Brayden stood outside Darla’s hospital room, his arms crossed over his chest, deep in thought.
The air in the corridor was thick with tension, a heavy silence stretching between him and Ryder as they waited for Inez.The minutes felt longer than they should have, and every second that passed without answers only fueled Brayden’s impatience.He had dealt with betrayals and deceptions before, but something about this situation unsettled him.It wasn’t just about Darla being poisoned—it was about the fact that someone had been bold enough to attempt it under his watch.The soft sound of approaching footsteps broke through the stillness. Inez walked toward them, her expression serious as she held a thick folder in her hands.Without a word, she handed it to Brayden, her sharp eyes scanning his face as he took it.“This is everything,” she said quietly. “Her medical records, the toxicology report, and a few additional notes from Dr. Lee.”Brayden flipThe cool morning air hit Brayden’s face as he stepped out of the bathroom, his body still trembling with the weight of what had just happened. He was trying to pull himself together, to push past the feelings of heartbreak, rage, and helplessness. He couldn’t afford to break down any more. He had responsibilities—people who were counting on him.Brayden ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady his breath. He forced a smile onto his face, even though it felt like the hardest thing in the world. He couldn’t let Ryder see him like this, couldn’t let anyone know how much the loss of Anya was tearing him apart. He had to be strong.“Brayden?” Ryder’s voice echoed from the hallway as Brayden walked downstairs.Brayden took a deep breath before turning to face him. “I’m going out,” he said, his voice strained but firm. “I’m inviting Penelope to the Royal dinner. I’ll be back later.” His words were carefully chosen, but Ryder gave him a suspicious g
The sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently waking Brayden. He stretched his arms above his head, his body feeling unusually light. After all the chaos, the violence, the threats, and the emotional rollercoaster, it was finally a morning where he felt like he could breathe again. He hadn’t realized how exhausted he’d been until now, when a sense of calm washed over him.He swung his legs over the side of the bed, his feet touching the cool floor. A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He felt…refreshed. Maybe it was the fact that the worst was behind him, at least for now. The enemies were cleared out, Ryder was safe, and the looming danger of Vernon was gone. For the first time in what felt like forever, Brayden was hopeful. He wasn’t entirely sure of what was coming next, but he wasn’t going to let that steal his peace.Brayden stood up, made his way to the bathroom, and washed his face. He looked at himself in the mirror for a
The tension in the room was unbearable, the air thick with unspoken accusations and bitterness. Vernon’s cold eyes bore into Brayden as he shook his head slowly, his lips curled into a bitter smile. “You think I’m going to believe your lies now, Brayden?” Vernon’s voice was low, but it was filled with venom. “It’s too late for redemption. You can spin your lies all you want, but I’ve heard enough of them already.”Brayden’s heart clenched at the sight of the man he once called a comrade, now standing before him as a bitter enemy. He had hoped, deep down, that there was still a way to reach Vernon—that he could make things right. But now, all Brayden could see in Vernon’s eyes was rage and betrayal, a deep-seated pain that had been festering for years.“I’m not lying, Vernon,” Brayden said urgently, his voice raw with emotion. “I swear to you, I’m not. Just… give me a second chance. Please.” Brayden’s words hung in the air, a desperate plea for m
The room was heavy with the scent of gunpowder, the air thick with tension. Brayden stood frozen, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at Vernon, who stood across from him, cold and unmoving. Ryder’s painful cry still echoed in Brayden’s ears, and every instinct inside him screamed to save the young man, but Vernon’s words hung like chains around his neck.“What do I need to do to save him?” Brayden’s voice trembled as he asked, every word laced with desperation.Vernon didn’t flinch. His gaze remained unyielding, his voice as cold as steel. “You want to save him, Brayden?” he said slowly. “Then give up your life for him. That’s the price.”Brayden’s stomach churned at the thought, but he didn’t hesitate. His hand dropped the pistol, the weapon clattering to the floor with a heavy thud. His fingers trembled as he unstrapped his belt and dropped all his weapons onto the ground, kicking them away from him in a gesture of complete surrender.
Brayden’s heart was racing as he stepped out of the car, his boots hitting the ground with a soft thud. He motioned for Inez to stay close, his eyes scanning the area around them. The tension in the air was thick, and every instinct told him that they were walking into something dangerous.“Inez,” Brayden said in a low voice, his eyes flicking over her for a moment. “Stay behind me. I can’t afford to lose you now.”Inez nodded, her face a mask of determination, though, her eyes betrayed the fear she was feeling. She knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but she trusted Brayden. She had to.Brayden reached inside his jacket and pulled out a sleek black pistol, holding it with both hands. His grip was steady as he carefully approached the abandoned house, the door creaking slightly under his touch as he eased it open.The air inside was stale, the smell of dust and decay overwhelming. Brayden’s senses were on high alert, his eyes scanning the dark
Brayden’s voice was firm as he turned to the man standing close by, his hand gripping the gun with a readiness that matched the urgency of the situation. “Cover me. Make sure the room stays secure. No one moves until I’m back.” The man nodded without hesitation, his posture rigid, eyes scanning the darkened room for any potential threats. Brayden wasted no time. He bolted for the backdoor, his footsteps pounding against the floor as he slipped into the night. The cool evening air hit his face as he emerged from the building, his pulse quickening. The Black Prado was already speeding away, kicking up a cloud of dust behind it as it disappeared down the long, winding road.Brayden’s heart raced, but his mind stayed clear. He had to catch up. He had to stop them before they got too far. Without a second thought, he sprinted to his car, his hand gripping the door handle with a sense of urgency. The engine roared to life, the tires screeching as he tore