Chapter 378:
Despite harboring doubts about Barbara, Harlee remained committed to their partnership.
Her previous stern words and veiled threats were strategic, aimed solely at alleviating Barbaraâs suspicions.
Ritchieâs eyes involuntarily widened as a visceral reaction took hold of him.
It felt like an invisible, crushing force had seized his heart, sending sharp, agonizing waves through his body.
His hands, positioned over his stomach, tightened into fists.
Every member of the Shadow Moon Society had been forged in the fires of abusive family environments. They viewed each other as family, bound not by blood but by shared suffering. Openness about their painful pasts was a cornerstone of Harleeâs leadershipâno secrets among them.
Everyone was privy to each otherâs sorrowful tales except for Harleeâs. She always projected such strength that it was easy to believe she had been born to dominate this harsh world.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment as Ritchie reached for a cigarette resting on the table.
His hands shook so fiercely that he struggled to grasp it.
Throughout his friendship with Harlee, he had never once heard her speak of the Gill family. The revelation that her childhood might have been even darker than his own was a shock. What depths of cruelty could force a child to endure such bitter cold winters at such a tender age? And to think, the Gill family had been oblivious at the time that Harlee was not their flesh and blood.
A cold, hard mask slowly formed over Ritchieâs features, his cheeks twitching slightly as he processed the information.
His hands, now hanging stiffly at his sides, balled into fists so tight that his knuckles whitened.
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Part of him wanted nothing more than to confront the Gill family, to unleash his fury on Averie. Yet, he restrained himself, knowing such actions would serve no purpose but his own rage.
Harlee had no interest in it, and thus, he made no mention or movement toward it.
Arms crossed, his brow furrowed deeply, concern etched across his face, a hint of red tinting his eyes from anger.
Uncomfortably, Ritchie shifted the conversation.
âShouldnât we step in to help Barbara?â
After a brief pause, Harlee sipped her abalone soup and chuckled.
âDonât underestimate Barbara. Sheâs fully capable. Itâs just that too many minor issues have restrained her true potential.â
Having maintained her dignity through years of turmoil within the George family, Barbaraâs resilience was undoubtedly remarkable.
Had it not been for her exceptional capabilities, she would have been discarded by the detestable Adamson long before the George Groupâs downfall.
Ritchie scratched his head, a puzzled look on his face.
Harlee decided not to delve further. She lightly smoothed his collar with her delicate hands.
âAlright, letâs head out. We should give Collin a proper farewell.
He was my fiancé once, after all.â
A shiver ran down Ritchieâs spine at her smile, which seemed more daunting than the wrath of a demon.
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