Chapter 1409: Chapter 1409

Chapter 1409:

“You’re the best,” Harlee said, trying to cheer him up.

Rhys carefully rolled up her sleeve and placed her arm on his thigh.

“Tell me if it hurts, alright?”

Harlee smiled softly but didn’t say a word. The drug had taken a toll on her, and exerting herself felt off—uncomfortable all over. She knew that if she pushed too far, she’d feel even worse.

Hard, it would affect the baby, and she couldn’t risk that. The drug was potent, but she didn’t want Rhys to know. If he did, he’d be out the door in seconds, probably hunting down Lucius for an antidote. That would only make things worse.

Lucius was two generations ahead of Harlee and Rhys, and he was a vault of secrets—too many, in fact. Moreover, he alone held the key to information about Nola. If they killed him now, they’d be cutting off their own hand. No, they had to wait until he revealed all his cards and until they had extracted everything they needed from him. Only then could they make their move.

Harlee spoke to Rhys with a calmness that masked the urgency in her voice.

“Your grandfather won’t keep Lucius distracted for long. Hurry up and draw the blood. Once you’re done, leave immediately.”

Rhys blinked, surprised. She wanted him to leave now? Why not let Nathaniel put up more of a fight? Surely, Nathaniel would be happier if he and Harlee spent more time together, right?

Rhys discarded that thought and sighed, knowing he had bigger concerns. He needed to make sure the poison in Harlee’s veins wouldn’t be lethal. Maybe Serena could figure out an antidote.

Rhys clenched his jaw, biting back his frustration. His hands moved with practiced precision as he pulled out the medical kit Goodwin had prepared. Time was of the essence. First, he tightened the tourniquet around Harlee’s arm, finding the right vein with an expert touch. Then, without a moment’s hesitation, he took out the syringe. He covered her eyes to spare her the sight, and in one swift motion, plunged the needle into her vein.

Harlee didn’t even have the chance to react before he was already done, his fingers withdrawing from her eyes.

“All done,” he said, his voice low.

As Rhys packed up the supplies, he shot her a concerned look.

“Take care of yourself. I’ll come by tonight.”

“Do you think the Swain estate is a hotel?” Harlee teased with a flicker of humor in her eyes.

“You can’t just waltz in and out like it’s your own place. How about tomorrow, then? The house patrols will be lighter during the day.”

Lucius had let that slip once, after a few too many drinks. He had claimed that assassins preferred to act at night and that mishaps were more likely to occur during this period. His villa’s night security system was essentially a place of no return, a fortress from which one could not escape.

“Understood,” Rhys replied, his tone serious.

“I’ll have Desmond arrange for someone to keep watch, just in case Lucius has any new tricks up his sleeve.”

Lucius might not be a threat on his own, but Rhys wasn’t willing to take chances when it came to Harlee’s safety. He would cover every angle and ensure every precaution was in place.

“Keep your distance, though. Lucius can’t know what you’re up to,” Harlee advised quickly.

Rhys stood and moved swiftly toward the window. With fluid grace, he climbed out, but not before pausing to lean in close again, his face softening for a moment. He secured the window with practiced ease, his movements smooth and deliberate.

Harlee watched him, her eyes filled with warmth and concern. The affection between them was undeniable.

“Be careful,” she murmured, her voice tinged with worry.

Rhys looked up, flashing a mischievous grin. He gave her a reassuring glance, tightened the screws, and muttered under his breath, “Lee, wait for me.”

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