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Chapter 54: A Stranger’s Shelter

Author: Raven
last update publish date: 2025-07-06 00:46:20

“So, what type of guy do you like?” Allie asked Scarlett, a teasing smile tugging at her lips as she leaned against the table.

Scarlett’s cheeks turned pink as she laughed softly. “Well, if you must know, I’ve got a bit of a thing for actors. Like… Chris Hart. You know, I’m a total 'Heartie.'”

Allie raised a skeptical brow. “Chris Hart? Seriously? Isn’t his face prettier than most women’s? Doesn’t that make things… complicated?”

Scarlett shrugged, her grin widening. “What can I say? The man’s g
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    I sit back down. "I want to ask you one thing," I say. "Directly. And I want a direct answer." Mia watches me. Her guard is down, but not all the way. I can see the hairline fractures in her composure, the places where the mask cracked when Catherine was in the room, but also the places where it's already rebuilding. Mia Stone doesn't stay unprotected for long. "Was it you," I say, "who put the Heart of the Kingdom in my bag?" The question lands between us. Mia snorts. A short, sharp sound. The closest thing to a laugh she's managed all day. "Thief crying stop thief," she says. "That's your trick, isn't it? Frame me, then turn around and accuse me of framing you. Look at you now, so bold. Liam hasn't seen this side of you." I feel my jaw tighten. "How can you say that?" I lean forward. "Five minutes ago I threw a woman across a hospital room for you. I dislocated her wrist. I recorded her confession. I gave you the evidence. And now you're going to sit there and call me a lia

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