡± As long as her brother was still alive, that was enough for her. Serena stood nearby, her expression curdling as she watched the reunion. She clenched a silent vow: Quinn would never be allowed to im the Fane bloodline. Night had settled over the apartment when Laura eyed the evening gown Quinn had just hung on the wardrobe door. ¡°Your brother is amazing. The instant he realized you loved that dress, he bought it for you on the spot.¡± Quinn smiled. Rowan truly did treat her well, and today, the sight of their mother¡¯s ruby ne had coaxed a few more fragments of his past back into the lig Military 394 Chapter 394 Memory Shards Return Chapter 394 Memory Shards Return 26 +10 Free Coins She reasoned that revisiting old haunts¨Cfaces, streets, and sunsets they had shared¨Cmight elerate her brother¡¯s healing mind. ¡°By the way, did you notice the strange look Serena Fane gave you today?¡± Laura muttered, frowning. Quinn tipped her chin, the corners of her lips curving in a faint, humorless smile. ¡°A strange look? Laura, that woman has never gifted me anything but sour looks.¡± Laura let out a low whistle, reliving the scene in her mind. ¡°Sure, she always red like were standing on her turf. But once you changed into that evening gown, her stare turned vicious¨Clike you had wiped out her whole bloodline.¡± you Quinn gave a small shrug. ¡°Who knows what she is plotting. Either way, I refuse to sit here and wait for her to strike.¡± Laura¡¯s brows knitted. ¡°Best be careful around small¨Cminded people like her. They always hit below the belt.¡± Quinn nodded once, then carefully folded the ruby ne into its velvet box. ¡°I know what I am doing. When she has finished donating her stem cells to Rowan¡¯s savior, if she still dares raise a hand against me, I will answer in kind.¡± Laura¡¯s indignation red. ¡°Lucky her. If she were not the match your brother¡¯s savior needs, the Fane family would have tossed her out long ago. You have swallowed too much already.¡± In truth, Laura had nearly stormed over tonight to p the woman¨Ctwice. Quinn¡¯s voice softened, yet her resolve remained firm. ¡°This is nothing. Rowan is my only family. Anyone who saved him is someone I will protect¨Cno matter the cost.¡± Laura tilted her head. ¡°You might have rtives on your mother¡¯s side. She was separated from her family before you adopted her. Given her age, she probably had brothers or sisters. Families back then had several children.¡± Quinn¡¯s smile held equal parts fondness and sorrow. ¡°Finding them is not that simple. My grandparents searched years ago and found nothing. Time kept stretching, and then, my mother passed. If she did have siblings and they learn the truth now, it would only reopen old wounds.¡± Laura exhaled slowly. ¡°That is true.¡± Chapter 394 Memory Shards Return 626 +10 Free Coins Quinn brushed a thumb over the jewelry box, the cool surface of the ruby ne beneath its lid. Family¡­ While she lived, Mom longed to find hers. Every search ended in disappointment. If her kin are still out there, are they looking for her? Or have they erased the idea of her ? At the Whitethorn residence, Julius lounged against the leather back of the couch, one long- fingered hand holding a cigarette. Gray¨Cwhite smoke spiraled through the silent night, stark against the darkness. ¡°Smoking in the middle of the night will only keep you awake,¡± a voice cut through the hush. Julius nced up at Gavin, who had just walked in. ¡°I did not ask you toe.¡± ¡°You are my patient,¡± Gavin answered calmly. ¡°Checking on you is my job.¡± Ignoring him, Julius lifted the tumbler from the table and downed the liquor in one swallow, the cigarette still burning between his fingers. Gavin let out a halfugh, half¨Cgroan. ¡°Trying to die early? Smoke and wine at this hour¨Cis that your n?¡± Julius flicked ash into the tray. ¡°Maybe the drinking will knock me out. Since your prescriptions do nothing, why can¡¯t I self¨Cmedicate?¡± Gavin¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°No prescription can help while you cling to thoughts of Quinn. Use her concern. Let her stay with you, follow the treatment, and maybe¨Cjust maybe¨Cyou will sleep.¡± He remembered clearly: in the clinic that day, Quinn¡¯s worry for Julius had been unmistakable. Julius let out a brittleugh, the sound as thin as cracked ss. ¡°And then what? I milk her pity, she forces herself to stay, my insomnia vanishes. She leaves, and I spiral again. Round and round¨Cthat¡¯s meaningless. He had yed that cruel game before. Back then, to make Quinn fall, he weaponized every advantage¨Cher soft¨Chearted mercy, the tilt of his smile, even the way moonlight slicked across his shoulders¨Cwhile keeping the monsters inside him locked behind a carefully painted mask. Yet none of it had been enough. One single betrayal shattered her trust, and with it every borate lie he had spun. Chapter 394 Memory Shards Return 26 +10 Free Coins Say he tricked her into staying again¨Cwhat chain could possibly keep her once the pity wore off? Gavin lounged back, voice dripping mischief. ¡°How can you be sure the cycle repeats? Maybe this time she¡¯d stay. If you¡¯re too noble to exploit her sympathy, let me y the viin. I¡¯ll tie her to your bed so at least you can finally sleep.¡± The sentence had barely left Gavin¡¯s mouth when Julius rose in a single predatory motion and mped one hand around the man¡¯s throat. ¡°Touch her and you die.¡± Military 395 Chapter 395 The Hidden Threat Julius¡® long fingers could snap his neck at any moment, yet Gavin did not flinch. Instead, he smirked, eyes bright with taunt. ¡°The Huxleys have served the Whitethorns for generations. Your life outranks everything. If the choice is between you wasting away from insomnia andying a hand on Quinn, I will always choose the second option.¡± Julius¡¯s re could have cracked stone. ¡°Touch her, Gavin, and the fact we grew up together won¡¯t save you.¡± Gavin lifted his palms in mock surrender. ¡°If you care that much, why not use every weapon at hand to bring her back? The Whitethorns have never been squeamish about methods.¡± Julius¡® eyes turned to ice, ¡°So because my bloodline is ruthless, I must be ruthless too?¡± Gavin blinked, momentarily caught off guard. ¡°What?¡± Julius released him and turned toward the window, silver moon and scattered stars painting his profile in cold light. ¡°Yes, I could cage her forever, make her spend a lifetime at my side. But she would hate me, and I¡­ I don¡¯t have the courage to face that hatred.¡± A flicker of astonishment crossed Gavin¡¯s face; never before had he heard Julius say the words ¡°don¡¯t have the courage.¡± Only now did Gavin grasp just how deep Julius¡® feelings for Quinn ran. ¡°When we were together, I wanted to be a good man. Even in separation, I still wish to be the good man she remembers. So keep your hands off her, Gavin, because I can¡¯t predict the madness I¡¯ll unleash if you force me otherwise. And¡­¡± His fingertips drifted to the sandalwood bracelet circling his wrist, stroking the cool beads as though they were living things. She had left the bracelet for him. Since the day she walked away, it had stayed with him through every day and sleepless night. Whatever sanity remained, he credited to those beads. At odd moments, the bracelet tricked him into believing she still stood beside him, keeping the abyss at bay. Julius spoke barely above a whisper. ¡°Do you know what it feels like to gain everything only to lose it again? To feel the sky copse? I¡¯ve lived it. I¡¯m already in hell. If someone drags me out only to hurl me back in, I will note out sane a second time.¡± 15:29 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 395 The Hidden Threat 26 +10 Free Coins For once, Gavin had no retort; he could only wonder what ce Quinn upied in Julius¡® universe. Was she a goddess, or his lone salvation? The question drifted through the hush of the night like smoke: If Quinn never returned to Julius, what would be of the man? He could not make himself look down that corridor of possibility. Every door he imagined ended in darkness. D Whitethorn Group¡¯s annual g unfurled beneath crystal chandeliers, a parade of limousines depositing the city¡¯s glittering elite on the red carpet. Laura stepped out first, her scarlet gown ring like the first strike of sunrise, confident, unapologetic, breathtaking. Beside her glided Quinn, wrapped in a champagne dress whose muted silk caught the light in quiet waves, while a single ruby ne zed ferociously at her throat. ¡°Julius¡® invitation list includes the Fane family,¡± Laura whispered, adjusting her clutch. ¡°Think that Serena Fane girl will make an appearance tonight?¡± ¡°Knowing her, she won¡¯t miss a camera sh,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°What worries me is the chance she¡¯ll start something,¡± Laura muttered, worry edging her voice. ¡°Because she¡¯s the donor of those stem cells, she¡¯s acted untouchable, wielding another person¡¯s life like her personal ransom note.¡± ¡°She will one day reap what she sows,¡± Quinn answered calmly. ¡°Besides, this is Julius Whitethorn¡¯s night. She won¡¯t dare cross him under these lights.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hope you¡¯re right,¡± Laura exhaled, forcing a smile that failed to steady her nerves. On the opposite side of the city¡¯s traffic flow, a sleek sedan carried siblings Serena and Leander toward the same glittering destination. Serena worried her lower lip raw, her mind looping the same obsessive question. Will Quinn wear the ruby ne tonight? Whatever happened, she could not allow Everett to see that piece of jewelry. Tonight, by any means necessary, the threat had to disappear. The sedan rolled up to the entrance. As Serena and Leander stepped onto the carpet, they spotted Quinn just a few yards away, clearly just alighting from her own car. Leander closed the distance in three long strides. ¡°Quinn,¡± he greeted, warmth flooding his eyes. Chapter 395 The Hidden Threat My sister is as breathtaking as I expected. 26 +10 Free Coins ¡°Rowan!¡± Quinn called back, her smile brightening as she caught sight of him¨Cand of Serena hovering at his shoulder. Serena¡¯s stare drilled into Quinn with disquieting intensity. At first, Quinn thought it was simple hostility, then she realized the woman¡¯s focus was fixed on the ne at her throat. Just then, another ck sedan glided to a stop at the curb, and the man who stepped out- Everett, undisputed head of the Fane family¨Cbrought a ripple of sudden tension to the night air. Chapter 396 Using Leander Military 396 Chapter 396 Using Leander +10 Free Coins The sh of crystal chandeliers caught Serena Fane off guard. She whipped toward Quinn, her voice pitched low but edged with panic. ¡°Quinn, rumor says you and Uncle Everett shed, that you even tore the ne he has guarded for years from his neck. You won¡¯t show up before Uncle Everett again, forcing Leander to stand in the crossfire, right?¡± No matter what, she couldn¡¯t allow Everett to glimpse the ne glinting at Quinn¡¯s throat. One look would shatter every carefully stacked piece of her n. Quinn arched one elegant eyebrow, genuinely surprised that Serena had gotten wind of the incident. She recalled the tense quarrel with Everett and felt a twinge of guilt. Thest thing she wanted now was to put Leander in a difficult position. ¡°Rowan, I¡¯ll head inside first,¡± Quinn murmured, choosing retreat over confrontation. Leander dipped his chin. ¡°All right. I¡¯ll find you in a bit.¡± With that, Quinn left with Laura, the two women melting into the golden glow of the banquet hall. Leander strode up to Everett and offered a respectful nod. ¡°Mr. Everett.¡± Everett cast a frosty nce at Serena. ¡°What is she doing here?¡± ¡°Since Julius has withdrawn his previous statement, she has every right to be here,¡± Leander answered evenly. Everett let out a dismissive snort. ¡°You brought her because you need her to save that patient lying in the hospital. Once someone notices your Achilles¡® Heel, you¡¯re easy to control. One day that leash may tighten, and you¡¯ll choke on regret.¡± Leander¡¯s gaze remained calm. ¡°I only wish to have a clear conscience.¡± Everett¡¯s brows mmed together. His stare settled on Serena. ¡°Do not embarrass me tonight. Utter one improper word or pull one stunt that humiliates the Fane family, and I will banish you again without hesitation.¡± Serena rushed to respond. ¡°I¡¯m only here to apany Leander. I¡¯ll behave¨Cpromise.¡± 15:30 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 396 Using Leander : 26 +10 Free Coins Only then did Everett sweep toward the banquet hall, the crowd parting instinctively before him. Serena and Leander trailed after. Serena¡¯s re bored into Everett¡¯s back, her mrs grinding in helpless fury. The main branch was always haughty, treating the coteral rtives like parasites summoned at will and discarded just as quickly¨Cespecially that old man, obsessed with finding his long- lost sister. How pitiful. He still believes she¡¯s alive. The truth was, Violet had died three years earlier, and he would never learn that Leander and Quinn were, in fact, her nephew and niece. Only when the main bloodline ran dry would a coteral like Serena ever hope to step inside those sacred halls. Therefore, the true parentage of Leander and Quinn had to remain buried forever. The Whitethorn Group¡¯s annual g buzzed with guests¨Cnot only employees but also suppliers and strategic partners eager to be seen. Quinn spotted more than a few titans ofmerce, their tailored suits gleaming beneath the stage lights. In such an arena, Laura thrived, gliding from cluster to cluster like a fish in clear water, widening herwork with every effortless smile. Quinn remained close to Laura, shadowing her through the swirl of introductions, toasts, and politeughter, bobbing from one polished circle to the next. On the dot of the appointed hour, a hush rolled across the ballroom as though someone had pressed a mute button on the glittering crowd. Julius came into view, d in an ink¨Cck suit offset by a blood¨Cdark tie, his his presence impossible to ignore. pace deliberate, The overhead spots slid toward him, zing his sculpted face with silver, revealing a man so refined he seemed carved from midnight and moonlight at once. This, everyone knew, was the supreme master of the Whitethorn family, the single figure around whom the evening¡¯s axis quietly turned. Someone next to Quinn started whispering. ¡°Is the bracelet on Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s wrist some Chapter 396 Using Leander kind of antique? It doesn¡¯t look like one.¡± ¡°Looks like an ordinary bracelet bought at some mall.¡± ¡°As if Mr. Whitethorn would ever wear something you could pick up at a mall.¡± 26 +10 Free Coins Quinn stared at the modest string of beads, her thoughts snagged on its familiar curve. Does he really not love me anymore? Then why does he still wear that bracelet? Looks like it never left him. He stepped onto the stage, expression unreadable, and offered only one spare greeting. ¡°Thank you for attending tonight¡¯s banquet. Enjoy yourselves.¡± Then, he left the stage, moving through the fragrant haze of perfume and champagne as though the revelry belonged to another.. People hungry for his favor drifted over, fishing for conversation, yet his answers remained cool and measured, sunlight ncing off an icedke. Each time he raised his ss, the gesture was textbook elegance, but the slope of his shoulders broadcast a distance no bridge could span. ¡°Are you looking at Julius?¡± Laura¡¯s question rang out next to Quinn¡¯s ear. Quinn jerked back to the present, breath catching like a ribbon in a draft. ¡°So, have you decided yet? Half the women here are circling Julius like sharks.¡± ¡°I-¡± Quinn began, but the sentence never had a chance tond. ¡°Some people,¡± a woman dered, voice pitched to carry, ¡°spend every waking moment plotting how totch onto power. Do they really think attending this banquet will catapult them up the socialdder?¡± Quinn turned and found the speaker¨Ca woman she had never seen before. Laura, however, recognized her at once, the faintest flick of disdain shadowing her smile. Military 397 Chapter 397 The Confrontation 26 +10 Free Coins The woman was Serena Wynn, a junior associate at Wesley¡¯sw firm who openly nursed a crush on Weston. nking her were two debutantes from Jexburgh, their diamonds winking with practiced superiority. Those two regarded Laura as though they had purchased front¨Crow seats to a farcical y and were merely waiting for the punch line. The bull¡¯s¨Ceye of their thinly veiled hostility was unmistakable¨CLaura. Quinn parted her lips, ready to fire back, but Laura caught her arm with a calm, almost yful smile. ¡°If they¡¯re itching for a quarrel, let me be the one they scratch at.¡± Laura turned to Serena, her voice velvet over steel. ¡°A filthy mind dredges only filth. Oh, Serena, have those soap¨Copera marathons convinced you that the powerful are there for the clinging, like designer handbags on sale?¡± ¡°You!¡± Serena¡¯s eyes red. ¡°A tacky upstart like you must have used some shady trick just to secure an invitation tonight.¡± Laura arched an eyebrow. ¡°Shady tricks? Then you¡¯re using Whitethorn Group¡¯s three¨Cbid system of being rigged. My firm supplies them, after all. Julius is here this evening. Why don¡¯t you stroll over to him and repeat that charge? Let him decide whether darkness hides beneath the numbers.¡± Serena¡¯s cheeks zed scarlet. As if anyone would dare ask Mr. Whitethorn about that. Trying to salvage pride, she said, ¡°I¡¯m merely exercising reasonable doubt. Your littlepany bing a Whitethorn supplier strains belief.¡± Laura let out a low, chillyugh. ¡°Reasonable doubt? And you call yourself awyer, Ms. Wynn? On this alone, I could sue you for nder. I¡¯m no expert in statutes, but Weston will walk me through the fine print.¡± Color drained further from Serena¡¯s face until it matched the rim of her winess¨Cpale and sour. A new voice sliced through the tension. ¡°rify what for you?¡± Laura turned, following the sound to Weston. Given Serena¡¯s presence, his appearance here was hardly surprising. After all, Wesley¡¯s firm handled recurring work for Whitethorn Group. 15:30 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 397 The Confrontation 26 +10 Free Coins Laura¡¯s smile broadened. ¡°Your colleague here suspects I bribed my way onto Whitethorn¡¯s vendor list and that I¡¯m prowling this party hoping to leapfrog into high society.¡± Weston¡¯s brows knitted; his gazended on Serena with unmistakable disapproval. Serena¡¯s blush deepened to painful crimson. She had never imagined Laura would unload every word in front of him. ¡°Funny, isn¡¯t it? With a boyfriend like you, why would I covet another man?¡± Laura purred. She hooked a teasing finger beneath Weston¡¯s chin, striking a pose designed to scandalize. ¡°Or does your colleague think you rank beneath the men milling around tonight?¡± Weston lifted his jaw a fraction, yet he did not remove Laura¡¯s hand. The famously ascetic nes of his face softened into something dangerously alluring. ¡°So the only man you¡¯ve set your sights on is me?¡± A collective gasp rippled through the ballroom, champagne flutes freezing midway to painted lips. Is this really Weston Windore, who steers clear of women? Serena looked thunder¨Cstruck, as though lightning had splintered the marble at her feet. Even the two heiresses beside her shed their mockery, their expressions turning grave. Weston¡¯s significance in Jexburgh¡¯s upper echelons wasmon knowledge, and tonight he had not denied the woman calling herself his girlfriend. Among the old¨Cmoney dynasties,wsuits had be asmon as cocktail gossip; few great houses were spared a docket swollen with disputes. In Jexburgh, four colossalw firms ruled that battlefield, yet every partner silently followed the Windore name. Weston, their scion, had never tasted defeat. Anyone reckless enough to stand against him could kiss future verdicts goodbye. ¡°Well? Is the question really that hard?¡± Weston asked, azy challenge curling in his voice as his gaze pinned Laura where she stood. He remembered how brazenly she had teased him moments ago. Now the woman before him looked like a skittish doe caught in sudden headlights. ¡°Um¡­ Since you¡¯re currently my boyfriend, naturally, you¡¯re the only man I have my sights on,¡± Laura said, her voice scraping out like a reluctant violin note. Weston arched an eyebrow. So she believes that once our one¨Cyear pact expires, she can simply cast her for other men. Chapter 397 The Confrontation 26 +10 Free Coins He decided not to corner her yet. Frighten a rabbit too soon, and it bolts further into the woods. ¡°Then it¡¯s settled,¡± he said, each consonant delivered like a verdict. ¡°Once you set your sights on me, you forfeit the right to stare at anyone else.¡± For a heartbeat, she felt his stare weave an invisible around her, silken yet unbreakable, anchoring her in ce. ¡°All right,¡± Laura managed, forcing a brittle smile that threatened to shatter. Quinn looked on, doubt creasing her brow. Laura had sworn their arrangement with Weston wouldst only a year, yet thewyer¡¯s possessive gaze told an entirely different story. 15:30 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 398 I Warned You Military 398 Chapter 398 I Warned You 26 +10 Free Coins Weston¡¯s eyes lingered on Laura with a heat that promised permanence; nothing about that look suggested he would step aside when the calendar turned. Worse, he was willing to voice that im in front of everyone¨Cwords that sounded part vow, part velvet¨Cgloved threat. ¡°Ms. Bridger, long time no see.¡± An unfamiliar male voice cut through the ballroom din, snapping Quinn out of her reverie. She turned and found Harbs Wagner striding toward her, tailored suit catching chandelier light like a scalpel. ¡°Mr. Wagner, it has been a while,¡± Quinn greeted, recognizing the director of an international conglomerate she had once courted while at Grafton Technologies. ¡°I heard you left Grafton Technologies,¡± Harbs said with an easy smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been hoping to bring you aboard my team¡ªinterested?¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve already joined Azure Technologies,¡± Quinn replied, gentle yet firm. ¡°Quinn heads our R&D division,¡± Laura added, seizing the chance towork. ¡°We¡¯d be thrilled to coborate with you down the line, Mr. Wagner.¡± Harbs nced at Quinn, unwilling to surrender. ¡°Are you truly against the idea? The opportunities with us would be even broader.¡± Quinn shook her head. ¡°I love Azure Technologies. My friends and I n to build it into something formidable.¡± Harbs sighed, but his courtesy never faltered. He shook Laura¡¯s hand, then faced Quinn again. ¡°At least let¡¯s talk tech,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯m still fascinated by the drone project you once pitched.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Quinn said, happy to discuss the sky¨Cbound machines that still set her pulse racing. While the two spoke in low, measured tones, a woman stood some distance away. Her round eyes¨Cbright, sharp, almost predatory¨Ccaught every nuance of the scene and stored it away like film in a silent camera. Gavin tipped his ss toward Julius, a sly smile creeping across his face. ¡°So tell me, you care more than you let on, so why the act? Why pretend she¡¯s a stranger?¡± 15:30 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 398 I Warned You 26 +10 Free Coins Julius kept his posture carved from ice¨Cshoulders squared, chin slightly lifted¨Cyet his betrayed him, wandering again and again toward Quinn. gaze His lips thinned to a pale, unyielding line, and he refused to give Gavin so much as a flicker of acknowledgement. Gavin shrugged, unfazed. ¡°That fellow chatting with Quinn is Harbs Wagner. From what I know, the man is usually frost and marble. And yet look at him now¨Csoft voice, easy smile. Do you think he is falling for her, too?¡± A shadow crossed Julius¡® eyes, dark as storm water. Women like Quinn wore restraint the way others wore silk. The closer one came, the clearer her radiance became, until it eclipsed every sensible thought. Of course other men would drift toward that light¨CHan had, and now, it seemed, so had Harbs. Julius had sworn not to step near her again. If she chose another man, it was only the consequence of his own retreat. Yet the jealousy inside him sprouted like untended weeds, fierce and multiplying, strangling every resolve he thought he possessed. Julius clenched his jaw so hard his mrs threatened to crack. He watched Quinn and Harbs tradeughter, watched their sses meet with a bright, traitorous chime, watched the man lean down, closer, ever closer, toward the faint pulse at the base of her neck. Crack! His right hand closed, shattering the fragile stem of his winess. Shards bit into his palm, and blood threaded between his fingers before slipping down to the polished floor. Gavin gasped. ¡°Julius!¡± But Julius did not hear him. His gaze stayed welded to the couple across the room, pupils zing. The jealousy was not merely hot; it was deranged, a firestorm tearing through whatever sanity he had left. Harbs tilted his head, studying the ne resting against the hollow of Quinn¡¯s throat. ¡°Your ne feels oddly familiar, Quinn, as though I¡¯ve seen it somewhere before.¡± Quinn¡¯s fingers brushed the pendant with a tenderness that belonged to another time. ¡°It was 15:30 Mon, Sep 15 Chapter 398 I Warned You 26 +10 Free Coins my mother¡¯s. It once turned up at an auction, so perhaps that¡¯s where you ran across it.¡± Harbs offered a nomittal smile. ¡°Perhaps,¡± he said. A waiter threaded through the crowd carrying a silver tray of drinks. When he walked past Quinn, he stumbled, and a crimson arc of wine sttered across the front of her champagne- colored gown. The waiter bowed repeatedly. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, miss, I¡¯m so sorry!¡± Quinn steadied him with a calm hand. ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± she said. The wine blossomed across the pale fabric like a cruel, red flower everyone could not help but notice. Laura arrived at Quinn¡¯s side, concern sharpening her features. ¡°Come to the lounge. I keep a spare dress in my car¨CI¡¯ll fetch it for you, and we¡¯ll have you changed in no time.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn answered with a nod, fingers gathering a handful of satin so the hem would not drag. Head bowed, spine straight, she glided across the velvet¨Ccarpeted corridor toward the private lounge, the murmurs of the ballroom fading behind her. Laura pivoted, about to fetch the spare gown they had discussed, when a looming silhouette stopped her short. Julius stood a few paces away. For a heartbeat, Laura wondered what had captured the man¡¯s attention. Then, she followed the line of his stare and realized he was tracking the sway of Quinn¡¯s retreating figure, eyes dark, expression unreadable. Inside the deserted lounge, Quinn pulled a stack of pre¨Cmoistened wipes from a crystal dispenser and began blotting the sticky wine from her gown. The burgundy droplets had sshed farther than she thought, dappling her forearms and the delicate curve of her neck. She had just tossed thest wipe into the bin when a soft rap echoed against the door. It must be Laura sending me the gown. Quinn utched the door. The threshold was abruptly filled not by Laura but by Julius¨Ctall, raven¨Chaired, carrying a storm behind his eyes. ¡°What are you¡­¡± Quinn whispered, her voice splintering. Before she could finish, Julius surged forward, mmed the door with his free hand, and pinned her against the wall, breath hot against her temple. Chapter 398 I Warned You 26 +10 Free Coins ¡°Why do you keep showing up in my life?¡± he growled. ¡°I warned you¨Cstay as far away from me as possible.¡± Military 399 Chapter 399 The Kiss Chapter 399 The Kiss 30 +10 Free Coins Quinn stared at him. The polished, aloof magnate from the ballroom had vanished; in his ce stood a man torn by warring impulses, phoenix¨Clike eyes burning with suppressed anger and impossible yearning. ¡°Answer me! Why did you show up in front of me again?¡± His voice pitched higher, raw with outrage. A few minutes earlier, he had watched her chat andugh with another man, interacting intimately. The scene had detonated inside him, jealousy shredding thest threads of restraint. ¡°I¡­ I only came to apany Laura,¡± Quinn stammered. But as she answered him, another voice echoed within her. I also wanted to see him, to learn the truth of my own heart. Do I really have the courage to trust him again? And what about him? Does he still love me? ¡°Just here to apany Laura?¡± Julius let out a bitterugh. How pathetic he was, still clinging to the foolish hope that she might havee for him. ¡°Your hand! What happened?¡± she cried. Moments ago at the banquet, his hands had been immacte, yet now his right was wrapped in pristine gauze, a faint rose stain blooming through the fibers. Quinn lifted the bandaged hand with deliberate care. ¡°When did this happen? Is it serious?¡± ¡°I told you. If you can¡¯t stay by my side, then spare me your pity. It only lets me believe I still have a chance.¡± Hope, once kindled, could deepen the hollowness when it died. ¡°Julius, I-¡± Quinn lifted her face, barely shaping his name when his left hand closed around her jaw, abrupt and unyielding. His mouth crashed onto hers, fierce and hungry, a devouring storm that tasted of desire and ruin. She froze, palm braced against his chest. At the instant she meant to shove him away, snared her wrist. doubt 17:59 Tue, Sep 16 Chapter 399 The Kiss She possessed the strength to end the kiss, to end everything. But did she truly want to? 30 +10 Free Coins His lips pressed on, hot yet hopeless, pouring every throttled emotion into that single union. Something invisible twisted her heart, and pain bloomed. Slowly, almost trembling, she threaded her arms around his neck and offered herself to the ze. He went rigid. Then greed overtook him. Terrified she might change her mind, he sought more, deeper, now. Only after an endless stretch did the kiss finally break. Quinn drew ragged breaths, lips smarting under the cool air. He breathed against her ear, ¡°Is this your pity too?¡± She blinked, bewildered. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you shove me away? Do you understand what that does to me? It lights a useless hope I cannot afford. Quinn, you have already cast me into despair. Please, don¡¯t hurl impossible dreams after it.¡± She swallowed. ¡°Julius, it isn¡¯t what you think, I just¡ª¡± ¡°Just what? Do you pity the pathetic man in front of you? Or do you need something from me -a favor, help? Is that why even a forced kiss is eptable?¡± She shook her head hard. ¡°No! That¡¯s not it!¡± He narrowed his eyes. ¡°Do you perhaps still love me, Quinn? Is that why you let me touch you?¡± Silence fell; her throat locked around every possible reply. Disappointment flickered across his gaze, dim and unmistakable. She had sworn she despised lies and secrets. One lie from him had ended them, so how could she still love him? Throughout their story, he alone had been the one under someone else¡¯s control. He, and only he, had pleaded for love. Chapter 399 The Kiss 30 +10 Free Coins ¡°Quinn, if you don¡¯t love me, you should never have swallowed that kiss. You should have beaten me back¡ªhit me until I had no strength to lift a hand, until I was too broken to ever dare reach for you again. You should¡¯ve done that.¡± Julius pivoted sharply, giving her nothing but the rigid line of his back. ¡°Next time, don¡¯t appear before me again. Unless you truly wish to watch mee undone,¡± he warned, each syble vibrating with reined¨Cin fury. Without another word, he yanked open the lounge door and strode away, letting it swing shut behind him. Quinn stared at the door as it thudded closed, then lifted two trembling fingers to her lips. His breath still clung there¡ªwarm, haunting¡ªand regret tunneled through her chest because she had let his question die in the thick silence. I still love him. Yet doubt gnaws: once trust is broken, can it ever stand again? Military 400 Chapter 400 Sudden Inferno : 30 +10 Free Coins Laura had just grabbed a fresh gown for Quinn from the car and was hurrying back toward the ballroom when a shrill fire rm shredded the air. She froze. The sound was pouring out of the grand hall itself. A fire¨Cduring the annual g? Panic tightened her muscles. She broke into a sprint. At the entrance, she found guests flooding out, voices pitched high with fear, while the ceiling speakers looped an impersonal evacuation message. Staff in dark vests herded the stampede toward the exits, shouting directions above the din. Laura stabbed Quinn¡¯s number on her phone; the call rang and rang, unanswered. Pick up, Quinn¨Cplease, pick up! She clenched the device until her knuckles nched. A trio of guests hurried past, their anxious whispers catching her ear. ¡°How could a fire break out¡ªand right in the middle of thepany g?¡± ¡°Could someone be taking revenge?¡± ¡°I heard it started near the lounge¡­¡± The word ¡°lounge¡± mmed into Laura like a shockwave. Quinn was in that lounge. She lunged toward the corridor, but an arm looped around her waist and dragged her back. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± Weston growled. He steered her toward the main exit with long, determined strides. ¡°Let go!¡± Laura fought his grip. ¡°Quinn is in that lounge. I have to get her!¡± ¡°Running in helps no one,¡± he said. ¡°The professionals are already on their way. Your job is to stay safe.¡± ¡°And what if they don¡¯t know she¡¯s there?¡± she cried. ¡°If I¡¯m on site, I can tell them exactly where Quinn is!¡± If anything happens to Quinn, I will never forgive myself. If only she had never coaxed Quinn into attending this glittering g, Laura told herself, none of this would have happened. Quinn would have stayed home, far from the smoke¨Cfilled Chapter 400 Sudden Inferno 30 +10 Free Coins corridors and the roar of rm bells now echoing through the hotel. Even the decision to wait in the lounge¨CLaura¡¯s idea, and hers alone¨Cnow felt like the hinge on which disaster swung. Weston tightened his grip on her trembling shoulders, meeting her frantic gaze with awyer¡¯s cool steadiness. ¡°Laura, with Quinn¡¯s skill set, if a real fire broke out, she¡¯d have more than enough sense and strength to get herself out. You charging in would only slow her down- maybe even get her hurt.¡± Yet the reassurance slid off her like water on ss. Survivors streamed from the ballroom in smoky spurts, gowns streaked with soot, but Quinn was nowhere among them. ¡°Then why haven¡¯t I seen her walk out? Why can¡¯t I reach her phone?¡± Laura¡¯s voice cracked, each word snagging on a half¨Cswallowed sob. With every unanswered call, her heart plunged deeper into dread. She wrenched against Weston¡¯s hold, desperation drowning propriety. ¡°Weston, let me go! I have to find Quinn¨Cthis is my fault, I told her to wait in that lounge!¡± A new voice sliced through the chaos. ¡°What? Quinn¡¯s still inside the lounge?¡± Leander barked, disbelief and rm colliding in his eyes. Laura spun. Leander stood only a few paces away, tuxedo askew, shock painting his features stark white beneath the glow of emergency lights. ¡°Yes. Her gown was drenched in wine, so she ran there to change.¡± Laura¡¯s eyes brimmed. ¡°I keep calling, but the line¡¯s dead. I can¡¯t find her¨Ccan¡¯t find her at all.¡± The words tangled together until sybles dissolved into a raw, helpless whimper. ¡°Weston, let me go! I have to get her¡­¡± Weston¡¯s hand shed, a precise edge striking the nape of her neck. Her protest cut off mid- breath. She sagged, unconscious, into his waiting arms. He stared down at the tears still wet on her cheeks, the weight of his choice pressing like iron on his chest. If Quinn harm, Laura may never forgive me. But letting her dash into a burning maze was unthinkable. All he could do now was pray that Quinn¡¯s quick mind and steady nerves guided her safely out. After all, a woman like Quinn shouldn¡¯t find it difficult to break through a wall of me. Yet with every slow¨Cticking minute, Weston felt his certainty seep away. Chapter 400 Sudden Inferno Quinn still had not emerged. : It had been minutes since the fire broke out. She should have been outside by now. A chilling question coiled in his gut. Did the unthinkable really happen? 30 +10 Free Coins Sirens remained a distant promise. Banquet¨Chall staff wrestled with wall¨Cmounted hoses and rattling extinguishers, fighting back tongues of fire that licked at velvet drapes. Leander¡¯s heart mirrored Weston¡¯s, sinking tooth by tooth into fear¡¯s abyss. Leander shoved past a cluster of waiters. ¡°I¡¯m going in!¡± He yanked a hose from a firefighter¡¯s grasp, dousing himself until his tuxedo clung dark and dripping. Snatching two extinguishers, he lunged toward the smoke¨Cchoked doorway, resolve sparking hotter than the mes inside. ¡°Stop right there!¡± Everett thundered. ¡°You said yourself you were burned once before, so you had trauma! How do you expect to save anyone when you can barely face the fire?¡± ¡°Yes. I do have trauma, but they will not keep me from finding Quinn.¡± Eyes hard as smoked ss, he held Everett¡¯s gaze, daring anyone present to challenge the resolve that burned behind those words. After learning how every siren dragged him back to that border inferno, Leander had spent months in a sterile therapy room, breathing through imagined mes and drilling rescue protocols until fear bent to discipline. Tonight, that discipline was the only thing standing between him and copse. ¡°You are still my son, part of the Fane family,¡± Everett said. ¡°I refuse to let anything happen to you. People are already inside fighting the fire, and professional crews will arrive any minute.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have those minutes,¡± Leander snapped. ¡°Every second you detain me is a second the mes hunt Quinn.¡± 3 Military 401 Chapter 401 Serena Fane Is Behind It Chapter 401 Serena Fane Is Behind It (30) +10 Free Coins He had no time to bargain with fear; Quinn was somewhere inside that burning maze, and each copsing beam threatened to erase her from the world. Everett cut the air with a sharp gesture toward the men nking him. ¡°Stop him!¡± Four bodyguards moved, shoulders locking into an unbreakable wall before Leander. ¡°Move,¡± Leander barked, his voice cracking like gunfire. ¡°I just want you to be safe,¡± Everett countered. ¡°If anything happens, your grandmother will rpse, and her heart can¡¯t bear fresh grief.¡± ¡°So my safety is all that matters? My sister¡¯s life is expendable?¡± His eyes zed hotter than the fire itself. Everett said nothing. The prayer beads turned, one by one, between his calloused fingers, each click a muted confession. In Leander¡¯s world, only two people truly mattered: his mother and his sister. Everyone else blurred into the hazy backdrop of a life devoted to penance. Every day since the border inferno felt like another bead on the rosary of his guilt, polished by regret, stained by smoke. ¡°Quinn is my sister. Whatever stands in my way, I¡¯m going in.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Everett growled. Leander lunged forward, driving an elbow into the nearest guard¡¯s ribs and another into a jaw, splitting the human barricade through sheer resolve. His body moved on muscle memory, therapy drills repurposed into brutal efficiency. ¡°If it were your sister trapped in those mes, would you really stand here, arms folded, doing nothing?¡± he shouted, voice ragged. Everett lifted a hand¨Cabrupt, silent. The guards froze mid¨Cstep. Without turning back, Leander burst through the smoldering doorway and vanished into the choking heat of the banquet hall. Chapter 401 Serena Fane Is Behind It 30 +10 Free Coins Everett watched his son¡¯s retreating silhouette, lips pressed thin, before lowering his gaze once more to the prayer beads. If his own sister were inside, he would pay any price to shield her from harm. He had reyed that distant day a thousand times, cursing the moment he let go of her tiny hand. Had he only obeyed his mother¡¯s warning never to release his sister¡¯s hand, she would never have vanished. For years, he had scoured every corner of the country, yet his little sister remained a ghost no searchlight could catch. Am I never going to find her? When Quinn finally smelled smoke seeping under the lounge door, the knob refused to turn- the lock had been snapped shut from the outside. She rammed her shoulder against the frame, once, twice, until thetch splintered and the door mmed inward. A wall of gray rushed in, thick as tar, swallowing every line of sight. Without a blink, she gathered the satin hem of her evening gown and tore it clean away, turning the sweeping dress into a knee¨Clength skirt better suited for running. She grabbed a half¨Cfull bottle of water from the sideboard, twisted the cap, and drenched the torn fabric before pressing the wet cloth over her nose and mouth. I have to get out¡ªnow! If the mes don¡¯t reach me first, the smoke will. One lungful too many and my throat will swell shut, and that will be the end. ¡°Quinn Bridger, did you honestly believe you could leave this ce alive?¡± a muffled female voice sneered through the haze. Quinn wheeled around. Serena Fane stood at the corridor¡¯s mouth, a sleek smoke mask strapped to her face and a pistol gleaming in her gloved hand. The dark barrel pointed straight at Quinn¡¯s heart. Quinn¡¯s brow tightened. Their rivalry had been fierce, but never murderous¨Cuntil now. ¡°You started this fire?¡± Quinn asked, eyes flicking over the room while her mind mapped Serena¡¯s possible moves¨Cand her own counters. ¡°That¡¯s right. You die here tonight.¡± Serena¡¯s tone was ice. ¡°Stay put, or I pull the trigger.¡± Chapter 401 Serena Fane Is Behind It : 30 +10 Free Coins Heat licked up the walls behind Quinn; the inferno was racing closer, hungry and bright. Serena blocked the only free passage, inly intent on forcing Quinn to burn inside her own private hell. ¡°The Whitethorn family is hosting this g,¡± Quinn warned. ¡°Fire crews will be here any second.¡± ¡°No one ising,¡± Serena said, absolute certainty ringing in every word. Doubt shed across Quinn¡¯s eyes. How could Serena, a mere fringe member of the Fane family, sabotage an event with Whitethorn¨Clevel security¨Cthen speak so confidently about the rescue teams never arriving? Someone powerful had to be standing behind her. ¡°And if I refuse to stay put?¡± Quinn asked. Serena blinked, startled, as Quinn strode straight toward the muzzle of the gun¨Ceach step longer, faster, more deliberate than thest. ¡°S¨CStop! One more step and I¡¯ll shoot!¡± Serena¡¯s voice cracked, halfmand, half panic. But Quinn did not slow. She drove forward through the swirling smoke, eyes locked on Serena¡¯s, daring the other woman to decide¨Cpull the trigger, or be overrun. Serena¡¯s face nched, then flushed a violent red as terror crashed over her like a wave. Bang! One brutal crack ripped through the hallway, the gun¡¯s roar still vibrating against the walls long after the muzzle sh died. Quinn ducked, slipping beneath the screaming bullet with a feline twist. The shot¡¯s recoil kicked through Serena¡¯s arms, and the force sent her staggering three full steps backward, boots skidding across polished stone. Only then did Quinn¡¯s eyes dart beyond her. Behind Serenay a narrow flight of marble stairs, each tread slick and unforgiving. Serena¡¯s heel found nothing but air. Her eyes flew wide, arms iling for a hold that wasn¡¯t there, before gravity yanked her downward and her body tumbled into the yawning stairwell. Military 402 Chapter 402 Inferno Confrontation Chapter 402 Inferno Confrontation 30 +10 Free Coins A strangled scream ripped from Serena as thending splintered beneath her heels. Instinct surged. She iled for anything solid¨Cbanister, wall, even smoke itself¨Cdesperate to stop the plunge that yawned open in front of her. A heartbeatter, a hand punched through the haze and mped around her wrist. The fall snapped to a halt so violently her shoulder burned, leaving her body dangling over the ck void of the stairwell while sparks drifted around them like dying fireflies. Serena threw back her head andughed, the sound jagged as broken ss. ¡°Hahaha! Quinn, even if I want to kill you, you still have to keep me breathing. After all, only I carry the cure for your brother¡¯s precious Lena.¡± Quinn¡¯s face hardened. Serena spoke the ugly truth¨Conly Serena could donate the stem cells that might pull Lena back from the edge. That meant, whatever Serena did, Quinn could not let her die. Serena¡¯s gaze locked on the ruby ne glinting at Quinn¡¯s throat. Snarling, she leveled her pistol again. ¡°But saving me won¡¯t change a thing. You must die tonight.¡± At this distance, she was confident she wouldn¡¯t miss. Even if Quinn let go, Serena would tumble only one flight¨Cenough bruises to scream about, yet not enough to end her life. All Serena needed was for Quinn to drop dead, so she could rip that ruby ne from the woman¡¯s neck. The trigger never clicked. Quinn whipped a boot upward, catching the pistol¡¯s barrel and sending the weapon ttering into the darkness below. ¡°You¡­¡± Serena choked, fury draining the color from her face. ¡°You talk too much,¡± Quinn said, voice as cold as steel. ¡°Killing me? You don¡¯t have what it takes.¡± She braced to haul Serena over the rail and knock her out cold. The world detonated. A roar of pressure mmed Quinn sideways, flinging her against a concrete wall hard enough to rattle her bones. The st sheared the banister in two, Serena¡¯s body shot clear of the stairs, left hanging over open air while Quinn¡¯s hand¨Cbloodied but unbroken¨Cclung to her wrist. They were three stories above the lobby floor. If Serena missed the second¨Cfloornding and crashed all the way to the first, her neck would Chapter 402 Inferno Confrontation likely snap on impact. 30 +10 Free Coins If Quinn hadn¡¯t grasped Serena¡¯s hand even after the st, Serena would¡¯ve plunged to her death. Panic shredded Serena¡¯s earlier bravado. ¡°Pull me up, Quinn! You have to pull me up. If I die, Lena dies, and your brother will never forgive himself!¡± Quinn¡¯s lungs screamed from heat and smoke. Every inch of skin felt scorched, and her breath came sharp and shallow. A fresh spike of agony knifed through her calf. The collision had likely cracked the bone. If she let go now, she could still limp to safety before the fire swallowed the stairwell. But if she released Serena, the woman would plunge to her death. If Serena dies, Lena loses her only matched donor. Rowan will carry that guilt forever. Hold on a little longer, Quinn. This is Whitethorn Group¡¯s g. He knows I was in the lounge when the fire broke out. He¡¯ll push the firefighters to reach me first. Do I risk everything on that? Bet my life¡ªand Serena¡¯s¡ªon Julius moving fast enough? Quinn¡¯s fingers still mped around Serena¡¯s slick, trembling hand, yet she felt her own strength bleeding away with every ragged breath. The choking smoke pressed against her lungs, and the din of distant mes sounded like a war drum pounding in her ears. ¡°Quinn, you can¡¯t leave me here!¡± Serena screamed, her voice raw with panic. ¡°Weren¡¯t you a soldier? Aren¡¯t soldiers supposed to heal the wounded, to give their lives so others can live?¡± Quinn fixed her with a hard stare. ¡°And you expect me to sacrifice myself for someone who just tried to kill me? You think you deserve that?