Chapter 1238: Chapter 1238

Chapter 1238:

Harlee then stepped forward to intercept Baldrick, effectively blocking his way.

Baldrick regarded her with worry, his voice soft as he asked, “Harlee, are you okay?”

Harlee’s response was cold. “I’m not dead yet. Are you disappointed?”

“Why would I wish harm upon you?” Baldrick hesitated and then added, “This wasn’t my intention. I didn’t foresee what happened to Tonya…”

“You don’t have the right to speak her name!” Harlee interjected sharply.

“Does it matter if it was your intention? The fact remains that Tonya, Ritchie, Christopher, and Hamilton are all gone!”

“Harlee…” Baldrick murmured. “I never thought it would end this way. I…”

“You don’t have the right to grieve for them,” Harlee replied, her tone still frosty.

A pallor took over Baldrick’s face, his eyes reflecting a profound sadness. “Harlee, I know you’re blaming me, but I truly…”

“NO,” Harlee interjected again. “I acknowledge that you delayed action for what you thought was the greater good, so I don’t blame you. But I can’t forgive you either, because I know you had received the intel before I embarked on that mission.”

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Baldrick appeared even more distressed by her accusation.

“Surprised I found out?” Harlee approached him with a forced smile, her eyes bloodshot and her gaze filled with a hatred that seemed to engulf him. “I’m surprised at your decision! Don’t claim it was for the greater good. If you had been honest with me, I could have managed everything! They wouldn’t have had to die!”

Her voice rose to a near shout with her final words.

Harlee had no bitterness toward the necessary decisions made by the higher-ups. What she couldn’t forgive was Baldrick’s lack of trust. Had he trusted her a little more, believing she was prepared to sacrifice her life for the country, this catastrophe might have been prevented. At worst, she might have been the only casualty.

Baldrick clenched his fists, overwhelmed by the need to explain, yet words failed him. His delay in mobilizing the military had led to Tonya’s and the others’ deaths. If only he had acted sooner, leveraging the military’s strength, perhaps none of this would have occurred.

“You have no right to grieve for them!” Harlee said sternly as she ushered Baldrick out. “From now on, I, Harlee, am done with missions, and the Shadow Moon Society is disbanded!”

“Rhys has arrived,” a voice called from outside, cutting through the tension.

As Rhys walked into the main hall, the crowd, which had been holding its breath, finally exhaled. However, they soon bowed their heads once more, unwilling to meet the eyes of Harlee or Baldrick. Their discussion was not meant for them to hear.

The bandage around Harlee’s waist snapped due to her movements, causing her to falter in pain.

Rhys’ large hand quickly supported Harlee from behind, carefully avoiding her injured waist to help her stay upright.

Rhys, now by Harlee’s side, looked at her with profound concern. Harlee clutched her waist as fresh blood began to soak her white bridesmaid dress.

Baldrick stood there, stunned.

Rhys maintained his silence, offering his support as Harlee leaned on him, his gaze icy as it met Baldrick’s.

Any remaining words Baldrick might have had dissolved, aging him visibly. He bowed deeply and turned to leave. He had served his country well, but he had failed these young individuals who had sacrificed everything for him. Harlee was correct. If only he had trusted a bit more, the day’s horrors might have been avoided. He realized he was aging, losing the decisiveness he once had. It was time for him to retire.

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