Fam, more chapters are under editing. I wrote in bulk and now I'll edit them. By God's grace, chapters are coming out flawlessly but now I have to focus on editing chaps.
326Claire's shoulders stiffened as she shifted into a serious gear. The only reason she decided to stay back was this— She wanted to know who he suspected. She watched as Hunter's eyes lingered on everyone 's faces. They lingered far too long on hers, causing her hands to ball in tight fists. He didn't suspect her, did he? "I don't mind them being here. What is it that you want to know, officer? Though I believe you might have looked through the footage well enough in the past four days." He said without taking his eyes off her. Claire quickly looked down. Her hunger-weakened body buzzed with feelings she shouldn't feel right now. Her stomach clenched and her face heated up. Such was Hunter's effect on her. She felt relief settle in her chest. He was alive. He was breathing. He was pinning her with that sultry, predatory gaze that was his iconic, trademark, I-am-the-Hunter-MacIntyre gaze. "We did and it's unfortunate that we couldn't find any clue, which brought us here. We woul
3252 days later,"Dove, it's been three days. Don't go home if you don't want to. None of us will force you to change your clothes either. But please, eat something. It's been four days today." Andrea cried as she squeezed Claire's hand.Today marked the fourth day, including the day of the party, since Hunter was shot and brought to hospital. He hasn't yet gained his senses, and no matter how many times Cole, Rashid or anyone asked about it, the doctor's answer remained the same and repetitive.“As we've mentioned before, we've done everything within our capacity. Now it's a matter of time. His body will regain consciousness when it's ready. He’s getting every dose of his medication on time… so now all we can do is wait and hope.”Those words whirled in her mind. Claire's resolve was crumbling along with her strength. Every ticking second wa
324Lightning thundered outside. The heavy pelting of water swallowed out the sound of all else. Dominic helplessly stared at his daughter. There was undeniable spite flickering alongside his pity for his daughter. "Look at me." Dominic's fingers bit into her skin as he stared at his daughter's face.One short look in her eyes and he was able to see through her soul. He let go and turned around as a look of relief washed over his features. It was as if he made a very rare discovery. He was basking in that feeling when Tyler chose that very moment to appear behind them."Why would you lie to me, Tyler? You almost gave me a heart attack." Dominic said, displeased."I lied to you? About what?" Tyler paused in his track.Dominic pointed at Claire behind his back, "About my daughter. I'm honestly disappointed in you, Tyler. I didn't expect this from you. I left Claire in your care so you would look out for her, not blame her for the crime she didn't commit.""I don't understand what you'r
323Claire jumped as she looked up. Rashid was advancing towards her like a bull. He grasped her arm and yanked her on her feet. "Are you happy now? He's finally dying." Those words slithered over her like a sharp knife. Claire's lips turned white. Though Rashid was squeezing her arms tightly in a punishing hold, she hardly felt it because of the hollowness she felt in her chest after hearing his words. "He isn't breathing. His heart's not working properly. Be happy now, Claire. Your prayer is finally heard." Rashid shook her. He was seething intimidatingly. Cole immediately came over to free her from his grip. No matter what she did, it was between her and Hunter. Neither Rashid nor anyone else had any right to rebuke her for her actions. That's the reason Cole didn't show his anger to Claire even if he was craving it. Not that Hunter would have appreciated it. "Rashid, let her go. Hunter won't like it if he finds out. Let's respect his feelings and—" "No, Cole. You worry abou
322"HUNTER!""HUNTER!!""Hunter!!!""AAAH!!!"His name echoed in the hall alongside terrified shrieks from women as everyone stampeded along the hall in panic, running to save themselves from getting shot."Cover my wife and daughter!" Rashid commanded his guards that jumped out of the darkness with a gun in their hands.At once, Kareena and baby Nour were shrouded by a human-shield made by Rashid's guards as he himself dashed towards Hunter who fell at Claire's feet on his stomach.His cheek was almost touching the fingers on her right foot, his weak breathing brushing against her skin. However, Claire barely moved. She stood breathlessly, watching him as his own blood surrounded him."Hunter!" Rashid and Cole sat on their haunches on either side at the same time."Hunter, wake up!" Cole patted his back with shivering hands while Rashid took out the keffiyeh from his head.He turned Hunter over and pressed the cloth against the bullet wound, holding it tightly as his head shot up. R
321"You promised to be at my side all night, didn't you?" She looked at him begrudgingly. "You were doing pretty amazing out there. Who said you need me by your side?" He lazily drawled after taking another sip from his glass. Claire sucked in a harrowing breath. She could feel Hunter's wrathful eyes on her back. She can feel his stare digging holes. Not just him... But the entire hall was now looking at her. It was no longer about Prince Rashid's Country Development Program. From the moment Hunter entered, they became the focus. The room revolved around them and nothing else existed. What's more, the guests had no problem with how the event was progressing. They had forgotten about the real motive and essence of this party. Even their interest was solely on Hunter and Claire's argument. "I need you now." Claire rasped, her pounding heart contributing to the tremors she felt in her body. "What for? You're one man army, Miss Argent! Not to mention, if I get involved then it'll n