¡± Serena¡¯s face twisted, desperation and spite tangled together. ¡°Don¡¯t you care if your brother suffers? That girl Lena is his whole world. If I die, she dies too¨Cyour brother will break! They were this close to marrying if she hadn¡¯t fallen ill.¡± The words struck Quinn like a backdraft. She had always believed Lena was merely Rowan¡¯s savior¨Cnever had she imagined feelings ran deeper than gratitude. ¡°If you want to live, stop talking,¡± she said, voice clipped. ¡°I¡¯ll haul you up first, then we both get out.¡± ¡°A¨CAll right!¡± Serena barked, bobbing her head so fast it looked detached from thought. Quinn drew one steadying breath, nted her good leg, and heaved. Muscle and willpower .. 30 Chapter 402 Inferno Confrontation surged together as she dragged Serena over the jagged edge to rtive safety. +10 Free Coins Serena sprawled on the scorched floorboards, coughing, eyes wild, the picture of someone yanked from the jaws of death by sheer luck. Clutching a damp cloth against her mouth, Quinn sucked in smoky air. Her right calf throbbed where bone had snapped. ¡°We move¨Cnow¨Cbefore this ce copses.¡± Chapter 403 Falling Debris Military 403 Chapter 403 Falling Debris Chapter 403 Falling Debris +10 Free Coins Quinn turned to scout a path¨Cbut Serena lunged, eyes zing with malice, and shoved at her back. ¡°Go to hell!¡± The hand nevernded. Quinn twisted, dodged the blow, and¨Cbefore shock could fade from Serena¡¯s face¨Cdrove the heel of her palm into Serena¡¯s temple. The woman¡¯s gaze went ssy, and she crumpled without a sound. Serena¡¯s body folded like a marite whose strings had been shed,nding in an untidy heap on the floor. Quinn pressed her lips together. Smoke stung her eyes, her fractured leg zed with pain, and the earlier explosion had drained what little stamina she had left. Can I really drag her out of here in this condition? The memory of Rowan¡¯s soft expression whenever he spoke of Lena surged up. Quinn clenched her jaw and stooped, ready to haul Serena onto her shoulder¨Cwhen the ceiling groaned, then splintered. She yanked Serena sideways and flung the unconscious woman toward a clearer patch of floor. Debris thundered down like a stone curtain, cutting off the route she had intended to take. Her shattered right leg made speed impossible. Each movement sent hot needles racing along the bone. All she could do was shield her head and chest, praying to absorb the smallest blow the copsing ceiling might deliver. Yet the expected impact never came. A lone figure had stepped between her and the falling wreckage¨Cso sudden, so sure, it felt like a miracle torn straight from legend. Quinn¡¯s pupils contracted. She stared, breath seized in disbelief. It was Julius Whitethorn. Not a firefighter. Not a rescue professional. Julius himself stood there, braced like a bastion against the chaos. How could Julius have found his way into this burning tomb? Wooden beams and jagged ster rained from the trembling ceiling. One b smashed into the center of his back with a sickening thud, knocking the breath from him and driving him to Chapter 403 Falling Debris : 30 +10 Free Coins his knees. Somehow, he nted both palms in the rubble, bracing on either side of Quinn¡¯s body, shielding her with his own. His face was paper¨Cwhite, sweat streaking through soot. ¡°Move- now,¡± he rasped. ¡°Find somece safe. Go!¡± Quinn pushed upright, her legs trembling yet unyielding. ¡°We leave together¨Cboth of us,¡± she shot back, the words a vow more than a plea. Several heavy chunks of ceiling pinned Julius¡® spine like iron weights. Above them, the cracked concrete groaned, threatening to send fresh debris at any second. Quinn bent low, fingers bleeding as she wrestled those stones off his back one by one. ¡°Leave me be,¡± Julius murmured, each breath a scrape of ss. ¡°I¡¯m not dying here. You get out -rescuers will be here any minute.¡± He had dragged himself through the inferno for one reason only¨Cher. All he wanted was for Quinn to breathe, to live, to greet tomorrow untouched. Quinn¡¯s jaw locked, eyes bright with smoke and anger. ¡°Stop the nonsense!¡± She heaved another stone aside. ¡°I told you¨Cwe leave together!¡± Her voice rang with a resolve that could not be bargained down. In the dancing firelight, the ruby ne at her throat swung wildly, throwing shards of scarlet across the smoke. The gleam stung his eyes. Julius stared, stunned. That ne¡ªhe had seen one exactly like it before. ¡°You know?¡± the little girl had whispered, solemn beyond her years. ¡°This ne belongs to my mom, but she says we have to trade it for food and medicine so more people can stay alive. Mom loves it so much. She¡¯s always treasured it. When I grow up, I¡¯ll buy it back for her, and she¡¯ll be so happy!¡± That half¨Cburied memory mmed into him like a second copse of concrete and me. ¡°Don¡¯t die¨Cplease don¡¯t die! I¡¯ll save you, I swear I will! If we go, we go together!¡± The child¡¯s voice, choked with sobs, echoed as she hauled stone after stone from his broken body. It was the first time in his life he had felt anyone care whether he lived or vanished. Neither his father nor his mother had ever spared such concern. Years ago, kidnapped to a foreignnd, he had heard the kidnappers name their price while his father answered coldly over the phone, ¡°He¡¯s a useless child. If he can¡¯t survive, he isn¡¯t Chapter 403 Falling Debris worthy of the Whitethorn name.¡± : Useless¨Cthat word carved itself into the marrow of his bones. 30 +10 Free Coins His mother had died, the very woman his birth had been meant to anchor. Once she was gone, he¨Cthe tool forged to keep her¨Cheld no worth at all to his father. Those kidnappers lost their nerve in the end. One by one, they scattered into the smoke, abandoning him on the sted ground like unwanted baggage. He had been certain the next shell would rip him apart. Instead, a girl younger than he was appeared and pulled him back from the brink. Though the child¡¯s face had faded in his memory, every word she uttered that day remained etched on his heart. So slight and fragile, she strained to lift b after b of rubble. All ten fingers split open, blood dripped onto the dust, yet she kept moving stones. ¡°I know you¡¯re scared, but I¡¯m here, and I¡¯m stronger than I look. I¡¯ll get you out, I promise.¡± The girl had promised, beaming at him. Sunlight poured over her narrow shoulders, turning the dirt on her hair to spun gold and making her grin ze like a small sun. In that moment, he understood something new. Somewhere in this brutal world, there was at least one soul who desperately wanted him to live. It was the first time he had ever felt such a thing. Now, the blurred face from his memory sharpened,yer byyer, until it ovepped perfectly with the woman in front of him. ¡°That ne you wear¡­ It belonged to your mother, didn¡¯t it? Back then, she traded it for food and medicine, am I right?¡± Julius forced the question through a throat scraped raw by smoke. Military 404 Chapter 404 Intertwined Fates Chapter 404 Intertwined Fates +10 Free Coins ¡°How do you know that?¡± Quinn¡¯s gaze widened, surprise chasing away the soot on her cheeks. He grinned even as death¨Ccolored shadows crept across his skin. Sweat matted his hair, ash clung to his clothes, yet the smile refused to leave. ¡°Of course. It was you. It has always been you,¡± he breathed. The revtion struck him like a silent explosion. The savior from the ruins of his childhood was standing right here. Years before either of them knew the other¡¯s name, their paths had already crossed. He had spent all these years searching for her, loving her, and it had always been the woman. Every indelible mark on his life, each scar and every hope, carried her signature. very same Outside the zing banquet hall, Everett nted himself near the exit. Firefighters rushed in and out, shepherding survivor after survivor through curtains of ckened air. And yet, no matter how many victims emerged, Leander was not among them. A knot tightened in Everett¡¯s chest, rough and immediate. That kid had better not die. If he does, what will I tell Mother? Leander is the only thing keeping her fractured mind tethered. And he could not shake the echo of Leander¡¯s final words, spoken just before the young man vanished into the fire. They often remarked that whenever Leander entered a room, it felt as though Everett¡¯s youthful self had stepped straight out of a forgotten photograph. Decisive, razor¨Cbright, able to connect invisible dots in a single breath, yet firmly anchored to principled boundaries¨Ceverything about the boy fit Everett¡¯s taste to perfection. More than once, Everett caught himself wondering whether, had life granted him a child of his own, that son might have looked and moved exactly like this. In the beginning, pressed by family politics, he had stamped the boy with thebel of ¡°illegitimate¡± simply to satisfy Margaret¡¯s need for an heir. Chapter 404 Intertwined Fates 30 +10 Free Coins Yet the longer he watched Leander grow, the stronger his admiration became. He pulled the young man into Fane Group, cleared a path, and quietly urged him to climb. Had Quinn¡¯s search for her brother never erupted, Everett might have arranged for Leander to marry a woman carrying pure Fane blood and, in time, steer the family empire himself. But destiny would soon rename the boy Rowan Bridger, severing every thread that bound him to the Fanes. And so the child who mirrored my own reflection will never truly belong to us, Everett realized, a dull regret spreading through his chest. Out on the smoke¨Cdusted forecourt, red strobes danced across twisted steel as Harbs slipped past the cordon and raised a hand in greeting. ¡°Mr. Fane, I never expected to meet you here,¡± Harbs said, voice steady while the lights flickered across his suit. Hispany had business in Celosia, too, and some of that business coborated with the Fanes, which was why he knew Everett as well. ¡°Harbs. Small world,¡± Everett answered, tugging his dark coat tighter against the night air. ¡°Heading out? We could leave together,¡± Harbs offered, jerking a thumb toward the line of waiting cars. ¡°No. Leander is still inside. I¡¯ll stay until he walks out,¡± Everett said, tone firm beneath the distant wail of sirens. Harbs blinked, genuinely surprised. ¡°Your son hasn¡¯te out yet?¡± Everett pressed his lips, a single nomittal hum escaping him. ¡°The rescue crews just moved in deeper. I¡¯m sure the kid will be fine,¡± Harbs added, trying to coat the words with reassurance. A spark of memory lit his eyes. ¡°Seeing you reminds me¨Cyour family¡¯s been searching for a particr ne, right? I spotted one today that looks remarkably simr.¡± The ne on Quinn¡¯s throat had nagged at him with d¨¦j¨¤¨Cvu. Only now, facing Everett, did the forgotten photograph snap into focus; he had once promised to report any sighting. He didn¡¯t expect to really find an identical ne. ¡°What did you just say?¡± Everett¡¯s eyes flew open, the normally imprable gray irises shing in the emergency lights. ¡°You¡¯ve seen that ne?¡± Chapter 404 Intertwined Fates 30 +10 Free Coins ¡°I can¡¯t be certain, but the design is nearly the same as the photo you showed me,¡± Harbs exined, careful not to overpromise. Everett thrust his phone between them, the image already pulled up. Though it was only a scanned, time¨Cworn photograph, the contours of the ne stood out in crisp relief. ¡°Is it this ne?¡± Everett whispered, the question rasping out as though each word had to w its way up his throat. Harbs leaned closer, squinting beneath themp¡¯s amber glow. ¡°The design is almost identical -at least to my eye it is the same,¡± he said, measuring every curve and stone. ¡°The woman who wore it today told me it had belonged to her mother.¡± Everett jolted as if struck by a hidden current. ¡°Her¡­ Her mother?¡± The word carried the weight of decades of unanswered prayers. If his younger sister were still alive, she would have children by now. By Everett¡¯s reckoning, any son or daughter of hers would long since have grown into adulthood. ¡°The person¨Cthe one wearing the ne¨Cwho is she?¡± The inquiry wobbled out of him, hope and fear knotted around every syble. Have I finally found my sister? ¡°Quinn,¡± Harbs replied. ¡°Her name is Quinn Bridger.¡± The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 405 Chapter 405 Bloodline Revealed Chapter 405 Bloodline Revealed ¡¢ (35) +10 Free Coins Everett¡¯s pupils widened, disbelief crashing across his face like a rogue wave tearing into a cliff. ¡°What? What did you say? What¡¯s her name again?¡± His voice pitched higher than he remembered it could go. ¡°Quinn Bridger,¡± Harbs repeated, patient yet wary. ¡°She was a drone specialist in the military. After her discharge, she and her ex¨Chusband founded Grafton Technologies. I worked with her -her grasp of unmanned systems is absolutely-¡± The rest of Harbs¡® exnation dissolved into a distant hum; words no longer reached Everett through the rush of blood pounding in his ears. Images of Quinn shed through his mind¨Cher steady posture at a shareholders¡® meeting, the resolute line of her mouth in a faded military portrait, the quiet storm behind her eyes. If that ne truly had belonged to Quinn¡¯s mother, then, given the timeline, Quinn¡¯s mother could only be his long¨Clost sister. That would exin why Leander Fane¨Cthe young man Everett had met not long ago¨Ccarried features so uncannily simr to his own. Leander might very well be his sister¡¯s son, a child bound to him by unbreakable blood. Violet! Have I finally found her? Joy detonated in his chest, but in the very next heartbeat, the expression froze on his face, turning jubnce into stone. He remembered, with a sickening lurch, that he had once ordered a private investigation into Quinn. Those documents had listed her mother as Arlene Gurney, killed three years ago on a mission. Gurney¡­ Why did I not notice when I was reading the documents? Gurney was Margaret¡¯s maiden name. The ne carried that very engraving, and Violet¡ª his sister¨Chad once worn it every single day of her youth. name in So it is true after all? My sister has slipped beyond this world¡¯s reach, leaving nothing but the echo of her my chest? Because I failed to sp her hand that single, fateful afternoon, does it mean I shall never, for the rest of my life, feel her fingers with mine again? Chapter 405 Bloodline Revealed 35 +10 Free Coins A violent spasm seized him. Dark, half¨Cclotted blood burst from his lips, sttering red across the polished marble like a signature of doom. Moments ago, he had stood broad¨Cshouldered and indomitable; now his knees buckled, his imposing frame folding in on itself as though the weight of grief had broken every rib. Two assistants lunged forward, catching him under the arms before he met the floor. ¡°Mr. Fane, are you all right?¡± a voice quavered. ¡°Medic! We need a medic¨Cright now!¡± someone else yelled, panic crackling through the air. The surrounding dissolved into a jumble of screams, pounding footsteps, and the distant hiss of sprinklers cut short by fire. Through the fog in his head, Everett kept his sight fixed on the gilded doorway, watching firefighters sprint past like streaks of scarlet, hope flickering with every pass. Leander and Quinn¨Care they both Violet¡¯s children? Heaven ced them in my path, and I, blind fool, failed to treasure them. ¡°Gather every resource the Fane family possesses. Protect Leander and¡­ Quinn. Nothing must happen to them,¡± he rasped, each syble scraped from the bottom of his lungs. As darkness closed in, his mind flickered with fractured images¨Chis sister chasing butterflies,ughing under summer sun, her hand reaching back for him. I¡¯m sorry¡­ Yara. Forgive me. Thick smoke curled through the hallway, a churning gray river that stung the eyes and scraped the throat. Quinn slung Serena over her shoulder, muscle and resolve burning in equal measure. ¡°Can you move?¡± she demanded, grabbing Julius by the wrist. Julius lifted his gaze, lips bloodless, skin the color of ash. ¡°And what if I told you I can¡¯t?¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll drag you out,¡± Quinn shot back, voice hard as gravel. Julius coughed a bitterugh. ¡°You really think you can haul two bodies through this inferno?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Quinn¡¯s replynded like a stone¨Csmall, simple, immovable. Pain roared along her fractured calf with every heartbeat, each step promising new agony. Yet the word surrender had never lived in Quinn¡¯s dictionary; she would carry Julius and Serena into the open air or die trying, ¡°Enough talk. Lean on my shoulder and move,¡± she barked, jutting an elbow beneath his arm. Every second, the mes devoured more ceiling tiles, the heat climbing like a living beast. 17:43 Wed, Sep 17 N Chapter 405 Bloodline Revealed Staying here would only make things worse. 35 +10 Free Coins Julius hesitated, eyes wide, so Quinn threaded her arm under his armpit and heaved, forcing his legs to remember the art of walking. ¡°Move¨Cnow! We have to w our way out of this hell.¡± every breath Quinn dragged her right leg over the broken tiles. Pain knifed up her thigh, and felt like swallowing embers, yet she pushed forward, one staggering step at a time. ¡°I was careless,¡± Julius rasped, voice shredded by smoke. ¡°Security wasn¡¯t tight enough.¡± A drop of ash slid off his brow. ¡°Do you me me for this?¡± She hooked an arm around his waist. Warm, viscous blood seeped through his ruined shirt, coating her palm in a sticky glove that made every heartbeat thunder louder. ¡°Save your strength,¡± she said, tightening her grip. ¡°I only me the people who sparked the mes and nted the charges. Talk again, and you¡¯ll swallow more smoke.¡± ¡°If you and I really die here,¡± he whispered, ¡°will you regret pulling me out of the fire?¡± ¡°Never.¡± She meant it, and the certainty rang like steel between them. Moments earlier, chunks of ceiling had mmed down. She had curled over her head, unsure whether the next second would be herst, and his face had shed through her mind like a lifeline. In that instant, a sharp regret had pierced her. Why hadn¡¯t I found the courage to try again with him? Military 406 Chapter 406 Promise Of Survival 35 +10 Free Coins If she really perished here, that lost chance would be the single wound she carried beyond the grave. She recalled him barreling through smoke to shield her with his own body. The shock of it had nearly broken herposure, tears threatening to spill. She knew that if she asked whether he regretted that reckless charge, he would answer exactly as she had. Never. So her resolve mirrored his. No regrets. ¡°Julius, you and I¡ªwe are going to make it out alive,¡± she murmured, more oath thanfort. His soot¨Clinedshes trembled. She was unchanged¨Cno matter how bleak the odds, Quinn carried light like antern in a storm. With her near, hope always found a way to breathe. They would survive. They had to. Suddenly, hurried footsteps pounded through the smoky corridor. A voice cut the haze. ¡°Someone¡¯s here!¡± Figures burst through the gloom¨Cfirefighters in heavy gear, and behind them, Rowan. They lifted Julius from her side and eased the unconscious Serena off Quinn¡¯s shoulder. The weight vanished so quickly that Quinn lurched forward, catching herself on trembling knees before darkness threatened the edges of her vision. A heartbeatter, strong arms closed around her, shielding her from the heat that licked at her back. The familiar scent of pine and clean soap told her everything she needed to know. It was Rowan¨Cher brother, alive and here. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m getting you out,¡± Leander said, voice raw with worry as he tightened his hold on her. Tears shimmered in his eyes, turning the firelight into trembling shards of silver. Moments earlier, he had seen her through the smoke, a slight figure bent beneath the weight of Serena slung across one shoulder while she half¨Cdragged Julius with the other hand. Every step she took left a dark smear where her injured leg scraped the floor, yet she never loosened her grip on either of them. Relief that she was alive had mmed into him, followed at once by a crushing ache at the sight of her wounds. 17:43 Wed, Sep 17 N Chapter 406 Promise Of Survival 35 +10 Free Coins Worst of all was the guilt. Even with the hallway ready to erupt, she had refused to abandon Serena¨Cand she had done it mostly because of him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I waste, Quinn.¡± Leander swept her into his arms, cradling her like something fragile that might break if he so much as breathed wrong. Quinn rested against his chest, the steady hammer of his heartbeat grounding her while a firefighter carried Julius toward the exit. Julius is safe¡­ Thank goodness. Nestled in Leander¡¯s arms, she felt a peace she had almost forgotten existed. He still hasn¡¯t regained his memory, yet he ran back into a burning building for me. Memory or not, a brother¡¯s love never lies. Exhaustion crashed over her, heavier than the smoke. Pain dulled into distant numbness, and the world slipped to gray. Thest thing she heard was Leander shouting her name, panic sharper than the wail of sirens. She drifted through a dream that seemed to stretch for centuries. Faces appeared and vanished, lips moving in urgent whispers she could never quite catch. Footsteps echoed near her ear, soft then loud,ing and going in waves. Who is it this time? She struggled to lift her eyelids, but they felt as heavy as iron. ¡°Forgive me. This is my fault.¡± She soon recognized the familiar voice to be Julius¡® ¡°If not for me, you would never have been dragged into this. Perhaps I was destined to walk alone from the very beginning. Perhaps we should never have been together.¡± Julius sat beside the bed, eyes fixed on Quinn¡¯s motionless face as he murmured the confession into the dim hospital light. Quinny motionless beneath the sterile hospital lights, herplexion drained of all color, as fragile as porcin left in winter frost. The sight yanked Julius back to that night in far¨Coff Doria when a bullet punched through her small body and the world seemed to freeze around the spreading bloom of crimson. Now, the same suffocating terror crushed his lungs, and this time he was the reason. for ¡°Quinn, I used to be angry¨Cfurious that you refused to forgive me, furious at your stubborn pride. I made one mistake, and you condemned me to a lifetime of regret. I hated you loving me so little, but tonight I finally understand the person I hated most was always myself.¡± His confession slipped out in a hoarse whisper. 17:43 Wed, Sep 17 N Chapter 406 Promise Of Survival : 35 +10 Free Coins From the moment he was born, Julius felt like a walking error, an anomaly the world never asked for. Everyone he dared to love seemed destined for misfortune. Each word seeped into Quinn¡¯s ears, dragging her toward consciousness. Don¡¯t hate yourself, Julius. She had so many things left to tell him, yet hershes felt pinned beneath stone, refusing to part. ¡°Thank you for saving me,¡± Julius whispered, his fingertips brushing the baster curve of her cheek. Years ago, when she was still a child, she had pulled him back from the brink of death and given him a reason to keep breathing. ¡°You once wished that peace would find me year after year. Tonight, I wish the same for you. If your safety demands every piece of me, I¡¯ll surrender it. I told you before that anything you wanted would be yours. That promise hasn¡¯t changed, Quinn, so rest easy¨Cyour desires wille true.¡± His voice, hoarse, carried endless sorrow. Military 407 Chapter 407 Confession By The Bed : Chapter 407 Confession By The Bed Julius hovered over her, gaze tender as he bent to press a kiss to her brow. 35 +10 Free Coins At thest heartbeat, his lips stalled a breath apart. To linger would only deepen the ache he could no longer bear. His lips parted as he whispered, ¡°Quinn, it turns out I never regretted loving you.¡± He straightened, turned, and slipped toward the corridor, unaware that the woman on the bed had fought her way to the thinnest sliver of sight. Through the haze, Quinn watched his outline blur against the bright doorway. She tried to call him back, but fire licked her throat, and no sound emerged. He said he¡¯d give me anything. All I want is for him to stay. Don¡¯t go! Julius Whitethorn, please don¡¯t leave! Inside her fading consciousness, Quinn screamed without sound, reaching toward the receding silhouette. Soft hospital light smeared around its outline, then nothing¨Cthe corridor, the world, every hope folded into darkness as her eyelids won the battle and she copsed once more into unconsciousness. Outside the intensive¨Ccare unit, fluorescent tubes hummed over tile scrubbed too clean to ever feel human. Fabian stepped up beside Julius, his suit still singed at the cuff, voice pitched low. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, would you really rather not stay a couple more days? The doctors say you need rest.¡± Julius barely shifted his weight, shoulders squared as if steel tes held them there. ¡°No,¡± he answered, every consonant clipped as though he had carved the word from ice. Most of the blood that had soaked his shirt earlier came from shallow gashes¨Cmessy, dramatic, inconsequential. A few ribs were cracked, nothing more. He kept reying the cave¨Cin in his head: jagged concrete, sparks, the roar of me, and his own body arching over Quinn¡¯s as the debris rained down. If she had been the one to catch those shards, the surgeons would still be stitching her together¨Cor worse. Without looking at Fabian, Julius spoke again, voice now edged with frost. ¡°Where is Joaquin?¡± Fabian consulted the glowing tablet in his palm, throat bobbing once. ¡°We haven¡¯t located him Chapter 407 Confession By The Bed : yet, but everyone else involved in the fire and the st is in custody.¡± He left the sentence hanging, aware Julius never cared for excuses, only instructions. 35 +10 Free Coins The corners of Julius¡® mouth didn¡¯t move, yet the hallway seemed to shrink. ¡°Rough them up first. Then dump what¡¯s left of them at Yolham Police Station. I want those cells to be their coffins.¡± Fabian nodded, already picturing the bloody detours that order required. Those men had chosen Joaquin¡¯s side and nearly killed Quinn. Whatever waited for them now would be justice tinted crimson. Julius¡® rage, Fabian thought, was both expected and terrifying. Julius pivoted, pain ring behind his ribs, but his eyes stayed lethal. ¡°Find Joaquin. Anyone who brings him in¨Cdead or alive¨Cearns one billion from the Whitethorn family.¡± Fabian¡¯s mind stalled, the number echoing like a gunshot. For years, the feud between father and son had simmered, but it always stopped at imprisonment, never execution. The words dead or alive rewrote every old boundary. ¡°A reshuffle of the Whitethorn empire wasing, violent and absolute. Is all this because of Quinn? Fabian realized, with a chill, that even after the breakup, her ce in Julius¡® heart had only grown, stretching beyond anything he had once imagined. After a long silence, he cleared his throat. ¡°What about Serena Fane? How do you want to handle her?¡± Julius watched the elevator numbers glow, mind already elsewhere. ¡°When Quinn wakes, give her everything we¡¯ve uncovered. Serena¡¯s fate will be hers to decide.¡± Fabian inclined his head. ¡°Yes, Mr. Whitethorn.¡± Julius paused in the fluorescent¨Clit corridor, shoulders rising and falling with a breath he refused to release. He angled his head, stealing onest look at the door that had sealed itself between them. Finally, silence won. He turned on his heel and let the hallway swallow him whole. When Quinn eventually surfaced from another indeterminate stretch of darkness, the first images to assemble were her brother Rowan and Laura standing guard beside her bed. Chapter 407 Confession By The Bed : 35 +10 Free Coins Laura¡¯s eyes went wide; the phone she had been clutching slid from her ck fingers and ttered across the tiles. Sheunched herself forward, nearly tripping over the bedrail. ¡°Quinnie, you¨Cyou¡¯re awake? Please tell me I¡¯m not dreaming.¡± Quinn¡¯s throat burned like cinders. ¡°Laura¡­¡± The name emerged as a parchment¨Cthin whisper, yet she spent every scrap of strength just to shape that fragile note. ¡°You¡¯re really awake! I¡¯ll fetch the doctors right now.¡± In her panic, Laura forgot the call button entirely and tore out of the room in a blur of teal scrubs and hope. Leander remained behind, quieter than the machines humming above Quinn¡¯s head. He leaned in, eyes soft. ¡°You finally woke up,¡± he murmured, voice barely louder than the monitors. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you, and our uncle is waiting too.¡± The headline word lodged in Quinn¡¯s chest. ¡°Uncle?¡± she echoed, confusion threading through the rasp. Leander smiled, gentle as dawn. ¡°Yes, our mother¡¯s older brother. Quinn, we have more family than you ever knew.¡± The revtion left Quinn adrift, mind flickering like film caught between frames. Their grandfather, grandmother, and father had once scoured every corner, begging for a lead that might guide her mother home to her blood. Years passed, hope yellowed, and still no trace emerged. Why, then, did the missing pieces suddenly fall into ce tonight? Our uncle? Is he really our mother¡¯s brother? Just then, the door groaned open, slicing through her reverie like a scalpel. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 408 Chapter 408 Uncle Everett Chapter 408 Uncle Everett 58 +10 Free Coins A small battalion of white coats swept in, monitors and stethoscopes swinging like artillery. Laura and Leander retreated to the corner, hearts in their throats. ¡°When the examination ended, the lead physician offered a measured smile and¨Csoft enough to keep her calm¨Coutlined what they had found. Her throat, scorched by smoke, was swollen and blistered. A fracture sliced across her right shin, and scattered cuts mapped her skin. Full recovery, the doctor predicted, would demand roughly two months.¡± The prognosis, grim on paper, felt almost merciful to Quinn; she had imagined far worse during the ck drift of unconsciousness. After the medical team dispersed, Quinn turned to Leander and Laura. ¡°How is Julius?¡± she asked, the name pressing against the raw edges of her voice. In her haze, she half¨Cremembered him visiting, words drifting through hera like distant radio static. Were those memories real, or only fevered dreams? Leander answered gently. ¡°He lost quite a bit of blood, and the wound on his back was severe, but no tendons were damaged. He¡¯s already been discharged.¡± ¡°What?¡± The single word burst from Quinn in disbelief. ¡°Discharged?¡± Quinn recalled what the physician had told her: she had been unconscious for two full days. That span now felt both impossibly brief and terrifyingly long, like a dark tunnel that had swallowed forty¨Ceight hours of her life. But what stunned her even more was the fact that Julius, shattered as he had been, had already been cleared to leave the hospital after only two days. ¡°Don¡¯t torture yourself, Quinn,¡± Laura murmured, instantly sensing the storm of worry brewing behind her friend¡¯s zed eyes. ¡°Even if Julius has left the hospital, the Whitethorn residence has round¨Cthe¨Cclock medical staff. He won¡¯t tumble into danger. You, on the other hand, slept for two whole days. You have no idea how close I came to shaking you awake just to make sure you were still here.¡± She ached to fling her arms around Quinn, but thework of bandages and the tremor in Quinn¡¯s limbs forced her to keep that impulse leashed. ¡°Sorry for putting you through that,¡± Quim rasped, every syble scraping her blistered throat. ¡°What about Serena? Is she all right?¡± 17:14 Thu, Sep 18 ¡­ Chapter 408 Uncle Everett 58 +10 Free Coins ¡°She¡¯s alive,¡± Leander reported, voice t yet undeniably relieved. ¡°Two hours after the firefighters dragged her out, she woke up. She tried to bolt, of course. I intercepted her. The team on scene discovered a pistol, recently fired, carrying her fingerprints. She¡¯s now sitting in a cell at the police station.¡± The news struck Quinn like cold water to the face. In the hours she had lost, the world had already rewritten itself twice. ¡°Quinn, when the fire broke out, why were you with Serena? Was that gun meant for you?¡± Though Serena kept her mouth shut at the station, the scattered evidence allowed him to assemble a grim puzzle all the same. ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn admitted, voice a thin rasp. ¡°She wanted to kill me.¡± Every word scoured her burnt throat, each vowel igniting sparks of pain that danced behind her sternum. She tried her best to sketch the events for them¨Chow Serena had lured her inside, how the first lick of me had coincided with the metallic click of the safetying off. Laura¡¯s jaw locked; she tasted metal behind her teeth. ¡°You should have left that woman to the mes,¡± she hissed. ¡°All that over an old quarrel? Murder is her answer?¡± Ridiculous¨Cyes, the word rang inside Quinn¡¯s skull like a bell. Their conflict had never brushed against the borders of life and death. It had been petty, yes, but never fatal. ¡°That¡¯s because she knew who you really are,¡± Leander said quietly. The revtion unfurled with deliberate weight, like an indictment sealed in wax. Quinn blinked, turning toward her brother as if hoping his face held a different truth. ¡°She feared Uncle Everett would recognize you from the ruby ne you wore at the g,¡± Leander continued. ¡°So she decided the easiest way to keep the secret was to kill you and take the ne. No body, no proof, no niece for him to find.¡± Only then did Quinn remember that, upon waking, her brother had indeed mentioned an uncle¨Can odd detail she had pushed aside in the fog of morphine and worry, Of course she had; her brain had been a swirling snow globe, attention fixed on Julius¡® injuries and Serena. ¡°Uncle¡­ Who? Where is he?¡± Quinn asked, tension coiling in her voice. 17:14 Thu, Sep 18 .. Chapter 408 Uncle Everett : 58 +10 Free Coins ¡°Everett Fane,¡± Leander said. ¡°Head of the Fane family. You¡¯ve met him. He¡¯s Mom¡¯s elder brother. Which makes him our uncle, Quinn.¡± Quinn¡¯s pupils shrank to pinpoints; disbelief washed over her features like a sudden tide. Laura, having learned the truth while Quinn slept, merely folded her arms and watched the revtionnd without any trace of surprise. During those two days, Laura had witnessed the head of the Fane family stand at Quinn¡¯s bedside more than once, tears trembling on hisshes as he whispered aching apologies. Laura¡¯s breath caught in her throat. Until tonight, she had known Everett only through relentless headlines describing an unfeeling titan of industry. Now, watching tenderness soften his austere features, she realized every newspaper clipping had captured only half a man. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ our uncle?¡± Quinn blurted, the question cracking through the hush like ss. Military 409 Chapter 409 Blood Finds Home Chapter 409 Blood Finds Home 58 +10 Free Coins ¡°Yes. I am,¡± answered a calm, resonant baritone¨CEverett Fanc¨Cpushing the door wide before crossing the threshold. Quinn¡¯s gaze darted toward the older man striding toward her, then back at her brother. The resemnce was uncanny¨Ctwo profiles carved from the same marble, separated only by the fine lines that years had etched into Everett¡¯s brow. She had once thought that when Rowan reached old age, he might look like this tycoon, believing the thought a coincidence in a crowded world of strangers. Yet if Everett truly was their mother¡¯s brother, the likeness belonged not to chance but to blood. Because¨Che was their uncle. ¡°You¡­ You¡¯re finally awake!¡± Everett whispered, voice rough with a rush of emotions he could no longer cage. He had bolted here the instant Leander¡¯s call came through, abandoning boardrooms and schedules without a backward nce. At the ident site that day, shock had mmed into him so brutally that his legs folded; darkness swallowed him before the wail of sirens faded. When awareness returned, he found Quinn lying motionless beneath stark hospital lights, herplexion drained of all color, breath so faint it scarcely disturbed the sheets. On the nightstand rested the ruby ne the Fane family had pursued for more than half a century. Tears streaked down his cheeks before he could speak a word. Fifty years of searching¨Chalf a lifetime chasing a sliver of crimson hope. Atst, he had uncovered his sister¡¯s trail and, with it, the children she entrusted to the world. The cruel reality was that his sister was gone. These two children were the living thread she had sewn into the Fane tapestry¨Ca gift heaven had spared for him alone. After doctors promised Quinn¡¯s life no longer hung by a thread, Everett drove to the Hero¡¯s Memorial Garden and spent an entire day by his sister¡¯s grave. He sat from first light until the sky blushed with dusk. There, he turned page after page of the dossier he hadpiled, piecing together every year ¡­ 17:14 Thu, Sep 18 .. Chapter 409 Blood Finds Home she had lived apart from the Fane name. : 58 +10 Free Coins Line by line he read, discovering the quiet, ordinary victories that had filled her borrowed decades. Relief washed over him. The Bridger family had cherished her, and her husband had been a steadfastpanion. Her story closed inpleteness¨Chome, husband, children¡ªand in the final heartbeat, she and her husband clung to one another. When Everett reached thest paragraph, tears blurred the ink until her life story dissolved into faint, water¨Cstained ghosts upon the paper. Regret piled upon regret until Everett felt as though the cemetery air could not hold another ounce of grief. He med himself for finding his little sister sote, for failing every duty an older brother should uphold. Worst of all, their bond hadsted a mere three years¨Can eye¨Cblink against the stretch of a lifetime. ¡°I am sorry¨Cso sorry, Yara. I found you far toote. I never should have let go of your hand back then¨Cnever. Your children¡ªand your husband¡¯s¨Care as good as mine now. I will spend everything I have to shelter them for all their days.¡± From this moment forward, those two children would be his very heartbeat. Still wet¨Ceyed, Everett rose and walked toward Quinn. ¡°Quinn, I am your uncle¨Cyour mother Arlene¡¯s elder brother,¡± he said, voice trembling. ¡°I am sorry. You and Rowan have suffered because I failed you. It will never happen again.¡± Quinn stared, stunned by the raw remorse in the face of the Fane patriarch, a man she hadst seen wielding ruthless power without a flicker of warmth. He was unrecognizable. Is this brokenhearted man truly my uncle? Her silence stretched, and Everett¡¯s hopeful gaze flickered, dimming like a candle starved of air. ¡°I know I wronged you,¡± he murmured. ¡°I even almost hurt you that day. Years ago, your mother vanished because of me. I failed to hold her hand. If you cannot ept me, I will understand. But should you ever need the Fane family, we will stand behind you with everything we have. I ask for nothing else only that you and Rowan live in peace. Your mother can no longer protect you. From today on, your uncle will.¡± 17:14 Thu, Sep 18 .. ¡­ Chapter 409 Blood Finds Home Every syble seeped into Quinn¡¯s ears, heavy as rainwater against stone. 58 +10 Free Coins To the business world, Everett was a cunning titan whose mere strategy could topple empires. Now he looked like nothing more than an old man drowning in remorse, every inch of hauteur washed away by pain. Quinn parted her lips, the word slipping out before she could think. ¡°Uncle Everett.¡± ¡°Everett jerked as though struck by lightning, eyes widening in disbelief. He opened his mouth, hesitating, terrified that if he questioned her the fragile miracle would shatter.¡± The greater the hope, the deeper the fall. ¡°Uncle Everett,¡± she repeated, firmer this time. Only then did reality catch him. Tears flooded his eyes as he stared at her, stunned. ¡°I¡¯m here. I¡¯m here,¡± he choked out. ¡°Thank you¡­ Thank you for epting me.¡± Military 410 Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled 58 +10 Free Coins Even though talking scraped her throat raw, Quinn still said, her voice no more than a trembling rasp, ¡°I have always been grateful¨Cto you, Uncle Everett, and to the entire Fane family. Years ago, when you rescued my brother in Doria, you gave him a second life. In the years since, you have sheltered him well. All this time, you have searched for my mother. If she were still alive, the moment she learns you never stopped looking, she will acknowledge you as her brother again. How could I, her daughter, not recognize you as my uncle?¡± Tears spilled down Everett¡¯s cheeks, shining trails he could not wipe away fast enough. ¡°May Yara, wherever she rests, still think of me as her brother,¡± he whispered, the words cracked by longing. Leander stepped forward and squeezed Everett¡¯s shoulder. ¡°She will¨Cshe absolutely will. And Quinn and I ept you as our uncle, too. We already do.¡± Only after a long, shaking breath did Everett regain control. Laura, who had been inside the ward, slipped out without a sound, leaving the family to their reunion. Because Quinn¡¯s throat remained swollen, the conversation flowed mostly between Everett and Leander while she listened, eyes soft but alert. ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll call you Rowan,¡± Everett said, turning to Quinn¡¯s brother. ¡°Once we return to Celosia, I¡¯ll hold a press conference and make your true identities public. The earlier story about you being an illegitimate son¨Cmy aides will draft a cleaner exnation. Wherever you two choose to live¨CCelosia, Azania, anywhere¨Cthe Fane family will stand behind you in full.¡± ¡°Thank you, Uncle,¡± Leander, now Rowan, replied, the simple words carrying a lifetime of weight. Fatigue crept across Quinn¡¯s face; the brief conversation had drained the energy she had only just regained. Seeing that weariness, Everett adjusted the nket around her shoulders. ¡°Rest now, Quinn. When you wake, I¡¯lle back.¡± After Everett left, Rowan settled beside the bed. ¡°Sleep,¡± he murmured. ¡°I will keep watch right here.¡± ¡°Rowan, may I borrow your phone? I¡­ need to make a call,¡± Quinn asked, voice barely louder than breath. Her own phone had doubtless melted to useless g in the fire. 17:14 Thu, Sep 18 Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled Rowan handed her the device, curiosity flickering in his eyes. ¡°Who are you calling?¡± ¡°Julius Whitethorn.¡± Quinn keyed in his private number, each tap deliberate. +10 Free Coins The line rang. No answer. She tried again, and again¨Conly silence. A frown tightened on her brow. Abandoning that number, she dialed Fabian¡¯s instead, and this time, the call connected almost immediately. ¡°Good afternoon, Ms. Bridger,¡± Fabian¡¯s voice came crisp and professional through the speaker. ¡°Fabian, Julius isn¡¯t picking up. Could you help me reach him?¡± Quinn asked without preamble. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is recuperating and cannot take calls at the moment,¡± Fabian exined. ¡°If there is a message, I will ry it.¡± ¡°I want to see him in person. There are things I must say face¨Cto¨Cface.¡± ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll inform him at once.¡± ¡°One more thing,¡± Quinn added, her voice catching. ¡°How¡­ How serious are his injuries?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve checked him over,¡± Fabian reported, his voice steady yet wearing the faint rasp of exhaustion. ¡°Nothing life¨Cthreatening¨Cmostly surface cuts and bruises. He did lose quite a bit of blood, though, so absolute rest is non¨Cnegotiable.¡± ¡°All right. Let him rest. When I¡¯m discharged, I¡¯lle to him myself.¡± With that, she ended the call and ced the phone back into Rowan¡¯s waiting hand. Rowan epted the device, eyes narrowing with sibling concern. ¡°Quinn, what is happening between you and Julius? Did you two really break up?¡± ¡°We did break up,¡± she admitted, voice scarcely above a whisper. Then, stronger, ¡°But I¡¯ve only just realized that I want us together again.¡± Memories flooded her¨Cmoments etched in nerve and blood. When the world had gone white and the boundary between living and dying blurred, it was Julius who filled her mind. She saw him hurl himself between her and danger, felt his arms around her as they fled through fire and ruin, both of them half¨Ccertain they would not survive, neither of them willing to regret the risk. If death itself doesn¡¯t frighten me, why should the fragile work of rebuilding trust ever scare me? ¡°Rowan,¡± she said atst, her voice trembling but sure, ¡°I love Julius Whitethorn.¡± 17:14 Thu, Sep 18 .. ¡­ 58 Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled +10 Free Coins When Quinn drifted back to consciousness in the hospital, daylight had shifted. This time, besides Rowan stationed like an unsleeping guard, she found Han standing near the foot of the bed. ¡°You¡¯re awake. I heard you came around once before this.¡± He advanced a hesitant step. ¡°Had I known any of this wasing, I¡¯d never have let you attend that Whitethorn banquet alone. I should¡¯ve been there.¡± Instead, he had learned of the disaster only after the sirens, when rumors tore through the city like wind through broken ss. He had rushed to the hospital and found her lying unconscious, ivory against the sterile sheets, the steady beep of monitors the only proof she was still with him. In that instant, his entire body had shivered, blood congealing in his veins. He had witnessed her injured before, had stood beside her while she hovered at the edge of life. That history, however, did nothing to dull the terror. Han lifted a hand, fingers trembling, craving the reassurance of her warmth against his skin. But just before contact, Quinn turned her face ever so slightly, letting his hand meet only cool hospital air. The rejection froze him, an almost imperceptible wince tightening the corners of his mouth. Turning to Rowan, she spoke after some hesitation. ¡°Rowan, there are a few things I need to say to Han privately.¡± ¡°All right. I¡¯ll go buy something to eat.¡± He stepped out, the door clicking softly behind him. The room settled into a hush, leaving only Han and Quinn, the hum of the air¨Cconditioning filling the space where Rowan¡¯s presence had been. Han broke the silence first. ¡°Are you choosing Julius?¡± Quinn¡¯s head snapped up, her gaze locking onto his, fierce and unflinching. Military 411 Chapter 411 No More Ifs Chapter 411 No More Ifs 153 +10 Free Coins She drew a quick, startled breath, the question slipping out before she could stop herself. ¡°How do you-¡± Han let out a wry, almost self¨Cmockingugh, the sound thin and brittle in the quiet hallway. ¡°Isn¡¯t that exactly what you came here to tell me?¡± Quinn pressed her lips together, the faintest tremor giving away the storm beneath her calm exterior. ¡°Yes. I want to start over with Julius.¡± Silence swallowed Han. He had braced for this moment, yet hearing the words fall from her own mouth still cut deeper than he thought possible. The first seed of dread had sprouted the night his uncle told him about the ze¨Chow, long before the firefighters rushed to scene, Julius had sprinted into the inferno to find Quinn and returned covered in wounds. Facing death has a cruel rity; only then do people recognize the truth beating inside their own hearts. Since the breakup, he had campaigned with military resolve to im her love again, but her eyes on him remained unchanged from their days in the barracks¨Ckind, appreciative, fatally tonic. Those eyes were nothing like the way she gazed at Julius. To her, he was destined to be a younger brother, arade in arms¨Cnever the man she would choose to love. His throat tightened; still, he forced the words past it. ¡°Tell me¡­ is there really no ce for me at all?