جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 189

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

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.

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

Inez walked into the Royal dinner venue, her heart racing but her face completely composed. She had been carefully briefed by Brayden, and she knew the weight of what she was about to do. Dressed in Penelope’s exact outfit—a dark red gown that flowed gracefully down to her ankles—she blended in seamlessly. Her long, black hair was styled in loose waves, and her makeup was subtle but elegant, matching the look Penelope often wore.As she entered the grand hall, she noticed a few eyes following her. People whispered amongst themselves, probably confused by the woman who looked so much like the elusive Penelope. Inez kept her cool, walking with confidence as though nothing were amiss. She acted like she belonged.Approaching the reception desk, she gave the hostess a polite smile, her heart pounding beneath the surface. The receptionist glanced at her, clearly expecting someone else.“Your booking name, miss?” the receptionist asked, her voice