I feigned reluctance, my expression growing even more sorrowful.
âNo, I appreciate your kindness, but I donât want to drag you into this mess.
â
The more I protested, the more his sympathy grew.
He looked at me with an even deeper pity than before.
At that moment, I added with a hint of regret, âBut you know, Debra climbed her way to the top by exploiting her children.
If they were out of the picture, she wouldnât be able to lead the Thorn Edge Pack anymore.
â
This revelation made the man pause, uncertainty flickering across his face.
I laughed at myself and sighed.
âForget I mentioned it.
We barely know each other, and yet here you are, being so generous.
I shouldnât involve you.
Besides, Iâve got nothing left.
No matter how much Debra bullies me, I guess itâs just my fate to suffer.
â
My words effectively ignited his protective instinct.
He clenched his fists, his teeth gritted in anger, and declared, âDonât worry.
Whoever has been bullying you will pay for it.
â
Debraâs POV:
Two days had passed, but Carlos still had no leads on Alexandria.
My nerves were frayed, knowing she was still out there somewhere, missing.
It baffled me how someone could vanish so completely within the Thorn Edge Pack, almost as if she had slipped out of the city long ago.
Despite my worries, fretting was pointless.
Carlos was doing everything he could.
Day in and day out, he either patrolled with the bodyguards or reported back to Caleb at the manor, visibly worn down by the effort.
At noon, Carlos arrived at the manor for his daily update with Caleb.
He was no closer to finding Alexandria.
His face carried the weight of fatigue and guilt.
After giving his report, he prepared to leave and resume his search.
Watching him, particularly the dark circles under his eyes from sleepless nights, tugged at my heart.
Caleb and I shared a knowing look before I approached Carlos to intercept him.
âWait a moment.
â
Carlos tensed slightly.
âWhat is it?â
With a reassuring smile, I said, âWhy not stay for a while and rest before you head out again? Itâs midday, and far too sunny outside.
You should rest a bit first.
â
Carlos looked honored yet hesitant as his eyes flickered towards Caleb.
âDebraâs right.
Take a break.
Iâll have the butler get lunch ready and prepare the guest room for you,â Caleb responded with a gentle smile, his voice low and reassuring.
Gratefully, Carlos nodded.
âThank you.
â
Dylan and Elena hurried downstairs at that moment.
Their usual enthusiastic embrace was absent when they spotted me.
Instead, they hung their heads in sorrow.
I paused, taken aback at first, but quickly understood the cause of their gloom.