¡± If he did not ask outright, the regret would haunt him forever. Quinn¡¯s voice was gentle yet firm, as if she wereying a soft nket over a de. ¡°Han, the one I love is Julius. Someday you¡¯ll meet someone you love¨Cand who loves you back just as fiercely.¡± A flicker of bitterness crossed Han¡¯s eyes, a silent question of whether fate would grant such mercy. They say meeting someone breathtaking in one¡¯s youth is a dangerous blessing; if one misses the chance, that memory will shadow every mile of the road ahead. 17:26 Fri, Sep 19 B Chapter 411 No More Ifs 53 +10 Free Coins His next words tumbled out, half¨Chope, half¨Cself¨Ctorture. ¡°If, back in the army, I¡¯d confessed howpletely I loved you¨Cwould we have had a chance then?¡± Even a hypothetical might soothe the sting. She shook her head, sincerity softening every syble. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Life offers few true what- ifs, Han. I¡¯m sorry¨CI can¡¯t answer feelings I don¡¯t share.¡± Hisshes trembled, yet his gaze never wavered from the woman standing inches away. He drew a slow breath. ¡°It isn¡¯t your fault you can¡¯t return my love. You owe me no apology.¡± A faint, almost mischievous smile curved across his mouth. ¡°So, from here on, friends it is.¡± The pain wed inside him, but he refused to add a single gram to the weight she already carried. She loved Julius, and that settled everything. Han would step aside and seal his feelings away like letters never sent. From this day forward, he would remain at her side only as a friend, a silent guardian in in sight. Quinn let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding, eyes brightening with grateful warmth. ¡°Of course¨Cwe¡¯ll always be friends!¡± Han stepped out of the hospital into a sky washed clean by autumn. He bought a packet of cigarettes at the corner kiosk, leaned against the lone ne tree, and drew the first drag like borrowed courage. Smoke curled above his hair, silver threads dissolving into the blue, while his gaze drifted to a ce memory could not reach¨Ca missed heartbeat, a conversation never spoken, a future already lost. Only when the cigarette burned down to the filter did he straighten, toss the pack into a trash bin, and climb into the idle car. Some regrets mayst a lifetime, yet they weighed nothing beside her happiness. He had learned that truth the night the mes nearly imed her; as long as she was still alive, as long as her heart kept its stubborn rhythm, then his own world was alreadyplete. Laura stepped out of the mirrored lobby intote¨Cafternoon light, clutching her tablet to her chest. Before she could reach the curb, Weston appeared, suit jacket unbuttoned, eyes fixed on her with undeniable purpose. She pressed her lips together, intending to stride past him without a word. 17:26 Fri, Sep 19 B Chapter 411 No More Ifs +10 Free Coms Weston¡¯s hand closed around her forearm. ¡°Still angry with me?¡± he asked, voice low enough to vibrate against her skin. Laura rolled her eyes so hard the afternoon sun shed in them. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be?¡± she shot back. ¡°You weren¡¯t calm that day,¡± Weston said, keeping his grip gentle but firm. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stand back and watch you walk into danger.¡± She jerked at his hold. ¡°Even so, any risk should have been my call¨Cnot yours. You knocked me unconscious and decided for me! Have you thought about my heart then? If Rowan and the crew hadn¡¯t dragged her out, and I woke afterward to the news of her death?¡± ¡°I knew you¡¯d me yourself,¡± Weston admitted, eyes steady. ¡°You¡¯d hate me, too. But I still wouldn¡¯t change a thing.¡± Laura¡¯s breath caught. ¡°You actually have zero regrets?¡± ¡°None,¡± he answered, voice quiet but unshakable. ¡°I¡¯m not some saint, Laura. I can¡¯t stand by while someone I care about risks their life for another. I need you whole, I need you safe- nothing else will do.¡± Military 412 Chapter 412 No Regrets Chapter 412 No Regrets +10 Free Coins Laura stared at him, stunned. This was the same man who had once greeted her persistence with indifference, who had only agreed to date her after she chased him to exhaustion¨Cyet now he spoke with disarming carnestness. His expression carried the weight reserved for something¨Csomeone¨Cprecious, as though her well¨Cbeing sat at the center of his universe. No, I am not that person to him. After all, their rtionship was no more than a signed agreement with an expiration date. He was simply justifying his shamelessck of remorse. Laura¡¯s voice iced over. ¡°What kind of man you are is none of my business, Weston, but you have no right to make my choices for me.¡± She yanked, trying to free her arm. But his fingers were unmovable iron, refusing to let her slip away. Frustration red across her face. ¡°I need to see Quinn at the hospital,¡± she said sharply. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this tug¨Cof¨Cwar.¡± Weston¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Take back what you just said.¡± She froze for a heartbeat,shes trembling as surprise chased across her face. ¡°What?¡± she blurted, the word brittle with disbelief. The man took a single step closer, his jaw set like granite and eyes swirling with equal parts fury and hurt. ¡°Take that back. Whatever kind of man I am, it matters to you. Laura Wentworth, don¡¯t forget¨Cright now, I am your boyfriend.¡± A bitterugh escaped her, soft yet slicing. ¡°Boyfriend? We¡¯re nothing more than-¡± She never finished. Weston¡¯s voice cracked like a whip as he pinned her in ce with a stare hot enough to scorch. ¡°Laura Wentworth! Some words should never be spoken. If you insist on testing me, I can¡¯t promise what I might do.¡± The rebuke punched the air from her lungs. She faltered, the rest of her protest shriveling at the back of her throat. Weston drew a steadying breath, his voice low but unyielding: ¡°You¡¯re angry¨Cso we¡¯ll cool off. I¡¯lle back for you in a few days.¡± He released her wrist, turned, and walked away without 17:26 Fri, Sep 19 B Chapter 412 No Regrets :.. another nce, leaving the hallway echoing in his absence. 53 +10 Free Coins Laura shook out the arm he had squeezed, a bloom of red fingerprints already rising on her skin. B*stard. All that polished charm and gentlemanly grace¨Cnothing but a costume. Underneath, he¡¯s nothing but arrogant and domineering. Later that afternoon, Laura pushed through the antiseptic¨Cscented corridors of the hospital. When she stepped into Quinn Bridger¡¯s private room, she found Fabian¨CJulius¡® discreet personal secretary¨Cstanding by the window, a tan envelope poised in his gloved hands. Fabian inclined his head, the gesture crisp enough to slice the tension. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn asked me topile background information on Serena Fane. He believes it may be of use to you, so he instructed me to deliver it personally.¡± Quinn, her left arm still in a sling, lifted her chin. ¡°And him? Where is he now?¡± Fabian¡¯s smile remained polite and unbroken. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I cannot share his whereabouts without authorization. However, he asked me to convey that your injuries stem from matters involving the Whitethorn family, and therefore, the family willpensate you.¡± The statement caught Quinn mid¨Cbreath. ¡°Compensation from the Whitethorns?¡± Her voice tilted in quiet disbelief. Fabian nodded once. ¡°Yes. The fire was orchestrated by Mr. Whitethorn¡¯s father, Mr. Joaquin Whitethorn. Here is the proposedpensation list. Please review it, and if you have any additional requests, do not hesitate to let us know.¡± With that, he extended a second document, the crisp pages fanning like cards in a magician¡¯s hand. Quinn didn¡¯t even lower her gaze to the paperwork. ¡°I don¡¯t need their money. I need to see him.¡± Fabian¡¯s brows knitted with sincere regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¨Cthis is beyond my authority. But I will ry your request to Mr. Whitethorn.¡± Quinn¡¯s forehead creased. ¡°So he doesn¡¯t want to see me?¡± Fabian hesitated, his gaze flickering. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn only wishes for your safety.¡± Quinn drew a steady breath, resolve igniting in her eyes. ¡°Then please tell him this: I want to be with him again.¡± The words seemed to stun Fabian; his pupils darted before settling. ¡°Understood, Ms. Bridger. I will convey your message without fail.¡± 17:26 Fri, Sep 19 B. Chapter 412 No Regrets P: 20 +10 Free Coins She offered no furtherment, the ward growing hushed save for the rhythmic hiss of her IV drip. The rest, she resolved, would be spoken to Julius in person. Once Fabian departed, Laura sidled up beside the bed and snatched the abandoned list, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. ¡°Wow!¡± she gasped after a quick scan. ¡°Good grief, this isn¡¯tpensation¨Cit¡¯s practically a dowry.¡± Quinn¡¯s brow knit as she took the paperwork from Laura¡¯s hand. A single nce told the story: sports cars, vis by the sea, a penthouse downtown, jewelry fit for royalty, even controlling shares in several Whitethorn tech subsidiaries. If she signed at the bottom, every one of those fortune¨Csized line items would legally bear her name. Yet the more generous the list looked, the heavier the unease pressing against her ribs, as though Julius intended to sever thest thread between them. He had not appeared once since she woke in this hospital bed. Is he truly preparing to walk away? That can¡¯t be. Julius had risked his life in the ze to drag me out, had shielded me from falling masonry. So why would he refuse to see me now? 2 The questions buzzed like insects, but for the moment, all she could do was wait for Fabian to deliver her message. ¡°By the way¨Cwhere¡¯s your brother?¡± Laura asked, ncing around the room as though Rowan might materialize behind the curtain. She had grown used to finding him stationed at Quinn¡¯s bedside like a silent sentinel. Most days, anyone walking into the ward could count on seeing Rowan there, coffee in hand, grim resolve stamped across his features. Quinn exhaled slowly. ¡°He drove to the police station¨Che¡¯s trying to post bail for Serena Fane.¡± Military 413 Chapter 413 Revtions In A Folder +10 Free Coins ¡°Are you kidding me? Bail that woman out?¡± Laura exploded. ¡°She tried to kill you¡ªlocking her for life wouldn¡¯t be punishment enough.¡± up ¡°But her stem cells can save Lena,¡± Quinn answered softly. ¡°If she stays behind bars, Lena doesn¡¯t have that kind of time.¡± Quinn hated Serena too, yet the woman had be their only lifeline. For now, they had no choice: secure bail, ship Serena back to Celosia, harvest the cells, and worry about justiceter. ¡°How can it be that Serena, of all people, is the perfect match for Lena? It¡¯s absurd!¡± Laura muttered, shaking her head at the unfairness of it all. ¡°Whatever the reason, at least Lena now has a chance,¡± Quinn replied. ¡°Without a donor, she¡¯d simply wait to die.¡± As she spoke, Quinn tugged open the thick man envelope Fabian had left on the nightstand that morning. Insidey photographs, transaction records, and Serena¡¯s own pistol¨Cthetter traced back to Joaquin¡¯s men. Taken together, the dossier was more than enough tond Serena behind bars for a very long time. As Quinn turned to the final page, the color drained from her face; shock widened her eyes. ¡°What is it?¡± Laura leaned in, then stiffened. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious¡­ Serena actually-¡± Quinn snatched her phone and dialed Rowan, but he didn¡¯t answer. ¡°I¡¯m going to the station,¡± she dered, brows knit tight. ¡°Go nowhere,¡± Laura said firmly. ¡°You may feel better, but that leg is still in a cast.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine¨Cthis injury won¡¯t slow me down. If I stay here any longer, Rowan will do something reckless¨Clike post bail for Serena Fane¨Cand that I cannot allow.¡± ¡°Then why don¡¯t I take the files over myself?¡± Laura offered, waving the folder in her hand like a g. ¡°No¨Cwe go together,¡± Quinn insisted. ¡°I want to look Serena in the eye when I confront her.¡± 53 Chapter 413 Revtions In A Folder ¡°But what about your doctor? You can¡¯t just go out,¡± Laura protested. +10 Free Coins ¡°We sneak out first. Once we¡¯re on the road, I¡¯ll call the hospital and inform them,¡± Quinn said with a half¨Csmile. Time was bleeding away. They would apologize to the medical teamter. Moving like teenagers ditching ss, the two women slipped out of the ward, dodged past a yawning orderly, and climbed into Laura¡¯s silver coupe. The police stationy only twenty minutes away, but each stoplight felt like an hourss pouring sand they could no longer spare. Inside the holding cell, Serena lounged on the metal bench as though it were a chaise in her parlor, a cold sneer twisting her lips while she studied Rowan beyond the bars. So what if they¡¯ve discovered my n to hurt Quinn? They still need me alive. They still came begging for Lena¡¯s cure. As long as Rowan cares for that woman, I have already won. All she needed was bail. Once she was back in Celosia, her web of contacts would slice the shackles from her wrists. Then, someday, she would ignite the board again and walk back as victor. She even had a promise from Joaquin himself: return to Celosia, and he would help her wrest the Fane family from Everett¡¯s grasp. ¡°Leander¨Coh, my mistake, you go by Rowan Bridger now, don¡¯t you? Enjoy the novelty of Fane blood, but don¡¯t delude yourself. You and that sister of yours still answer to Bridger. Even if Everett Fane decided to gift the empire to you two, everyst branch of the family tree would fight him to the grave,¡± she said, sneering. ¡°So your solution was to murder my sister and steal her ne just to erase proof of our lineage?¡± Rowan shot back, his voice cracking with fury. ¡°And what if I did?¡± Serena shrugged, eyes glittering. ¡°You weren¡¯t there. At that fire, Quinn guarded me like a rabid dog¨Climping on a shattered leg, dragging Whitethorn¡¯s heir with the other hand¨Cand I basked in every pathetic second of it.¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Rowan roared, the word mming against the cell walls like a hammer. The image struck him again¨CQuinn alone in that inferno, Serena draped over her shoulder, Julius leaning on her other side. Her right leg had been broken, yet she had dragged both burdens forward, inch by agonizing inch through smoke and me. The memory carved hollows in Rowan¡¯s chest. If it weren¡¯t for his sake, Quinn could¡¯ve abandoned Serena. 17:28 Fri, Sep 19 B Chapter 413 Revtions In A Folder +10 Free Coins ¡°Hear me, Serena Fane. Hurt my sister again, and I will make you wish for death,¡± Rowan hissed. ¡°Wish for death?¡± Serenaughed, a sharp, brittle sound. ¡°Strike me and I¡¯ll take the easy way out¨Cand I¡¯ll drag your precious Lena into the grave right alongside me. If you really want to save her, Rowan, you will do exactly as I say.¡± Rowan¡¯s eyes burned red; his fists tightened until the knuckles popped like cracking ice. ¡°Serena Fane, you are not escaping by dying,¡± Quinn¡¯s voice cut through the tension like a de. ¡°You¡¯re going to spend the rest of your life behind bars.¡± ¡°What?¡± For the first time, Serena¡¯s swagger faltered. Supported by Laura, Quinn hobbled forward on a pair of crutches, the hospital gown swapped for simple street clothes that could not mask the pallor on her face. She stopped beside Rowan and lifted her chin. ¡°Don¡¯t bail her out, Rowan. She¡¯s lying. Her match with Lena failed¨Cshe can¡¯t save anyone!¡± 2 010 The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 414 Chapter 414 False Salvation Chapter 414 False Salvation +10 Free Coins Rowan¡¯s pulse mmed against his ribs as he wheeled toward Quinn, eyes wide with raw shock. ¡°Quinn, please¨Ctell me this isn¡¯t some cruel mistake. Are you saying it¡¯s all true?¡± She answered with action, sliding a thin dossier across the table. Inside, Julius¡® exhaustive investigative report waited like a loaded gun. Rowan flipped through the pages, each rustle sounding like the crack of ice in a deepening winter. If Julius hadpiled this, the chances of forgery were almost nonexistent. That means Serena can¡¯t save Lena at all. He remembered the night Serena had sworn she could rescue Lena, producing a single hospital cross¨Cmatch result¨Cand he had never checked a thing. Back then, desperation eclipsed judgment; he cared only that Lena might live, blind to Serena¡¯s character, blind to the need for proof. Blood shot across Rowan¡¯s eyes as rage tore through the hope he had clung to. ¡°Serena Fane, you lied to me?¡± Serena¡¯splexion drained to a ghostly baster. She had never imagined Quinn would out her so bluntly, shredding the lie she¡¯d believed was wless. She had figured deceiving Rowan alone would suffice. After all, he was the only one who still fretted over Lena¡¯s fate. Besides, Lenanguished in far¨Coff Celosia while they stood here in bustling Azania. Julius had somehow arranged a cross¨Cmatch between two continents? When did that happen? She dredged her memory and found only emptiness. Serena straightened her spine, forcing a brittle confidence. ¡°One sheet of paper and suddenly I¡¯m branded a liar? Lena is in Celosia. When exactly did she stand beside me for a blood draw? This report is riddled with questions!¡± Rowan pinned Serena with an unblinking stare, yet some fragile part of him prayed she was right. Because if she¡¯s lying, what bes of Lena? Is there even time left to locate another donor, to run fresh tests, to beat the clock? Quinn broke the hush with crisp certainty, her gaze never leaving Serena. ¡°If we want the truth, we simply run the match again. Since you call Julius¡® report fake, let¡¯s do a new cross- 17:39 Sat, Sep 20 N ¡­ : 44 Chapter 414 False Salvation match¨Cright now.¡± Panic skittered across Serena¡¯s voice. ¡°W¨CWhy should I be retested?¡± +10 Free Coins Quinn¡¯s reply was ice wrapped in velvet. ¡°You¡¯re not willing to? Then your promise to save Lena was never more than smoke. Keep this up, Serena, and you¡¯ll spend the rest of your days in an Azanian cell.¡± The color drained from Serena¡¯s face yet again; options narrowed like closing jaws. She told herself she had to reach Celosia first, no matter the cost. She forced a new argument, voice trembling but urgent. ¡°Fine¨Crun your tests, but grant me bail so I can fly to Celosia. Lena is there, and I¡¯m eager to donate my stem cells.¡± Quinn shook her head, reply calm and merciless. ¡°No need. We¡¯ll draw your blood here, courier it to a high¨Cresolution HLAb, and confirm the match. If you¡¯re trulypatible, you¡¯ll be on the first ne to Celosia.¡± Serena fixed Quinn with a stare so vicious it cut through the stale interrogation¨Croom air. ¡°Quinn, why can¡¯t you just be dead? If you were gone, everything¨Cabsolutely everything- would fall perfectly into ce!¡± In Serena¡¯s frantic calctions, a corpse would leave no witnesses. Her neat fiction would never be exposed. She could board the first flight back to Celosia and someday im the Fane family¡¯s throne she coveted. Now, that fragile blueprint in ruins, toppled by the very woman standing across from her. Across the room, Rowan felt thest shard of hope inside him shatter like ss against concrete. The instant Serena spat out those poisonous words, Rowan understood¨Cevery soothing promise she had made before was nothing but a clumsy, gilded lie. ¡°Serena Fane, you deserve to die!¡± A roar tore from Rowan¡¯s throat. He lunged, fingers mping around Serena¡¯s neck with a strength born of heartbreak and rage. Uniformed officers rushed forward, boots skidding across the linoleum as they shouted for him to stand down. They pried, yanked, begged, yet Rowan¡¯s hands were iron manacles. Not a single finger budged. His eyes burned scarlet, fixed on Serena as though she were the source of every darkness in his life. ¡°You¡¯re the one who should die. If it weren¡¯t for you-¡± 17:39 Sat, Sep 20 N Chapter 414 False Salvation (44) +10 Free Coins If it weren¡¯t for Serena, he would never have thrown himself in front of a bullet meant for her, leaving Quinn bleeding beside him. Quinn would never have dragged Serena out of the fire, smoke scorched into her lungs, life hanging by a thread. Lena, who had beamed with joy when she learned there might be a donor, would not be staring down a fresh abyss of despair. All of it¨Cevery drop of blood, every broken promise¨Csprang from one single fabrication Serena spun without remorse. Serena¡¯s face turned an rming crimson. She wed at Rowan¡¯s wrists, but his grip remained immovable, denying her even a sip of air. ¡°Rowan!¡± Quinn surged forward, locking both hands around Rowan¡¯s tense wrist. ¡°She is not worth a prison sentence. Lena is still in Celosia, waiting for you.¡± Military 415 Chapter 415 Hope Shattered Chapter 415 Hope Shattered +10 Free Coins Lena¡¯s name pierced the fog of Rowan¡¯s fury. Inch by inch, his fingers loosened, relinquishing Serena¡¯s throat. Freed, Serena staggered back. Her knees buckled, and she nearly copsed, cheeks slick with the terror of a life almost ended. Rowan lowered his gaze to his tr embling hands, appalled. He prided himself on clear thinking, yet a petty lie had led him around like a blind man grasping at smoke. Worse still, a heavier question crashed over him: what now? Can Lena¨Cthe woman who had once dragged him from his own ruin¨Cstill be saved? He could not, and would not, lose her. ¡°Rowan,¡± Quinn insisted, squeezing his fingers, ¡°we¡¯ll find another way. Serena is not the only path¨Cthere has to be something else.¡± Pain flickered across Rowan¡¯s eyes, raw and unhidden. If there had been any alternative, he would never have chained himself to Serena¡¯s deceit in the first ce. Finding a perfect donor was never simple, and they all knew it. ¡°Rowan, listen to me. The world is enormous; somewhere, a donor whose marrow matches yours is waiting for us. I¡¯ll move heaven and earth to find that person. And I¡¯m sure our uncle will stand with us. So¡­ please, don¡¯t give me that shattered look anymore.¡± Quinn¡¯s nose burned, the sting of tears she refused to let fall. Her brother had always been carved from something unbreakable¨Cconfidence and strength hammered together, the kind of resolve that never yielded even when storms howled. Yet now his eyes were hollow, emptied of everyst ember. She sensed that without a spark of hope, he would splinterpletely. To Rowan, Lena was more than the woman who had once hauled him back from death. She had be the fragile thread that kept his spirit sewn together through those brutal years when they had no one but each other. Losing Lena was simply not an option. Elsewhere in the city, Fabian stood at rigid attention before Julius. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, Ms. Bridger asked me to deliver a message for you.¡± Julius lowered his eyes, the gesture as detached and sharp as a guillotine, showing not the slightest interest in the message Fabian carried. ¡°What time is the flight?¡± ¡°Five this afternoon.¡± ¡°Then we leave now.¡± Julius rose from his chair, his movements crisp and final, like a verdict already sealed. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, are you sure you don¡¯t want to hear what Ms. Bridger asked me to tell you?¡± ¡°Whatever message she passed on, it no longer matters to me.¡± ¡°But what if she is asking to be with you again?¡± Fabian knew he should have snapped his mouth shut the moment his employer¡¯s apathy surfaced. Yet he could not. He understood all too well the space Quinn upied inside the man¡¯s guarded heart. Julius halted mid¨Cstep, as if Fabian¡¯s words had struck a hidden nerve. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, Ms. Bridger says she wants to start over with you. She¡¯s waiting to see you. Since you love her so deeply, maybe you should give her this one meeting.¡± Julius¡® voice was ice. ¡°Fabian, since when did you earn the right to decide for me?¡± A chill rushed through Fabian; he realized he had just angered his boss. ¡°Forgive me, Mr. Whitethorn. It¡¯s only that Ms. Bridger is truly worried about you and has begged to see you, so I¡­¡± ¡°There will not be a next time. If you overstep again, do not bother showing your face to me,¡± Julius warned. Fabian felt a sudden chill sprint down his spine; fine sweat prickled between his shoulder des. He straightened, forcing his voice steady. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± That single sentence tasted metallic, as if duty itself had sliced open his tongue. Julius lifted his foot onto the marble threshold, not once looking back at the Whitethorn 17:39 Sat, Sep 20 N 44 D Chapter 415 Hope Shattered +10 Free Coins residence whose shadows still clung to his coat. Outside, a ck sedan idled like a waiting predator. He slipped inside, and the driver steered toward the airport. Does she truly wish to begin again with me? And when she told Fabian those words, what look flickered across her face? His fingers drifted to the sandalwood bracelet hugging his wrist, its rose¨Cbrown beads cool against his skin, the iys catching stray shafts of light that leaked through the car window. He wondered if she realized her single sentence had tasted to him like forbidden sugar, warm and devastatingly sweet, a temptation so fierce it had almost shattered the hard¨Cwon resolve he now clung to like a lifeline. The sedan glided beneath steel trusses and ambermps, finally rolling to a halt outside the departure hall. Julius stepped out, cutting a tall, forbidding silhouette beneath the rotating lights, while Fabian hurried at his side. ¡°Is everything ready at the hospital in Celosia?¡± Julius asked, his tone so calm it felt colder than the airport air whipping around them. ¡°All preparations areplete,¡± Fabian assured him. ¡°The moment you arrive, the procedures can begin.¡± ¡°Excellent.¡± Julius let the single word drop like a gavel, then moved on without another nce. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn, your injuries are still healing,¡± Fabian ventured, voice low. ¡°After the fire, you lost so much blood. Traveling to Celosia for that procedure now will strain you terribly. Even Dr. Huxley begged you to wait until you¡¯re stronger.¡± ¡°I refuse to letplications multiply,¡± Julius said, eyes hard as flint. ¡°The longer we dy, the more time fate has to interfere. And my body? I know it better than anyone.¡± ( Fabian heard the finality in that tone and fell silent. If even Gavin¡¯s medical authority could not sway Julius, nothing he said would make a dent. ¡°No one is to know about my trip to Celosia,¡± Julius added, his voice dropping to a dangerous hush. ¡°Especially¡­ Quinn Bridger.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Fabian snapped to attention. Julius lowered his gaze to the bracelet once more. If that was what she desired, then he would carve a path to make it real. This was the promise he owed her¨Cunyielding, irrevocable. Military 416 Chapter 416 He Still Feels Something : Chapter 416 He Still Feels Something +10 Free Coins During the days Quinn remained confined to her ward, Julius never once appeared in the doorway. Fabian, however, called one afternoon. ¡°Ms. Bridger, I have ryed your message to Mr. Whitethorn, but-¡± ¡°But what?¡± Quinn demanded, dread tightening inside her. The words that followed punched every ounce of air from her lungs. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn does not wish to see you. I must ask that you stop trying to contact him.¡± Fabian¡¯s voice held no room for appeal. Even after the call ended, Quinn¡¯s fingers remained locked around the phone, knuckles white against the stic. He won¡¯t see me because he doesn¡¯t want to be with me anymore, huh? He doesn¡¯t love me anymore? But if his heart had truly turned cold, why had he thrown himself into that inferno to pull me out, why had he shielded me with his own body when the ceiling crumbled? No¨CJulius Whitethorn still feels something for me. I¡¯m sure of it. 1 Laura eased into the ward and froze. Quinn sat half¨Cupright on the crisp white sheets, herplexion ashen, her right hand clenched around her phone like a sailor gripping thest nk of a sinking ship. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you hurting again?¡± Laura asked, crossing the room in two long strides. ¡°I¡¯m fine¨Creally,¡± Quinn said, shaking her head. Her body had been mending at a pace that startled even the doctors; a few more days, and she¡¯d be cleared to leave the ward. ¡°Then why¡­¡± Laura began, her brow knitting as the unspoken question hung in the air. ¡°Laura, Julius still refuses to see me,¡± Quinn said quietly. Laura coughed so hard she nearly choked on her own saliva. ¡°Impossible! Did Fabian at least ry what you said to him?¡± ¡°He did, but Julius still won¡¯t budge,¡± Quinn answered. ¡°That makes no sense,¡± Laura muttered. ¡°He loves you so much. You want him back, and he won¡¯t even grant you a single meeting?¡± 1/3 Chapter 416 He Still Feels Something +10 Free Coins Quinn let out a brittleugh. ¡°Maybe this is my punishment. I realized everything far toote -only when he almost died for me did I finally understand how deeply I love him.¡± ¡°So what now? Are you really going to give up?¡± Laura asked. ¡°Even if I have to give up, it won¡¯t be until I¡¯ve looked him in the eye and heard him say the words himself¡ªthat he no longer loves me,¡± Quinn dered. Since he refused toe to her, she would track him down, discover where he was hiding, and confront him on her own terms. ¡°All right, I have your back,¡± Laura said. ¡°Need me to do anything?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯ve got this,¡± Quinn replied. Laura knew exactly how capable Quinn could be. If her friend sounded that confident, it meant Julius¡® location would turn up soon enough. ¡°By the way, how¡¯s Rowan? Any luck finding a match?¡± Laura asked, concern softening her voice. Quinn shook her head. ¡°Not yet. So far, neither the Azanian nor the Celosian bone¨Cmarrow registries have apatible donor. We¡¯re widening the search, and my uncle ns to post a reward¨Cwhoever matches will receive five hundred million.¡± The figure made Laura¡¯s eyes go wide, as though someone had switched on the ICU¡¯s fluorescent lights inside her skull. She could already imagine the effect¨Ca bounty that size would swell registries across the world overnight, and with every new name, the odds of sess would rise. ¡°Having an uncle like that really is a blessing,¡± Laura breathed. ¡°It is,¡± Quinn agreed, her voice warm yet tinged with sorrow. She simply didn¡¯t want her uncle to spend the rest of his life drowning in guilt. The quiet hum of the lobby was broken by the trill of a ringtone. Quinn nced at the glowing screen. Rowan¡¯s name shed across the caller ID, his name both familiar and suddenly ominous. ¡°Rowan, what is it?¡± Quinn asked, surprise sharpening her voice as she lifted the phone to her ear. ¡°I¡¯m boarding a flight back to Celosia right now,¡± Rowan said, breathing hard as if he were jogging through the terminal. ¡°Lena might finally have a chance. We could save her, Quinn.¡± 17:39 Sat, Sep 20 N Chapter 416 He Still Feels Something 444 44 +10 Free Coins ¡°You found a perfect match already?¡± The question flew out before Quinn could temper her shock. ¡°Yes. The hospital in Celosia called. The donor¡¯spatible and, get this, they¡¯re eager¡ª insisted on moving straight to surgery as soon as possible.¡± Rowan¡¯s excitement crackled through every word. Quinn froze. The Fane family¡¯s reward hasn¡¯t even been posted¡ªwhy would a stranger be this willing? Suspicion and hope tangled inside her chest. ¡°I have to run¨Cthey¡¯re calling my flight. I¡¯ll contact you the moment Ind in Celosia,¡± Rowan said, rushing the words together before cutting the line. Hourster, in a private ward at a hospital in Celosia, Gavin stormed in and nted himself in front of Julius, eyes zing with fury. ¡°Do you have a death wish?¡± Gavin snapped, his white coat ring as he gestured at Julius¡¯s chart. ¡°With your current condition, volunteering for a stem¨Ccell harvest is practically handing over half your life.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my body. I know its limits,¡± Julius answered, voice cool and steady. ¡°I won¡¯t die.¡± Gavin let out a sharpugh. ¡°Maybe you won¡¯t die, but the procedure will ravage you. And for what? For Quinn Bridger¨Cthe woman who walked away from you? Tell me how that¡¯s worth it.¡± O The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 417 Chapter 417 Worth Every Drop Of Blood : Chapter 417 Worth Every Drop Of Blood 36 +20 Free Coins ¡°It¡¯s worth every drop of blood,¡± Julius said without blinking. ¡°And for the record, she never abandoned me.¡± Time and again, when danger closed in around him, Quinn had stayed. She had done so when they were children¨Cand even more fiercely after they grew up. Gavin scoffed. ¡°She dragged you out of a burning building, yes, but you¡¯d already run into the mes for her. Call it even and be done with the heroics!¡± Julius¡® fingers drifted to the sandalwood bracelet on his wrist, thumb brushing the cool jade bead in a familiar, grounding motion. ¡°Gavin, we can never call it even. The one doing the saving has always been her.¡± Gavin¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Julius lowered his gaze. ¡°This life was hers from the moment she gave it back to me. If I spend all of it repaying her, I¡¯ll still fall short.¡± Gavin stared, speechless. The rumors were true¨Cwhen a Whitethorn loved, they loved to madness. Julius¡® father had been the same¨Cdevotion bordering on obsession. Apparently, the legacy had not skipped a generation. ¡°If you¡¯re willing to die for her,¡± Gavin muttered, ¡°why have you dodged every attempt she¡¯s made to see you? She¡¯s looked for you more than once.¡± Julius¡® eyes narrowed a fraction. ¡°Fabian Wooley told you, didn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t me him,¡± Gavin said, his voice low but taut. ¡°He just let it slip. You¡¯ve driven yourself to the brink for Quinn¨Crisked everything while your body is falling apart¨Cyet you still refuse to see her. Tell me, Julius, do you truly not want to be with her?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Julius answered, tone hard as winter stone. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be with her. Whatever I¡¯ve done for her is my business alone; she never needs to know.¡± Gavin¡¯s shoulders went rigid, fury rippled across his face so quickly the fluorescent light seemed to tremble. If only I could crack open that stubborn skull and see what kind of madness rattles inside. : Chapter 417 Worth Every Drop Of Blood Julius snapped his gaze up. ¡°Gavin! This is between Quinn and me. Stay out of it.¡± A 36 +20 Free Coins The warningnded like a knife. Gavin¡¯s pupils tightened, recognizing the threat coiled beneath Julius¡® calm words. Can I really stand by while he drags that failing body to the bone¨Cmarrow unit? ¡°Fine,¡± Gavin said, the words brittle with frost. ¡°I understand.¡± Turning on his heel, he strode away, coat ring behind him like an angry banner. Halfway down the corridor, the resolve crystallized. Whatever Julius imed, Gavin would find Quinn and learn exactly where her heart stood. Rowan was now in far¨Coff Celosia, attending to matters only he could handle. In his absence, the visitor¡¯s chair beside Quinn¡¯s bed belonged almost exclusively to Laura and Everett; they appeared more faithfully than the nurses. Quinn felt no awkwardness with this newly discovered uncle; perhaps blood recognizes blood long before the mind catches up. Their first encounter had been jagged¨Chis expression cold as the steel trim of a limousine. Yet the man now seated at her bedside seemed transformed: soft¨Cvoiced, schrly, his eyes lingering on her with quiet wonder. Quinn understood; each time he stared, he was really searching for the faintest echo of his long¨Clost sister. ¡°Truth is, I never looked much like Mom,¡± Quinn said, fingers tracing the hospital nket. ¡°Rowan looks like her; I¡¯m more of Dad¡¯s reflection.¡± ¡°But the way you smile,¡± Everett murmured, warmth tugging at his voice, ¡°is exactly how Yara used to grin when she was little.¡± In quiet hours, Quinn painted Yara with small, ordinary colors¨Cstories no dossier could capture. She spoke of lopsided sweaters knitted with love, parent¨Cteacher nights ending in threatened switchings, and a carnival visit where their mother outshot her and her brother andughed until her eyes watered. None of thisy in the investigative file Everett hadmissioned; paper, after all, rarely records the sound ofughter. As the tales spilled out, he met a truer Yara than any photograph had shown¡ªwed, impulsive, gloriously alive. ¡°Once your strength returns,¡± Everett said, resting a steady hand on the rail, ¡°I¡¯d like you to visit Chapter 417 Worth Every Drop Of Blood 36 +20 Free Coins Celosia for a while. Your grandmother has missed your mother every single day. Knowing you and Rowan exist would brighten what remains of her world.¡± ¡°I¡¯d love that,¡± Quinn replied, hope fluttering behind her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to meet her.¡± Even without Everett¡¯s invitation, she had mapped the journey in her mind; once her legs obeyed again, Celosia would be her first destination. She also knew her grandmother¡¯s heart had frayed over years of grief, and that the Fane family¡¯s tireless charity work was really therapy for an old woman¡¯s sorrow. Besides, during that event in Doria, Margaret had, by sheer chance, pulled Rowan from the jaws of death and forever altered the family¡¯s fate. Everett¡¯s smile returned. From his coat, he drew a velvet box and lifted out the ruby ne, the stone catching the ward¡¯s pale light like a captured sunset. Heid it gently in Quinn¡¯s palm. Military 418 Chapter 418 Gavin Visits 36 +20 Free Coins Everett¡¯s voice rang out, low yet measured, the way a man speaks when he believes he owes a debt no one can name. ¡°While you were unconscious,¡± he had said, ¡°I took the ne to the diagnosticsboratory for authentication. They confirmed it is the very piece the Fane family once fastened around Yara¡¯s neck. The fire damaged several links, so I had a master restorer clean and mend them. Only now, after proper care, do I dare return it to you.¡± Quinn epted the ruby ne with both hands, its cool weight startlingly familiar. For a breathless instant, the gem¡¯s crimson heart mirrored her mother¡¯s smile, and the hospital ward fell away like a dream. After Everett left, she sat by the window and studied the ne for hours. Daylight bled into dusk, then into full darkness, yet she remained there until her eyes stung. Only when the ward lights clicked on did she ease the lid shut, setting the velvet box gently on the nightstand beside her bed. Later, after her evening shower, steam still curling from the bathroom doorway, she stepped into the dim room and froze. Someone sat in the visitor¡¯s chair at the foot of her bed, framed by the green glow of the heart¨Cmonitor. It was Gavin. Family physician to the Whitethorn family, a man known for arriving with solutions instead of exnations. She had met him once before when Julius¡® insomnia threatened to consume the heir from the inside out. Now Gavin sat hunched over the night¨Cstand, the velvet box open, the ruby ne resting in his gloved palm. His expression was so focused it bordered on reverence, as though the jewel whispered secrets only he could hear. Quinn tightened the belt of her robe and cleared her throat. ¡°Mr. Huxley, it is well past midnight. What exactly brings you to my room?¡± Gavin jerked upright, eyes wide behind silver¨Crimmed sses. ¡°This ne¨Cis it yours?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she said, unable to hide her confusion. ¡°How did youe to possess it?¡± His voice cracked with urgency that did not fit the hush of the ward. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I? It belonged to my mother.¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knitted as she met his gaze. ¡°Your mother? But years ago, this very piece was traded overseas for food and medicine, was it 18:03 Mon, Sep 22 Chapter 418 Gavin Visits A 36 +20 Free Coins not?¡± Quinn¡¯s heartbeat stumbled. ¡°How do you know about that?¡± The question alone confirmed what Gavin had feared. This was the ne Julius had hunted for half his life. As a boy, Gavin had once seen Julius sketch this very pendant in meticulous detail, puzzled that a child who despised finery wouldbor over any jewel. ¡°If I ever find that ne,¡± young Julius had whispered, ¡°I might finally repay the little girl who saved me.¡± ¡°Repay?¡± ¡°Yes. It was her mother¡¯s, yet she bartered it away for food and medicine. That girl saved me, so I want to repay her. Guess what, Gavin. She was younger than I was, yet she wanted me to live,¡± young Julius had said. For the first time, Gavin had seen light in Julius¡¯s frost¨Cblue eyes¡ªa flicker of life straining to stay lit. Gavin had murmured, ¡°Do you even want to live?¡± though he doubted Julius would answer. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Julius had said. ¡°But I wonder if I meet her again, will she still choose to save me? Will she wish for me to live?¡± That night, the question had drifted unanswered into the dark. Tonight, Gavin finally knew the answer. Yes¨Cshe would. The realization rang like a bell through the hush, bright and undeniable. The little girl who had once hauled Julius Whitethorn back from the brink of death had been Quinn Bridger all along. When fate spun them together a second time, Quinn saved him again, her every breath a silent plea that he keep living. No wonder Julius kept insisting the hand that preserved his life had always belonged to Quinn. Their bond had sprouted in childhood, rooting itself long before either understood what it meant. That was why Julius now wagered his life without flinching¨Ceveryst breath offered in tribute to Quinn. 16). Chapter 418 Gavin Visits +20 Free Coins ¡°Mr. Huxley, have you admired the ne long enough? I¡¯d like it back.¡± Quinn stepped up to Gavin, palm open, her gaze steady and upromising. Gavin pressed his lips together, lowered the lid of the velvet box, and ced it in Quinn¡¯s waiting hand. ¡°Quinn, Julius has seen this piece as well. He knows it was your mother¡¯s keepsake.¡± Quinn¡¯s brows drew tight. ¡°Yes, and? What of it?¡± Gavin exhaled, the sigh slipping out before he could stop it; the confirmation stung more than he cared to admit. ¡°Julius has spent years hunting for that ne,¡± Gavin said quietly. Quinn blinked. ¡°What? Why would he be searching for it?¡± ¡°Long ago, overseas, a little girl pulled him back from death. Heter learned this ne had belonged to her mother. He vowed to return it and thank her. Luck mocked him¨Che never found it until now, when it is already in your hands,¡± Gavin said slowly. The truth froze Quinn where she stood, her breath snagging in her throat. She remembered Julius telling her once that a girl abroad had saved him, and that he had searched for her ever since. Could that little girl have been me? ¡°Abroad? When we were children?¡± She sifted through hazy memories of traveling with her parents, moments of hurried charity¨Cyet no clear image of Julius surfaced. ¡°Yes. Overseas, artillery shattered a house, and debris pinned Julius beneath the wreckage,¡± Gavin said, his voice low. ¡°You were the one who dragged the stones away and freed him. Later, he fell for you, so it¡¯s no surprise he would go this far.¡± A ripple of dread cut through Quinn. ¡°What has he done? Mr. Huxley, you know where he is, don¡¯t you? I need to see him¨Cright now.¡± Military 419 Chapter 419 With Every Last Breath In His Body Chapter 419 With Every Last Breath In His Body 1 (36) +20 Free Coins Gavin studied her, weighing silence against confession. ¡°Quinn, what do you truly feel for Julius? You broke up with him, yet you keep insisting on seeing him. When you do, what then?¡± ¡°If he¡¯s willing, I want us to try again.¡± ¡°And if he isn¡¯t?¡± Gavin countered. Quinn froze. If Julius has already let go, can I really walk away without shattering? Can I really let him go? Once, facing Trent¡¯s cold indifference, Quinn could have signed the divorce papers with the careless flick of a pen¨Cno ache, no backward nce. But the mere thought that Julius might have fallen out of love with her sent a serrated hurt sawing behind her ribs. Choices that once felt simple now resembled walking barefoot across ss, every memory of him charging through me to save her reying in relentless detail. Gavin grew anxious when Quinn didn¡¯t say a word. ¡°You listen to me, Quinn. Even if Julius swears he wants nothing to do with you, you pin him down and tell him he has no choice- you are staying in his life. If he keeps resisting, I don¡¯t care whether you tie him to a chair or slip something in his drink. Whatever it takes¨Conce you¡¯ve decided to reim him, you cannot let that man walk away again.¡± Quinn stared at Gavin, stunned. He looked at her like an exasperated drill sergeant confronting a hesitant recruit, as though any answer except yes would make him drag Julius in and dump him at her feet. With a sigh, he added, ¡°Remember this¨Cthere is only one person on earth Julius would die for, and that¡¯s you.¡± Quinn¡¯s shoulders trembled, yet her voice came out clear: ¡°Fine. I understand. Take me to him, now.¡± ¡°He¡¯s in Celosia. Hand over your passport, and I¡¯ll twist every lever I know to get you a visa in record time.¡± ¡°Celosia?¡± Her brows shot up. ¡°What on earth is he doing there?¡± ¡°You truly know nothing, do you?¡± Gavin let out a wearyugh. ¡°I can tell you what he¡¯s doing, but if Julius decides to shoot the messenger afterward, you¡¯ve got to block the bullet for me.¡± ¡°Me?¡± Quinn blinked, caught between disbelief and a reluctant smile. 18:04 Mon, Sep 22 Chapter 419 With Every Last Breath In His Body ¡°Yes. Only you.¡± ¡°All right, I¡¯ll shield you. Now tell me¨Cwhy has he gone to Celosia?¡± ¡°To donate his stem cells.¡± A 336 +20 Free Coins The answer hit her like a p; Quinn simply stared, mouth parted, unable to process what she¡¯d just heard. In that instant, she recalled Rowan mentioning a miracle¨Ca donor suddenly surfacing, a perfect match for Lena, willing to rush an emergency transnt. Could it be¡­ Was the donor him? ¡°Was it Julius? Is Julius the one donating those stem cells to Lena?¡± Her voice trembled. ¡°Yes.¡± Quinn¡¯s nose stung; tears pooled, fogging her vision before she could blink them back. ¡°He¡­ How could he¡­¡± The words broke apart as they left her. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he? He learned that Lena¨Cyour brother¡¯s beloved¨Cwas battling leukemia. He scoured registries, tested himself, and, by some twist of fate, turned out to be a perfect match. So, injuries be damned, he jumped on the first flight to Celosia to give away a piece of himself.¡± A crooked smirk tugged at Gavin¡¯s mouth. ¡°You have no idea how much he¡¯s changed, do you? The Julius I met years ago was ice- indifferent to others, indifferent to himself. Now he¡¯s willing to carve marrow from his own bones for someone he has never even shaken hands with. Given the state his body is in, that operation could cripple him¨Cmaybe cost him half his life. And still he insists, because it matters to your brother, and anything that matters to your family automatically matters to him.