Chapter 896:

Elyse didn’t fully grasp Brook’s meaning, so she calmly asked, “Where am I supposed to go? Is Jayden planning to come after you?”

“No,” Brook replied awkwardly. “You have to leave with Charlie’s friend. He’s here for you.”

Taken aback, Elyse smiled bitterly. “Of course. I knew you wouldn’t let me stay for nothing. You had a plan. Now I understand.”

Brook winced at her words. This wasn’t how he’d envisioned things. He wanted to protect her, but circumstances had spiraled out of control.

Elyse stood, feigning indifference. “I have no luggage. Should I leave now?”

Brook nodded stiffly. “He’s waiting downstairs.” Elyse brushed past him and left the room.

As she walked away, Brook sighed, regret filling him. Everything had gone wrong. He couldn’t understand how word of Elyse’s stay got out.

Elyse entered the living room and saw a man seated on the sofa. One glance at Rory told her he was dangerous. Though he smiled, his eyes were cold and calculating.

Rory scanned her before Brook came down the stairs. “Is this Ms. Elyse Lloyd?” Rory asked.

Brook nodded. “Yes.”

Rory nodded curtly and stood. “Thanks, Brook. We’ll share a meal later.” Brook forced a smile.

Elyse remained silent, showing no fear as Rory led her out. She followed him to the car, calm and composed.

Rory’s curiosity piqued. “Why aren’t you afraid? Don’t you know what kind of place the Hudsons’ residence is?”

“Of course,” Elyse replied steadily.

Rory laughed, disdain lacing his amusement. “Then why aren’t you scared?”

“It’s pretense,” she answered. She’d known this day would come and prepared herself.

She’d accepted her fate, or at least appeared to. She wouldn’t give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Rory chuckled cruelly. To him, Elyse was disposable. No mental preparation would change her impending suffering.

After an hour’s drive, they arrived at a grand manor.

. . .