¡± ¡°Back then, you broke up with him over what happened to Rowan. Do you have any idea what his nights have looked like since? He lies awake till dawn, chasing sleep with fistfuls of pills, the clock ticking like a firing squad. More than once, I found him on the balcony rail, wind in his hair, eyes hollow, flirting with the notion of stepping forward and letting gravity finish what heartbreak began. Because of you¨Cyes, you¨Cthis man actually said he wants to be a ¡®good person,¡® just so one day he might deserve to stand beside you again. He knows he was wrong to hide the truth, and he¡¯s been bleeding himself dry trying to fix it. After all he¡¯s done, tell me why you still refuse to forgive him. Quinn, Julius is loving you with everyst breath in his body.¡± 2 Military 420 Chapter 420 The Journey Forward Chapter 420 The Journey Forward 336 +20 Free Coins Every word Gavin deliverednded on Quinn¡¯s heart like a p of summer thunder¨Csudden, deafening, impossible to ignore. By the time he finished speaking, tears were already streaming down her cheeks, hot and unrelenting. Memories quickly came flooding back. She recalled how Julius knelt before her, begging her not to leave him. She remembered him washing down sleeping pills, yet lying awake all night, eyes wide in despair. More importantly, she remembered the moment on that wind¨Cbeaten ind when he chose to set her free, even though the decision shattered him. The images drove her tears harder, faster, until her vision blurred. Why had she refused to forgive him back then? He had done so much for her, and only now did she see it. Quinn pressed a trembling hand to her lips. ¡°I¨CI need to see him. I have to see Julius as soon as possible!¡± Gavin held her gaze for a long, measured second. ¡°All right.¡± After Gavin left, Quinn lifted the lid of the jewelry box. Through a haze of tears, she stared at the ruby ne, its scarlet facets swimming like embers. So she had met Julius far earlier than she ever realized. No wonder, when he saw the ne around her neck in the midst of the fire, shock had red in his eyes, and he whispered that it had been her all along. ¡°Julius, I¡¯ll see you soon. You can count on it!¡± she murmured, her resolve like tempered steel. The next morning, when Laura learned that Quinn nned to fly to Celosia, surprise flickered across her face. ¡°Your body hasn¡¯t even healed yet, and your leg is still in a cast. Why are you rushing to Celosia? Even if you want to see your grandmother, there¡¯s no need to be in such a rush.¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to see Julius. He¡¯s in Celosia to donate hematopoietic stem cells for Lena,¡± Quinn exined. Laura¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°He ns to donate his stem cells? That Lena¡­ She¡¯s the woman who Mon, Sep Chapter 420 The Journey Forward saved your brother¡¯s life, isn¡¯t she?¡± +20 Free Coins ¡°Yes,¡± Quinn answered, the taste of regret sharp on his tongue. ¡°But his health is nowhere near strong enough for such a procedure. I have to stop him. Even if he insists on donating, the priority is still for him to rest and recover!¡± ¡°So you¡¯re going all the way to Celosia just to stop him?¡± Quinn gave a self¨Cdeprecating smile. ¡°And to tell him exactly how much I love him.¡± s, she feared the realization hade toote. ¡°The fact that Julius has done all this for you proves what an exceptional man he is,¡± Laura said with a sigh. ¡°If you let him slip away, even I¡¯d be worried for you.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t lose him again,¡± Quinn said. She spoke not only to her friend, but to the quiet resolve forming inside her. Later, when Everett arrived to see her, Quinn also drew a steadying breath and told him everything about her n to leave for Celosia. The moment Everett learned that Julius intended to donate his own stem cells to Lena, a rare flicker of astonishment split his otherwise immovable features. ¡°Your brother is already in Celosia,¡± he reminded her, voice lowered to a conspiratorial murmur. ¡°If you want to stop Julius from donating, you¡¯ll need to talk to Rowan about it. After all, Rowan has been praying for Lena to receive that transnt as soon as possible.¡± ¡°I know. Once I¡¯m in Celosia, I¡¯ll talk to Rowan in person,¡± Quinn replied softly. ¡°Since you¡¯re going to Celosia, I¡¯ll tie up the loose ends here and fly back as well,¡± Everett announced, already strategizing aloud. ¡°Let¡¯s visit your grandmother once you¡¯ve settled matters with Julius. The Fane family will then host a reunion party and let the whole world know that you and Rowan are our blood!¡± Quinn nodded, her answer a quiet, resolute. ¡°All right.¡± ¡°But you and Julius¡­ What exactly is your rtionship?¡± ¡°I love him!¡± Quinn burst out. ¡°I don¡¯t know if he still wants to be with me, but I don¡¯t wish to give up.¡± Everett¡¯s gaze sharpened with calction. ¡°Celosia isn¡¯t the Whitethorn family¡¯s territory. If you truly want to be with Julius, I will see to it that he stays there until he finally chooses you.¡± Chapter 420 The Journey Forward : +20 Free Coins For Everett, histe sister¡¯s children had be treasures rarer than anything the Fane family fortune could buy. So what if Julius was the highest authority in the Whitethorn family? If Quinn wanted him, Everett would stop at nothing to secure the man for her¡ªeven if it meant resorting to underhanded means. Quinn stared, wide¨Ceyed, yet the warmth of her uncle¡¯s indulgent devotion wrapped around her like a heavy,forting quilt. The Whitethorn family might be formidable, but Everett still chose to be on her side and help her in every way. If Mother were still alive, Uncle Everett would have been the perfect elder brother, pouring decades of support and affection into her. Oh, how I wish Mother knew just how wonderful her brother is! True to his word, Gavin whisked Quinn¡¯s passport away and, within hours, secured the visa; in only one day, they would be airborne for Celosia. Quinn¡¯s right calf was still trapped in a ster cast, so Gavin arranged a wheelchair for her, its polished chrome gleaming under harsh fluorescents. Once they were strapped into their seats high above the clouds, Gavin angled toward her. ¡°Julius still has no clue you¡¯re on your way to Celosia,¡± he began, his voice low beneath the hum of the engine. ¡°As for the stem cell donation, he deliberately hid it from you. So, what do you intend to do once you¡¯re there? Do you want me to take you to him tomorrow?¡± After all, their arrival would be deep into the night; Celosia would be sleeping when the wheels finally kissed the runway. Military 421 Chapter 421 Night Landing 36 +20 Free Coins ¡°No. The moment we touch down, take me straight to his ce in Celosia.¡± Every ticking second felt like another needle pressed against her skin. She had to see Julius¨Chad to look into the eyes of the man who had staked his very life on loving her. ¡°All right, I¡¯ll take you there,¡± Gavin replied, his gaze narrowing. ¡°But you¡¯d better not hurt Julius again. If you manage to coax him this time, only to turn around and abandon him again, I won¡¯t let you off.¡± Quinn pinched the bridge of her nose, the word ¡°coax¡± sliding through her mind with at strange, tinny echo. It sounded almost childish¨Csoft, sugary¨Cbut something in her gut whispered that maybe, just maybe, it could work. ¡°I¡¯m not letting go of him. From now on, I¡¯m hanging on with both hands, forever,¡± she promised. Gavin let out a long breath, shoulders sagging as though someone had loosened a tourniquet. ¡°Good,¡± he muttered, relief drumming the word out of him. ¡°That said¡­¡± Quinn added as she turned to Gavin, eyes cautious but bright. ¡°Is Julius the kind of man who can be easily coaxed?¡± Back when they dated, she had never tried that tactic, so she truly had no idea whether that iron¨Cwilled man would bend for honeyed words. Gavin rolled his eyes at her. ¡°Most people wouldn¡¯t stand a chance if they tried it on him, but you? You¡¯re the exception. I¡¯m sure of it.¡± If Quinn failed to cate Julius, then no living soul on this could hope to pull it off. The moment they stepped off the ne, Fabian was waiting at the gate, tablet clutched like a shield. Upon seeing Quinn, Fabian froze, and sweat beaded instantly at his hairline. ¡°You¡­ Why did you bring Ms. Bridger here? D¨CDoes that mean she already knows everything?¡± ¡°Obviously!¡± Gavin barked, cutting him off. ¡°If I¡¯ming back to the country, why would Ie back without her?¡± Fabian¡¯s perspiration doubled. ¡°But if Mr. Whitethorn finds out¡­¡± 18:04 Mon, Sep 22 Chapter 421 Night Landing +20 Free Coins Oh no.. I¡¯m only a secretary, for goodness¡® sake. If Mr. Whitethorn flies into a rage because of this, I¡¯d be coteral damage! ¡°Rx. If Julius blows up, someone else will stand in the line of fire for you,¡± Gavin reassured. Fabian squinted at Gavin, unconvinced that the doctor could survive Julius¡® fiery temper. Gavin scoffed and jerked his chin toward Quinn. ¡°Not me¨Cher. She¡¯ll take the hit, so quit trembling!¡± Fabian considered that and, to his own surprise, found he almost believed it. ¡°All right, first things first. Take us to wherever Julius is staying,¡± Gavin ordered. Momentster, the three of them slid into a sedan, and Fabian got behind the wheel. Twenty silent minutester, they pulled beneath the vaulted awning of the hotel where Julius had taken residence during his stay in Celosia. Inside the lobby, Fabian pressed a keycard into Quinn¡¯s palm. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is in the presidential suite, Room 8101.¡± Quinn closed her fingers around the card and stepped into the elevator without another word. Fabian and Gavin remained in front of the polished elevator doors, their reflections wavering on the steel surface. Fabian shifted his weight. ¡°Ms. Bridgering here¡­¡± ¡°She and Julius will get back together,¡± Gavin dered with rock¨Csolid certainty. ¡°And if they can¡¯t manage it on their own, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to make that happen¡­ Even if it means I have to handcuff them together.¡± Soon, Quinn reached the door of Room 8101, slid the card through the lock, and let herself into the suite. Silence wrapped the room in velvety darkness, and only a single de of moonlight slipped through the curtains, tracing a thin silver path across the floor. Quinn moved toward the bedroom, every step slow and deliberate. Since boarding the ne, she had pictured this moment. Anticipation, once sweet, now tightened into raw nerves. Would Julius greet her with warmth, with scorn, or with something she could not yet name? Was he wishing she had stayed away? Chapter 421 Night Landing 36 +20 Free Coins The next second, she halted at the bedroom door. Decisive by nature, Quinn suddenly found hesitation pooling at her feet. She dropped her gaze to the closed door and drew a steadying breath. Her hand had barely touched the knob when the door yawned inward. A pistol lunged out of the darkness, its cold muzzle kissing the center of her forehead. The dim light sculpted the gunman¡¯s face and revealed a profile she knew better than her own -Julius Whitethorn! Shock widened Julius¡® eyes, and as his fingers ckened, the pistol slipped. Quinn¡¯s reflexes red, catching the weapon before metal could kiss the floorboards. For several seconds, time seemed to have stopped. Locked in each other¡¯s stare, they hovered in silence until Julius finally found his voice. ¡°Why did youe all the way here?¡± Julius asked, his words low, almost hoarse. ¡°To see you,¡± Quinn answered, the sybles simple yet charged. She had been dying to see him since the moment the ne left the runway. Even with a fresh cast mped around her right leg, the need had dragged her across cities, pain, and caution. Julius¡® eyshes quivered, betraying a turmoil he would never voice. ¡°You didn¡¯t have toe,¡± he murmured. ¡°The fire was my family¡¯s fault. Pulling you out was only the right thing to do. You don¡¯t have to feel bad, nor try to repay me by staying at my side. That would just be misced guilt.¡± Quinn blinked, stunned. So that was what he believed¨Cthat her desire for him was merely an apology in disguise. ¡°It¡¯ste, and I¡¯d like to sleep. Please leave,¡± Julius said, already pivoting away. Suddenly, Quinn seized his arm and drove him back against the wall beside the door, the impact sharp but controlled. Reflex had him lifting his hands to shove her away, but her next words froze him mid¨Cmotion. ¡°Don¡¯t push me; my right leg is still in a cast,¡± she warned. His lips thinned. The hands that had hovered defensively now sank to his sides. ¡°Since your leg is still healing, all the more reason you shouldn¡¯t be here. I¡¯ll arrange a ride to take you home.¡± Military 422 Chapter 422 Moonlit Standoff Chapter 422 Moonlit Standoff +20 Free Coins Quinn leaned toward him, the movement slow and deliberate. Before either of them could breathe, the tip of her nose grazed the sharp edge of Julius¡® jaw. The man¡¯s entire body instantly went rigid, as though that feather¨Clight touch had fired an electric current straight through his spine. ¡°What makes you so certain that guilt is the only reason I¡¯m trying to make things right between us?¡°, she whispered, her lips so close he could taste the heat of her words. ¡°If it isn¡¯t guilt, then what is it?¡± Julius¡® voice came out raw, scratched thin by sleepless nights. ¡°Do you honestly think I¡¯ll believe you¡¯ve fallen back in love with me¨Cthat love, of all things, is why you¡¯re here now?¡± ¡°Why can¡¯t the answer simply be that I love you?¡± ¡°Back then, when you still loved me, you didn¡¯t seem to have a problem ending our rtionship. I begged¨CGod, how I begged¨Cand yet, you still walked away. Now, after one fire, you expect me to believe you¡¯ve rekindled your love for me?¡± Julius asked before letting out a hollowugh. ¡°Or is it because you heard that I¡¯m donating stem cells to Lena, and the noble gesture moved you? Is that why you decided I was worth loving again?¡± She hade all the way to Celosia, and just days ago, Gavin had returned home. With that information, it wasn¡¯t hard to put two and two together. The doctor must have told Quinn about the donation. ¡°I¡¯m grateful that you¡¯re donating your stem cells to Lena,¡± Quinn exined, her tone steady and crystal clear. ¡°But gratitude alone has never made me fall for someone. I¡¯m not choosing to love you again, Julius¡­ I¡¯ve never stopped loving you.¡± His shoulders jerked as if struck. He stared at her, thunderstruck, every feature carved in disbelief. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve always loved you,¡± she affirmed, her voice ringing like ss in the dim room. ¡°I thought ending things would free me. I told myself I could let us go. I acted brave, but the truth is I¡¯ve neverid this love down.¡± As Quinn spoke, her fingertips skimmed along the hard ne of Julius¡® cheek, a touch that spoke of both apology and promise. ¡°I know I can be stubborn and difficult at times. But that fire¨Cstanding at death¡¯s door¨Cmade me realize something. If I¡¯m not even afraid of dying and insist on taking you with me, then why not try to rebuild the trust that was destroyed?¡± 18:04 Mon, Sep 22 Chapter 422 Moonlit Standoff Still, Julius said nothing, staring as thoughnguage itself had deserted him. +20 Free Coins ¡°Julius Whitethorn, I love you. You told me I owed you nothing, and you¡¯re right. I saved your life when we were kids, and when we grew up, I saved you once again. So whatever debts there might have been, they¡¯re even now. I love you, and it has nothing to do with guilt!¡± Julius¡® eyes widened. ¡°H¨CHow did you know?¡± ¡°Know what? That the little girl who saved you all those years ago was me?¡± Quinn replied, chuckling softly. ¡°When Dr. Huxley visited, he noticed the ruby ne. That was when everything began falling into ce.¡± ¡°Yes. I can¡¯t believe we met far earlier than either of us realized,¡± he muttered, awed by the puzzle finally solved, and the fact that Quinn had been his savior all along. ¡°If only I¡¯d asked for your contact information,¡± Quinn said, voice tinged with regret. ¡°That way, maybe when I returned home, I would have written, called, and even searched for you. We might have grown up side by side like childhood sweethearts and fallen in love with each other much, much earlier¡­¡± The images she painted drifted through Julius¡® mind like a fleeting dream¨Cbrief, exquisite, dangerously sweet. Yet the most perfect dreams, he knew, often shattered at dawn. She inched closer, her lips hovering over his, breath a sugared cloud. ¡°Julius, will you give us another chance?¡± Her breath fanned across his skin, and her intoxicating scent made his head spin. Did she realize what she was doing? Those words were a siren song, irresistible, deadly beautiful¨Cyet¡­ ¡°And what if I say no?¡± The ragged question broke the charged silence, his husky voice vibrating through the thick, electric air. Quinn froze mid¨Cmovement. Their mouths now hovered only a breath apart¨Cone tiny shift, and she could im the kiss that had burned in her imagination night after sleepless night. ¡°You don¡¯t want to?¡± she whispered, the question quivering like a bird cupped in trembling hands. Her heart cinched tight, wrapped in something so cold it felt almost metallic. 18:04 Mon, Sep 22 Chapter 422 Moonlit Standoff 36 +20 Free Coins She had imagined a thousand excuses for his constant avoidance, yet every one returned to the same brutal conclusion¨Che simply did not wish to be with her anymore. But hearing the admission aloud still sliced through her chest with the clean cruelty of a surgeon¡¯s de. ¡°Yes,¡± Julius answered, his voice t as winter stone. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Have you stopped loving me, then?¡± she asked, barely daring to breathe. Julius pressed his parched lips together. ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t¡ª¡± Before the lie could finish forming, Quinn¡¯s hand rose and covered his mouth. ¡°You know what I¡¯m like,¡± she murmured. ¡°I can stomach silence, but I cannot endure a lie. Say nothing if you must, just don¡¯t lie to me.¡± Julius fell into a heavy silence, offering no further protest. ¡°If you still love me, why won¡¯t you let us try again?¡± Quinn asked, searching his shadowed eyes. 2 He fixed his gaze on hers, then slowly removed her palm from his lips. His thin mouth shaped the words, ¡°Because I don¡¯t want to be abandoned again.¡± If I am fated to be cast aside, then it¡¯s kinder never to hope at all. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 423 Chapter 423 Fear of Abandonment Chapter 423 Fear of Abandonment Get full chapters from f¦É?dn¦Ïvel ¡°I won¡¯t abandon you again!¡± Quinn blurted, the promise rushing out before thought. +10 Free Coins Julius¡® eyes remained dark. ¡°Sure. Maybe you¡¯d never leave me by choice. But what if life leaves you no choice?¡± Quinn¡¯s throat closed around any answer. The man reached for the wall, found the switch, and flooded the room with light. White light spilled across the apartment, painting both of them in its stark glow. Only now did Quinn truly see him. He had grown leaner, hisplexion nearly translucent, and the bruised crescents beneath his eyes had deepened into midnight smudges. It was obvious his insomnia had found no relief. His gaze dropped to the ster cast encasing Quinn¡¯s right calf. Then, in one fluid motion, he bent and scooped her into his arms, setting her gently on the couch. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone drive you home,¡± he said, reaching for his phone. Quinn caught his hand, stopping the call. ¡°It¡¯ste. I don¡¯t want any more hassle tonight. Let me stay here¡­ Just for one night, please,¡± she pleaded. Julius¡® brows pinched together as he stared at the bed as though it were an unsolved equation. ¡°Fine. You can sleep here then,¡± he said, voice t and measured. ¡°I¡¯ll take the room next door.¡± Yet Quinn kept her fingers locked around his sleeve, knuckles white against the dark fabric. ¡°My leg isn¡¯t steady,¡± she whispered, eyes bright but unwavering. ¡°Back at the hospital, I always had a caregiver apany me through the night. Can you stay here with me? If I fall, I¡¯d feel safer knowing you can help me.¡± Not long ago, Julius had needed her heartbeat near his own before sleep would im him. Tonight, the roles were reversed; Quinn could not even picture closing her eyes unless he remained within reach. Julius pressed his lips into a bloodless line. They both knew the truth¨Cshe was a fighter, agile enough to dance through danger, cast or no cast. The rejection stalled in his throat, smothered by a stubborn, irrational fear that she might stumble when he wasn¡¯t looking. 16:24 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 423 Fear of Abandonment 51 +10 Free Coins He understood her strength, yet the image of her falling sliced through him like a de. Finally, his shoulders sagged in surrender. ¡°All right. We¡¯ll stay in the same room tonight,¡± Julius said. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll hire a caregiver to keep an eye on you.¡± Relief slipped from Quinn in a single, shaky breath. ¡°Then I¡¯ll wash up first,¡± she replied, her voice suddenly light. The day had dragged her across highways and terminals, leaving dust on her shoes and fatigue in every bone. Without a word, Julius bent and scooped her into his arms. The ache in her leg did nothing to dull the brief, dizzy lift of weightlessness. At the bathroom door, he set her down as gently as if she were fine crystal. ¡°Spare toiletries are inside,¡± he murmured, fingers grazing the switch. ¡°Call me when you¡¯re done.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Quinn answered with a small nod, slipping beyond the frosted ss. Steam curled beneath the vanity light as Quinn faced her reflection¨Cwind¨Ctousled hair, cheeks flushed, eyes burning with resolve¨Cand let out a long breath. At least Julius yielded and agreed to stay with me tonight¡­ But what happens when morning burns this spell away? The thought of him retreating overnight wed at her stomach, yet she steadied herself over the sink. Then again, I know he loves me still. Even if I must use every trick I know, I¡¯ll strip away his doubts until he wants us back together again. With that, she began washing up, rehearsing words that might calm the storm behind his eyes. Just then, knuckles tapped softly on the door. ¡°Fabian just brought your suitcase,¡± Julius informed. ¡°Okay. Got it!,¡± Quinn replied, grateful for the fresh set of clothes she could finally change into. Minutester, wrapped in pale silk pajamas, she stepped out¨Cand froze. Julius stood beside the nightstand, tipping a prescription bottle until a heap of white tablets filled his palm, jaw set for the plunge. Despite the cast on her leg, Quinn lunged. She stumbled, nearly fell, but her hand locked around his wrist just in time, causing the pills to scatter like hail across the carpet. ¡°Sleeping pills again?¡± she cried, eyes zing. ¡°You can¡¯t swallow that many at once. Do you 16:24 Sat, Sep 27 B ¡­ Chapter 423 Fear of Abandonment have any idea how lethal that is?¡± A 951 +10 Free Coins If I¡¯de out a second , would he have tossed them back without blinking? And how many nights, when I couldn¡¯t see him, has he been downing handfuls just like this? Only minutes earlier, he had shaken a hill of capsules into his palm¨Cso many that the portion dwarfed every reckless dose she had ever seen him swallow. ¡°It isn¡¯t fatal. I know exactly where my limits lie,¡± Julius said. ¡°My system is stubborn. Any drug hits me softer than it would a normal patient, so rest easy. These tablets will not affect the stem cell procedure. Everything will go on as usual.¡± Quinn seized thepels of his shirt and yanked him downward until their eyes met at a horizontal line. ¡°I don¡¯t care about the donation¡­ I care about you! Julius, gulp one more handful like that, and I will not let it slide,¡± she eximed, voice shaking the space between them. ¡°These pills are the Whitethorn family¡¯s newest form,¡± he murmured, dropping his gaze to avoid hers. ¡°They leave almost no side effects. You truly do not need to worry.¡± ¡°And if I choose to worry anyway?¡± she shot back. ¡°You¡¯ve already said this is a new form. New means untested. How can anyone swear that months of heavy use will be harmless?¡± Military 424 Chapter 424 Until Death Parts Us Chapter 424 Until Death Parts Us 51 +10 Free Coins Julius¡®shes fluttered. Quinn¡¯s concern sent a ripple across theke of his heart¨Cake he had believed long frozen. But reason told him he should no longer harbor any hopes! Nothing good woulde out of
  1. it.
¡°Fine. I¡¯ll tell Gavin to switch me back to the older prescription.¡± ¡°No more pills!¡± Quinn scolded, breath quick. ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll stay beside you until you fall asleep.¡± He let out a low, almost mockingugh. ¡°Stay until I sleep? For how long¨Cone night, two? A year, maybe two? I have no use for borrowedfort.¡± Because once a man had tasted joy, losing it would be the cruelest torment. ¡°Why can¡¯t it be forever?¡± Quinn whispered. Then she closed the final inch, pressing her mouth to his in a sudden, unarguable kiss. Julius¡® body went rigid. Eyes widening, he stood stunned by the storm she had unleashed. She kissed him with all the silence and ache of the past weeks, pouring emotion into him as if this single touch could empty her heart. s, it was still not deep enough, nor was it fierce enough. It was not nearly enough to show him just how much she loved him. ¡°Easy now¡­ Open up,¡± she murmured, her breath warm against his cheek. His lips stayed sealed, midnight eyes fixed on hers. Rationally, he knew he should push her away. If he didn¡¯t, he¡¯d slide further and further until reason no longer existed. Yet instinct overruled thought. His mouth parted, granting her permission to deepen the kiss, to im every inch of him that still pretended to resist. It felt like the first rain after a merciless drought. The earth beneath¨Chis parched soul¨Cdrank greedily, desperate for that life¨Cgiving water. 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 424 Until Death Parts Us 451 +10 Free Coins ¡°Julius, I will stay by your side¨Cnot for a day, not for a year, but until the moment death itself pries us apart.¡± He heard her whisper¨Ca sound softer than velvet, sweeter than forbidden wine. That single note slipped past every defense he had painstakingly raised until the pirs of logic in his mind began to crumble, brick by brick. Quinn¡¯s voice trembled like candlelight in a draft. ¡°Just as I¡¯m learning to trust you again, will you also try to believe in me as well?¡± A storm flickered across Julius¡® eyes. Should I trust her? Should I trust that she won¡¯t disappear again and leave me bleeding in the dark? ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? ?ovelFind She caught the man¡¯s gaze and held it, unblinking. Her fingertips traced a slow path from his stubbled cheek down the column of his throat, skimmed the ridge of his corbone, and came to rest over the frantic beat of his heart. I love you, Julius. Therefore, I will never abandon you. So what if fate conspires and tears us apart? Even if I die, I¡¯ll w my way back to your side with myst breath! Her vow reverberated through the quiet room until even the shadows seemed to hold their breath. He nched, the color draining from his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t speak ofst breaths and dying. If you have to leave this world, it¡¯d be when you¡¯re at a ripe old age, peaceful and happy.¡± She blinked, startled, as though she had glimpsed the raw fear behind his reprimand. ¡°All right,¡± she breathed, a fragile smile budding. ¡°We¡¯ll grow old together¨Csilver¨Chaired and content.¡± Julius pressed his thin lips together and gave no reply. Quinn¡¯s voice grew soft. ¡°It¡¯ste. We should sleep.¡± With that, she twined her fingers through his, guided him to the mattress, and with a yful shove toppled him onto the waiting pillows. ¡°Quinnie!¡± Julius yelped and tried to rise. s, the woman leaned over him first. ¡°Stay still. I want to see how your wounds are healing.¡± Since the ze, this was the first moment she had actuallyid eyes on him. Until now, she had only heard Gavin¡¯s grim descriptions of the injuries. Julius lowered his eyes. ¡°They¡¯re only minor wounds. There¡¯s nothing worth seeing.¡± 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 424 Until Death Parts Us ¡°But I want to see. Please take off your shirt and let me look.¡± 51 +10 Free Coins Her gentle tone flowed like velvet, pure coaxing that brushed against his battered pride. Uncertainty clouded Julius¡® features. The skin beneath his clothes was already a map of old scars; the fire had only deepened the ravages, making his body even uglier. Once, I used this face and body to lure her, to make her fall in love¡­ But now, it is ruined. If she sees it, will she feel disgust? Lose her desire? Argh! Stop it, Julius! You promised yourself never to hope, so you¡¯ll never have to drown in despair again. He exhaled and squared his shoulders. If she wished to look, then he¡¯d let her see every scar in the unforgiving light. Beneath the hush of midnight, Julius pushed himself upright. Without a single word, he lifted his trembling hand to the knot at his throat and began sliding the velvety night¨Crobe from his wounded shoulders. The garment pooled around his waist, and in that breath the raw map of his suffering came into view¨Cbandages crisscrossing muscle, scabbed gashes shaped like brutal signatures against bruised skin. Gavin had insisted they were mostly superficial, the kind time and dressings could mend. Quinn herself had marched with Falcon Special Forces; she had seen bodies pulverized by war, lives erased in a sh. Yet the man before her¨Cwrapped head to hip in gauze, fresh wounds snarling where the cloth ended¨Cmade her heart seize, releasing only to ache again. Every new scar had been earned protecting her. She inched closer, eyes tracing, fingers hovering, silently counting the tally of his devotion. Tears zed Quinn¡¯sshes as she let one fingertip drift over the jagged ridge of a brand¨Cnew scar. ¡°Julius, you do really love me, don¡¯t you?¡± she asked, her voice water¨Csoft. Military 425 Chapter 425 Unequal Devotion 651 +10 Free Coins Julius let a crooked, almost bitter smile tug at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Yes, Quinn, I love you -more than I believed any man could love,¡± he said. ¡°Yet I also know, with cruel rity, that the feeling you carry for me does not cut nearly as deep. From day one, our love has been lopsided.¡± The woman could toss him aside as effortlessly as a child grew bored with a toy, and he, once discarded, would be left gasping for the next breath. If it happened again, what bottomless pit would he plunge into? ¡°Quinn, you said you¡¯d return to me only when your love mirrored mine,¡± Julius continued, voice raw. ¡°I need it to be so deep that you, too, cannot live without me.¡± Only then would he trust she would never walk away from him again. That night, Quinn fell asleep with her fingers threaded through his, as though fear itself would pry them apart. When dawn slid through the curtains, Julius stilly in heavy slumber. She watched him in the hush of morning light, spellbound by the rise and fall of his chest. Even in repose, he was disarmingly beautiful¨Cfeatures deeper, more sculpted than most Aplothians, a straight patrician nose, sensual lips that suggested danger and promise at once. Somehow, icy aloofness and vivid allure¨Ctwo opposing notes¨Cresolved into perfect harmony on his face. Bruised shadows under his eyes and the porcin cast of his skin lent him the fragility of shattered ss. Julius had said he would ept Quinn only if she could love with equal ferocity. But love could never be weighed or measured, so how could she ever convince him of how deeply she adored him? She lifted a hand and brushed the tips of her fingers across hisshes, as long and dark as raven wings. His eyes fluttered open; the soft sweep ofshes over her skin sent ripples across the stillke of her heart. 1/4 Follow current nov?ls on F?ndNovel 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 425 Unequal Devotion :. +10 Free Coins Quinn felt the warmth of his skin linger on her fingertips. As though scalded, she jerked her hand back and leaned over the edge of the bed. Soft morning light spilled across Julius¡®shes just as they fluttered open. Quinn offered a tentative smile. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re awake. Did you get any rest at all?¡± The man¡¯s gaze drifted, half¨Clidded, taking a long second to focus on the face hovering only inches away. When rity finally settled, the haze lifted from his fox¨Csharp eyes, and the room seemed to tighten around the two of them. ¡°Well enough,¡± he murmured, voice still rough with sleep, like gravel under velvet. In truth, it had been more than well. The moment her fingers threaded through his, warmth seeped into every fracture of his battered body, pulling him into the first unbroken night¡¯s sleep he had known in months. She is my medicine, that much I know. Without that touch, no sedative, no doctor, no set of pills can keep my nightmares restrained. ¡°Good,¡± she said, relief brightening her tone. ¡°Then let¡¯s keep doing it this way from now on.¡± ¡°Do you want to wash up? I can carry you to the bathroom,¡± Julius offered, already shifting upright despite the fresh sting beneath his bandages. ¡°No need. It¡¯s only a few steps. I can handle it myself,¡± Quinn replied. The next second, she swung her legs over the mattress, nted the rubber tips of her crutches against the floor, and propelled herself toward the adjoining bathroom with practiced, almost jaunty determination. Julius watched the awkward angle of her ster¨Cencased calf disappear through the doorway, and a searing image shed behind his eyes¨Cthe burning warehouse, her arm braced beneath his, dragging him through the smoke. Not once, not even with mes licking at her hair, had she let him fall. But gratitude no longer satisfied the hunger coiling inside him. He wanted more¨Cwanted shamelessly, greedily; wanted every dawn, every night, every heartbeat that warmed her skin. If I can¡¯t im that, maybe it¡¯s better to stop here, for both our sakes. When Quinn returned, steam still ghosting from her hair, she found Gavin bending over Julius, recing the gauze that clung to his back. As the fresh bandage lifted, rawcerations¡ªjagged, angry, unmistakable¨Ccame into stark view, and her breath snagged in her throat. 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 B¡­ Chapter 425 Unequal Devotion 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°Morning, Quinn!¡± Gavin called, cheerful as though they were meeting over coffee instead of open wounds. Quinn limped closer, eyes fixed on thework of injuries. ¡°How long before those healpletely?¡± ¡°Minimum of three months,¡± Gavin replied without looking up, voice turning professional, crisp. ¡°Do we have change the dressing every day?¡± ¡°For the first month, yes,¡± Gavin answered promptly. ¡°Give it another week, and we can ditch the gauze. After that, a thinyer of ointment will be enough, but he needs food¨Cgood food. He¡¯s weak now and hasn¡¯t been eating well, so please ensure he has his meals on time. He needs plenty of nutrition.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Quinn said, nodding once. Gavin¡¯s eyes twinkled with mischief. ¡°One more thing¨Cnothing too strenuous in the bedroom until the gauze is off. You¡¯ll split his stitches. Wait until the bandages are history, then have at it.¡± Quinn choked on nothing but air, a flurry of coughs betraying her mortification. Pink climbed from her cor to her ears. Does Gavin think I¡¯m some predator? Even if I¡¯m dying to reconcile with Julius, I¡¯m hardly going to pounce while he¡¯s mummified in gauze¡­ Julius shot Gavin a frigid look. ¡°You can get out now!¡± ¡°All right, I¡¯ll get out of your hair.¡± With a casual shrug, Gavinyered the final strip of gauze across Julius¡® wound, snug but gentle. Satisfied, he pocketed the scissors, offered a cocky salute, and sauntered toward the door. Julius rose carefully from the edge of the mattress, shoulders still stiff from injury. He slipped his arms into a crisp white shirt, and those long, elegant fingers fastened one button after another, each muted click restoring a piece of hisposure. Still focused on his shirt, Julius spoke, his voice low but steady. ¡°You don¡¯t need to pay attention to whatever Gavin said.¡± Quinn arched a brow, mischief flickering in her eyes. ¡°Which words, exactly? You mean the part where he told me not to exhaust you in bed until the bandagese off?¡± On any other day, she would have swallowed that tease before it ever reached her tongue. Yet Chapter 425 Unequal Devotion +10 Free Coins his nonchnt calm¨Cso cool it bordered on cruel¨Cmade her feel as though the only one doomed to care, the only one who would ever blush, was herself. Julius finally lifted his gaze, te eyes steady on hers. ¡°Yes. Pretend you never heard him.¡± Quinn¡¯s grin widened, daring. ¡°But what if I actually want to do things to you in bed? Should I still ignore him then?¡± Plop! The silk tie slipped from the man¡¯s fingers and hit the hardwood with a soft plop. For once, the wlesslyposed Julius looked utterly at a loss, his striking features tinted with a blush he could not hide. Military 426 Chapter 426 Scars And Desire Chapter 426 Scars And Desire 251 +10 Free Coins Quinn stared at Julius, surprise flickering across her face. She had rarely seen the iron¨Cwilled head of the Whitethorn family caught without an answer, and the sight lit a small me of curiosity in her chest. Leaning on her crutch, she moved forward, bent at the waist, and picked his tie up from the floor. ¡°Are you really that surprised that I want the man I love? Of course, I desire you. Of course, I imagine us together,¡± Quinn said, letting the silk tie drape over her fingers like a ribbon of night. ¡°Dr. Huxley was right, though. Any strenuous bedroom activities will have to wait until the bandagese off.¡± ¡°You still want me?¡± Julius lifted his eyes, meeting the hazel fire of hers. ¡°Absolutely,¡± she answered without missing a beat. ¡°I told you already¨CI love you. Isn¡¯t it only natural to want to share a bed with the person you love?¡± ¡°But you saw what¡¯s underneath when the bandages were removed earlier,¡± he muttered, a self- contemptuous edge roughening each syble. ¡°All those scars, old and new, are crawling over me like dried riverbeds. Don¡¯t they disgust you?¡± How could she possibly feel desire for a body ruined like this? Quinn considered for a moment, then asked softly, ¡°And what about my body? Do you find it disgusting, too?¡± Julius froze, her questionnding with the weight of a stone in still water. ¡°I carry my own share of scars, and there might be more in the future. Will they make you shudder?¡± she went on, voice calm but unyielding. Back when she carried out missions with the Falcon Special Forces, bullets and shrapnel had bitten deep; her skin now mapped those stories in pale, irregr lines. Julius pressed his lips together, then forced the words out. ¡°I have never felt that way.¡± For original chapters go to F?nd-Novel Each time he saw those lines on her skin, his heart flooded with self¨Cloathing, remorse, and a tenderness that hurt. To him, her scars were badges of honor¨Cthe price she had paid for pursuing the light she was born to serve. Chapter 426 Scars And Desire +10 Free Coins He, on the other hand, lurked in shadow, worshipping her brilliance from a ce he believed unworthy. ¡°Then know that I have never felt that way either!¡± Quinn replied, conviction ringing clear. ¡°Your wounds make me want to shield you all the more¨Cand these new ones, carned while protecting me, make my heart ache.¡± Speaking, she looped the tie around his neck, her fingers deft as she formed a neat knot, the gesture intimate as a promise. ¡°By the way, I¡¯d like to visit Lena at the hospital in a bit. Can you have the driver send me there?¡± A subtle sternness tightened Julius¡® face, as though an invisible wire had pulled his features taut. His voice slipped through the hotel suite¨Cquiet, cool, impossible to ignore. ¡°You want to see Lena?¡± ¡°She saved my brother¡¯s life, of course, I want to see her.¡± Quinn¡¯s answer came fast, her certainty ringing like metal on ss. Besides, she might not only be Rowan¡¯s savior, but also the one he longed for. After all, during the years of his amnesia, the one who truly stayed by his side was Lena. Julius straightened his cuffs with practiced ease. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you. I need to stop by the hospital anyway.¡± The words were casual, yet the promise beneath them felt carved in stone. Quinn adjusted the tie around his cor, coaxing the knot into ce until it sat wlessly. She stepped back, allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Not bad for a rush job. Room¨Cservice breakfast arrived on a gleaming cart¨Cfresh fruit shining under silver lids, delicate pastries stacked like tiny towers, coffee strong enough to wake the dead. The spread was almost excessive, but hunger overruled modesty, and they ate it all. After clearing the dishes, Quinn gathered her purse and reached for her shoes. Just then, Julius slipped them from her hands, lowered to one knee, and positioned himself at her feet. ¡°I can manage¡­¡± she murmured, surprised enough that the protest lost its momentum halfway out of her throat. Julius didn¡¯t look up. ¡°Let me.¡± The gentlemand cut off any further argument. Onerge hand cupped her heel; the other guided the shoe into ce with a reverence usually reserved for relics. Quinn stared at the man kneeling before her¨Cthe head of the Whitethorn family, feared in Chapter 426 Scars And Desire boardrooms and whispered about in corridors. : 51 +10 Free Coins He hadn¡¯t promised her forever, hadn¡¯t even promised tomorrow, yet here he was, bending low for the smallest task. Gavin was right. Julius does love me wholeheartedly! Shoes secured, Julius moved to lift her into his arms, but Quinn hurriedly caught his sleeve. ¡°Don¡¯t. You¡¯re still injured. I can walk on my own.¡± ¡°My injuries are nothing,¡± he answered with that coolposure she was learning to read. ¡°It is to me. I don¡¯t want the stitches to tear. I want your injuries healed as soon as possible,¡± Quinn retorted, keeping her voice soft but firm. A flicker of curiosity crossed his eyes. ¡°Why does my quick recovery matter so much to you?¡± She blinked, momentarily baffled. ¡°Because once you¡¯re better, the bandages cane off and we can stop worrying about what Dr. Huxley warned us about.¡± The exnation tumbled out, but the moment the words settled in the air, Julius¡® expression shifted¨Csomething dark, something almost amused grazing the edge of his mouth. ¡°So you¡¯re eager to get me back into bed?¡± he asked, tone velvet¨Csmooth, eyes sharp enough to slice through pretense. Quinn¡¯s cheeks went up in mes the moment she heard her own voice, a rush of heat that made the hospital corridor swim before her eyes. Good grief¡ªshe had not meant it that way at all. She had merely repeated, without thinking, something Gavin once said¨Cwords that had drifted through her mind and slipped, unfiltered, across her tongue. ¡°I¨CIt¡¯s not that I want to sleep with you,¡± Quinn blurted, the words tumbling over one another. At once, Julius¡® hawk¨Cdark eyes dimmed, like lights intentionally switched off inside a room no one wanted to revisit. So she did mind after all. For all her earlier bravado about his scarred body, she would eventually recoil¨Ceveryone did. The realization settled over him like ash after a fire. ¡°No, wait, that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Quinn quickly exined. ¡°I¡¯m not saying I never want to sleep with you. Honestly, I do want to¡­ I really want to.¡± Military 427 Chapter 427 Tongues Tied GD
  • 10 Free Com
By the time the sentence finished ricocheting around the room, Quinn wanted nothing more than for the floor to crack open and swallow her whole. If ever there were proof that exining only made things worse, that was it. ¡°In any case, I can walk on my own,¡± she blurted out, face still red as a tomato. Julius¡® obsidian eyes remained fixed on her, steady and unblinking, and she thought she could see the earlier gloom receding by degrees, like night retreating from the edge of a slow dawn. ¡°All right,¡± he murmured atst, ¡°I understand.¡± Huh? What exactly does he understand? That I can walk on my own? Or that I do, in fact, want to sleep with him? Either way, with the sadness gone, his eyes were breathtaking. Atst, they reached the hospital, its sterile ss fa?ade gleaming under the midday sun while ambnces idled like restless beasts along the curb. Julius guided her to the floor where Lena¡¯s name glowed faintly on a row of doortes, then brushed a reassuring hand across Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have some things to handle in the hospital. I¡¯lle back to you in a little while.¡± Quinn answered with a quick nod. Only after the elevator doors slid shut behind Julius did she shift her weight onto the crutches and inch down the corridor toward Lena¡¯s ward, the rubber tips tapping out a determined, uneven rhythm. gone Lena sat propped against two pillows, hospital gown hanging loose over shoulders unnaturally narrow. Her scalp was bare and gleaming, the hair sacrificed to treatment; herplexion carried the chalky pallor of someone who had spent too long wrestling monsters in the dark. Quinn paused at the doorway, bncing on her crutches. ¡°Hi, I am¡ª¡± ¡± Lena¡¯s eyes sparked with sudden energy. ¡°You¡¯re Quinn Bridger, aren¡¯t you?¡± Quinn¡¯s eyebrows lifted. A flicker of surprise fractured her usual steadyposure. ¡°You know me?¡± 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 Chapter 427 Tongues Tied 1518 +10 Free Coins Lena nodded, her cheeks warming with mild embarrassment. ¡°Leander¨Coh, no, that¡¯s not it. Rowan is the one who showed me your photograph. He has also spoken of you often.¡± Quinn inclined her head, gratitude softening the edge of her tone. ¡°Thank you for saving my brother back then.¡± Lena broke into a gentle smile. ¡°It would be truer to say your brother saved me. My family had just died, and I waspletely alone. Finding Rowan kept the loneliness from swallowing me whole.¡± In those bleak days, the world had felt stripped to a single thread. She and Rowan clung to that thread¨Ctwo souls pressed back¨Cto¨Cback against the dark, convinced they had no one but each other. A fragileugh slipped from Lena¡¯s lips, barely louder than the heartbeat monitor. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Rowan, I probably wouldn¡¯t still be here. Even this treatment¨Cwithout him, I¡¯d never have stood a chance.¡± She knew that had she remained in Doria, she would probably have waited for death, illness gnawing day after day. Quinn¡¯s brows knitted. ¡°Your illness¡­¡± ¡°Leukemia. But Rowan has already found a perfect match, and the donor is willing to donate the stem cells as soon as possible,¡± Lena exined. For a moment, hope brightened her eyes, eclipsing the fatigue that lived there. Quinn hesitated, words catching in her throat. ¡°Lena, about the donor¡­¡± Her question broke off as the door swung open with a soft hiss of hydraulics. Rowan stepped inside, the morning light at his back, shoulders squared with easy confidence. The man closed the distance in three long strides. ¡°Quinn! When did you get here? I thought your flight wasn¡¯tnding in Celosia untilter today.¡± ¡°My original flight had issues, so I caught an earlier one,¡± Quinn exined. ¡°I wanted to see Lena first before meeting up with you.¡± Rowan¡¯s gaze dropped to the cast hugging her leg. ¡°Why the hurry? You could¡¯ve waited until your leg healed before hopping on a ne.¡± ¡°I need to talk with youter, Rowan. It¡¯s something important,¡± she said. ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find{n}ovel Rowan¡¯s smile warmed. ¡°We¡¯ll step outside in a bit. Anyway, how¡¯s your recoverying Chapter 427 Tongues Tied along?¡± ¡°Not bad. A few more days and the castes off.¡± $1 +10 Free Coins ¡°Good,¡± Rowan murmured before walking to Lena¡¯s bedside table and opening the boxed meal he had brought. Lowering it within her reach, he spoke with tender insistence. ¡°These are your favorites. Give them a try.¡± Lena nodded, taking dainty bites of the breakfast Rowan had prepared, savoring the simplefort of warm food and warmerpany. Lena had managed only a few mouthfuls when the color drained from her cheeks. Without hesitation, she tugged a crumpled stic bag from her purse, bent forward, and retched again. and again. Rowan was beside her in an instant, one arm bracing her trembling shoulders, worry carved into every line of his face. When the spasms finally eased, he handed her tissues, dabbed the corners of her lips himself, then held a cup of water so she could rinse. Only after tying off the bag and dropping it into the waste bin did he let his hands fall, though the tension never left his jaw. Pale and perspiring, Lena managed a shaky smile for Quinn. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry you had to see that. The treatment makes nausea a constantpanion.¡± Quinn gave a small, understanding nod. ¡°I understand.¡± Over the past few weeks, Quinn had devoured every article she could find on leukemia¨Cthe treatment protocols, the side effects, and the bleak statistics. She knew, therefore, that vomiting after chemotherapy was almost routine, yet watching Lena suffer still felt like a fist to the chest. Lena forced down several more bites, determined to keep something in her stomach. Rowan never left her side. The tenderness in his eyes¨Canxious, protective, unbelievably soft- was a version of him Quinn had never encountered. It was the look a man saved for the woman he loved. In that instant, Quinn understood: Rowan loved Lena. Inside a small office in the hospital, Gavin lounged against his desk, eyes narrowed at Julius. ¡°What brings you here so early in the morning?¡± he drawled. ¡°I thought you¡¯d be with Quinn.¡± Celosia National Hematology Centre was the country¡¯s best hospital in treating blood cancer, Chapter 427 Tongues Tied so the Fane family had arranged for Lena to receive treatment there. +10 Free Coins As for Julius, since arriving in Celosia, he had undergone battery after battery of tests, each. designed to see whether his bone marrow could save her. Military 428 Chapter 428 Quiet Offices Chapter 428 Quiet Offices +10 Free Coins To keep an eye on the results, Gavin had imed a temporary office in the hospital the moment his ne touched down. Although officially retained as the Whitethorn family¡¯s private physician, he was also a prodigy whose name was frequently mentioned in the medical field. He was especially skilled in treating mental illnesses and performing brain surgeries, so the hospital¡¯s price for his borrowed space was simple: deliver a few keynote lectures, consult on tricky cases, and dazzle the younger staff. Julius advanced, each footfall crisp against the tile, his gaze colder than the steel instruments locked in the cabs. ¡°I remember telling you before to stay out of what happens between Quinn and me,¡± he said, voice barely above a whisper yet razor sharp. Gavin reclined in the high¨Cbacked chair, one ankle hooked over the other. He spoke with a drawl as though the tension in the room belonged to someone else entirely. ¡°I remember.¡± Julius¡® voice sliced through the hush like jagged ice. ¡°Then why are you still meddling? Why bring her to Celosia and tell her about the stem cell donation?¡± Most men, confronted by that frost¨Cedged voice, would have buckled long before thest syble and walked away soaked in cold sweat. Gavin, however, merely lifted a brow, the picture of indolence. ¡°What was I supposed to do? Stand there and watch you gamble your life away?¡± ¡°Enough, Gavin!¡± Julius snarled, the sound tearing out of his throat. ¡°Did you really turn a deaf ear to my warning?¡± Before the echo faded, Julius lunged forward and mped a hand around Gavin¡¯s throat, fingers tightening with lethal precision. Official source is f¦É?dn¦Ïvel Air fractured in Gavin¡¯s lungs, yet his gaze stayed calm. ¡°Quinn promised to protect me. Do you want her to hate you over this?¡± A flicker of rm crossed Julius¡® features; his grip ckened, leaving red crescents where his nails had pressed into Gavin¡¯s skin. ¡°Besides, I wasn¡¯t acting on a whim,¡± Gavin said after drawing a steady breath. ¡°I confirmed Quinn¡¯s feelings for you before telling her about the donation. She deserves to know everything that you¡¯ve done for her.¡± Julius withdrew his hand, a bitterugh slipping out. ¡°So what? Do you think she will be guilt- 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 428 Quiet Offices : 61 +10 Free Coins tripped into pitying me? Do you think that sympathy willst? The moment trouble shows that will all vanish.¡± ¡°Hasn¡¯t Quinn told you she loves you? What she feels is far more than pity.¡± up, Julius lowered his gaze to the bracelet circling his wrist. ¡°Gavin, how much love can a man like me expect? She did say she loves me, but even if it were true, it still feels far, far too shallow to me¡­¡± Gavin opened his mouth, found no words, and let the silence hang between them like unsettled dust. ¡°Whether shees to Celosia or not, nothing will change.¡± Gavin¡¯s head snapped up. ¡°What are you saying? Are you not nning to reconcile with Quinn?¡± Julius raised his narrow eyes, their light cold and steady. ¡°I refuse to be the one left behind again. So as long as we never get back together, no one can ever abandon me.¡± Elsewhere in the hospital, Quinn and Rowan stood at the far end of a quiet corridor outside the ward, voices lowered so their worry wouldn¡¯t ripple through the sterile hush. ¡°How long can Lena hold on without a bone marrow transnt?¡± Quinn asked, cutting straight to the heart of it. ¡°Hertest tests aren¡¯t good,¡± Rowan said, voice hoarse with sleepless nights. ¡°The treatment isn¡¯t doing enough. At best, she has ten months, but the transnt is set for next month. With luck, she¡¯ll bounce back fast.¡± Quinn shook her head hard. ¡°No. Push it back at least six months. The transnt can take ce after that.¡± ¡°Half a year?¡± Rowan echoed, the words stumbling out of his mouth before he could tame the disbelief. His brows knotted, and for a beat the fluorescent lights of the corridor seemed to hum louder, filling the silence that followed. ¡°Rowan,¡± Quinn said, voice pitched low but urgent, ¡°the donor Lena has been waiting for¨Cthe one matching all her markers¨Cis Julius Whitethorn.¡± ¡°What?¡± The single syble cracked, Rowan¡¯s gaze ricocheting to his sister as though the very floor had just tilted beneath him. ¡°You have someone you love, Rowan, and so do I,¡± Quinn began, steady but unyielding. ¡°He was badly hurt in that firest month, and he also suffers from insomnia. All of that is eating 16:25 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 428 Quiet Offices +10 Free Coins him alive. I want him to regain some strength before he goes for the donation.¡± She knew the decision meant Lena would endure several more months of agony. Yet even though Lena was the woman her brother adored, Quinn¡¯s deepest loyaltyy with Julius. She couldn¡¯t let him risk his health. She wanted him alive, whole, and waking each morning without pain¨Cnothing mattered more. Conflict flickered through Rowan¡¯s eyes like a candle in a draft. He hated the idea of Lena suffering a day longer, yet he could not deny the toll a transnt would take on Julius¡® already ravaged frame. Besides, if Julius had agreed to donate even in his condition, that could only mean he was doing it for Quinn. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Lena and Julius¡® attending physician. If it has to be six months, then six months it is. We¡¯ll wait until Julius is strong enough before proceeding with the transnt.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to wait six months!¡± Julius¡® voice suddenly rang out, firm as struck steel. ¡°The transnt will go ahead after one month.¡± Quinn and Rowan turned in unison, startled to find Julius standing only a few strides away, as if he had been conjured by their very argument. ¡°Stop pretending you¡¯re invincible!¡± Quinn snapped. ¡°Your wounds won¡¯t heal within a month. Pushing through with a transnt will be detrimental to your health!¡± ¡°I know my body. I won¡¯t die that easily. Besides, I owe your brother, and this is how I want to settle the debt.¡± Julius replied, calm to the point of cruelty. He spoke as though copse were merely bad weather on a distant coast, nothing worth changing travel ns over. Military 429 Chapter 429 Settling The Debt 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°Debt? What do you owe me?¡± Rowan demanded, confusion creasing his brow as he faced Julius. Julius let his gaze slide past Quinn to Rowan. ¡°When you were stranded in Celosia, you reached out to me for help before, but I turned my back on you. So now, I¡¯m donating my bone marrow to the woman who saved your life. Consider it my repayment for not saving you then.¡± Rowan stopped in mid¨Cbreath, stunned. The story Julius recounted rang no bell; his memory -already riddled with holes¨Coffered nothing but an unsettling silence. Back in those aimless months wandering Celosia, the fog in his head had been so dense he sometimes forgot his own name. Could it have been during that haze that I first collided with Julius? ¡°Tha¡¯s enough, Julius!¡± Quinn seized his sleeve with sudden force, eyes bright with anger. ¡°I told you before: back then, you had no idea who my brother was, so you were never obliged to save him. You owe Rowan nothing, and you owe me even less.¡± ¡°Yet in the end, didn¡¯t you break up with me because of that? Julius asked quietly. ¡°I¡­ That was¡­¡± Quinn faltered, words tangling before they could take shape. ¡°I know,¡± he whispered, ¡°It¡¯s because I kept the truth from you. But for me, the oue was the same.¡± His gaze settled on her face, and a raw bitterness seeped through the dark of his eyes. ¡°When we were dating, I lived in fear every day,¡± he confessed. ¡°I kept waiting for the moment you¡¯d uncover what I¡¯d done. I feared you would leave the instant you learned I had left your brother for dead. And fear, as fate loves to prove, calls forth exactly what we dread. In the end, you left me after you learned the truth.¡± In the years that followed, remorse gnawed at Julius with sleepless persistence. He reyed that moment of cold inaction again and again until the memory tasted of rust and ash. The regret became a splinter embedded deep in his heart; he longed to yank it free, to be done with the pain¨Cquickly,pletely. Quinn opened her mouth, searching for words, but Julius cut her off before sound could form. 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 429 Settling The Debt 651 +10 Free Coins ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything,¡± he murmured. ¡°I just want to get the donation over and done with soon. That way, I can finally end these nightmares.¡± Chapters first released on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? Quinn blinked, confusion spilling across her face. ¡°Nightmares? What are you talking about?¡± Without answering her, Julius turned to Rowan. ¡°I¡¯ll tell the doctor to schedule the transnt as soon as possible. You don¡¯t have to feel bad about it, Mr. Bridger.¡± With that, Julius pivoted on his heel and strode away, refusing to wait for any reply. ¡°Rowan, the surgery can¡¯t happen now,¡± Quinn said urgently, eyes following Julius¡® retreating form. ¡°I¡¯ll persuade him to postpone at least six months. Please, promise me you won¡¯t press him¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Rowan answered, voice calm but resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Lena. Although I want her on the road to recovery soon, I will never want it at the cost of someone else¡¯s well¨Cbeing.¡± Relief loosened the tight knot in Quinn¡¯s chest, and she let out a slow breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding. ¡°There¡¯s something else¡­¡± Rowan said, his expression turning grave. ¡°Did you really break up with Julius because of me?¡± ¡°Julius meeting me in Celosia and choosing not to help was only the spark. It isn¡¯t the true reason for our split,¡± Quinn answered softly. ¡°Now, though, I finally understand what he felt back then. Rowan, I want to give us another chance and be with him again. Will you me me for that?¡± Rowan raised a hand and gently ruffled his sister¡¯s hair, just as he used to before the amnesia robbed him of such reflexes. ¡°me you? For loving someone who once failed to save me? Never.¡± Even when memories drifted away like photographs hurled into the wind, the body would never forget. Reflexes, cravings, the urgent tilt toward safety¨Cthose wordless instincts stay etched deeper than thought. ¡°Like you said, Julius had no idea who I was back then. To him, I was simply a stranger, a line on a medical chart, little more than a fleeting pulse beneath a white nket. He had no obligation to help me. People insist he is cold, detached, unwilling to lift a finger for anyone outside his orbit. That¡¯s why I was thunderstruck when I learned he was donating his stem cells to Lena¡­ Tell me the truth, Quinn. Do you truly love and want to be with him? Or are you doing it only because he¡¯s donating his stem cells to Lena?¡± Whatever her answer was, Rowan felt a knot tightening beneath his ribs; thest thing he wanted was for his sister to exchange her heart¡¯s peace for Lena¡¯s survival. 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B.. Chapter 429 Settling The Debt 51 +10 Free Coins ¡°It¡¯s because I love him, Rowan! I love Julius, and it¡¯s not because of anyone or any matter,¡± Quinn replied resolutely. Rowan studied the unwavering light in his sister¡¯s eyes, then allowed a quiet grin to loosen his jaw. ¡°All right, then. Since you¡¯re already in Celosia, why don¡¯t we find a day to visit Grandma together? Uncle Everett has yet to tell her about us, though. He¡¯s worried she might not take the news of Mom¡¯s passing well. The doctors will have to evaluate her emotional state first before we reveal our identities.¡± Military 430 Chapter 430 Family Questions. : #51 +10 Free Coins ¡°Sure. Besides, I¡¯d also want to wait till this cast is removed before meeting Grandma,¡± Quinn said. In her current condition, she would only burden the old woman with worry. ¡°Good. Where are you staying now? Do you need me to arrange a ce for you?¡± Rowan asked. ¡°No need for that. I¡¯m staying at Julius¡® ce. Take care of Lena, Rowan. I¡¯ll head back on my own.¡± With that, Quinn braced herself on the crutches and pivoted toward the corridor, determination eclipsing every hint of fragility. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you.¡± ¡°No need. Julius has already assigned a driver. Besides, you have your hands full. Oh, by the way, please tell Lena I was delighted to meet her today, and that I¡¯m sorry her transnt will likely be postponed till six monthster.¡± Rowan nodded. ¡°All right.¡± Six months was nothing; Lena and he could wait. Moreover, if Julius had not appeared, despair would still be the only thing filling their hearts. The elevator chimed again and slid open. Quinn stepped into the lobby¡¯s sterilized hush, the faint re of fluorescent lights scattering across polished tile. Fabian waited near the alert. information desk, back straight, hands folded behind him, eyes Standing beside him, Gavin offered the soft, patient smile of a man ustomed to long nights in intensive care. ¡°Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn has asked me to escort you wherever you wish, should you be without transportation,¡± Fabian greeted politely. ¡°Where¡¯s Julius right now?¡± Quinn asked, her voice low yet edged with urgency, as thete- afternoon light carved sharp angles across her profile. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn should¡¯ve made it back to the hotel by now,¡± Fabian replied quickly, almost like a valet desperate not to disappoint. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll head there too,¡± Quinn said, already turning as though the corridor itself had answered. ???? 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B This text is hosted at find?novel Chapter 480 Family Questions 8200 With one eyebrow cocked in yful disbelief, Gavin strolled over to her. ¡°You mean to tell me you still haven¡¯t sealed the deal with Julius? The man hasn¡¯t agreed to get back with you? he teased, voice half¨Ctaunt, half¨Cconcern. Quinn shot him a sideways nce. ¡°He actually said that to you?¡± ¡°Well, obviously. How else would I know?¡± Gavin huffed, rolling his eyes theatrically. ¡°Come on, Quinn. Can¡¯t you use some tactics to reassure him and deal with his insecurity? If you don¡¯t know what to do, I can teach you.¡± Quinn blinked, baffled. ¡°Teach me? Teach me what exactly?¡± ¡°How to make him yourspletely,¡± Gavin said with wicked relish. ¡°The fastest way to calm Julius is simple¡­ im his body first, then his heart¡­¡± Quinn rolled her eyes. If she hadn¡¯t researched Gavin¡¯s credentials and found him a celebrated surgeon, she might have mistaken him for a street thug. ¡°Have you forgotten that you warned me this morning not to overexert him?¡± she reminded calmly. ¡°How was I supposed to know you¡¯d be so ineffective?¡± Gavin grumbled. ¡°An entire night and still no green light from Julius. In any case, just be careful not to reopen the wounds. And if you need, uh, any medicine, feel free toe to me. I can get it for you.¡± Quinn¡¯sshes fluttered. ¡°Medicine? Actually, yes, I think I do need you to get me some.¡± Fabian¡¯s stomach lurched at the exchange. My goodness¡­ Should I even be hearing this? After Quinn had secured the requested supplies, Fabian pulled the sedan around and chauffeured her back toward the hotel. Inside the car, Fabian finally broke the silence, voice hesitant. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is still recuperating, Ms. Bridger. He might not, um, tolerate being medicated¡­ So, maybe wait a few days?¡± Quinn almostughed. She couldn¡¯t believe Fabian thought she¡¯d asked Gavin for that kind of ¡°special medicine.¡± ¡°Rx,¡± she said. ¡°I only requested the antiseptics and ointments Julius needs for his daily dressing change.¡± Starting tomorrow, she nned to remove his bandages herself, recing them with 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 430 Family Questions practiced, gentle hands. Fabian exhaled, tension draining from his shoulders. +10 Free Coins Quinn tipped her chin toward Fabian, her eyes rippling with worry. ¡°Tell me, Fabian. Does Julius frequently have nightmares?¡± Back when she first worked for him as a bodyguard, she had seen those terrors throttling him awake. Later, once they began dating, the darkness seemed to case, as though her presence itself were a luby. Fabian nodded. ¡°Since you left, Mr. Whitethorn barely sleeps. Even when exhaustion finally drags him under, nightmares yank him upright again. Ms. Bridger, since the breakup, he has suffered more than you can imagine. Please don¡¯t abandon him again this time.¡± Quinn answered with the faintest hum, a sound so light it was almost a sigh. How could I ever leave this man again¨Cthe man who loves me as if every beat of his heart were on loan from mine? By the time Quinn returned to Julius¡® suite at the hotel, he was sitting before a monitor, chair pushed back, hosting a video conference with the Whitethorn Group¡¯s top brass. ¡°Are you in a meeting? I¡¯ll head to the bedroom first, then,¡± Quinn whispered before bending to unfasten her heels, intent on trading them for slippers. ¡°Wait. Let me do it,¡± Julius suddenly said as he rose from his chair, abandoning his executives half a continent away. He strode to the woman, knelt, and lifted her foot with reverence, fingers moving to slip the shoe free. ¡°No¡­ These hotel floors are filthy. Get up, Julius!¡± she hissed, caught between mortification and tenderness. ¡°Stay still. If you move, it¡¯d only be more difficult to take them off.¡± Quinn¡¯s muscles obeyed before her mind had the chance to argue. The conference camera was pointed elsewhere, yet the microphone remained live. Every rustle of clothing, every soft gasp filtered straight into the headphones of the executives. Deprived of visuals, the single soundtrack of breath and murmurs painted pictures far more vivid¨Cand scandalous¨Cthan any image could. 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B Military 431 Chapter 431 Kneeling For Love Chapter 431 Kneeling For Love : 50 +10 Free Coins Across dozens of screens, suited executives froze. Julius had gone down on his knees? Doing. what, exactly? And that female voice¨Cwho was she? Minds that should have been on quarterly projections now raced with lurid spection. After taking off Quinn¡¯s shoes, Julius eased the slippers onto her feet, the gesture so gentle it felt like a vow. ¡°I¡¯ll head into the bedroom first. Finish your meeting ande find me,¡± she said, leaning on her crutches as she disappeared down the hall. Julius watched her retreating silhouette, light pooling around her like a halo. The way she spoke¨Ccasual, intimate¨Cmade it seem as though the months of separation had been nothing more than a bad dream. His thumb drifted to the bracelet at his wrist, rolling the polished beads one by one, as if counting breaths. Somehow, she always knew how to tip his carefully walled heart into chaos. He had sworn never to nourish another hopeless fantasy about her, yet the instant she pushed through that door, his heart had leaped like a boy¡¯s at summer break. My goodness¡­ What am I so thrilled about? Her return for me? Ha. How pitiful. I can¡¯t believe my love for her is so deep and so absurd¡­ Quinn sat on the bedroom couch, knees drawn up,mplight sliding across white sheets. She reyed everything fromst night until now¨Cthe chill in Julius¡® voice and the guarded distance in his eyes. Gavin¡¯s blunt words in the hospital lobby still echoed like a clinical verdict she could not dismiss. Maybe Gavin is right. If I want Julius to back to me, I have to cradle that anxious, wounded part of him until it stops trembling. He must believe, beyond any shadow of doubt, that I love him¨Cdeeply, catastrophically, without exit routes. Suddenly, the notion that physical closeness might serve as a balm startled her. She frowned, the small crease between her brows deepening. If I take the lead and stay clear of the bandaged ces on his back¡­ That might just work. Then again, would Julius even allow it? And if he turns away, do I need to coax him back into it? The absurdity of the dilemma pounded behind Quinn¡¯s temples. She had never imagined 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B¡­ Chapter 431 Kneeling For Love herself strategizing about seducing her own lover. +10 Free Coins Thought folded into thought until weariness blurred the room. Her head tipped back against the cushion, and without marking the moment, sleep swept her under. The sliding doors whispered open. Julius stepped into the dim bedroom, the blue glow of a finished video call still fading from his eyes. He found Quinn slumped against the couch,shes like fine graphite strokes upon her cheeks, breath unhurried and deep. He approached on softened feet, drinking in the fragile stillness of her sleeping face. Latest content published on fin?novel Days earlier, the room had felt like a refrigerated museum piece¨Csterile, uninhabited. Now, because of her, warmth pooled in the corners, stirring dust motes into slow golden spirals. Lowering his gaze, he stooped and gathered her into his arms, carrying her toward the waiting bed. I can¡¯t share a suite with her any longer. Even if insomnia digs trenches beneath my eyes, that sacrifice is safer¡­ Because the longer we breathe the same air, the more impossible it bes to live without her. Julius had justid Quinn on the mattress and reached for the quilt when her eyes snapped open. One swift motion and her fingers locked around his wrist, pulse meeting pulse. ¡°You¡¯re up?¡± Julius¡® voice was low, caught between relief and rm. ¡°Mm, yes. I¡¯m awake,¡± Quinn answered, her senses always quick to surface. She had roused the moment his arms slid beneath her on the couch. ¡°We need to talk.¡± ¡°All right. Let¡¯s talk,¡± Julius replied, his gaze flicking to the slender fingers circling his wrist. ¡°But would you mind letting go first?¡± ¡°Do you not like me holding your hand like this?¡± Quinn asked, head tipped in yful curiosity. ¡°That¡¯s right. I don¡¯t,¡± Julius admitted. The words scraped out of him because the contact jangled every nerve, inming a hunger that might one day swell into something ugly- something dangerous. ¡°But I do,¡± Quinn dered. In the same breath, she leveraged her grip and yanked, pulling Julius off bnce and down onto the mattress. Caught unprepared, Julius stumbled. Momentum hurled him backward, and the mattress swallowed his fall with a muted thud. Before he could orient himself, Quinn moved with feline precision. She swung a leg across 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 431 Kneeling For Love 30 +10 Free Cona him, kuces digging into the mattress to spare the bandaged wounds on his back, positioning herself astride his hips¨Cher weight poised like a promise just out of reach. Somehow, in the tangle of limbs and quickened breaths, Quinn found herself astride Julius. his shoulders sunk into the mattress beneath her. The posture vibrated with unspoken possibility¨Cno longer a simple scuffle, not yet surrender¨Cleaving the charged air between them humming like a live wire. Julius red upward, chest lifting as he tried to push himself upright and dislodge her weight. ¡°You-¡± his voice cracked, the single syble rough with outrage and something dangerously close to desire. ¡°Easy,¡± Quinn warned, lifting the leg still sheathed in a stiff white cast as though it were a knight¡¯s shield. ¡°My leg is in ster. One wrong move and you might snap the bone again. Do you want that on your conscience?¡± The threat of further injury snapped through him like a cold current. Julius went rigid, arms frozen mid¨Clift, the fight draining from his muscles in a single taut heartbeat. Quinn bent lower until their noses nearly brushed. At that breath¨Cstealing distance, she could see her own reflection swimming in the darkkes of his pupils, framed by the sweep of hisshes. Her whisper skimmed the minuscule space between their mouths. ¡°Julius, do you really dislike having my hand wrapped around your wrist?¡± As she spoke, her right hand maintained its iron hold on him, pulse to pulse. ¡°I-¡± The word fell apart on the man¡¯s tongue, shattering into silence before any meaning could form. ¡°Think before you answer,¡± she murmured, drawing a slow line of fingertips along the sensitive inside of his forearm. ¡°And don¡¯t you dare lie to me.¡± A tremor chased through his body. ¡°Quinn, what on earth are you trying to do?¡± ¡°I¡¯m only trying to find out whether you like my touch.¡± With that, her free hand lifted, brushing over the arch of his brow, tracing the firm slope of his nose, finally resting against the soft resistance of his lips. She narrowed her eyes, studying every micro¨Cexpression that flickered across his face. ¡°Tell me. When I touch you like this, does it excite you, or disgust you?¡± 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 432 In The Heat Of Desire Military 432 hapter 432 In The Heat Of Desire Chapter 432 In The Heat Of Desire Julius sat in silence. 50 +10 Free Coins Under the fabric of restraint, his body pulsed with an animal need. Every nerve paced beneath his skin, aching for more of Quinn¡¯s touch, desperate to answer her summons. Yet reason whispered with relentless persistence beneath the roar of blood, and he could hear the warning repeating like a mantra in his head. Focus, Julius Whitethorn! You cannot let yourself drown. If you sink again¨Cif you surrender even once- you may surface as something far darker than Father ever was. It¡¯s better to sever the bond now than live long enough to see revulsion bloom in her eyes¡­ ¡°If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯ll take it as a yes,¡± Quinn murmured, her head dipping until her warm breath brushed the shell of his ear. Her lips grazed his earlobe, a whisper¨Csoft stroke that felt half idental, half deliberate. A shiver exploded through him, his shoulders jerking before he could stem the involuntary tremor. She watched a flush climb the delicate curve of his ear and smiled¨Csmall, triumphant, impossibly tender. Clearly, the spark between them had never truly died. She pressed another kiss to that fevered lobe, then traced the angled ne of his cheek with feather¨Clight devotion, lingering at the corner of his eye before gliding toward the bridge of his nose. Just as her mouth drifted over the final inches toward his, Julius turned sharply, offering only his profile. ¡°Quinn, have you had enough? Stop ying around,¡± he asked, voice rougher than he intended. ¡°y?¡± She hooked two fingers beneath his chin, forcing his gaze back to hers. ¡°You know what I¡¯m like, Julius. I have never¨Cever¨Ctreated something like this as a game.¡± With a swift motion, the man wrenched free, words spilling through clenched teeth as he caught her wrist, holding it firmly between them. ¡°If it isn¡¯t a game, then what do you call this? Proof that you can manipte me, keep me dancing in your palm whenever you choose?¡± Quinn lifted her eyes and studied him. Beneath the flicker of anger and stubborn pride, she 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 432 In The Heat Of Desire detected a raw confusion¨Ca boyish uncertainty she had rarely, if ever, seen in him. Such a vulnerable Julius was almost unrecognizable. ¡°I only wanted to soothe you,¡± she said, the honesty of it resting naked between them. 200 +10 Free Con ¡°Soothe me?¡± For a moment, Julius could only stare wide¨Ceyed, utterly blindsided by the word. It was thest exnation he had expected. ¡°Yes, soothe you. I¡¯ve never had tofort anyone before, so I¡¯m improvising as I go along. All I want is for you to feel good.¡± As Quinn spoke, the corner of her eye caught the deepening crimson of his ear; even his cheeks had begun to glow with it. The next second, she bent and brushed a soft kiss on the outer edge of his eye. ¡°You once said the only way we could ever find our way back to each other was if I loved you- loved you as fiercely as you love me. I don¡¯t know how to measure my depth of feeling, or how to prove it on some scale you can hold, but here¡¯s one thing I can tell you with absolute rity. Beyond my family, I have never loved any man this way before. Julius Whitethorn, I love you -truly, desperately,pletely.¡± Quinn scattered kisses over his cheeks in a slow, shimmering shower, each onending like a warm snowke that refused to melt. Her mouth lingered on his, soft heat gliding back and forth, the delicate friction pulling his breath deeper, heavier, darker. ¡°I want you, Julius. Do you want me?¡± she murmured, nipping at his lower lip. Julius offered no verbal answer, but his uneven breathing and the convulsive bob of his throat admitted everything words could not. Quinn¡¯s fingers moved to his shirt, undoing each button with deliberate patience, then sliding over the taut rise and fall of his stomach. ¡°I know you¡¯re still hurt, so don¡¯t move,¡± she whispered, her fingertips drawing slow circles across his torso. ¡°Let me handle everything. Just rx for me, okay?¡± ¡°What is it you really want?¡± Julius finally asked, eyes fixed on her. ¡°I want you. Haven¡¯t I made that clear?¡± Quinn uttered beforeughing softly and bending to scatter feather¨Clight kisses across his chest. ¡°Be good, don¡¯t move. I know you¡¯re still injured, so I¡¯ll be gentle.¡± Her tender murmur was a velvet promise, sweeter than any temptation he had ever tasted. For original chapters go to f¦É?dn¦Ïvel 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 ..* Chapter 432 In The Heat Of Desire +10 fron CoiOS Reason screamed at him to stop, to push her away before regret took root. Yet his body refused to obey, drowning instead in the pleasure she poured into him, deeper each time. Their long¨Cstarved lovemaking ended with Quinn falling asleep from sheer exhaustion. Julius rose quietly. Seeing how utterly spent she was, he took a warm cloth and wiped her skin with almost reverent care, then pulled the nket up to her shoulders. Just as he tucked the quilt beneath her chin, she writhed in sleep and murmured, ¡°No¡­ Julius, don¡¯t¡­¡± Julius¡® hand froze. In an instant, the glow of their earlier intimacy turned to ice in his veins. What is she seeing behind her closed eyes? Is it the monster I once became¨Cthat face she cannot bear? Does that mean she pretends to love me when she¡¯s awake, yet in her dreams, her true heart recoils? As he started to stand, ready to slip away into the corridor, Quinn¡¯s voice rang out again. ¡°Don¡¯t leave. Don¡¯t leave me, Julius¡­¡± Military 433 Chapter 433 Dream Murmurs Chapter 433 Dream Murmurs +10 Free Coins Julius¡® steps halted so abruptly it felt like the floor had jerked beneath him. He stared at Quinn in astonishment. Was she not rejecting me in that dream at all, but begging me to stay? ¡°What were you dreaming of, Quinn?¡± he whispered. ¡°What am I like in your dream?¡± The silence answered him; only the hush of the room remained. By the time Quinn finally stirred, twilight had draped the windows in bronze. She blinked at the burnt¨Corange sky, then at the time glowing on her phone, only to realize she had slept for hours straight after their lovemaking. However, her skin felt freshly washed and had no trace of clinging sweat, which meant Julius must have tended to her. The bedroom stood in perfect stillness, empty of everyone but her. Huh? Where has Julius gone? Quinn rose carefully, braced on her crutch, and made her slow way out of the bedroom. The living area was silent as well, and Julius was nowhere in sight. She moved from the spare bedroom, through the dining room, and atst stopped before the study room door. The moment she pushed the door open, a wall of smoke mmed into her, harsh and unexpected. The acrid air wed at her throat. She coughed twice, lifted her eyes, and saw Julius lounging in the leather armchair, long fingers cradling a cigarette while he stared at the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window. No lights were on. Only the dying sun seeped through the ss,ying a faint bronze across his shoulders and dragging a single, elongated shadow over the polished floorboards. Quinn stepped inside. The ashtray on the side table overflowed with stubs, and her brow tightened. ¡°Your body is still healing, and you¡¯re chain¨Csmoking like this? How many cigarettes have you gone through?¡± Chapter 433 Dream Murmurs A +10 Free Coins Back when they were dating, she¡¯d rarely seen Julius smoke. Even if he did, it was at most one or two cigarettes, and only on nights when sleep refused him. Now, however, the sheer number of crushed cigarette butts made it impossible to count. Julius finally turned toward her. He drew deep and released a smooth ring of smoke that drifted toward the ceiling. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re awake.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m awake,¡± Quinn said. ¡°But what about you? Why drown yourself in smoke?¡± He rose, ground the half¨Cburned cigarette into the mound of ashes, and straightened slowly, as though bracing for a weight only he could feel. ¡°Tell me, Quinn¡­ Do you have any idea what kind of man my father really is?¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knit in puzzlement. She had met Joaquin Whitethorn only a handful of times, enough to catch a glimpse of the cold ambition in his eyes, yet not enough to chart the darkness beneath. ¡°I¡¯ve crossed paths with him here and there, so I have some sense of what he¡¯s like. Where is he now? Have the authorities caught him?¡± she answered. The ze that had gutted Whitethorn Group¡¯s annual g¡ªthe inferno that nearly took their lives¨Chad been orchestrated by Joaquin. Monthster, Quinn still could not untangle the motive. Had the man truly gone to such monstrous lengths merely to give Serena Fane a clear shot at eliminating her, so that he could torment Julius in the aftermath? The thought alone felt too senseless, too cruel, yet cruelty seemed written into every step of Joaquin¡¯s n. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find~novel ¡°Not yet,¡± Julius said, voice t. ¡°Although my father was excluded from the Whitethorn family¡¯s core by my grandfather a long time ago, he is still a member of the Whitethorn family. And since he was once the family¡¯s second¨Cinmand, he had quite a few people under him. I¡¯ve only dealt with the followers who supported him openly, but as for the hidden pawns he nted in the dark, I have no idea how many are still left.¡± Naturally, Quinn understood Julius¡® worries. Even a sly fox kept more than one escape hole, so how much deeper would a man like Joaquin burrow? If the mastermind had intentionally set the fire, he would have already nned an escape route. ¡°But why would he do any of this?¡± she asked, frustration sharpening every syble. ¡°None of his actions benefits him in the least.¡± Julius closed the distance between them, footfalls measured, almost ceremonial. ¡°Perhaps he 16:26 Sat, Sep 27 B¡­ Chapter 433 Dream Murmurs A +10 Free Coina wanted proof that I¡¯m cut from the same rotten piece of cloth,¡± he said. ¡°Before my father met my mother, he and I were alike¨Cuninvolved, adrift, with nothing in the world capable of holding our attention. Life was a game, but the game bored him until she appeared. Quinn listened, silent, as he searched for words that tasted of rust. ¡°After falling for my mother, obsession took root. He locked her inside the house, ringed the ce with guards, and crushed every door of escape just so he could have her all to himself. In the end, she died there, and the loss shattered him. Grandpa caged him afterward¨Cto keep me safe¨Cbut during all those years, he kept repeating how I am his son, and therefore I am destined to follow in his footsteps. He hated Grandpa for locking him up for my sake, but more than anything else, he hated me. Because to him, I was merely the tool he brought into this world to keep my mother by his side, though in the end, he still didn¡¯t seed. As a result, he wanted me to suffer like him¨Cto be denied the one I love, to turn into a madman just like he did,¡± Julius said mockingly. His tone remained eerily calm, as if recounting a stranger¡¯s tragedy, but the wordsnded on Quinn¡¯s chest like bs of granite, pushing the breath from her lungs. Military 434 Chapter 434 Broken Inheritance +10 Free Come Quinn couldn¡¯t help but fly into a rage. ¡°So your father wanted me dead¨Cjust to prove that you¡¯re his mirror image? Did it never ur to him you might also die in that fire?¡± The question dragged her back to the choking smoke, the blistering heat, the moment when a single dyed rescue would have meant a pair of unmarked graves. ¡°He doesn¡¯t care,¡± Julius answered without hesitation. ¡°My life has never mattered to him. He even nted explosives at the site to make certain the mes finished the job.¡± Quinn stared at the man before her. Even as he spoke of a father willing to let him burn, his expression remained as smooth as still water. Julius met her gaze. ¡°Do you feel sorry for me? It¡¯s okay. There¡¯s nothing to pity. I learned the truth the day my mother died and I was kidnapped overseas. To him, I¡¯ve be a broken tool, and since I¡¯m no longer useful, I can be easily discarded.¡± s, the man¡¯sposure only deepened Quinn¡¯s ache. She came from warmth¨Cparents who cherished each other and their daughter. Faced with Julius¡® scars, even the gentlest words felt thin, insubstantial, and hopelessly small. ¡°That¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t stay with me,¡± Julius said, voice soft but undeniable. ¡°My father could strike at you again at any moment. The safest course is distance¨Cas though there was never anything binding us at all.¡± Quinn lifted her chin. Under the trembling glow of the light, her eyes caught a defiant spark. ¡°Are you afraid your father wille after me again?¡± Julius¡® answer scraped the quiet like a piece of broken ss. ¡°As long as he¡¯s out there, that threat never dies.¡± She took one quick step closer, voice bright with reckless certainty. ¡°Then all the more reason I should stay right here with you!¡± Color drained from Julius¡® face. He caught her shoulders, anger and dread tangling together. ¡°Quinn, did you not hear a word I said? My father¡¯s a madman. He set a ze at the Whitethorn Group anniversary in broad daylight. Do you think there¡¯s anything he won¡¯t do? Do you have a death wish?¡± Instead of flinching, the woman asked, almost gently, ¡°Your father loved your mother, but has he ever loved anyone else?¡± 1/3 ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find1Novel 16:27 Sat, Sep 27 D Chapter 484 Broken Inheritance The question stunned him. ¡°What?¡± 4200 +10 Free Coins ¡°I¡¯m guessing no. You just said he was indifferent to everything until he met her. So, in his whole life, he has loved only your mother, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Quinn pressed on, drawing a quiet breath and angling her words like a scalpel. ¡°He knows you love me, and he thinks you¡¯re just like him. If that¡¯s the case, do you really believe that if I left you, he would think you¡¯ve stopped loving me?¡± Julius fell silent, lips parted but soundless. Quinn lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. His skin was cold, as though the winter wind had seeped straight into his bones. The chill bled into her palm, yet she did not pull away. ¡°After our breakup, even Fabian and Dr. Huxley could see you still loved me. Do you honestly think your father missed it? If he truly wants my life, he¡¯ll hunt me down whether I¡¯m beside you or a continent away. Take the fire as an example. Didn¡¯t it happen after we split? Isn¡¯t that proof enough?¡± Julius¡® mouth trembled. ¡°Until he¡¯s caught, I¡¯ll have bodyguards protect you. You¡¯ll be absolutely safe.¡± She shrugged, fingers sliding down to the faint red mark at his throat¨Cher mark¨Csoft victory warming her gaze. ¡°Then staying near you is safer still, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± Julius sank into a heavy pause. Perhaps she was right. For now, her safest ce might be at his side. Yet if she stays, will I lose control and fall all over again? ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯m exactly like my father?¡± His voice dropped to a dark whisper. ¡°I once schemed against you, locked you on that ind, and stripped away your freedom. What if I go further this time?¡± Quinn answered without a blink, ¡°You won¡¯t.¡± He let out a brittleugh. ¡°And what makes you so sure? Do you truly know me? You have no idea how dark I can be-¡± She pressed her hand over his mouth, stilling the self¨Cloathing on his tongue. ¡°Maybe I don¡¯t know everything yet, but I¡¯ll learn more with each passing day. You ask why I trust you? Because I choose to. Because I want to believe in you!¡± Julius¡® pupils tightened to pinpoints. Her lips brushed the air between them, voice threading straight to his heart. ¡°You once told me 16:27 Sat, Sep 27 B Chapter 434 Broken Inheritance C +10 Free Coms you wanted to be a good man, and I truly believe that! Besides, I already know you¡¯re nothing like your father. Yes, you did lock me up on that ind, but you released me in the end, didn¡¯t you? And when you have children, you¡¯ll never treat them the way your father treated you. You¡¯ll be a good father. Please, Julius, stop swallowing your father¡¯s poison. You said I loved you less than you loved me, huh? Fine. I¡¯ll prove how much I love you, and whether it¡¯s worth taking me back.¡± He stared at her, stunned, her words smoothing every jagged fragment of fear inside him. Could we truly start over? And if I reach for her again, will she leave me a second time? Atst, in a hushed rasp, he asked, ¡°How will you prove it?¡± Military 435 9:19 Sun, Sep 28 N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on find(?)ovel Chapter 435 Proving Your Love Chapter 435 Proving Your Love ?? s Quinn answered with a steady smile. ¡°By staying at your side and letting time speak for me. If you rush to push me away, you¡¯ll never know how deep my love runs. Wouldn¡¯t that be a pity?¡± A barely visible tremor crossed Julius¡® eyes. Her wordsnded like a stone tossed into still water, striking the center of his curiosity, sending rings of yearning across the surface of his guarded heart. He wanted¨Cno, needed¨Cto know just how deeply this woman loved him. Julius held her in an unwavering stare. ¡°Time, huh? How much time do you need, then?¡± ¡°Six months,¡± Quinn answered without flinching. It was the window she had promised Rowan, the half¨Cyear span in which Julius would donate his stem cells to Lena. Six months felt long enough for Julius to believe her feelings were real¨Crooted in love, not guilt, and certainly not in the hope that he could save Lena. As long as she disyed affection deep and steady, the tremor inside him might settle, allowing him to trust her love atst. ¡°Six months is too long,¡± Julius retorted. ¡°Then how much time do you want?¡± she asked, caught off guard. ¡°One month,¡± he said resolutely. ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m giving you. If you can prove in thirty days that your love for me is enough, we¡¯ll reunite. If you fail to do so, I never want to see you again.¡± In thirty days, my web of informants would be able to pinpoint my father¡¯s whereabouts. Once he¡¯s captured, Quinn will no longer be in danger. Whether we stayed together or not after that, no one will dare for her. Yes¡­ That¡¯s the best n. ¡°One month is too short. Give me at least three,¡± Quinn countered, bargaining hard. Given Julius¡® current resistance, she doubted she could thaw his heart in only thirty days. ¡°I¡¯m only giving you one month, Quinn. That¡¯s how long I¡¯ll be in Celosia for. Fail to prove yourself, and it¡¯s over between us once we¡¯re back home.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± she said atst, though her voice betrayed reluctance. One month? So be it. She resolved to squeeze every moment from the thirty days. If she still 9:19 Sun, Sep 28 Chapter 435 Proving Your Love failed, she would figure out the next move back home. ?? ? 97 s At worst, she could beg Gavin for one of his more ¡°special¡± concoctions and see if chemistry might sway the stubborn man. ¡°Then for the next month, may I move in with you?¡± she asked. ¡°Do as you like,¡± he muttered. It¡¯s only thirty days. It will all be over before we even know it¡­ Besides, this one month is nothing more than giving us a chance to let go. That night, Quinn insisted on sharing Julius¡® bed. ¡°Since you granted a month, sleeping beside you shouldn¡¯t be out of line,¡± she said evenly. ¡°What if I refuse?¡± he asked,shes trembling. ¡°Then I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll have to force you. Of course, considering we¡¯re both injured, I¡¯m not sure who¡¯d be stronger. The doctor did warn me not to knock my right leg before the cast is removed, though, because another impact might worsen it.¡± Julius pressed his thin lips together. He knew she was baiting him, yet the mere hint of injuring her froze his limbs. Bracing her palms on the mattress, Quinn leaned in until her breath fanned across his face. ¡°So, Julius, do you agree now?¡± ¡°And you? Why do you insist on sharing my bed? Are you feeling sorry for me because of my insomnia?¡± She looked into his eyes¨Cdark, ssy, impossibly deep. They were the surface of a silent sea. Under that calm sheet, entire storms of feelingy chained and thrashing, and he forced everyst wave to stay hidden. ¡°I¡¯m not pitying you, Julius. My heart aches because I love you, and loving you means hurting when you hurt,¡± she replied before leaning in and cing a soft kiss on the corner of his eye. ¡°Forgive me. I made you fearful of losing me, but that ends here. There will be no more secrets and no more lies. I will stake my very life, if I must, to show you how fiercely I love you.¡± spot He paled suddenly, then seized her jaw with one hand, fingers pressing the tender beneath her chin. ¡°Never talk about proving your love with your life. You can prove it any way you want, but never jeopardize your life for it! Do you hear me?¡± 9:19 Sun, Sep 28 ¡­ Chapter 435 Proving Your Love Quinn froze. Julius¡® face, usually unreadable, now carried a grim seriousnessced with raw panic, as though her words had dragged up demons he could not suppress. ¡°Did you hear me?¡± His voice scraped out, hoarse and desperate, as if he were standing on the edge of a nightmare. Is he truly afraid I might die? She blinked, met the urgency in his gaze, and whispered, ¡°I understand.¡± Only then did Julius loosen his grip, exhaling in a ragged rush that sounded almost like relief. ¡°I will stay alive. No matter what happens, I¡¯ll fight to stay alive and outlive you.¡± Quinn¡¯s vow louder than any shout. brushed against his ear like a quiet breeze yet rang Military 436 Chapter 436 Stay Alive Chapter 436 Stay Alive :. 2
  1. Free Coina
Julius¡® body jerked in surprise. A momentter, Quinn¡¯s warm palms cupped his cheeks, steadying the trembling he tried to hide. ¡°Julius Whitethorn, I will live longer than you. You do not have to fear me dying first.¡± In that instant, the storm in his chest began to settle, each frantic beat pacified by her certainty. It felt as though she could see the precise shape of his fear and was cing gentle hands over every sharp edge. He studied her, needing the answer as much as air. ¡°You promise?¡± She smiled. ¡°I promise.¡± Still smiling, she lifted her hand and crooked her pinky. ¡°Shall we seal it with a pinky promise?¡± He stared at the tiny invitation for a long, silent beat, then finally hooked his own pinky around hers. ¡°Quinn, a pinky promise means you must do what you said.¡± ¡°I will.¡± She pressed the pad of her thumb to his, sealing the childish ritual with solemn devotion. In their world, that simple gesture was holy¨Ca vow no courtroom could rival. She knew how deeply this man loved her, and if she left the world first, he might follow her straight into the dark. As such, she would fight to live longer than he did, praying he would live a long, fruitful life. That night, Quinn fell asleep with her fingersced through Julius¡® Morning light arrived, and the very first thing she saw was the man¡¯s striking, sleeping face. Waking to such a view each day felt like a gift her eyes never tired of unwrapping. Even with rumpled hair and half¨Clidded eyes, his beauty refused to hide, spilling effortlessly into every angle. He looked nothing like the aloof businessman the world feared. In sleep, he wasnguid, innocent, and dangerously morepelling. 1/3 9:19 Sun, Sep 28 Chapter 436 Stay Alive Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n F¦ÉndNovel : Quinn had already imed the job of changing Julius¡® bandages each morning. Julius merely nodded, offering noment. ?? 1970 +5 Free Coins Changing the dressing, winding new gauze¨Csuch chores flowed from Quinn¡¯s fingers like second nature. After all, her mother had been a military doctor, and Quinn had shadowed that steady hand since childhood. Later, being in the Falcon Special Forces turned practice into reflex. Most days, the two of them upied the vast presidential suite as though it were a private world suspended above the city. While Julius sequestered himself in the study to wrestle with corporate battles, Quinn settled in the airy lounge,ptop bnced on her knees, fielding emails, briefing her staff, and exchanging quick messages with Laura. ¡°So, tell me, now that you and Julius have found each other again, have you slept with him yet?¡± Laura asked, her tone as casual as a question about the weather. Laura, forever honest about her desires, pictured herself in Quinn¡¯s ce. With a specimen like Julius lounging nearby, she doubted her own restraint. Quinn coughed, a small, embarrassed rasp that slipped through the call. Laura caught the sound and needed no further confirmation. ¡°Cast on your leg or not, girl, that is some iron¨Cwilled determination!¡± The remark made Quinn choke for real this time, water catching in her throat until tears pricked her eyes. What on earth is that description? ¡°Since you two are back together, when are you flying home?¡± Laura pressed. ¡°We¡¯re not back together,¡± Quinn answered, her voice thin. Laura gasped. ¡°You¡¯re kidding¡­ You guys haven¡¯t made up with each other?¡± Julius had braved a wall of mes to save Quinn, and Quinn had chased him all the way to Celosia, yet somehow the final piece between them remained out of ce. ¡°Did you at least tell him you love him?¡± she continued. 2/3 9:19 Sun, Sep 28 ¡­ 97 Chapter 436 Stay Alive s ¡°I did. Iid every card on the table and even put my feelings into, um, action. He still doubts. that what I feel is real.¡± ¡°Then maybe the action wasn¡¯t great enough. Maybe he wasn¡¯t satisfied?¡± Laura said after thinking for several seconds. ¡°Laura!¡± Quinn eximed. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the issue here!¡± ¡°Harmony in the sheets keeps love on its feet,¡± Laura dered. ¡°I know everyone has their own area of expertise, and it¡¯s understandable that you¡¯re not very skilled in this aspect. But that¡¯s fine¨CI¡¯ll give you some materials so you can study and improve.¡± Laura ended the call before Quinn could protest. Momentster, several video links popped onto thetter¡¯s screen. She tapped one absentmindedly, only to immediately regret her action. The image exploded into motion, and her eyes flew wide as heat pooled in her cheeks. As it turned out, Laura¡¯s ¡°material¡± was a collection of adult films. Bodies tangled on the small disy, breathy moans and wet kisses leaking through the speaker until the very air around her seemed to rise in temperature. Oh my goodness. I better close the video. Otherwise, if Julius sees this¡­ Suddenly, the man¡¯s voice rang out from behind her. ¡°What are you watching?¡± Military 437 Chapter 437 Sudden Interruption : Readplete version only at F¦ÉndNovel Chapter 437 Sudden Interruption 1978 ?? +5 Free Coins ¡°Ah!¡± Quinn yelped as the phone slipped from her palm and ttered onto the hardwood. She leaned to retrieve it, hindered by the ster cast that immobilized her right calf. Before she could so much as bend her knees, another hand¨Cswift, pale, impossibly sure- swept in and lifted the phone from the floor. For a fleeting heartbeat, the glowing screen shed across a pair of sharp, fox¨Cbright eyes, imprinting its forbidden images there. Julius¡® voice drifted out, cool and unhurried. ¡°Have I interrupted you?¡± Quinn, cheeks bursting with color, snatched the device back from his fingers, mumbling an incoherent thanks as though the ss were scalding her skin. s, in her panic, what should have been a single tap became a frantic dance of thumbs. Just like that, ten whole seconds crawled by before the scandalous video finally vanished. By then, Quinn¡¯s face zed crimson, every pore announcing her mortification. Julius, meanwhile, stood untouched by embarrassment, as though the clip had been no more intimate than a weather report. With the same quiet detachment, he asked, ¡°Is that the sort of thing that interests you?¡± ¡°Of course not!¡± she blurted, too fast. ¡°Laura thinks I¡¯m hopeless at that kind of thing, so she sent it as homework, nothing more.¡± The minute the words left her mouth, Quinn wanted the ground to swallow her whole. Oh gosh. Why the hell am I even exining myself? I¡¯m an adult, for crying out loud. So what if I want to watch videos like this? There¡¯s nothing wrong with it! Julius said, still mild, ¡°There¡¯s nothing you need to learn. If anything felt ufortable, I¡¯ll adjust next time¨Cprovided, of course, you want a next time.¡± Quinn stared at him, speechless. He sounded as though his sole purpose were to please her¨Cwhen, by every logical measure, she was the one who should be coaxing and pleasuring him. ¡°Your father¡¯s in Celosia as well?¡± Gavin asked while gently checking Julius¡® injuries. 97 Chapter 437 Sudden Interruption ¡°News travels quickly, I see,¡± Julius murmured. s ¡°When I noticed you¡¯d doubled your security detail, I put two and two together,¡± Gavin said, knowing only Joaquin could make Julius brace like a cornered animal. ¡°I¡¯ve been itching to catch him,¡± Julius growled, eyes hard. ¡°Since he dares to show his face, he¡¯d better be ready for the consequences.¡± ¡°And after you catch him, what then? Are you going to imprison him on the Whitethorn family¡¯s ind?¡± ¡°No. This time I¡¯ll hand him over to the police. He¡¯ll spend the rest of his life behind bars, with no chance to crawl out again.¡± ¡°He¡¯s still your father, though,¡± Gavin said, frowning. ¡°Putting him away for life will drag the Whitethorn family name through the mud.¡± Even a whisper of scandal could send Whitethorn Group¡¯s share price into free fall, and the final tally of losses was anyone¡¯s guess. ¡°Prison is non¨Cnegotiable!¡± Julius answered, his tone a steel¨Cedged de. Only then did Gavin grasp the depth of his fury. Joaquin¡¯stest strike had threatened Quinn¡¯s life, and that was a line Julius would not allow anyone to cross. ¡°Your wounds are healing nicely,¡± Gavin reported after examining the stitched flesh. ¡°The scabs have formed. You can dispense with the bandages from now on.¡± Julius buttoned his shirt with meticulous care, each click of stic against thread sounding like the loading of a gun. Gavin leaned closer, curiosity shining behind the sses perched on his nose. ¡°By the way, how are things with Quinn? Have you made up your mind to get back together with her?¡± Julius buttoned thest cuff of his shirt, movements unhurried, then nced at Gavin through the mirror. ¡°Tell me, Gavin, if I really went back to her, only to break up once more, what do you think I¡¯d do next?¡± Gavin froze, lips parting but no sound emerging for a heartbeat. ¡°What? No way. Quinn would never break up with you again.¡± Julius let out a soft, self¨Cmockingugh, sleeves still rolled neatly at his wrists. ¡°In this world, nothing is impossible. I once thought that any secret I chose to hide could stay buried forever. I believed I could calcte every variable, yet the more I cared about something, the sooner I lost it.¡± 9:19 Sun, Sep 28 Chapter 437 Sudden Interruption 97 s Gavin frowned, lines of worry carving across his brow. ¡°So, because of that, you refuse to start over with Quinn?¡± Julius¡® eyes darkened, storm clouds gathering behind calm pupils. ¡°If we broke up again, I¡¯m afraid it would end with one of us dead. My father is a madman, and perhaps I carry the same w.¡± The future he pictured was drenched in blood and regret¡ªexactly the kind of ending he would never ept. Better, then, to strangle the possibility in its cradle before it had the chance to breathe. Gavin folded his arms over his white coat. ¡°And what if Quinn insists on being with you? Can you refuse her forever?¡± After all, as Julius¡® attending physician, Gavin knew better than anyone how utterly and fiercely the man loved her. ¡°I¡¯m not worried,¡± Julius said softly, a brittle calm oveying his words. ¡°Because her feelings for me aren¡¯t that deep yet.¡± That was also why he told himself that after one month had gone by, she would surely let go. Yet each time the image flickered across his mind¡ªQuinn¡¯s smile offered to another man¡ª jealousy red inside him like a match struck in petrol, wild, irrational, impossible to smother. Military 438 Chapter 438 Hard Choices To Make By the time Everett¡¯s ne touched down in Celosia, Quinn had just cut away the rigid cast from her right leg. Thanks to her exceptional constitution, the bone had healed together faster than anyone expected. Without the cast, she no longer needed crutches. As long as she avoided running or jumping, she could walk slowly without any problem. Everett adjusted his cor. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay in Fane Manor for a while?¡± Although Quinn and Rowan had not yet been formally introduced to Margaret, Everett had already informed every servant in the household. Thus, when Quinn stepped through the arched doorway of Fane Manor that afternoon, a line of housekeepers bowed low and greeted her with reverence, acknowledging her as the daughter of the Fane family. Quinn shook her head gently. ¡°I¡¯ll pass on staying at Fane Manor. For now, I n to live with Julius. Besides, after reuniting with Grandma, I intend to return to Azania. But don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll visit Celosia often, to see you and her.¡± Everett understood at once. His niece¡¯s words were a gentle signal that she would eventually settle in Azania. Then again, it made perfect sense. Quinn had been born and raised in Azania; her friends, her memories¨Cperhaps even her heart¨Cremained rooted there, so why would she settle down in Celosia? ¡°In that case,e back often,¡± Everett said, tone firm yet warm. ¡°You will always be the daughter of the Fane family.¡± Quinn lowered her gaze. ¡°I will. Uncle Everett, where is Grandma? When can I finally meet her and let her know who I am?¡± ¡°Your grandmother¡¯s condition has been unstable these past days,¡± Everett exined. ¡°She¡¯s still under observation at the hospital. Once her evens out, I¡¯ll tell her, bit by bit, about your mother¨Cand then arrange your reunion.¡± Wood Quinn nodded, her fingers curling around the polished banister. Everett rose from his chair. ¡°Would you like to see your mother¡¯s room?¡± The question caught Quinn off guard and her breath hitched. Mom¡¯s room? ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? Find?Novel Everett walked ahead, voice echoing quietly through the corridor. ¡°In every residence the Fane family has ever owned¨Cno matter how many times we move or renovate¨Cthere is always a room kept for your mother.¡± Quinn stood, smoothed her skirt, and trailed after her uncle along the silent corridor. They climbed to the third floor, their footsteps echoing softly in the manor until he paused before a closed bedroom door. When Quinn pressed thetch and pushed, a hush of warm beige rolled out to greet her. The room felt tender and still, its tasteful decor wrapped in the quietfort of memories too delicate to disturb. On one wall hung a life¨Csize photograph of a child no older than four, captured midughter as though frozen sunlight lived on the print. Quinn¡¯s breath hitched. She recognized the round cheeks and the bright eyes. The little girl was her mother, Arlene. In the photo, the girl clutched a plush brown bear. That same bear now rested on the neatly made bed, its fur faded to a weary sepia that spoke of countless nights loved almost threadbare. Scattered around the room were miniature trains, wooden blocks, and tin soldiers, treasures from some long¨Cgone nursery silently keeping watch. Everett¡¯s voice softened behind her. ¡°Every toy you see once belonged to your mother when she was little,¡± he said, as if handling the past with velvet gloves. The toys had survived decades. Even with the family¡¯s careful upkeep, they could not escape the quiet vandalism of time. Edges were frayed, paint dulled, yet their charm endured. Everett crossed his arms gently. ¡°If you like this space, you can stay here whenever you visit the manor. It holds so many pieces of your mother¡¯s childhood. Take your time to explore them.¡± Quinn blinked, surprised. ¡°Y¨CYou mean I can actually sleep here?¡± Everett merely nodded, opened a tall wardrobe, and stepped aside so the light could pour in. To Quinn¡¯s surprise, the first shelf held tiny dresses from another era, theirce yellowed with age, while the remaining space was lined with brand¨Cnew adult garments¡ªeach design prepared in small, medium, andrge. ¡°These clothes¡­ Whose are they?¡± ¡°Your grandmother chose every single piece,¡± Everett exined, running a hand over the fabrics, ¡°She updates the wardrobe every year while her mind is still clear. She doesn¡¯t know what shape your mother might be now, so she orders each design in three sizes¨Csmall, medium,rge¨Choping at least one will fit when they meet again.¡± He then guided Quinn to the vanity. Beside the mirror sat apact safe. Still within her view, Everett keyed in the code without hiding a single digit, as though secrecy had no ce between them. The door clicked open to reveal three sizable jewelry cases, each lined with velvet and gleaming. When Everett lifted the lids, cascades of diamonds, sapphires, and lustrous pearls caught the light, each piece exuding the quiet authority of old money. On top of that, none of them looked ordinary. Every sp and setting seemed crafted for royalty. By Quinn¡¯s rough calction, the jewelry was worth at least billions, and she could feel her pulse quickening despite herself. Military 439 Chapter 439 Childhood Treasures Everett closed the cases gently. ¡°Your grandmother bought these for your mother. With her gone, they rightfully belong to you.¡± Quinn shook her head. ¡°No, Uncle Everett. The clothes, perhaps, but these jewels are far too extravagant. I can¡¯t ept them.¡± Everett offered a rueful smile. ¡°Quinn, to your grandmother and me, nothing is more precious than you and Rowan. She had only two children, your mother and me. In my case, I do not intend to get married, nor do I ever want to have kids. As such, everything that the Fane family has will one day be passed down to the two of you.¡± Quinn opened her mouth, searching for fresh protest. ¡°But-¡± Everett lifted a calming hand. ¡°All right. Leave them here for now if that feels easier. Whenever you wish to wear a piece, simplye and take it.¡± Unable to argue further, Quinn nodded, a shy gratitude flickering in her eyes. Just as she was about to return to the hotel, Everett nced at her. ¡°By the way, you¡¯ve been in Celosia for days now. How are things between you and Julius?¡± ¡°He¡¯s not ready to say yes to starting over,¡± Quinn said, her voice gentle yet unwavering. ¡°Still, he hasn¡¯t closed the door on us. So I¡¯m keeping at it, inch by inch, until the answer turns into a yes.¡± ¡°Quinn, you¡¯re the pride of the Fane family,¡± Everett dered, his tone half¨Cpampering and halfmanding. ¡°If Julius won¡¯te to his senses, I¡¯ll line up a dozen men who are more than worthy of you¨Cmen who would cherish you properly.¡± Quinn let out a small, unhurriedugh. ¡°But even if the world is full of good men, my heart only beats for Julius, Uncle Everett.¡± Having spoken her piece, Quinn offered a polite nod¨Ca quiet farewell that needed no words- then pivoted on her heel and strode out of the house, the hem of her coat brushing the doorway like a final period. Everett released a weary sigh, the kind that fluttered the documents on his desk. That girl isn¡¯t budging. I guess it¡¯s Julius Whitethorn or no one at all, huh?. This niece of mine is just as stubborn as her mother was. Very well. Julius had better treasure Quinn, or I¡¯ll make sure he learns how ruthless the Fane family can be! When Quinn returned to the hotel suite, she found Julius sprawled across the couch, eyes closed, the steady rhythm of a light nap softening the sharp lines of his face. She lifted a curious brow. Julius had battled insomnia for weeks; a full night¡¯s rest was a miracle, let alone an afternoon doze. Yet there he was, sleeping¨Chowever lightly¨Ca sight as startling as snow in midsummer. Content originallyes from f?ndnovel Could this mean his sleepless nights are finally loosening their grip? The notion coaxed a smile onto her lips, and she moved closer, footsteps hushed against the carpet as though afraid to wake the miracle. But the next heartbeat stole that smile away. He was anything but peaceful. A sheen of sweat zed his forehead, darkshes quivering above brows drawn tight, his handsome features knotted with unease and panic. Memory flickered¨CJulius had mentioned nightmares before. Is he trapped in one again? The possibility tightened her chest, a quiet rush of worry humming beneath her ribs. Sweat gathered faster on Julius¡® brow, forming bead after bead that slid down his temples. Quinn pulled a tissue from the box, intent on blotting the moisture away. But the instant the tissue brushed his skin, his eyes flew open¨Csharp, amber, and flooded with terror and remorse. Quinn winced; his hand mped around her wrist so fiercely that bone protested beneath the pressure. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Julius whispered, voice raw, eyes unfocused. ¡°I should have saved your brother. I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Shock flickered through Quinn. What on earth is he reliving? ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± His lips trembled, the words looping like a broken record. Though his eyes were open, the mist inside them proved he was still trapped in the dream. His mouth quivered, and the five fingerstched around her hand quivered right along with it. ¡°Quinnie, please don¡¯t abandon me, okay?¡± he pleaded, his voice splintering. ¡°I never meant to deceive you. I¨CI was only terrified you¡¯d leave me.¡± Quinn stood frozen. So this is his nightmare? Is he dreaming of the day I broke up with him? Her right hand protested with a faint crackle where his grip ground bone against bone. Yet the ache in her wrist barely registered; the sharper pain pulsed in her heart. Quinn raised her free hand, cupping his fevered cheek. ¡°Easy now,¡± she whispered. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere, Julius. I will never leave you.¡± He blinked hard, sableshes trembling like moth wings just freed from sleep. Little by little, the hazy ze retreated from his eyes, leaving them sharp, lucid, unmistakably awake. ¡°Quinnie¡­¡± Julius whispered, the single word rasping out of sleep like a plea that had traveled a long way to find her. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me,¡± Quinn answered, voice as soft as velvet yet steady enough to anchor him to the present. With the corner of a lukewarm towel, she dabbed the fine sheen of sweat that glistened along his cheekbones. ¡°Has our breakup been haunting you so badly that even your dreams turn dark?¡± Julius¡®plexion shifted in an instant, the calm washed away by sudden rm as he shot upright, muscles coiled tight. ¡°How did you-¡± The question shattered halfway, because only then did he realize his fingers were locked around her right hand, knuckles whitened from the grip. The moment awareness returned, his five fingers sprang open, and his gaze dropped to her wrist. A raw crimson band branded her pale skin, a silent record of how fiercely he had clutched her only seconds before. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Julius muttered, his voice low and scraped raw. ¡°I wasn¡¯t fully awake. Next time I lose myself like that, don¡¯t hesitate to hit me hard enough to drag me back.¡± ¡°And what if I can¡¯t bear to hit you?¡± Quinn countered, gaze soft yet unflinching. Surprise flickered across Julius¡® eyes, quickly chased by a fragile hope. ¡°Is that one of your little ploys to cate me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s no ploy. Everything I¡¯ve said is true,¡± she murmured. ¡°You toss and turn because the dream grips you so cruelly. How could I bring myself to hit you? And besides-¡± Military 440 Chapter 440 Splinters Of Broken Sleep Quinn hesitated, making sure everyst bead of sweat had been dabbed away before she finished the thought. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered me. Do those nightmarese often? Do you relive the moment we split every single time?¡± Julius¡® expression flickered, as though some private curtain had been jerked aside. ¡°When I woke a moment ago, did I say anything?¡± A few minutes earlier, he had been caught between sleeping and waking, adrift in a daze so thick that when he saw Quinn, he had believed the dream still held him. In that fog, he had spoken, but even he could not recall the words, each syble sinking before it formed. ¡°You kept saying you were sorry, and you begged me not to leave you,¡± Quinn answered quietly. Color drained from Julius¡® face. ¡°Whatever you heard, pretend you didn¡¯t,¡± he said, voice brittle as thin ss. Quinn bit her lip hard. There was no way she could pretend. ¡°What exactly do you see in those nightmares? Is it the day we broke up? Has that moment kept you prisoner ever since?¡± she demanded, the plea hidden beneath her urgency. He turned his head away with a short, derisive snort. ¡°So what if it is?¡± he shot back. ¡°And it isn¡¯t only the breakup. I dream of the moment I failed to save your brother as well!¡± Those scenes had be his newest terror, eclipsing even the childhood recollections of his father¡¯s cruelty and of witnessing his mother end her own life¨Cmemories that had once filled his nights. Julius tugged his hand from Quinn¡¯s and rose to his feet. ¡°Now you know what stalks me in the dark. Do you feel any remorse? You were so unyielding. I begged you to stay, yet you insisted on leaving. Admit it¡ªyou regret nothing!¡± His bright gaze pinned her, and within ity nothing but raw self¨Cmockery. ¡°I asked you once before, and your answer was you had no regrets,¡± he added. ¡°Your love for me ran so shallow that a single mistake was enough for you to cut the cord without a tremor.¡± 2 That one concealment had hurled him headlong into hell. Quinn¡¯s nose tingled with the sting of tears. Yes, that had indeed been the answer she gave him back then. Yet she had never realized those words would seed his nightmares. Watching him now¨Cthrashing, apologizing, pleading¨Cthrust her back to the brutal day they parted. Does he relive that day, again and again, each time the nightmare drags him under? She had gone through life with very few regrets. Tonight, however, regret seeped through her veins like ink in water, spreading until she could feel it in her bones. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she muttered. Julius let out a brittle, joylessugh. ¡°Sorry? You feel sorry because you learned I wake up screaming, so now I must look pathetic to you? Quinn, if you never once regretted breaking up with me, then there¡¯s no need for you to apologize.¡± Julius turned on his heel, intent on reaching the bathroom, sshing cold water across his face, and drowning the rage that threatened to erupt inside his chest. However, he had taken only two steps when Quinn¡¯s arms wrapped around his torso from behind, sudden and trembling. ¡°Then, if I do regret it now, does that finally give me the right to say I¡¯m sorry?¡± ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? Find¡ïNovel ¡°What?¡± ¡°Back then, I felt no regret,¡± she whispered, her lips close to the fabric of his shirt. ¡°But the woman standing here now does.¡± After all, it was only now that she understood how fiercely Julius had loved her. Only now did she grasp how their breakup had carved open wounds he still carried. If she had known her ruthless farewell would mutate into the stuff of his nightmares, she would never have been so merciless. 2 She could have chosen a softer exit, anything but the de she¡¯d used. Her cold severance had merely dumped her own hurt¨Cthe lies, the concealment, her anger that he had not saved Rowan¨Conto his shoulders and walked away. ¡°W¨CWhat did you just say?¡± Julius murmured, utterly astonished. In every nightmare, she had been unmovable¨Cher decision hammered in iron, impervious even as he knelt and begged. Yet the woman clinging to him now spoke of regret as though it were the only truth she possessed. ¡°I regret it, Julius. I regret it.¡± Her voice came out raw, scraped thin. The next second, Julius felt damp warmth soak through his shirt between his shoulder des. His body locked, rigid. Were those tears? Conflict flickered in his hawklike eyes before he slowly turned to face her. Tears glimmered on Quinn¡¯sshes, twin pearls ready to fall. He had rarely seen her cry because she was stronger than most, a woman who woreposure like armor. Yet here she stood, weeping as she confessed her regret. ¡°Do you even know what you¡¯re saying?¡± Julius queried. His hands curled into fists at his sides, nails biting skin, pain a small anchor in a churning sea. s, Quinn realized her tears would not obey; they kept slipping free, one after another, until the silence between them tasted of salt. She could not exin why the sorrow felt so bottomless. Could it be the shock of realizing she had be the monster haunting the man she loved? Either way, she knew she had hurt Julius far deeper than she expected. ¡°I know exactly what I¡¯m saying, Julius. If I could go back in time, I would never have asked for a breakup!¡± ¡°You-¡± Julius stared, spellbound, then lowered his head and pressed his lips to the tear that had just broken free, tasting the warmth of her grief. Military 441 Chapter 441 Reunion Kiss Chapter 441 Reunion Kiss His mouth found her cheeks first, drinking in the tears before they could fall. +10 Free Coins The warm salt dampened his lips, thawing the cold that always seemed to cling to him. These tears¡­ Are they really for me? Each time he had jolted awake from the nightmare of losing her, pain had wrapped around his ribs like iron bands. Now, drop by drop, her tears washed that darkness away. Through a shimmering veil of tears, Quinn looked up at Julius. ¡°I¡ª¡± His mouth crashed onto hers, silencing the word before it could form. Her eyes flew wide, disbelief flickering in their depths as the man she loved filled her vision and stole her breath. He¡¯s kissing me? Since the moment they found each other again, this was the first time he had kissed her. The kiss was a fierce, consuming thing¨Cas though he meant to swallow every shard of her, to make certain she could never slip away again. The world narrowed to heat and the rasp of shared breath until she almost forgot how to breathe at all. ¡°Julius¡­ I¡ª¡± Her lips edged back, trying to find words between the storm of his. He caught her chin and chased her mouth once more, greedy, desperate, as if proving something only he understood. His free arm circled her waist and hauled her closer, locking her against the hard ne of his chest. He held her so tightly it felt as if he meant to fuse her heart to his. When the kiss finally broke, only ragged breathing filled the space between them. Chest to chest, he pressed his lips to her ear and whispered on a broken rush of air. ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t soothe me with pretty words. I¡¯ll fall apart.¡± ¡°No lies,¡± she breathed. ¡°Every word is true.¡± 47 Chapter 441 Reunion Kiss +10 Free Coins The room spun. He toppled with her onto the couch, teeth grazing the delicate shell of her ear until tremors chased down her spine. His mouth forged a slow path south, stopping at the fragile hollow of her corbone. ¡°Do you still want me?¡± The question rumbled against her skin. His lean body was wound tight, veins stark beneath skin, a sheen of sweat gathering at his brow. This time, the sweat was born of desire, not nightmare. Quinn looked up. One word from her¨Cno¨Cand he would let every spark die and step away. But this was the first time he had reached for her in so long. Refusal was unthinkable. ¡°I want you.¡± One arm looped around his neck while the other freed the buttons of his shirt. She tipped his jaw and kissed him, earning a fiercer reply. ¡°Say it again,¡± he growled, movement urgent, voice rough with plea. ¡°Say you regret leaving me.¡± Gasping, she brushed his lips with hers. ¡°I regret it¨Cregret breaking up with you. Julius, I regret it.¡± She kept repeating the words, praying that each confession might chase his nightmares a little farther into the past. Quinn pressed her palms together inside her mind, willing Julius to drift into a sleep stitched only with gentle dreams, the kind that smelled of sunshine on linen. More than anything, she refused to let herself be the demon that stalked his darkness. Realizing she might already have stepped into that terrible role stabbed her with a pain so sudden and raw she could hardly breathe. Tap! A single teardropnded, tiny yet thunderous in the hush. Julius¡® breath caught. More tears followed, hot and clear, slipping from hisshes and falling onto Quinn¡¯s chest, each drop searing her skin like liquid ember. Her own heart convulsed, twisting on itself in helpless sympathy. She stared at his face inches from hers, stunned by its vulnerability. ¡°Julius?¡± she whispered. 16:05 Tue, Sep 30 47 Chapter 441 Reunion Kiss Is he¡­ crying? +10 Free Coins Another tear fell, sliding into the tracks her own tears had left, their sorrows pooling together indistinguishably. This content belongs to Find_Novel(. ¡°Quinn, why¡­ why do you love me only so little? Why can¡¯t you love me just a little more?¡± The plea pierced her like shrapnel; pain blossomed deeper still. She lifted her trembling hand and brushed the wetness from his cheek. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t fail you again.¡± I¡¯ll show him, day after day, how boundless my love can grow. The next morning, Quinn woke aching from waist to shoulder, every muscle softly protesting the previous night¡¯s reckless abandon. By the end, she had lost count of how many times she and Julius had tangled together. If Laura ever heard about it, she would certainly quip that the two of them were ¡°determined spirits in damaged bodies.¡± After all, Julius¡® leg cast had only juste off, and Quinn¡¯s bandages had only yesterday been removed. She opened her eyes to an empty side of the bed. Relief drifted in, quickly chased by a faint, inexplicable loneliness. After washing up, she slipped into her clothes. The vivid marks blooming along her neck were impossible to miss. She had packed no high- cored top, no scarf. So she let her hair fall loose, letting the dark strands curtain the evidence ofst night¡¯s kisses. Stepping into the living room, she found Julius on the couch beside the floor¨Cto¨Cceiling window, a book open in his long fingers. He wore a white shirt and ivory trousers, sunlight pouring over him like watered silk. With his head bowed, the elegant line of his throat looked almost sculptural. For a heartbeat, four words rose unbidden in her mind¨Cpeace and joy. The hush, the harmony, the mere sight of him filled her with a quiet joy. If the rest of their days could unfold in this warm, unhurried hush, she thought, that would be enough. : Military 442 Chapter 442 Gentle Morning Chapter 442 Gentle Morning +10 Free Coins ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± Julius said, lifting his gaze, those phoenix eyes softer than she had ever seen them. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± ¡°A little,¡± she admitted. Truthfully, she was starving; the night¡¯s exertion had burned through every reserve she possessed. ¡°I asked them to prepare breakfast. Take a look and choose what you like,¡± he said, closing the book. He crossed the room,ced his fingers through hers, and guided her toward the table. The dining table looked more like avish hotel buffet than something meant for two. There were Azanian cuisines, Epean cuisines, as well as Celosian¨Cstyle breakfast. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ That¡¯s far too much food,¡± Quinn said, her eyes widening. ¡°Nobody expects you to clear the entire table,¡± Julius replied, pulling out her chair with smooth, practiced courtesy. ¡°Just pick whatever you like.¡± Quinn sat, reached for a chilled ss of milk and a slice of warm bread, then began to eat with small, careful bites. Julius took his seat opposite her, choosing only a cup of ck coffee whose bitter aroma curled through the air. ¡°Aboutst night¨CI pushed you too hard,¡± Julius said, voice low with contrition. ¡°Are you in pain? If anything hurts, we can pop over to the hospital after breakfast.¡± Quinn nearly sputtered her mouthful of milk across the pristine linen, swallowing hard as her cheeks med. ¡°No¨Cno need. I¡¯m fine, really,¡± she managed, face burning. ¡°Are you absolutely sure?¡± Julius pressed, worry furrowing his brow. ¡°Positive,¡± she said, tone firm. ¡°I know my own body. At worst, I¡¯m just¡­ well, a little sore.¡± ¡°If you insist, we¡¯ll skip the hospital,¡± Julius conceded. ¡°I¡¯ll have Gavin drop off some healing salve.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡± Quinn blurted, panicked at the thought. ¡°I¡¯ll swing by the pharmacy myself.¡± 16:05 Tue, Sep 30 Chapter 442 Gentle Morning He studied her a moment, unreadable, then nodded. ¡°As you wish.¡± +10 Free Coins Only after that curt permission did Quinn exhale, shoulders loosening. ¡°Julius, does this mean we¡¯re¡­ together again?¡± she asked, hesitant. He lifted his gaze, eyes steady. ¡°Is that what want?¡± you She arched a yful brow. ¡°If I didn¡¯t, would I still be clinging to you?¡± The unspoken reference to the night¡¯s renewed intimacy hung between them, warm and electrifying. ¡°I told you,¡± Julius said quietly, ¡°when you love me as deeply as I love you, then we¡¯ll be together.¡± Disappointment flickered across Quinn¡¯s eyes; she had assumed his eagernessst night meant they had already crossed that threshold. Yet, when she considered his lingering insecurity, she knew a single promise could never dismantle the walls he¡¯d built. Still, his attitude had softened; the frigid distance of before was gone. And time, she reminded herself, was on her side. As long as he still loved her, she could prove her own heart, inch by inch. One day, she vowed, she would soothe every fear and persuade him to begin anew. ¡°Are you freeter?¡± Quinn asked. ¡°I¡¯d like to hit the mall and pick up a few clothes.¡± Her uncle had assured her she was wee to the wardrobes originally gathered for her mother. But every gown glittered, couture and dramatic¨Cnothing that fit Quinn¡¯s easy, everyday style. ¡°All right,¡± Julius said with simple finality. After breakfast, they drove together to the mall, a sleek ssplex only a few blocks away. Since Quinn had only just shed her cast, each step was cautious, measured, and¨Cdespite her determination¨Cslightly slower than usual. ???? ????s? ???????s ?? findnovel As they roamed from window to window, Quinn couldn¡¯t help noticing the tiny courtesy hidden in Julius¡® stride. He had shortened his long steps to match the unhurried rhythm of her 16:05 Tue, Sep 30 Chapter 442 Gentle Morning heels, shadowing her shoulder like a silent bodyguard. 47 +10 Free Coins A high¨Cneck sweater caught Quinn¡¯s eye, and she slipped toward the fitting rooms to try it on. When she emerged, gathering the curtain behind her, the pulse of soft music followed her into the lounge. Julius sat sprawled on a suede bench reserved for customers, posture careless, expression cool, as though unaware the world kept orbiting around him. Even in that unguarded pose, he still drew every stray nce the way a me lures moths. Quinn started forward but halted when a woman dressed with the effortless arrogance of old money fixed a predatory stare on Julius. Three¨Cmaybe four¨Cassistants clustered behind her, broad¨Cshouldered and straight¨Cbacked, unmistakably bodyguards in designer suits. Is that woman¡­ interested in Julius? Even as the question flickered across her mind, Quinn watched the woman stride directly toward Julius. ¡°I¡¯m Jade Rowley, heiress of the Rowley family. So, are you interested in dating me? What I can give you is far more than you¡¯ve ever imagined.¡± Julius lifted his eyes, cier¨Ccold. ¡°Get lost.¡± Military 443 Chapter 443 Tension At The Mall This update is avable on find?novel Chapter 443 Tension At The Mall +10 Free Coins Jade¡¯s painted smile froze. ¡°Because I happen to like your face, I¡¯ll forgive you¨Cthis once. Think carefully before you answer again. Crossing the Rowley family is not something you can afford.¡± Quinn curled her lip. The Rowleys¨Coh, I know them. They had business dealings with the Fane family in Celosia. Since both families were elite, they kept cordial ties. Rumor had it one Rowley daughter had nearly wed her uncle¨Chad he not publicly vowed lifelong bachelorhood, the poor girl might still be chasing him. Julius regarded Jade with eyes colder than tempered steel. ¡°What I want is beyond your means.¡± ¡°Beyond my means?¡± Jade let out a contemptuousugh. ¡°Do you n to name some outrageous price? The fact that I¡¯m interested in you is already your stroke of luck. I¡¯d advise you to recognize it.¡± Julius¡® gaze turned obsidian. A chill ran up Quinn¡¯s spine; she knew that look meant he was seconds from violence. Yet the wounds across his ribs had only just scabbed. If he fought here, they would surely split open. ¡°You certainly can¡¯t.¡± Quinn stepped between them. ¡°What my boyfriend wants is something you could never purchase.¡± Jade¡¯s face tightened, her stare turning hostile. ¡°He¡¯s your boyfriend?¡± my love- Quinn slid an arm around Julius¡® waist, resting her head against his chest. ¡°That¡¯s right, my boyfriend. Any questions?¡± Julius lowered his gaze to the woman folded in his arms. They had not, strictly speaking, reconciled. Yet hearing her call him her boyfriend stirred no irritation; if anything, it felt like a wish finally granted. A wish? 6477 Chapter 443 Tension At The Mall So I had been waiting¨Cquietly, stubbornly¨Cfor her to acknowledge me once more? +10 Free Coins ¡°You can¡¯t afford to keep a man like that!¡± Jade¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°Only someone like me can. Stick with me and I¡¯llunch you into high society.¡± Quinn nced at Julius¡® outfit¨Cbespoke from cor to cuff, yet devoid of shy logos. Today, even his bodyguards hovered only in the shadows, nowhere near enough to betray his true. stature. The shop they were in held ordinary brands¨Caffordable cotton, sensible tailoring¨Cand the fluorescent lights washed everything in the same unremarkable glow. Because the setting looked so modest, the Rowley heiress decided she could purchase more than clothes today. In her mind, a man who shopped beneath crystal chandeliers yesterday but stic price tags today was fair game. The hidden bodyguards, earpieces glinting beneath dark hair, exchanged nces that carried a quiet pity. They had seen foolish people before, yet almost no one ever dared to utter the words she now aimed at Julius. Still, ignorance enjoys brave colors. Julius halted mid¨Cstep, turned to Quinn, and asked in a voice so calm it cut through the mall¡¯s murmur, ¡°Are you offering to be my sugar mommy?¡± Quinn blinked in surprise, then a bright grin broke across her face. ¡°Yes,¡± she said, the single syble ringing like a coin dropped on marble. Julius¡® eyes narrowed, testing. ¡°Would you be my sugar mommy forever?¡± ¡°Always,¡± Quinn replied without a breath of hesitation, as though eternity were a bargain she had already signed. Julius nodded once, something resolute settling behind his gaze. ¡°Quinn, if the day everes when I truly need someone to be my sugar mommy, know this¨Con the entire, the only person qualified is you.¡± Jade¡¯sposure shattered. Cheeks ming, she barked, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m invisible? Move- teach them a lesson!¡± At themand, the suited enforcers at her elbow surged forward, shoes pounding against polished tile as they charged toward Quinn and Julius. Quinn¡¯s brow knitted. So this is a hobby for the Rowley princess¨Chiring muscle whenever she¡¯s told no. Her injured foot limited her stride, but her hands remained perfectly capable. And right now, the heiress stood foolishly close, gift¨Cwrapping the perfect opportunity. 16:05 Tue, Sep 30 Chapter 443 Tension At The Mall +10 Free Coins Quinn shot out an arm; with a sharp pop of disced air, she flipped Jade onto the gleaming floor, nting a knee between the woman¡¯s shoulder des before the henchmen knew what happened. The enforcers skidded to a halt, boots squeaking, their bravado dissolving into nervous silence. Pinned and aching, Jade howled, ¡°How dare you! The Rowley family will ruin you¨Cdo you have a death wish?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve already set your sights on my boyfriend,¡± Quinn snapped. ¡°Touch him again, and even the Rowleys won¡¯t shield you. Understood?¡± Under Quinn¡¯s pressure, Jade¡¯s bravado melted into whimpers and frantic nods. Only then did Quinn rise, releasing her hold. Cradling her bruised pride, Jade gathered her entourage and retreated, but not before spitting a final vow over her shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re finished!¡± Quinn lifted both shoulders in an easy shrug. In Celosia, the formidable Fane family watched over her; toppling her would take more than spoiled threats. Julius¡® voice brushed her ear like velvet steel. ¡°Since when did I be your boyfriend?¡± Quinn turned and met the sharp amber of his eyes, their nted corners carrying both judgment and heat. A jolt of instinct warned her: offer the wrong answer and the fragile bridge they¡¯d been building might crumble back into distance. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 444 Chapter 444 im Of The Heart Chapter 444 im Of The Heart +10 Free Coins ¡°You¡¯ll be mine sooner orter,¡± she said lightly. ¡°So why not let the world know a little early?¡± The certainty in her smile zed like sunlight on fresh snow¨Cdazzling, impossible to doubt. Julius felt his heartbeat stutter, and for a breath, he couldn¡¯t look away from her shining face. He kept testing the depth of her affection, each probeced with anxious hope. He feared even the faintest hesitation, feared she might turn impatient and walk away, feared that a single step back would end the love he craved. Even with all the fear swirling inside him, he would quietly tell himself that if she really felt that way, it just meant her love for him wasn¡¯t deep enough. If that was the case, then better a short pain than a long one. At least he wouldn¡¯t have to feel the despair of being abandoned again. However, even after repeating this to himself countless times, he still couldn¡¯t help but cling to a glimmer of hope¨Cthat her love for him was strong enough, that she truly cared for him. And now, once again, she had given him a clear answer. In her own way, she was telling him that they would be together sooner orter, that she had never thought of giving up on him. Julius suddenly grabbed Quinn¡¯s hand and pulled her out from behind the counter. ¡°Hey! Where are you taking me? I haven¡¯t even paid for my clothes yet!¡± Quinn shouted. ¡°Someone else will take care of that,¡± Julius replied, leading her to a corner of the mall, far away from any security cameras. ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± Before Quinn could finish her sentence, he pressed her against the wall. He leaned down, and his cool, soft lips met hers. The sudden chill spread across her lips, electrifying her senses. His kiss was tentative, yet restrained, exploring her mouth carefully, and the desire he could hardly contain began to surface even in this gentle kiss. He nibbled at her lips little by little, and when she finally returned his kiss, he paused for a moment. Then, all at once, his kiss became fierce, urgent, almost overwhelming, as if he 15:33 Wed, Oct 1 Chapter 444 im Of The Heart wanted to devour her entirely. ¡°Mm¡­¡± Quinn gasped, struggling for air, trying to pull back. But his fingers gripped her neck, holding her jaw in ce. His lips searched hers relentlessly. +10 Free Coins The heated, unrestrained kiss continued, hidden in the quiet corner where there was no one but them. Time seemed to blur until he finally pulled back. He rested his forehead against hers, their noses nearly touching. His breaths came heavy and uneven, whispering against her ear. ¡°If you think I¡¯ll eventually be your boyfriend¡­ then love me even more,¡± he said hoarsely, eyes burning with desire. Quinn¡¯sshes fluttered, her own breath ragged. Her cheeks flushed as she replied, ¡°Not just a little¡­ A lot, Julius. I¡¯ll love you so, so much!¡± The moment she spoke, he met her words with an even more intense, insistent kiss. When they finally stepped out of the corner, Quinn¡¯s lips tingled. The lipstick she¡¯d worn hadpletely vanished in the frenzy of their kiss. But the intensity of it had left her lips naturally flushed, so there was no need to reapply. The moment Quinn stepped away from the counter, the security men apanying Julius settled the bill for every piece she had tried on. Together they exited the ss¨Cbright mall, thete¨Cafternoon sun shing off the sleek sedan that already waited at the curb like a silent chauffeur. Quinn tipped her head toward the bustling street stalls. ¡°Mind if we walk a little first?¡± she asked, reluctant to climb into the car so soon. Julius¡® brow gathered in a small frown. ¡°Your leg still hasn¡¯t fully healed.¡± Quinn offered a coaxing smile, testing a careful step as if to prove her point. ¡°It can handle a few blocks. I¡¯vee all the way to Celosia and haven¡¯t properly explored. Let¡¯s treat the nearby streets like a mini tour, okay?¡± 15:33 Wed, Oct 1 Chapter 444 im Of The Heart A +10 Free Cons Julius finally yielded with a nod, falling in beside her as they set off down the sidewalk. He deliberately shortened his stride, his peripheral vision locked on her injured leg, ready to steady her at the slightest wobble. Rows of outdoor stalls hugged the street beside the mall, awnings pping like bright pennants in the breeze. Passing a stand glittering with phone cases, Quinn stopped. The covers were embossed with traditional Celosian motifs, their colors vivid against the gray pavement, and curiosity lit her face. She sifted through the disy a moment longer, then nced at Julius. ¡°Let me see your phone for a second.¡± ¡°What for?¡± he asked, even as he was already drawing the device from his inside pocket and offering it to her. She checked the model and turned back to the trays, head lowered in determined concentration. After several minutes, she selected two cases¨Cone a deep scarlet, the other sapphire blue. Though the colors differed, the Celosian patterns etched across them were identical. Each case came with a matching charm: tiny cloth dolls, one red, one blue. The pairing left no doubt- they were meant for lovers. Find the newest release on find?novel Military 445 Chapter 445 Matching Phone Cases Chapter 445 Matching Phone Cases Quinn held up the cases. ¡°You take the blue, I¡¯ll keep the red. Deal?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not used to putting anything on my phone,¡± Julius replied, voice nonchnt. AC 46 +10 Free Cours ¡°Then humor me,¡± she said, eyes crinkling with mischief. ¡°When people see the set, they¡¯ll know at a nce we belong together.¡± ¡°Right now I wouldn¡¯t say we¡¯re exactly-¡°Julius began. ¡°We will be, sooner orter,¡± she cut in, certain as sunrise. He pressed his lips into a thin line, suddenly unsure what to do. ¡°So, are we using them or not?¡± she prodded. ¡°Whatever you say,¡± he muttered, turning his head away. Quinn pounced on the decision, told the vendor to wrap them up, and paid. She fastened the blue case and charm onto Julius¡® phone with practiced swiftness, then handed the device back like a trophy. Julius stared at the transformed phone. He had always disdained such trinkets, yet the mirrored patterns and twin dolls stirred a quiet, unexpected calm in his chest. So this is why couples love these matching novelties. For an instant, they proim, with no words at all, that she belongs to me and I belong to her. ¡°If the case really annoys you, keep it on for a few days and then ditch it,¡± Quinn offered, half- teasing. ¡°Mm,¡± Julius answered, nomittal but not disagreeing. Quinn continued shopping until she got tired, the exhaustion urging her to find a corner where she could rest. She turned, meaning to locate a bench, and instead caught Julius standing rigidly in the crowd, his gaze locked¨Calmost transfixed¨Con a brightly lit booth up ahead. One side of the stall bristled with plush figurines; in front, two battered air rifles rested on a wooden counter, while rows of colored balloons trembled against a wooden backdrop. It was clearly a shooting game, and those fuzzy toys must have been the prizes waiting for a steady hand. A: A 46 Chapter 445 Matching Phone Cases +10 Free Coins Official source is find?novel ¡°What is it, Julius? Do you want those stuffed animals?¡± Quinn asked, tilting her head in yful confusion. ¡°No. I¡¯ve long outgrown such things,¡± Julius murmured, his eyes dropping to the ground. When he was small, he had yearned for anything soft and animal¨Cshaped¨Csomething he could tuck under his arm at night so the dark would not feel so endless. He had finally scraped together coins and smuggled a toy home, only for fate¨Cdisguised as his father¨Cto catch him in the act. ¡°You¡¯re never to desire such trifles,¡± his father had barked. ¡°Your only purpose is to behave like the instrument I require¨Cto hold on to your mother and keep this family intact.¡± Tool. The word had lodged in his chest like a splinter that refused to work itself free. After that night, a toy became an impossibility, for how could a tool indulge infort? By the time he wrested his life from his father¡¯s grip, the urge for softness had already withered, reced by the steel he needed to survive. Quinn rolled his words around in her mind, tasting the bitterness he tried to hide. If he had outgrown the phase, it meant that at one time, he had clung to it desperately. ¡°I haven¡¯t yed a rifle game in ages. Let¡¯s see what prize I can win,¡± Quinn announced, enthusiasm bubbling over. She seized Julius¡® hand before he could refuse and steered them straight to the shooting booth. The vendor spotted paying customers and hurried forward, smiling from ear to ear. Yet the moment Quinn raised the gun and popped the first row of balloons with effortless precision, that smile faltered. She simply switched targets, shredding the second row, then the third, until everyst balloon sagged in rubbery defeat. ¡°All right, all right¨Ctake whatever plush you like, just stop shooting! You¡¯re going to make me bankrupt,¡± the owner pleaded. ¡°One is enough for me,¡± Quinn said cheerfully, setting the rifle back on the counter. The man exhaled as though she had just canceled a debt. ¡°How about helping me choose?¡± Quinn asked Julius, eyes sparkling with mischief. 15:33 Wed, Oct 1 Chapter 445 Matching Phone Cases ¡°I¡¯m not exactly skilled at selecting such things,¡± Julius replied quietly. 46 10 Free Coins ¡°That¡¯s fine¨Cit¡¯s only for fun,¡± she teased. ¡°Decision¨Cmaking isn¡¯t my forte, so I¡¯m deputizing you.¡± Julius pressed his lips together, but eventually stepped toward the mountain of prizes. His hand hovered, then closed on an Officer Bunny plush¨Ccars perked, badge gleaming in cartoon silver. The toy reminded him of Quinn as a child¨Cbold and bright, her small face alight with a sense of unquestioned justice. She had been sunshine incarnate,ughing at shadows others found terrifying,manding attention simply by existing. Even now, the memory dazzled him, so much that holding the plush made his chest ache. ¡°Officer Bunny, huh?¡± Quinn chuckled, flicking one of the long ears. ¡°Is that your favorite?¡± ¡°Favorite is too strong a word,¡± Julius said. Quinn shrugged. ¡°Then if I give Officer Bunny to you right now. Would you keep it?¡± ¡°What?¡± Julius blurted, the single word cracking through hisposure. For an instant, every muscle in his face locked, as though someone had briefly cut the power to his thoughts. ¡°I wanted to give you a little something. Whenever you see it, maybe you¡¯ll think of me.¡± Still smiling, she stuffed the bunny into his hands. Silence stretched. The midway noise seemed to fade until only their mingled breathing remained. At thest possible moment¨Cright when Quinn began to believe he would refuse- Julius¡® hand rose. Deliberate, almost reluctant, his fingers closed around the plush and drew it from her grasp. Military 446 Chapter 446 Officer Bunny Chapter 446 Officer Bunny : +10 Free Coina ¡°So this is your idea of pleasing me?¡± Julius asked, voice low, the edge of skepticism sharpened by habit. His gaze flicked from the toy to Quinn, searching for the trick he expected to find. ¡°Pleasing?¡± She tasted the word, then nodded. ¡°Yes, I suppose that¡¯s what it is¨Cbut it¡¯s honest. I just want you to feel a little happier, even if it¡¯s only for a minute.¡± Her eyes glimmered with a warmth that suggested she would settle for nothing less. He had imed no interest in plush toys, yet moments earlier, she had caught him staring at the disy. In that look, she had detected something like regret¨Can echo of a boy who once wanted what life denied him. That was why she had stepped up to the shooting booth, steadying her aim until the prize was hers. She had wanted to win the toy for him, to fill the small, quiet space she sensed inside his chest. Now Julius lowered his gaze, studying Officer Bunny as though it were a riddle carved in stone. The carnival lights painted shifting colors across the toy¡¯s white fur and across the nes of his face. Happy, huh? Years ago, there had been another toy¨Ctorn, grimy, half¨Cstuffed, half¨Cmemory. It had mirrored his own life, ripped apart before he learned how to protect it, and he had buried both the toy and the past. Yet here she was, cing a pristine plush in his hands, as though stitching shut every ragged seam he carried inside. Is this what happiness feels like? The revtion was cut short when a sudden surge of bodies crashed toward the shooting booth, forming a tight, hostile ring around them. Jade strode forward on stiletto heels that clicked like gunshots, her smile weaponized with malice. ¡°Since you¡¯re still here,¡± she said, ¡°let¡¯s settle what happened earlier¨Cproperly this time.¡± Quinn¡¯s brows knitted. Like a vengeful ghost¨Cshe never lets go. They had embarrassed Jade at the mall, yet the woman had tracked them all the way here, her spite undiluted by distance ormon sense. ¡°You dared threaten me back there.¡± Jade sneered, flicking a manicured hand toward her guards. ¡°In Celosia, hardly anyone dares to do that. Break this woman¡¯s hands. Let her 15:33 Wed, Oct 1 Chapter 446 Officer Bunny boyfriend see how useless she really is.¡± (46 +10 Free Coins. She would not, of course, damage Julius. Men that striking¨Cand that powerful¨Cwere trophies she preferred intact. ¡°Anyone who touches her loses their life,¡± Julius said, every syble dropping like ck ice. ¡°Such dramatic talk,¡± Jade scoffed, though a flicker of doubt danced behind hershes. Quinn felt no doubt at all. She had seen what Julius was capable of; his threat was a simple fact, not theater. ¡°These people won¡¯t be able to cripple my hands,¡± Quinn told him quietly. ¡°Besides, we¡¯re abroad¨Can open fight would get messy.¡± ¡°If I dare to say such words, I¡¯m willing to face the mess,¡± Julius replied without looking away from their opponents. Jade¡¯s face twisted, prettiness warping into something feral. ¡°Fine¨Cshow me what you¡¯ve got. Get them!¡± At hermand, her henchmen surged forward, a ck tide of muscle and malice. They lunged for Julius and Quinn, intent on obeying their mistress¡® cruel order. But shadows moved even faster. Julius¡® covert bodyguards slipped from the crowd, their suits almost blurring as they intercepted the attackers. Jade¡¯s henchmen never reached their targets; they mmed into a human wall of trained defense, the crack of blocked blows ringing louder than the distant music. The za echoed with the blunt percussion of fists and boots, a feral rhythm that never quite paused. Julius¡® bodyguards¨Cmen and women recruited from Azania¡¯s darkest files¨Cmoved like a silent ck tide around their employer. They were outnumbered, yet each encounter ended the same way: an enemy spinning, then sprawling, then lying very still. Quinn stood off to the side, hands buried in her pockets, denied even the chance to lift a finger. Jade¡¯s hired bruisers toppled like dominoes, pride leaking onto the polished tiles with every thud. 15:33 Wed, Oct 1 Chapter 446 Officer Bunny +10 Free Coins The swagger vanished from Jade¡¯s posture, leaving her face pinched and rapidly whitening. Breathing hard, Jade red across the broken bodies. ¡°You¡­ you¨Cwhat are you really?¡± Julius did not bother to lift his eyes toward her. He simply angled his head toward Quinn. ¡°Ready to head home?¡± Updates are released by FindN0vel Quinn nodded. ¡°Sure.¡± Seeing them turn away, Jade¡¯s features twisted with fury and disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve crossed me- remember that! I¡¯ll uncover your names, and when I do, that woman¡¯s pretty hands will be the first price.¡± Julius¡® footsteps halted mid¨Cstride. In one fluid motion, he plucked the air rifle from the carnival shooting booth and leveled it at Jade¡¯s chest. Quinn froze, her breath catching; she had not expected him to do that. Even Julius¡® bodyguards stared, momentarily forgetting to breathe. Jade went rigid, a wintry shiver wing up her spine. The eyes staring at her were bottomless, detached, as though already studying her corpse. He means to kill me for real. Military 447 Chapter 447 A Hazard Chapter 447 A Hazard Panic nching her cheeks, Jade tried to summon her men. 10 Free Comis Mosty groaning on the ground; the few still conscious had neither strength nor courage to rise. ¡°D¨CDon¡¯t be rash! If you pull that trigger, the Rowley family will see you dead before you cross the border!¡± The threat trembled even as it left her lips. Julius kept the rifle steady. ¡°Whether I leave Celosia isn¡¯t your family¡¯s decision. But you- you¡¯re a hazard I won¡¯t allow to linger.¡± The memory of the recent firestorm that had nearly imed Quinn shed behind his eyes, fanning the colder rage in his veins. He wanted her safe and sound; he wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to touch her. Jade longed to run, but her legs felt like they were made from lead. At this range, even an air rifle could punch through flesh and bone. ¡°Wait¨Cplease! Spare me and I¡¯ll pay anything, everything!¡± Her tone copsed into begging, all earlier arrogance scrubbed clean. Julius¡® face did not twitch; his finger tightened on the trigger. Jade shrieked, squeezing her eyes shut. ¡°No! Don¡¯t!¡± Silence followed; the expected pain never arrived. Jade forced her trembling eyelids apart. The world snapped into focus just in time to see Quinn¡¯s slim fingers curl around Julius¡® trigger hand, halting the gun a breath before it spat death. ¡°Don¡¯t, Julius. There¡¯s no sense in courting trouble over a woman like her.¡± Quinn¡¯s voice was low yet firm, the kind one uses to pull a loved one back from a ledge. ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Julius answered, voice t as steel. ¡°If the Rowley heiress thinks she can drag the Whitethorn name into scandal, she¡¯s sorely out of her league.¡± ¡°But I care,¡± Quinn insisted, stepping closer, blocking the muzzle with nothing but her body and conviction. ¡°I won¡¯t watch you ruin yourself for my sake. Whether she dies or only gets wounded, thew wille for you.¡± 19:07 Thu, Oct 2 d Chapter 447 A Hazard 57 +10 Free CoinS She knew Julius possessed a hundred paths to slip any penalty, yet she refused to let even one smear stain the hands she loved. ¡°She wants your life,¡± Julius growled, as though that single fact granted him every right to take hers. ¡°Do you truly think my life is so easily imed?¡± Quinn lifted her chin. ¡°Even if she wants me dead, desire alone won¡¯t give her the skill.¡± ¡°Even a one¨Cin¨Cten¨Cthousand chance is too high,¡± he muttered. He feared waking to an empty world, feared the day Quinn vanished without a trace. Julius¡® obstinacy unfolded before Quinn like a storm cloud, darker andrger than she had ever pictured. That he would contemte murder over a single vicious remark left her reeling. ¡°Punish the Rowleys if you must¨Cthere are other ways,¡± she said, her gaze steady. ¡°I don¡¯t want blood on your hands. Call me na?ve or foolish, but the lessons drilled into me since childhood won¡¯t allow it.¡± She eased her fingers over the cold barrel, gently prying the weapon from Julius¡® sp as though untangling a thorn from flesh. ¡°Julius, I never want your palms drenched in blood because of me. If that woman trulyes for my life, I¡¯ll im hers myself,¡± she said. With the words still hanging, Quinn cast Jade a sidelong nce sharp enough to draw a cut. ¡°Y¨CYes! I swear I¡¯ll never do anything to you guys again, especially toward thedy!¡± Jade stammered, knees trembling so hard they nearly knocked together. Pride evaporated when a trigger hovered inches from her chest; survival, she realized, mattered far more. The handsome veneer on that man masked pure lunacy¨Cof that, Jade was now painfully certain. What madness possessed me to ever fancy such a man? She wanted to p herself awake. Quinn nodded, satisfied with Jade¡¯s surrender. ¡°Believe me, Julius¨CI told you, I¡¯ll outlive you.¡± Only then did his knuckle¨Cwhitened grip ease, finger uncurling from the trigger by slow degrees. 19:07 Thu, Oct 2 ¡­ Chapter 447 A Hazard Quinn exhaled, a soft rush of relief, and atst freed the air gun from his hand. Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n Find[?]ovel ¡°The Rowleys will still pay,¡± Julius said, his voice a drawn de. ¡°Fine by me,¡± Quinn answered without hesitation. With Julius¡® reach, forcing a Celosian conglomerate to its knees was no herculean task. 2 CD +10 Free Coins ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the hotel. I¡¯m a bit tired,¡± she said, threading her fingers through his. ¡°Very well,¡± Julius replied. He motioned for two bodyguards to remain behind and handle the aftermath. Military 448 Chapter 448 Narrow Escape Chapter 448 Narrow Escape +10 Free Coins The moment their car vanished, Jade¡¯s legs gave way and she copsed onto the asphalt, breath ragged. Who on earth is that terrifying man? The question echoed through her spinning mind. Why was he acting as though making the Rowley family pay were as effortless as knocking over a teacup? Have I really provoked a figure so lofty that a order from him could grind my life to dust? The thought bled the remaining color from Jade¡¯s face. A mmy fear slid down her spine, making her stomach churn. Back at the hotel, Quinn watched Julius ce the reimed Officer Bunny plush dead center on the pillow where he normally rested his head. ¡°Not going to tuck it away?¡± Quinn asked, one eyebrow tilting upward. She had assumed he would slip the toy straight into his suitcase, out of sight until they traveled home. Instead, he disyed it boldly, as though nning to fall asleep that night with the plush officer cradled in his arms. ¡°Why would I hide it?¡± Julius asked. ¡°You gave it so I¡¯d think of you. Seeing it out in the open should please you, right?¡± She had to admit, the man had a point. Quinn shrugged, said nothing more, and wandered to the couch. She propped her injured right leg across the cushions and began kneading her calf. They had walked longer than nned that afternoon, and the muscles along her calf now throbbed with a dull,ining ache. Still, the ache was normal for this stage of recovery. In a few more weeks, once the injury fully healed, she would stroll for hours without feeling a thing. Julius joined her, sat beside her, and gently lifted her right leg onto his thighs. ¡°Let me do it for you,¡± he murmured, those elegant fingers working carefully over her calf, coaxing tension out with practiced strokes. An involuntary sigh slipped from her lips. She had to admit, the man¡¯s touch was perfect¨Cjust Chapter 448 Narrow Escape the right pressure, enough to chase the ache away. ???), +10 Free Coms ¡°Do you please people a lot?¡± Julius asked, his voice brushing her car while his thumbs kept circling. ¡°Not at all¨Conly you,¡± she answered. She was no good at pleasing anyone, and they both knew it. ¡°Is it because you love me?¡± he pressed. ¡°Yeah,¡± she hummed, eyes fluttering closed, the pleasure of his massage making her drowsy. ¡°Then from today on, you may only please me. No more spreading that talent around.¡± His words fell in a soft, possessive whisper. ¡°Got it.¡± The corners of her mouth lifted; the demand was almost childlike, as if he refused to share his favorite toy. ¡°So even Han is off¨Climits¨Cyou won¡¯t please him either?¡± he asked out of the blue. Quinn¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°Why bring up Han?¡± she demanded. ¡°He¡¯s always mattered to you,¡± Julius said, gaze steady. ¡°If one day he asked you to please him, would you?¡± Quinn straightened, slipped her leg from hisp, and said seriously, ¡°No.¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t?¡± Julius¡® amber eyes narrowed, probing, almost dissecting her answer. ¡°I please you because I like you¨Cbecause I love you,¡± Quinn dered. ¡°Han is my friend. If he ever needed help, I¡¯d back him without hesitation, but I won¡¯t please or coax him the way 1 do to you.¡± She couldn¡¯t even picture what it would look like, trying to coax Han with the same gentle nonsense she used on Julius. He leaned forward, themplight catching the sharp angle of his cheekbones. In a voice velvet- soft yet edged with steel, he asked, ¡°Do you truly see him as nothing more than a friend?¡± ¡°Well¡­ I suppose I also think of him as a kid brother. When I was little, I used to wish for one. But tell me, Julius¨Cdo you still resent Han?¡± she replied, looking at Julius. His lips sealed into a hard line, the color draining from them as though emotion itself had been bled away. Am I not allowed to feel threatened? he wondered, bitterness prickling under his tongue. 2/3 57 Chapter 448 Narrow Escape +10 Free Coins She had once told him that she and Han were bound by blood¨Cdeep loyalty, the kind forged in gunfire and darkness where lives are traded without hesitation. In other words, she trusted Hanpletely¨Cone hundred But how much of that fierce trust did she reserve for him? Chapters first released on FindN0vel percent. Yes, she had said they could rebuild what he had broken, yet could shattered faith ever return to its original shape? If the day came when she realized she could never again trust him entirely, would she simply withdraw, slip out of his life with surgical precision, and bring their fragile union to an abrupt, irrevocable end? All these recent days, all theughing mornings and burning nights, would copse into nothing more than a beautiful, ridiculous dream. He pinned her with an unblinking stare. ¡°Suppose I admit it¡ªsuppose I tell you I do mind. What then? Would you cut Han out of your life, refuse ever to see him again?¡± Military 449 Chapter 449 The Ultimatum Chapter 449 The Ultimatum His heart contracted so violently it felt as though the muscle would tear itself apart. Every tendon in his frame drew tight, awareness settling in¨Che was probing her again, pushing against the limits of her patience to see where she would break. +10 Free Coins ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Quinn¡¯s answer broke out before she could temper it. ¡°Julius, I¡¯m not the kind of woman who ughters friendship on the altar of romance.¡± The words hit him like sleet. His eyes dropped; long ckshes hid the sudden dimming of hope. Of course, he thought, that was the only answer she could give. He should have expected it. What exactly have I been hoping for? No one knew better than he did that her love for him still ran dangerously shallow. Quinn bit down on her lower lip until color fled from it. She knew precisely the response he craved, yet lying to him felt like poisoning the very soil they were trying to mend. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I love you any less,¡± she whispered, cupping his face so their eyes met on the same fragile ne. ¡°Forgive me, Julius¨CI simply can¡¯t love in absolutes. My world holds friends, family, all iming pieces of my heart, and I refuse to carve them away.¡± Julius held her gaze, unmoving. Yes, she was different from him. Her universe thrummed with countless constetions of people, each demanding its own orbit. His universe revolved around a single sun¨CQuinn¨Cand nothing else existed beyond her light. ¡°If¡­¡± Quinn exhaled as though bracing to leap from a cliff. ¡°If your difort is so great you can¡¯t live with it, tell me now.¡± She knew that if some contradictions proved impossible to reconcile, she would¨Chowever unwillingly¨Cchoose to release his hand. Julius felt as if an unseen fist had punched straight through his rib cage and yanked at his heart. Is she preparing to let me go¨Cbefore I had even shown her how deeply I could love? Panic closed around his throat, invisible yet merciless, choking the breath from him. Chapter 449 The Ultimatum No. This cannot happen. +10 Free Coins No¨Cabsolutely not. How could she even imagine loosening her grip and watching me disappear? Quinn pivoted toward him, rm ring in her eyes. ¡°Julius, what¡¯s wrong? Your face has gone ghost¨Cwhite. Are you feeling unwell?¡± She reached up, intent on brushing his forehead for a fever. Julius caught her wrist with a snap of muscle and will. ¡°So you¡¯re ready to give up on me¨Cfor Han?¡± Quinn froze, confusion sshing across her features. ¡°What did you just say?¡± The eyes that were once winter¨Ccalm now glowed a raw, furious crimson. ¡°I asked if you were going to give up on me.¡± Quinn¡¯s throat worked as she searched for steady breath. ¡°I only think that if you can¡¯t stand my heart holding more than one person, then I¡¯ll respect that. I can¡­¡± Her words shattered beneath the sudden crush of his mouth. The kiss was brutal¨Cnothing like the tentative brush they¡¯d shared in the mall earlier¡ªthis was a storm breaking against the cliffs. It raged, a gale intent on sweeping every doubt away, violent enough to tear the air from her lungs. ¡°M¨Cmm¡­ Julius, you¡­ stop, I¡­¡± Each time she pried her lips apart to plead, his descended harder, drowning sybles before they could live. The kiss drove so deep she thought she might drown on drynd. Atst, he pulled back. Quinn gulped for air¨Cthen stiffened as cold shock rippled through her limbs. His fingers had already torn open her blouse. His lips roamed¨Cneck, shoulder¨Cleaving a feverish trail of possessive bites. ¡°Ah!¡± The cry slipped out when his teeth closed, hard enough to brand a bruise. ¡°What are you doing? We need to talk¨Ctell me what¡¯s really in your head!¡± Quinn¡¯s words tumbled out, sharp with panic. She refused to let another misunderstanding bloom between them. ¡°You want rity? Fine, I¡¯ll spell it out! You said you wanted us back together¨Cyou promised you¡¯d love me deeper every single day¨Cyou swore you¡¯d stake your life on it. So why, after a 19:07 Thu, Oct 2 d Official source is find?novel Chapter 449 The Ultimatum UA single sentence from me, are you ready to cast me off?¡± The voice that was once cool as sleet now rasped, edged with raw gravel. 416 Free Cone Quinn stared at him, stunned. His crimson eyes drilled into her, every question a de of usation. ¡°I was just afraid you couldn¡¯t ept it,¡± she whispered, lips tender from his assault. Julius panted, gaze still locked on her as though she were thest anchor in a storm¨Ctossed sea He wanted to keep her¨Cevery nce, every heartbeat¨Csolely for himself. What he coveted was absolute possession, leaving no corner of her untouched by his im. So the idea of her feelings straying¨Cof being shared¨Cwas poison to him. Yet worse than any jealousy was the terror that she might actually let him go. How could she even consider such a thing? ¡°Quinn, if you mean to prove you love me, how can you even think of quitting so easily?¡± His roar shook like a wounded beast. 7 She searched his face. Is that fear beneath the fury? 2 ¡°I just thought if this conflict can¡¯t be mended, then perhaps we should¡­¡± ¡°Stop¨Cdon¡¯t finish that sentence! There is no ¡®perhaps¡®!¡± he cut her short. Military 450 Chapter 450 Never Let Go Chapter 450 Never Let Go +10 Free Coins Quinn studied Julius¡® face. Conflict warred beneath his sculpted features, and¨Cfor once- those usually sharp falcon eyes flickered with something close to panic. He had refused to take her back right away, yet now, he fought just as fiercely to keep her from pulling away. Is it that he never truly felt safe¨Cconvinced my love is too thin, too fragile, that I might discard him at any moment? 2 Quinn¡¯s lips curved in a soft, sudden smile. She slipped her arms around the back of his neck, drawing him close. ¡°All right, I won¡¯t let go. As long as you don¡¯t tell me to let you go, my arms stay right here, Mr. Whitethorn¨Cis that good enough?¡± Julius blinked, momentarily stunned. A single rough word escaped him. ¡°What?¡± The panic in his eyes melted into nk astonishment. Quinn lifted her chin, voice steady despite the hammering of her heart. ¡°Unless you ask me to, I will never let you go.¡± She rose onto her toes and brushed a feather¨Clight kiss over his mouth. His entire body went rigid; wide eyes searched her face as though he no longer trusted his own senses. Find the newest release on ?ovelFind Only after a long, trembling silence did he part his dry lips. ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re not lying to me?¡± ¡°I told you¨CI want us to rebuild trust. No lies, no games. Why would I destroy that by faking something this important?¡± She reached up and brushed aside the stray strands that had fallen across his forehead. ¡°And if you¡¯re worried about Han, don¡¯t be. Before I flew to Celosia to find you, I made everything clear to him.¡± He stiffened, then asked in a low rasp, ¡°Made what clear?¡± ¡°That the man I love is you. I told him my feelings for him have never been romantic¨Cnever before, not now, not ever.¡± Her fingers found the first button of his shirt. One by one, she freed them, finally sying her hand over the warm thrum of his chest. In this intimate world, she meant to give him absolute security¨Cto let every heartbeat tell him how fiercely she loved him. 15:46 Fri, Oct 3 Chapter 450 Never Let Go +10 Free Coins ¡°Julius, I love you. I want us walking side by side, exploring every corner of the world we dream about. I want to open my eyes each morning and see you first. Even the way you flush and gasp when desire takes you¨Cthat too is mine alone to witness This fierce longing to keep you all to myself is new to me, yet it burns like wildfire.¡± D One deration after another, sheid her heart bare. His breathing hitched; his chest rose and fell beneath her palm. ¡°You want¡­ to keep me all to yourself?¡± ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t want you loving anyone else¨Conly me.¡± Her fingertips traced the steady drum of his heartbeat. ¡°So, what about you? Do you need more proof?¡± He stared at her, then slowly guided her hand to his lips. There, he pressed a reverent kiss into her palm. ¡°Your kindness and friendship you may share, but your love¨Call the days ahead- belongs only to me. And mine is yours alone.¡± He did not love easily, but once he loved, he poured in everything. If emotions were flowers, then his solitary blossom opened only for her and would close to every other sun. The heat of his mouth lingered against her palm. His gaze and the weight of his voice made the moment feel like a solemn vow. ¡°Very well. My love, for the rest of my life, is yours alone.¡± With equal gravity, she sealed her own promise. Later that night, Quinn stood on her balcony, phone pressed to her ear as she chatted with Laura. Han¡¯s name surfaced in the conversation. ¡°Oh, and it seems Han ns to head overseas¨Cdid you hear about that?¡± Laura said. Quinn straightened, startled. ¡°Overseas? I had no idea. He never mentioned it.¡± ¡°I only found out while visiting his firm,¡± Laura exined. ¡°I overheard him and his secretary talking about expanding abroad. Sounds like he¡¯ll be gone for several years.¡± Quinn held her tongue, the quiet wrapping around her like a shawl as the city lights beyond the window blinked without waiting for an answer. ¡°You know,¡± Laura muttered, lowering her voice as though gossip might sprout wings, ¡°after you married Trent Grafton, Han disappeared overseas for three years. Now he¡¯s packing his bags again¨Ctell me it isn¡¯t still about you.¡± 15:47 Fri, Oct 3 Chapter 450 Never Let Go 410 Free Cons ¡°I¡¯ll find time to talk to Han,¡± Quinn replied, meeting Laura¡¯s worried gaze. ¡°Is he leaving soon?¡± ¡°Not immediately,¡± Laura said, tapping her phone for emphasis. ¡°His assistant told me he has a few months of loose ends to tie up first.¡± ¡°Good. When I¡¯m back home, I¡¯ll arrange to see him.¡± Back then, she had missed every warning sign of Han¡¯s quiet devotion. By the time she finally understood, Julius had already taken up all the room in her heart. ¡°All right. When are you flying back?¡± Laura pressed. ¡°Soon. The Fane family is hosting a recognition banquet in a few days. After that, Julius and I will probably return together.¡± Julius hade to Celosia for one purpose: to donate stem cells to Lena. Now that the urgency had lifted, there was little else tethering him to this side of the ocean. ¡°Great, I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Lauraughed. ¡°By the time yound, the two of you will be officially back together, won¡¯t you?¡± Military 451 Chapter 451 Hidden Threats Chapter 451 Hidden Threats ¡°Looks that way,¡± Quinn said with a soft smile. 95 +10 Free Coins The words Julius had spoken earlier felt like a key turning in a long¨Clocked door: proof that, in his heart, he had let her in once more. Meanwhile, in the study of their hotel suite, Julius stood by the desk when Fabian¡¯s call lit up his phone. Readplete version only at Find¡ïNovel ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed your father is in the city,¡± Fabian reported, a hush of static framing his voice. ¡°Exact address is still unclear, but he¡¯s paid a fortune to hire an overseas hacker outfit.¡± ¡°A hacker outfit?¡± Julius echoed, eyes narrowing. ¡°Yes, and that¡¯s not all. He¡¯s also spending big to dispatch mercenaries to Celosia.¡± ¡°Trace both the hackers and the mercenaries,¡± Julius said, voice dropping to a lethal whisper. ¡°When you find them, eliminate them all.¡± His father hadn¡¯te to Celosia for sightseeing, not with hired guns in tow. Is he after me? Or, after Quinn? He refused to let the same thing happen again. He would not let his father have the chance to strike. Leaving the study, Julius found Quinn reclining against a heap of pillows, a foreign novel resting open in her hands. ¡°All finished?¡± she asked, looking up over the rim of the book. The bedsidemp painted her in pools of amber, turning the room into something that felt almost holy. ¡°Yes,¡± he said, loosening his tie. ¡°So¨Cwhat do you think of that one?¡± ¡°Surprisingly engaging,¡± she answered, tapping the margin where she had made an invisible note. ¡°The author¡¯s theory takes a road nobody else bothers to pave.¡± He remembered, not for the first time, that their bookshelves could be swapped and no one would notice. ¡°If you¡¯re into that author, I¡¯ve got a few more titles. You can read them when you¡¯re bored,¡± he 15:47 Fri, Oct 3 Chapter 451 Hidden Threats said. : 20 10 Free Coins She lowered the hardcover with a quiet snap,mplight gliding across her gentle features. ¡°Sure. It¡¯s gettingte¨Cgo rinse off and climb into bed.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Julius answered softly, the single word carrying more obedience than a whole speech ever could. When he came back from the bathroom, steam still clinging to his hair, she was already curled beneath the duvet, breathing slow and even. He paused at the bedside, studying the calm of her sleeping face. Just looking at her settled something restless inside his chest. He lifted the covers and slid in beside her. The moment he reached for the switch, the room fell to darkness¨Cand her hand found his, warm, slender, and sure. ¡°Did I wake you?¡± Julius whispered, startled by the sudden touch. ¡°Not really,¡± she mumbled, voice thick with drowsiness. ¡°My sleep is light, and I can only rest easy when I¡¯m holding your hand.¡± ¡°You¡¯re afraid I¡¯ll spend the night staring at the ceiling again?¡± he asked in a low murmur. ¡°Mm¨Chmm¡­ I¡¯m scared you¡¯ll take pills again,¡± she murmured, half awake. ¡°Julius, promise me -you must never swallow those pills anymore. I want you¡­ safe and sound¡­ every single year that passes.¡± He bent closer, gaze lingering on the soft curve of hershes. Her breathing settled into an even rhythm; she was truly asleep now. Safe and sound, huh? He wanted the same for her¨Cyear after unbroken year. For that wish, he was ready to sacrifice anything. Two dayster, Quinn walked into the hospital where Margaret was staying, anxiety knotting her palms. Everett had already spoken to his mother,ying out everything¨CQuinn and her brother Rowan, and the truth about theirte mother, Arlene. When Margaret first learned her daughter had died years ago, shock nearly stole her consciousness. Only the revtion that her daughter had left behind two children kept the older woman from 15:47 Fri, Oct 3 Chapter 451 Hidden Threats copsing. 200 14 Free Coins The moment she understood Rowan was her grandson, she drew him into a fierce embrace, tears soaking his shoulder while she searched his features for a trace of the daughter she lost. Everett then produced the photo album he had brought from Azania¨Cpage after page of Arlene¡¯s smiling face. Margaret wept until her strength waned. Once she calmed down, Everett arranged for Quinn to meet her. Fearing a sudden surge of emotion might endanger his mother¡¯s fragile mind, Everett chose a consultation suite inside the hospital for the meeting. A full medical team waited nearby, monitors humming, ready for anything. If the slightest emergency red, help would be only a breath away. Quinn stepped into the room and spotted Rowan, Everett, and several nurses gathered inside. Yet her eyes went first to the elderly woman seated on the couch. Margaret wore a flowing ck dress, a golden pearl ne, and matching earrings that gleamed softly beneath fluorescent lights. Snow¨Cwhite hair coiled elegantly atop her head. The faint lines across her face made Quinn see, with aching rity, what her own mother might have looked like in old age. No introductions were needed; Quinn knew at once this was her grandmother¨Cthe woman who had given life to the mother she so dearly missed. Margaret had only to glimpse Quinn before emotion lifted her from the chair. Her hands shook, and her lips quivered. ¡°Quinn? Is that you, Quinn?¡± she called, hope and disbelief tangling in every syble. ¡°Yes, Grandma, it¡¯s me¨CQuinn,¡± she answered at once, her voice soft yet urgent. Injured right leg protesting, she still folded the room into three swift strides, closing the distance before pain could argue. Military 452 Chapter 452 Bloodline Reunited Chapter 452 Bloodline Reunited +10 Free Coins ¡°Yara¡¯s daughter¡­¡± Margaret¡¯s voice broke, wonder and grief colliding. ¡°Heaven has not forsaken me after all. In this lifetime, I still get to see both of Yara¡¯s children. If only Everett and I had found Yara sooner¡­ perhaps she would still be alive. I failed her. I failed my daughter!¡± Tears pricked Quinn¡¯s eyes. ¡°Grandma, Mom gave her life for what she believed in. If she were standing here, she¡¯d tell you she has no regrets. Please don¡¯t me yourself. Seeing you burdened with guilt would only sadden her.¡± Yet Margaret¡¯s tears only fell harder, each one a small, helpless surrender. Quinn peeled a tissue free and dabbed gently at her grandmother¡¯s cheeks, as though trying to lift the sorrow itself from the wrinkled skin. Margaret could not stop asking¨Cevery habit, every memory, every fleeting smile that had belonged to Yara. Quinn answered all of them, stitching moments together until the hospital room filled with whispered snapshots of a life now gone. Time slipped unnoticed. By the end, Quinn¡¯s throat burned with dryness, yet her grandmother still had more questions. Even though her daughter had passed away, Margaret still wanted to know if she had been happy while she was still alive. Everett rested a steady hand on his mother¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Mom, there¡¯s plenty of time. Quinn can share the rest another day.¡± Margaret exhaled a long, uneven breath, emotion crowding her words. ¡°Yes¡­ plenty of time- plenty of time.¡± A guard knocked, voice pitched with deference. ¡°Mr. Fane, Mr. Julius Whitethorn is outside. He says he¡¯se to collect Ms. Quinn.¡± Quinn blinked, startled. Julius is here? She nced at the clock; afternoon had somehow bled into early evening. Everett¡¯s brow knit, but his answer was simple. ¡°Show him in.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The guard slipped away. Momentster, Julius stepped into the room. He crossed directly to Margaret and offered a courteous bow. ¡°Lady Margaret Fane, forgive the intrusion.¡± 15:47 Fri, Oct 3 Chapter 452 Bloodline Reunited Margaret¡¯s eyes narrowed in polite confusion. ¡°And you are?¡± +10 Free Co ¡°I¡¯m¡­ Quinn¡¯s¡± Julius began, then hesitated, the rest of the sentence caught somewhere between caution and desire. ¡°Boyfriend,¡± Quinn finished for him. ¡°Grandma, this is Julius Whitethorn, an Azanian like me -my boyfriend.¡± ¡°Ah, Quinn¡¯s boyfriend.¡± The words left Margaret on a sigh as she studied Julius with new focus. as though wishing to pour a decade of absent affection into this young man. Tall,posed, aristocratic¨CJulius¡® cool reserve usually created distance, yet inside the ward he deliberately gentled his gaze, dimming the frost so warmth could reach the family. ¡°Very good, very good,¡± Margaret dered. ¡°When the Fane family holds the recognition banquet, Quinn, bring your young man along.¡± Julius replied before anyone else. ¡°We wouldn¡¯t miss it.¡± Quinn shot him a quick, surprised nce, lids lifting just enough to reveal her question. In the past few days, she hadn¡¯t dared ask where they stood. Yet every moment together felt like the early days¨Ceasy, humming, alive. Now Julius epted the title of boyfriend without a blink and even promised to attend the banquet with her. Across the room, Rowan caught her eye, a silent question shimmering. Have you two reconciled? Quinn answered with a small, certain nod, her gaze saying what words had not. Probably, yes. Even though Rowan¡¯s memories, stilly scattered like shards beneath a fog he could not part, the bond between brother and sister had begun to knit itself back together with uncanny speed. Sometimes one nce¨Cno more than a flicker of the eyes¨Cwas all it took for them to trade full conversations without a sound. ¡°Quinn, since Mr. Whitethorn is here to collect you, why don¡¯t you return to the hotel and get some proper rest?¡± Everett said, his tone gentle yetced with the authority of the family patriarch. ¡°Come back to Fane Manor tomorrow. We need to discuss the details of the reception where we will formally announce you as our kin.¡± ¡°All right,¡± Quinn said with a respectful nod, though her eyes shed with a quiet resolve that suggested she was already weighing tomorrow¡¯s conversation. 15:47 Fri, Oct 3 Chapter 452 Bloodline Reunited Th?s chapter is updated by Find_Novel(. 0: Margaret, exhausted by the long hours and the swell of emotions, allowed herself to be led back to her room. Thus Rowan fell in step beside Quinn and Julius, and the trio slipped out of the hospital into the velvet hush of night. ¡°Rowan,¡± Quinn asked softly as they crossed the nearly empty parking lot, ¡°how¡¯s Lena doing?¡± ¡°Still the same,¡± Rowan murmured, opening the passenger door for Quinn. ¡°She¡¯s hanging in there, yet the specialists say six months is probably her limit.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Quinn whispered, the words barely more than a breath, as though apologies could mend failing marrow. Rowan ced a steady hand on Quinn¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize,¡± he said. ¡°Without you and Julius, Lena would never have been given a shot at life. In six months, let¡¯s hope Julius can truly save her.¡± ¡°I will save Lena,¡± Julius said, his voice like iron beneath velvet. ¡°Rest easy. This isn¡¯t a promise I make lightly.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± Rowan answered, meeting Julius¡® gaze with solemn intensity. ¡°I owe you for this- now and always.¡± When Rowan¡¯s silhouette disappeared into the darkness, Julius turned to Quinn, a flicker of doubt breaking through his practicedposure. ¡°If six months pass and I learn I can¡¯t donate those stem cells,¡± he asked quietly, ¡°will you regret the choice you made?¡± The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Military 453 Chapter 453 Pledge And Bloodline +5 Free Coins! Quinn shook her head with quiet certainty. ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± she told him, her voice as steady as polished steel. ¡°You gave your word to donate the stem cells, and you¡¯re not the kind of man who breaks a promise.¡± Julius¡® darkshes fluttered. She had misunderstood. She thought he was asking what if he went back on his word, when what gnawed at him was far crueler¨Cthe chance that fate might rob him of the opportunity altogether. One split¨Csecond ident, and his body could be useless cargo, incapable of giving her the help he had pledged. ¡°Thank you, Julius¨Ctruly,¡± Quinn said, emotion glistening behind herposure. ¡°To save. Lena, you¡¯ve gone farther than anyone else would.¡± She still marveled at it. He had quietly submitted himself for testing, and against all odds, his tissue profile had matched. ¡°You didn¡¯t want your brother grieving,¡± Julius answered simply. ¡°Lena is the one you want to save, so I will save her.¡± Compassion had never been his natural state; whateverpassion stirred in him now existed solely because of her. ¡°But even if you¡¯re willing, you still need to get your strength back,¡± she insisted, eyes earnest. ¡°Six months of recuperation, then we donate. Promise me you won¡¯t change your mind.¡± He held her gaze for a long beat, the world narrowing to the flecks of resolve in her eyes. know,¡± he finally said. But he never promised that he would only donate it after six months. The Fane family¡¯s uing recognition banquet had be the talk of Celosia¡¯s upper crust. ¡°I The Fanes already perched at the summit of power, yet rumor fed on the empty seats in their bloodline. Everett Fane¡¯s branch had stood heirless¨Cuntil three years ago, when an illegitimate son appeared. Even that exnation failed to satisfy the watchful branches of the family; those in the know whispered that the boy shared not a single strand of Fane DNA, nothing more than a convenient decoy. Everyone assumed the assets would splinter among the side branches. Now, everything had changed. The supposed impostor turned out to be Everett¡¯s blood nephew, Leander Fane¨Cand he had a sister as well. Everett, unmarried and childless, had spent years hunting the Fane family¡¯s 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Chapter 453 Pledge And Bloodline 94 ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? F¦Énd£Îovel s missing heiress, Arlene¨Cnow deceased¨Conly to discover she had left behind two living heirs. In the light of that revtion, the vast Fane empire would inevitably flow toward those two children. For theing banquet, Everett nned to unveil them before nearly every notable figure in Celosia, cementing their identities in polished gold. Any seasoned observer could see the dynasty tilting on its axis. The ceremony would take ce at the Fane Manor, where the scent of cedar and old money never faded. Upstairs, Rowan stopped outside the bedroom the Fanes had once kept ready for histe mother; since her passing, it had be Quinn¡¯s room whenever she stayed at the manor. Downstairs, the guests were already filling the marble foyer. The hour to appear had arrived. ¡°Quinn, are you ready? The banquet is about to begin,¡± Rowan called, rapping gently on the door. The door swung open. A stylist stood there, pins between her lips and a cascade of silk in her arms. Quinn stood before the full¨Clength mirror. Moving with deliberate grace, she pivoted toward Rowan. Her silver¨Cgray gown caught the chandelier light, and the ruby ne, once their mother¡¯s treasure, red like dawn against her throat. ¡°I¡¯m ready now, Rowan,¡± she said, her voice calm yet carrying a ripple of excitement. Rowan felt his eyes well with tears. As he watched his sister in their mother¡¯s gown and jewels, half¨Cformed memories fluttered- Arlene¡¯s gentle smile melding with Quinn¡¯s determined poise, the two images fusing in a bittersweet ovey. If Mom were here¨Cif she had lived long enough to reunite with her family¨Cshe would be so happy. Rowan drew close, extending his hand. ¡°Come on,¡± he murmured. Quinn answered with a soft ¡°Mm¨Chmm,¡± looping her arm through his, their joined silhouettes already echoing the harmony of a family reimed. Downstairs, the great hall of the manor thrummed with murmured expectations; chandeliers zed above a sea of tuxedos and gowns. At the head of the room stood Everett beside Margaret, their posture regal yet taut. 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Chapter 453 Pledge And Bloodline 4 45 Free Coins ¡°Today, I have an announcement,¡± Everett dered, voice steady though its edges trembled. ¡°Many of you already suspect the truth. Years ago, our family lost my sister Arlene. After years. of searching, I located her atst, only to learn the cruel answer¨Cshe is gone.¡± He paused, the microphone capturing a small hitch in his breath. Beside him, Margaret¡¯s carefully paintedposure cracked; sorrow rippled across her dignified face like a stone splitting still water. Everett straightened, resolve hardening behind moist eyes. ¡°Yet Arlene left us two precious gifts¨Cher children. From this day forward, Rowan Bridger and Quinn Bridger are not only of the Bridger bloodline. They are heirs of the Fane family¨Cmy heirs.¡± 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Military 454 Chapter 454 New Heirs Announced s The promation detonated through the hall like a silent firework; murmurs swelled into a collective gasp. For years, society had whispered that childless Everett might leave the vast Fane fortune to Arlene¡¯s offspring, but rumor was still rumor. Hearing the words spoken aloud felt like watching a locked vault swing open. At that moment, Rowan and Quinn appeared at the top of the grand staircase, arm in arm, descending with unhurried grace as though every step were choreographed by destiny itself. All eyes pivoted upward, conversations dying mid¨Csentence. Rowan wore a ck tuxedo, white shirt, and a midnight¨Cblue tie. The cut of the suit and the unmistakable Fane features proimed his lineage more loudly than any speech. Once branded an illegitimate shadow, he now strode into the light as the rightful heir. Quinn¡¯s silver gown clung like moonlight; her hair was swept into a purposeful chignon, revealing high cheekbones and steady eyes that blended elegance with battlefield resolve. She radiated a quiet authority, as though storms were merely lessons she had already mastered. Most of the elites had met Rowan over the past three years, and his appearance no longer surprised them. Quinn, however, was a revtion. They had heard she came from an ordinary Azanian household, yet the authority in her bearing eclipsed many daughters of powerful ns. She moved like someone who had already charted rough seas;vish wealth and gathered nobility clearly failed to intimidate her. ¡°Quinn Bridger,¡± she said, offering only the name¨Cno titles, no apologies. The simplicity struck harder than any pedigree recitation; it told the room she defined herself. In a shadowed corner, Julius watched her with unblinking focus, every movementmitted to his formidable memory. The woman he admired needed no protection; asions like this were her natural terrain. The city¡¯s luminaries surged forward, eager to greet the newly christened heirs, each handshake an unspoken bid for favor. 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Chapter 454 New Heirs Announced On the periphery, cadet branches of the Fane family exchanged tight¨Clipped nces, resentment flickering like static beneath polished smiles. 4 s They had walked into the banquet believing there would be plenty to carve up, that when the night ended, they would cach carry home a shining share of tomorrow. Instead, every path mmed shut, hope fluttering out like a candle the moment the doors closed again. After circling the room with a practiced smile, Quinn finally caught sight of Julius. He leaned against a shadow¨Ckissed column, the chandelier¡¯s glow etching pale gold along the edge of his perfectly tailored jacket. ¡°Word is you were a nobody back in Azania.¡± A sharp voice rang out just as Quinn was about to approach Julius. ¡°Feels nice, doesn¡¯t it, leaping straight to the clouds? Just try not to disgrace the Fane name while you¡¯re at it.¡± Quinn lifted her gaze. Blocking her path stood a young woman whose features mirrored Serena¡¯s so closely they might have been cast from the same mold¨Conly this face carried far less warmth. Quinn¡¯s memory flicked to the Fane personnel files she had reviewed; that same face had stared out from a grainy photograph tucked near the end. Jacqueline Fane, Serena¡¯s younger sister, a coteral branch member forever circling the family¡¯s zing core. ¡°So you think this is what leaping through the clouds looks like?¡± Quinn asked, her tone calm enough to draw frost on the rim of her ss. ¡°If that¡¯s the limit of your vision, I almost pity you.¡± ¡°Vision?¡± Jacquelineughed, the sound brittle. ¡°You¡¯re a divorc¨¦e whose ex¨Chusband is drowning in bankruptcy andwsuits. Youtch on to us the moment we look prosperous, then leave him to rot. A gold¨Cdigging climber like you shouldn¡¯t preach perspective.¡± The cluster of socialites nking Jacqueline broke into cruel, delighted giggles, as though someone had uncorked a bottle of spite and passed it around. ¡°Bing the Fane heiress isn¡¯t half that easy!¡± ¡°Does she really think a woman with zero ability can keep that throne?¡± ¡°Give it time¨Cshe¡¯ll turn the whole city into a circus and drag the Fane household into the ring beside her!¡± Quinn let the mockery roll over her. From the corner of her eye, she spotted several gray- templed uncles from the family¡¯s coteral branch, all watching with patient interest. So this is 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Chapter 454 New Heirs Announced their test, she realized. s She understood the rules: show the slightest timidity now, and those same branches would spend years yanking that weakness like a bell rope, ringing her humiliation whenever it pleased them. The source of th?s content is F?nd-Novel ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll be tomorrow¡¯s punchline,¡± Quinn said, voice smooth as silk drawn over steel. ¡°But in a moment, I guarantee the joke will be on you.¡± Jacqueline¡¯s smirk widened¨Cthen her eyes snagged on a figure about to walk past. ¡°Jade, didn¡¯t you tell me this stray hen would throw her weight around once shetched onto the Fanes? Well, look¨Cshe¡¯s doing exactly what you predicted.¡± Quinn turned and recognized the slim silhouette: Jade Rowley, a face she had encountered only days earlier. Jade had been angling for a discreet escape, cursing her luck when Jacqueline called her name. She had arrived tonight hoping for a simpleworking exercise¨Conly to discover that the newly found Fane heiress was the very woman she had crossed in the street days ago. Since that confrontation, the Rowley family¡¯s ventures had been battered from every side, leaving her father and brothers pacing the house with storm¨Ccloud brows. Only then had Jade learned the awful truth: the man she offended was none other than the current power behind the Whitethorn empire. Her rtives had tried to arrange a personal apology, but their requests were brushed aside before they ever reached the Whitethorn office. Attending the Fane recognition banquet tonight was, for the Rowleys, a desperate attempt to have the Fanes help mend things with the Whitethorns. Rumor said the Fane and Whitethorn families enjoyed cordial ties. The moment Jade saw Quinn, she knew the n was doomed. Military 455 Chapter 455 Banquet Barbs Chapter 455 Banquet Barbs. :- 1930 s Right now, Jade wanted nothing more than to bolt for the exit and craft a new strategy. But Jacqueline¡¯s shrill call froze her in ce, pinning her like a spotlight. Of all nights, why did that fool have to notice me tonight? What infuriated Jade even more was the moment Jacqueline, cheeks flushed with gossip- fueled excitement, repeated every reckless sentence Jade had once blurted out just to sound clever. With each syble, she could almost feel the ground beneath her vanish. Jacqueline was not only pushing her toward a direct sh with Quinn but, by extension, with Julius¨Cthe silent storm looming behind Quinn. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say back then,¡± Jacqueline drawled, her chin tilted in feather¨Clight mockery, ¡°that a woman who lives for advantage must be picturing herself climbing into the Fane circle to snare a husband from high society? And you mocked her chances, remember? You asked what heir worth his pedigree would marry a divorced nobody with zero aplishments.¡± Beads of cold sweat blossomed across Jade¡¯s forehead. Rage churned in her stomach, hot and sour. You idiot, Jacqueline. Why? Quinn is already with Mr. Whitethorn! She needs no other eligible bachelor. Jade broke in, voice trembling, ¡°Ms. Bridger¡­ please, don¡¯t listen to Jacqueline¡¯s nonsense!¡± ¡°How is it nonsense?¡± Jacqueline shot back. ¡°Didn¡¯t you swear that if you ever met this divorced woman, you¡¯d teach her what a real society heiress looks like?¡± ¡°Enough¨Cshut up, Jacqueline Fane!¡± Jade exploded, fearing that another sentence might doom the entire Rowley family once the Fanes and Whitethorns joined forces. ¡°Come on, Jade Rowley, what¡¯s this?¡± Jacqueline prodded, eyes gleaming. ¡°You¡¯re the Rowley heiress¨Care you actually afraid of a suddenly¨Cappearing divorc¨¦e?¡± ¡°Drag me into this one more d*mn time and I swear it¡¯s thest thing you¡¯ll ever do!¡± Fury detonated. Jade lunged forward and snarled, pping Jacqueline across the face. Stung, Jacqueline refused to back down and returned the blow with equal force, the crack echoing like a starter pistol. The two pampered heiresses, gowns swirling like torn banners, toppled into an udylike brawl. Around them, the guests froze¡ªafter all, Jade and Jacqueline usuallyughed arm in arm, 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Chapter 455 Banquet Barbs Chapters first released on f?i?n?d?n?o?v?e?l? darlings of the same privileged circle. 6923 +5 Free Coitis Several mutual friends, scattered through the ballroom, hurried over with desperate hands raised, intent on pulling them apart. Yet in the tangle, an elbow meant to pacify struck the wrong cheek, and suddenly the peacemakers were throwing punches of their own. Beneath wless smiles, these sons and daughters of dynasties nursed old grudges; tonight, those fissures split wide. What began as an ident hardened into deliberate swings, silk¨Cd arms rising again and again. Pandemonium billowed like smoke, drowning the chandelier light in shrieks and shattering crystal. All eyes in the banquet hall turned. The Fane family¡¯s security hurried in, ck suits parted by earpiece cords. But with heirs and heiresses locked in a rolling melee, the guards hesitated; one wrong grab could doom their careers. Quinn¡¯s brow tightened. This was the Fane family¡¯s recognition banquet¨Cdisaster was not on the program. Before she could move, Julius appeared at her side, voice a low thunder. ¡°Allow me. Your leg¡¯s still healing, and wading in isn¡¯t convenient.¡± ¡°No worries¨CI won¡¯t need my leg, only my hands.¡± With that, she seized the two nearestbatants, wrenched them apart, and dropped each with one decisive punch. Before gasps could fully form, Quinn was already among the fray, each step a blur, each strike precise, sending silk¨Csleeved figures crashing to the parquet. Within heartbeats, every brawlery groaning and clutching bruised ribs or jaws, the ballroom echoing with theirment. Quinn finally leveled her gaze at Jacqueline and Jade. ¡°Do either of you intend to keep fighting?¡± ¡°No!¡± Jade yelped, hands raised in immediate surrender. She had tasted Quinn¡¯s discipline once before; she wasn¡¯t foolish enough to invite it again, especially with Quinn¡¯s formidable guardian standing behind her. 9:55 Sun, Oct 5 Chapter 455 Banquet Barbs 45 Free Coins Jade stole a nce at Julius¨Cthe man every Rowley connection had failed to reach was now casually positioned at Quinn¡¯s shoulder, ready to move at the slightest ripple. ¡°What now, Quinn Bridger, you n to hit me, too?¡± Jacqueline hissed. ¡°So what if you¡¯re Uncle Everett¡¯s niece? Never forget¨CI¡¯m a Fane. The Fane house doesn¡¯t bow to you.¡± A dull bang cut her speech short¨Cthe sound of Jacqueline¡¯s back colliding with the banquet table after Quinn¡¯s single, unanswerable punch. A polished leather shoe shot forward and crashed squarely into Jacqueline¡¯s midsection. A heartbeat earlier, she had been all swagger and sneer. Now she toppled hard onto the marble, a guttural cry ripping from her throat. Military 456 20:35 Mon, Oct 6 N Chapter 456 The Computer Genius Chapter 456 The Computer Genius The man who had delivered that ruthless strike was Julius. Among the glittering aristocrats crowding the ballroom tonight, Julius was an unfamiliar silhouette. Only a handful could ce his lineage or the empire he quietly controlled. So when he publicly nted his boot in Jacqueline, a shocked hiss rolled through the hall. Everyone thought Julius must be crazy. After all, this was the Fane family¡¯s banquet. Jacqueline, though of a coteral branch, still bore the Fane blood. More than that, she was a prodigy in cybersecurity, a wunderkind who had brought early glory to the n. Her genius had long purchased her the right to be imperious. Yet here, beneath her own family¡¯s chandeliers, that genius humiliated¡ªthis was no rowdy scuffle among bored heirs. It was a single, crushing blow that pulverized her pride. ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? ?ovelFind ¡°Who are you¡ªsome speck of dust¨Cto speak of her like that?¡± Julius growled, looking down at her. Jacqueline pointed at Quinn furiously. ¡°Quinn, you washed¨Cup divorc¨¦e, is this gigolo your hired muscle? This is a Fane banquet¨Cdragging a pretty boy in here shames all of us!¡± Jade hid a cold smile. So what if she¡¯s aputer genius? She¡¯s still an idiot at times. Gigolo? That man rules Whitethorn Group! Let¡¯s see her suffer what I¡¯ve endured. A sharp crack split the air. A hand had collided with Jacqueline¡¯s cheek, turning her head with brutal force. She staggered sideways, heels skidding, nearly copsing again. ¡°Who dares strike me¨Chave you lost your mind?¡± She wheeled toward the crowd, but the words died on her lips. Everett stood in front of her, anger carved deep across his usuallyposed features. That punishing p hade from him. ¡°I finally locate my long¨Clost niece, and you¡¯re insulting her? Jacqueline, how dare you create a scene on a night like this!¡± Everett hissed. Jacqueline covered her swollen cheek. ¡°Uncle Everett, it was Quinn¨Cshe sed her pretty boy on me first! She¡¯s freshly divorced yet drags him here. She treats our banquet like trash and makes the whole Fane family look foolish!¡± 20:36 Mon, Oct 6 N Chapter 456 The Computer Genius +10 Free Comis ¡°Since when does a coteral branch get to judge the main family? Tonight honors my sister and me. Whoever she wishes to invite is wee, no questions asked.¡± Rowan¡¯s calm voice cut through the tension. Color drained from Jacqueline¡¯s face, leaving only mottled humiliation. She had once dismissed Rowan, the so¨Ccalled illegitimate son, certain he would never stir real currents inside the corporation. Now the illegitimate child had be a nephew¨Cand worse, legitimate Fane blood. From this night forward, she suspected, his shadow would eclipse hers at every board meeting. Everyone had always known Jacqueline was a prodigy with a keyboard. Since childhood, rumor whispered that, if the family patriarch truly had no heir, she¨Cbright¨Ceyed, unerringly brilliant¨Cwas the only one likely to inherit the empire. ¡°Might I remind you that I am safeguarding the Fane name,¡± Jacqueline said, chin angled high. ¡°What, are branch rtives somehow born inferior? Without us, Fane Group would never shine as it does.¡± ¡°Heh.¡± The cold chuckle slipped from Everett¡¯s lips. ¡°Tell me, then¨Cdoes today¡¯s glory belong to the sideline branches?¡± The wordsnded like a whip. Around the ballroom, the branch family members nched, theirplexions draining to the color of wet ash. For all the grand talk of unity, everyone understood a brutal truth: the fortune was the main line¡¯s alone. The branches merely clung to it, gilded parasites fattening on another¡¯sbor. If the patriarch ever stopped feeding them, those glittering surnames would be worth less than dust. ¡°Yes, Jacqueline misspoke,¡± a rtive from the branch line blurted, sweat beading at his temples. ¡°Still, her intentions are clear. Fane Group¡¯s celebrated cybersecurity system bears her fingerprints; no one can deny her contribution.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± others chimed in, seizing courage from his defense. ¡°Everett, even if you wish to shield Quinn, you must admit Jacqueline is thinking of the family. Quinn is newly divorced and has marched in here with some man of unknown origin¨Chardly proper for a society banquet. She grew up outside these circles in a small family and cannot be med for ignorance, but now that she has been acknowledged, she should learn the rules of a distinguished house.¡± Military 457 Chapter 457 The Storm Chapter 457 The Storm +10 Free Coins ¡°Small family?¡± Julius¡® voice was cool enough to frost ss. ¡°The Bridger n of Yarburn, Azania, is a house of standing. Tell me¨Cdo you Celosians look down on Azania now?¡± The branch cousin who had spoken reddened. ¡°A pretty boy like you has no right to speak here!¡± Rowan stepped forward calmly. ¡°This pretty boy is Mr. Julius Whitethorn, head of Whitethorn Group. Does that sound like a mere pretty face to you?¡± A collective gasp rippled through the hall; even Jacqueline¡¯s expression copsed into stunned disbelief. ¡°Whitethorn Group?¡± The name hung in the air like a struck bell. Only weeks ago, the patriarch himself had flown to Azania, cap in hand, hoping to secure a partnership with that very conglomerate. And yet the handsome, cial man standing before them was Julius Whitethorn in the flesh. ¡°Impossible.¡± Jacqueline¡¯s voice cracked on the word, her eyes wide enough to mirror the chandelier¡¯s mes. Quinn moved to Julius¡® side, her dress whispering across the marble. ¡°Mr. Whitethorn is my boyfriend,¡± she stated, clear and steady. ¡°He came today to celebrate my acknowledgment, though it seems certain people have misunderstood.¡± Boyfriend? Faces froze, jaws ck¨Ca tableau of sheer bewilderment. They hadbeled Quinn an unremarkable woman, divorced, of modest origin. Now they discovered she was dating the Whitethorn Group leader. The revtion upended every quiet. calction made before dessert. All eyes swung to Julius, hungry for a reaction, as though the verdict of the night rested on his next breath. Even Quinn was nervous. The past few days had felt like old times, easy banter and lingering nces, yet she still had no idea whether they were truly together again. 20:36 Mon, Oct 6 N Chapter 457 The Storm +10 Free Coins If he denies it here, I¡¯m finished. I¡¯ll shut him up the only way I can¨Cby kissing him right in front of them all. Julius turned his head with deliberate slowness and let his gaze settle on Quinn, who stood so close he could feel the brush of her breath against his check. Her eyes¨Cmidnight¨Cdark, long-shed, shaped like a phoenix¡¯s wing¨Cseemed as calm as ss over deep water, yet he could not tell whether storms thrashed beneath the surface. In that suspended beat, Quinn realized she could not begin to guess what thoughts prowled behind hisposed fa?ade. ¡°Have you truly made up your mind, Quinn? Is this¨Cour future¨Cwhat you want?¡± Julius murmured, his voice no louder than the clink of crystal. ¡°If the answer is yes, understand there will be no turning back.¡± Because I will never again allow you to slip from my grasp. Leave once more, and no corner of the world will hide you from me. ¡°I decided long ago, and you know it,¡± Quinn shot back, chin tilted. ¡°I don¡¯t do regrets, so I need no escape use¨Cunless you¡­ 11 Her words dissolved as his mouth imed hers, a fierce, possessive kiss that swallowed the rest of the sentence and every startled gasp around them. ¡°Since you feel no regret, there is no unless.¡± The brazen kiss, delivered beneath chandeliers and a hundred widening eyes, proimed their bond more clearly than any official announcement. Everett and Rowan exchanged identical frowns¨Cthe resigned look of men who had just watched their beloved sister and cousin taken by another man. Yes, the man in question was obscenely wealthy, wlessly sculpted, and obedient to Quinn, yet the spectacle still grated on their nerves. Worse, he seemed perfectly happy to feast in full view of polite society. All around the hall, shock melted into swift calction. It dawned on the guests that Quinn was not only the Fane family¡¯s cherished princess; she was the inevitable future matriarch of the Whitethorn dynasty. When the moment came to choose allegiances, the correct direction had just shed in zing neon. Checktest chapters at find?novel Jacqueline trembled so violently that her diamond bracelet rattled. If Julius was truly responsible for her earlier disgrace¨Cthe public humiliation and that vicious kick¨Cthen every bruise amounted to nothing but wasted pain. ¡°You knew all along, didn¡¯t you?¡± Jacqueline hissed, whipping toward Jade with eyes sharp 20:36 Mon, Oct 6 N Chapter 457 The Storm enough to slice crystal. : +10 Free Coins After all, Jade had once sneered at Quinn. How else could her sudden reverence be exined? ¡°Yeah. I found out a few days before you,¡± Jade admitted through a tight grimace. Her cheekbones and ribs still throbbed from the punches she had collected earlier; each pulse of pain was a vivid reminder. ¡°So you decided to sit back and enjoy the show?¡± Jacqueline snapped. ¡°You dragged me into this circus,¡± Jade shot back. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t clutched my arm, I¡¯d have left by now.¡± If it weren¡¯t for Jacqueline, she wouldn¡¯t have been caught up in this mess. ¡°Quinn is my niece,¡± Everett announced, clearing his throat until the microphone squealed, ¡°and whether she bears the name Bridger or Fane, she remains the eldest heiress of our house. Anyone who dares disrespect her deres war on the Fane family. If any coteral rtive feels she is unworthy of that title, pack up and leave our home tonight.¡± His words struck the banquet hall like a gavel, leaving no room for misunderstanding. The faces of the coteral Fane n nched in unison. The message was simple: gossip again, and exile would follow. Military 458 Chapter 458 Public Deration Chapter 458 Public Deration +10 Free Coins Everett¡¯s secretary hurried over, whispered a few urgent words, and retreated. A fleeting shadow crossed Everett¡¯s face, but he smoothed it away with a practiced smile. ¡°All right, let¡¯s keep the celebration rolling. Today is a family reunion, and that little incident was merely a hup. Enjoy yourselves.¡± The savvier guests instantly raised their sses, fanning the spark of festivity back into a full ze. Quinn¡¯s gaze drifted across the glittering banquet floor just in time to catch Everett darting toward the staircase, his stride clipped, shoulders bristling with urgency. Is something wrong? I¡¯d seen the color drain from Uncle Everett¡¯s face the instant the secretary bent close and whispered in his ear. Quinn tipped her head toward Julius. ¡°Julius, I¡¯m going upstairs to check on Everett,¡± she said, worry bleeding through her whisper. ¡°I¡¯lle with you,¡± Julius offered, already matching her anxious pace. ¡°All right,¡± Quinn agreed, relief flickering in her eyes. Together, they slipped out of the crowd, hugging the wall as they climbed, keeping clear of curious eyes. The moment they reached the second floor, the secretary stepped out of the study, phone still glowing in his hand. Quinn moved forward. ¡°Is Everett in the study?¡± ¡°Yes, Ms. Bridger,¡± the secretary answered. ¡°Mr. Fane is inside handling urgent business. It would be best not to disturb him.¡± ¡°What kind of business?¡± Quinn pressed. Content originallyes from f?ndnovel ¡°Thepany¡¯s affairs, Ms. Bridger,¡± he replied, voice clipped. ¡°Mr. Fane is upied, and I have more calls to make. Please, feel free to stay downstairs.¡± Quinn¡¯s brow knit; when it came to the inner workings of Fane Group, her expertise barely scratched the surface. Yet anything serious enough to drag Everett away from a banquet could not be minor. Just then, Rowan appeared at the top of the stairs, cellphone still pressed to his ear. 20:36 Mon, Oct 6 N Chapter 458 Public Deration Quinn hurried to him. ¡°Rowan, do you know what¡¯s going on at Fane Group?¡± +10 Free Coins Rowan nodded once, grim. ¡°The cybersecurity system is under heavy attack,¡± he said. ¡°The Information Security Department is scrambling to respond.¡± ¡°Can they stop it? How severe is the breach?¡± she asked, pulse racing. ¡°Bad,¡± Rowan admitted, mouth set. ¡°This hacker collective is powerful. Right now, we¡¯re losing ground.¡± If the hackers seeded, the fallout for thepany would be catastrophic. So they have to move, and fast. ¡°I¡¯m heading to the study,¡± Rowan said, striding off. Quinn gathered her dress and rushed after him. Julius, however, didn¡¯t follow. He remained by the railing, eyes narrowed. The moment he heard the words hacker attack, a thoughtful crease cut across his brow. Is this a coincidence, or is Joaquin¡¯s crew behind the assault? If Joaquin orchestrated this, it would never stop at a simple cyber¨Cstrike. It felt more like a warning shot than a genuine attack. Julius pulled out his phone and murmured, ¡°Fabian, someone¡¯s hitting the Fane cyber defenses -likely Joaquin. Trace the IPs, locate him, and neutralize the threat.¡± When Quinn and Rowan stepped into the wood¨Cpaneled study, they found Everett seated before the wide monitor, huddled in a live video conference with the head of Information Security and several senior executives. The director of the Information Security Department stood frozen at the far end of the study. Hisplexion had turned the color of wet ster, and beads of sweat slid from his hairline to his cor. ¡°We¡­ We¡¯re doing everything we can to hold them off, but I¡¯m afraid-¡± Everett mmed a palm on the mahogany desk, the sound cracking through the room like a gunshot. ¡°Afraid of what? Every year thispany pours a fortune into that department of yours, and now¨Cat the one moment we actually need you¨Cyou can¡¯t even lift a finger to fight back?¡± What made Everett¡¯s fury burn hotter was the timing. The hackers had chosen the very night of the recognition banquet to strike. If the attack broke through, Fane Group¡¯s entirework would crash. By dawn, the headlines would pair the banquet with the ckout, and both Quinn and Rowan would be dragged into a storm of baseless me. The terrified director kept wiping at the sweat that would not stop. His mouth opened and closed around flimsy excuses that sounded ragged even to him. Everyone in the room understood the truth. The firewall was seconds from copsing. A total shutdown¨Cand the leak of untold internal files¨Cfelt less like a threat and more like a ticking certainty. Quinn stepped forward, themplight catching the calm set of her eyes. ¡°Let me try,¡± she said, her voice steady enough to slice through the panic. Everett blinked, startled. Even Rowan looked at his sister in surprise. ¡°You?¡± Quinn gave a small nod. ¡°I¡¯ve been studying thepany¡¯s cybersecurity architecture these past few days. If I team up with the security engineers, we can push back against the breach.¡± Rowan snapped back to himself and added, ¡°That¡¯s right. A while ago, Quinn asked me for the system files, and I gave them to her.¡± Everett had said the family need not hide corporate matters from Quinn, so when she requested the data, Rowan handed it over without hesitation. Everett parted his lips to respond, but a crisp female voice cut across the tension. Jacqueline strode into the study with her chin lifted high, several coteral rtives filing in behind her. ¡°Uncle Everett, if you¡¯re looking for someone to trust, trust me. I helped build the original security framework. When ites to information¨Csecurity warfare, I¡¯m the one person who can shield the Fane family. What does Quinn possibly have that rivals my expertise?¡± Military 459 Quinn turned toward the doorway. Jacqueline¡¯s proud silhouette filled the threshold, arrogance radiating from every step. On the conference screen, the director and several executives brightened the instant they saw her. ¡°Ms. Jacqueline worked on the system¡¯s core modules. If she joins us, we might still repel the hackers.¡± ¡°Exactly¨Cshe¡¯s aputer prodigy, decorated with awards at home and abroad!¡± ¡°Mr. Fane, let Ms. Jacqueline lead the defense!¡± Everett pressed his lips together, then gestured to theptop on his desk. ¡°Fine. This machine¡® has full ess to the cybersecurity system. You and Quinn will-¡± Jacqueline lifted a hand, stopping him. ¡°Uncle, I refuse to work alongside Quinn. She¡¯ll only blunder around and slow me down, and we cannot afford dys tonight.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t slow you down,¡± Quinn answered, her tone firm but even. Jacqueline scoffed. ¡°Your word isn¡¯t enough. This concerns the entire corporation.¡± One of the coteral uncles sneered, ¡°Quinn, don¡¯t think you can deal with a cyber assault just by pressing a few keys.¡± Another rtive chimed in, ¡°Everett, indulge your niece if you wish, but don¡¯t gamble thepany¡¯s future for it.¡± Everett ignored the chorus of doubts and fixed his gaze on Quinn. ¡°How confident are you?¡± ¡°About fifty¨Cfifty,¡± Quinn replied. Jacqueline let out a shortugh. ¡°How convenient! If you fail, you can im you only had fifty percent certainty. Quite the strategy.¡± Turning back to Everett, she dered, ¡°I want the Information Security Department to follow mymands, and¡­¡± Her eyes flicked over Quinn with open disdain. ¡°Quinn must stay out of it. I won¡¯t allow dead weight on my field.¡± Rowan¡¯s temper snapped. He lunged forward, shoulders tight and jaw clenched, as though one more breath would send him barreling into the fray. Quinn shot out a hand and snatched his sleeve, anchoring Rowan where he stood. Eyes still burning, she pivoted toward Jacqueline. ¡°All right. If you¡¯re really capable of repelling those intrusions, then I won¡¯t lift a finger.¡± Between the two women, Jacqueline understood the corporation¡¯sbyrinthine cybersecurity system far better than Quinn ever could. So in a crisis thisrge, Quinn had no interest in wasting precious minutes wrestling over control. The casualties would fall squarely on the Fane family and thepany. Jacqueline arched an eyebrow and let out a little scoff, the sound sharp enough to cut ss. Confidence radiated off her like perfume. She had disgraced herself at the g, but this was her chance to polish the namete again. If she seeded, tomorrow¡¯s headlines would trumpet her triumph above Quinn¡¯s. So what if she¡¯s the direct heiress? They still need me, someone from a coteral branch. And with that, I can finally seize real authority over the Information Security Department. Jacqueline slid into the chair before the primary console, the glow of twin monitors turning her features a cool, electric blue. She opened the video¨Cconference window and began barking orders to the scattered analysts of the Information Security Department. At first, victory came easily. Her face wore a smug half¨Csmile as she deflected each probing spike, convinced the breach would be patched before the coffee on her desk cooled. Encouraged, the onlookers murmured praise, their voices swelling like apuse after every sessful block. But praise soon gave way to silence. The color drained from Jacqueline¡¯s cheeks, and on the conference screen, the distant analysts slipped from jubnt shouts to stunned quiet. Someone finally broke the hush. ¡°What happened? Is the assault over¨Cis the firewall holding?¡± Jacqueline could not make herself answer. Beads of sweat gathered on her brow, slid into hershes, then dropped onto the keyboard like rain. Her hands felt heavier by the second, fingers sluggish, almost too numb to keep dancing across the keys. How is this possible? The hackers toyed with her the way a cat bats a dying mouse. They let her parry the opening salvos, drawing her into the illusion of progress. Then, at the very instant victory seemed within reach, a fresh barrage tore through her defenses, yanking her stomach down to her shoes and teaching her the raw taste of failure. I can¡¯t hold them. Not a chance. Readplete version only at Find1Novel Each wave crashed harder than thest, and her so¨Ccalled countermeasures looked like paper shields in a hurricane. For the first time, true helplessness pooled in her chest. No¨Cit isn¡¯t that I ability. These hackers are simply too strong, and I was tossed in unprepared. Give me a window to prepare, and I would counter them, I know I would. ¡°I can¡¯t keep this up,¡± Jacqueline said, forcing calm into her voice. ¡°The adversary prepared meticulously, and we¡¯re dealing with top¨Ctier talent. Swap me for another expert and they¡¯ll crumble just as fast. Uncle Everett, their target is thepany itself. They must want something. Perhaps we should-¡± A startled executive¡¯s voice burst through the speakers. ¡°We blocked it¨Cwe¡¯ve stopped the attack!¡± Jacqueline blinked hard, disbelief striking like cold water. ¡°What?¡± Military 460 Chapter 460 Sudden Reversal Her hands froze above the keys. She had already ceased all input, so who on earth had taken control and shielded them? Thatst onught was nothing the department¡¯s regr staff. could have handled. The sudden rattle of keys snapped Jacqueline out of her panic¨Cstricken haze. For a heartbeat, she simply stared, pulse thudding in her ears. Someone right beside her was typing¨Cfast. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s¡­ She swung around to see Quinn¡¯s fingers fly with the precision of a concert pianist,mand lines racing across the monitor in crisp white rows. Each string of code rose like a barricade, meeting the hackers¡® iing fire and holding the line. It was Quinn. Quinn was the one shouldering the entire cyber¨Conught. The thought was absurd¨Cimpossible. No. It¡¯s a fluke. It has to be a fluke. ¡°Quinn, stop messing around right now!¡± Jacqueline shouted, voice pitching higher than she intended. ¡°You promised you wouldn¡¯t get involved¡ªremember?¡± ¡°I did promise, and I meant it,¡± Quinn said without lifting her eyes from the screen. ¡°But that promise hinged on you holding the perimeter. You can¡¯t, so I will.¡± Another volley of keystrokes fired like automatic gunfire, every stroke deliberate, lethal. ¡°You? Hold them off? Don¡¯t kid yourself-¡± Jacqueline began, but the words strangled in her throat when the monitor shed green in confirmation. The attack had been neutralized. Blocked. Again. For the second time, Quinn repelled the world¨Css hackers as though swatting a moth from candlelight. Once might be luck. Twice¨Chow could that still be luck? ¡°It must be a coincidence¨Cnothing but a coincidence,¡± Jacqueline muttered, yet the protest sounded brittle even to her own ears. She was the prodigy here, the acimed genius. How could Quinn aplish what she could not? Then came a third interception. A fourth. A fifth. By the fifth sess, Jacqueline could no longer bring herself to mouth the word coincidence. Each wless defensended like a p across Jacqueline¡¯s pride. Chapi 400 Duuut Reversal What she had failed to achieve after exhausting every tactic, Quinn executed with disarming Content originallyes from find~novel ease. ¡°Impossible!¡± Jacqueline rasped, eyes wide, knuckles bleaching around the edge of the desk. Everyone said Quinn was nothing more than an undistinguished secretary back in Azania¨Ca divorc¨¦e who¡¯d left her husband¡¯spany to work for a friend. How could a so¨Ccalled secretary repel an assault orchestrated by the globe¡¯s elite hackers? ¡°Why not?¡± Rowan cut in, voice steady as granite. He stillcked his full memory, yet that hadn¡¯t stopped him from digging into his family¡¯s job. ¡°Quinn is aputer specialist. Back in the service, she upgraded the entire security grid for the Azanian Army Headquarters. Compared with that, fending off a strike on Fane Group¡¯s firewall is child¡¯s y.¡± A ripple of astonishment spread through the study and across the faces projected in the video conference. Executives froze mid¨Csentence, eyes widening at the revtion. Jacqueline¡¯s cheeks burned scarlet. For years, she had styled herself the resident prodigy, certain no one in the Fane family could rival her mastery of code. Give her enough time, she believed, and she would be the n¡¯s crowning glory. Yet Quinn had marched in unannounced and crushed her on the very battlefield she had imed as her own. The barrage she could not blunt kept roaring toward thepany servers, but Quinn stopped every strike¨Conce, twice, then a third time¨Cher hands moving so fast the glow of the monitors seemed to chase her fingertips. With each intercepted blow, it felt as though Quinn ground her rival¡¯s pride beneath an unforgiving boot, pressing it into the dirt for everyone in the room to witness. Calm yet forceful, Quinn kept issuing orders, her voice a stato metronome guiding the rest of the Information Security Department as they synchronized their consoles to her rhythm. They were no longer merely blocking the intruder; Quinn was already tracing the hostile code. back through the shadows of the,unching darts of counter¨Ccode that made the attacker flinch. Defense turned to offense, the digital shield sharpening into a spear. A war without smoke, yet every heartbeat in the study felt loaded with gunpowder. Tension coiled through the room; nearly everyone forgot to breathe as their eyes stayed glued to Quinn¡¯s monitor. Jacqueline was no different, her posture stiff, her knuckles white on the armrest. Yet, in the darkness of her thoughts, she prayed for Quinn to stumble; she would rather see Fane Group bleed than watch Quinn triumph. To her dismay, a sudden roar of celebration burst from the remote¨Cconference speakers, and both Everett and Rowan exhaled in visible relief. Jacqueline¡¯s heart mmed against her ribs, then dropped; color drained from her face, leaving it the color of ash. That meant Quinn had resolved the crisis. Come morning, Quinn¡¯s standing in Fane Group would rise like a banner on the wind. And the prodigy everyone once praised would be remembered only as the, stone she stepped
  1. on.
Jaw locked, Jacqueline bit down so hard she tasted iron, then pivoted on her heel and stalked out, her face a thundercloud. Several coteral rtives of the Fane family offered quick, syrupypliments before making the same discreet retreat. 3/3 Military 461 Chapter 461 Strategic Dawn ¡°Quinn, tonight we owe everything to you,¡± Everett breathed, astonishment and pride. mingling in his eyes; he had never expected his niece to hand him such a stunning gift. ¡°Had you not been here, Fane Group would have suffered losses beyond imagining.¡± ¡°Uncle Everett, get some rest,¡± Quinn replied, her voice low but steady. ¡°Rowan and I will dig until we know exactly who thought they could strike the Fane family like this.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Everett said with a nod. Inwardly, he reaffirmed his decision: one day, the entire Fane enterprise would pass to these two siblings, and tonight¡¯s ordeal was the perfect proving ground. Rowan stepped closer to his sister. ¡°Enough for tonight,¡± he murmured. ¡°Stay here and rest.¡± Quinn nced at the wall clock and realized it was already past midnight. For several relentless hours, she had been locked in that digital duel. She swept a quick look around the study; Julius was nowhere to be seen. Julius must have returned to the hotel already. ¡°By the way, how did the recognition banquet downstairs end?¡± Quinn asked, a thread of worry in her tone. ¡°The guests were left on their own while we were fighting off that attack.¡± ¡°I took care of it,¡± Rowan said. ¡°While you were holding the firewall, I went down and told them you were exhausted and had turned in. The banquet has already dispersed.¡± Quinn dipped her head in relief. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± She had drilled down with ferocious focus only moments ago. The instant her shoulders uncoiled, true fatigue seeped in like water through cracked stone, and her breath escaped in a soft sigh she hadn¡¯t meant to give. She and Rowan had just stepped across the study¡¯s threshold when her foot froze mid¨Cstride. On the second¨Cfloornding, a tall silhouette leaned against the paneled wall, illuminated by a thin spill ofmplight, as though he belonged to the quiet darkness and was content to be part of it until someone called him back. He looked capable of waiting for her forever. Quinn stared at Julius, her eyes wide, her heartbeat loud enough that it seemed to echo in the woodwork. Has he been standing here all along, just for me? Hours have passed. Julius lifted his eyes, narrow and gleaming, as if cut from obsidian. A faint curve tugged at his lips¨Csubtle, almost shy. He moved toward her, each step unhurried, deliberate, as though crossing that small distance were a sacred ritual. ¡°Everything¡¯s settled, isn¡¯t it? Then shall we head back now?¡± Julius asked, his voice low and steady, like velvet over steel. ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte, and Quinn is exhausted,¡± Rowan said. ¡°She¡¯s staying here to rest. Mr. Whitethorn, you might as well return to the hotel on your own for the night.¡± ¡°Rowan, I¡¯ll go with Julius,¡± Quinn blurted, urgency brightening her voice. ¡°But you-¡± Rowan began, worry etched across his brow. ¡°A few extra minutes in the car won¡¯t undo my rest,¡± she countered. ¡°The hotel we¡¯re staying at is close¨Cten minutes at most.¡± Seeing her resolve, Rowan offered Julius a measured nod. ¡°She¡¯s worn out. Make sure she gets proper rest tonight.¡± ¡°I will,¡± Julius promised. Without another word, he swept Quinn into his arms, cradling her as though she weighed nothing more than a sigh. 20 5 Quinn let out a startled gasp. ¡°I can walk, Julius! Put me down¨Cnow!¡± ¡°You¡¯re tired,¡± he murmured. ¡°If I carry you to the car, you can save a little strength and steal a little sleep.¡± Quinn had no answer; honestly, how much energy could this possibly save? Yet she did not struggle, a faint heat blooming across her cheeks. The banquet had ended. Most of the Fanes had gone back, so at least she didn¡¯t have to endure a corridor of curious stares while nestled in his arms. Inside the car atst, Quinn turned to him. ¡°While I was in the study, were you outside the whole time?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he replied, the single syble soft yet absolute. ¡°You could¡¯ve gone back first,¡± she said, calcting. ¡°You were on your feet more than three hours.¡± ¡°But I wanted to wait for you.¡± Updates are released by find?novel ¡°And if I¡¯d been trapped until dawn?¡± The attack ended fast. If there were stronger hackers involved, it might¡¯vested until dawn. ¡°I¡¯d have waited still,¡± he answered, voice pitched low enough to brush her skin like midnight velvet. He wanted only this: when her work was done and she stepped back into the world, his would be the first she met. It was his quiet way of standing guard over her¨Cwordless, unwavering. eyes ¡°You really are¡­ something else,¡± Quinn sighed. ¡°If I told you to wait until time itself unraveled, would you?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± he said without a blink. She studied the man beside her. His answer did not surprise her. Of course, she knew how deeply he loved her¨Cperhaps better than anyone alive. So, yes, he would wait, exactly as he¡¯d promised, for as long as she asked. The car pulled up to the hotel. Inside the presidential suite, Julius had barely closed the door when Quinn caught his cor, drew him down, and crushed her mouth against his¨Cfierce, hungry, leaving no room for doubt. ¡°Quinn?¡± he breathed into the dim room, voice ragged, wonderstruck. ¡°What are you¡ª¡± ¡°I want to kiss you¨Cand I want every inch of you,¡± Quinn whispered, the words rolling off her tongue like velvet yetnding with the weight of a vow. When he had said the word ¡°yes¡± to her question in the car, she had wanted to do so. She craved to be with himpletely, to erase the distance once and for all, to make sure he never had to wait again. ¡°But you¡¯ve had a brutal day,¡± Julius murmured. ¡°You should rest early tonight.¡± Quinn answered by tugging at the buttons of his shirt, her fingers urgent, her lips brushing the slick column of his throat where his pulse hammered beneath skin. 3/3 The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!