Chapter 543: Chapter 543



“Isn’t this enough?”

“I won’t leave until I see Mom! You’ve kept me from Ryland, fine, but why can’t I see Mom? Since you’ve pushed me away from Ryland, stop meddling in my life!”

Wade’s hand, previously in his pocket, tightened into a fist. Every step he had taken was for Chris.

Even though Chris couldn’t grasp his intentions, Wade had no regrets. Yet, hearing Chris express his desire to not be meddled with left him feeling alone and betrayed.

“Keeping you from her is for your own good.”

“For my own good?” Chris straightened, towering over Wade by half a head, despite his slim frame. “Making decisions for me isn’t helping if you truly care about my well-being. I’m already a burden. Wouldn’t it be better if I were gone sooner? Think about all the people who have died because of me. Think about all the ones I’ve failed. Is this really what you consider being ‘for my own good’?”

Wade held Chris firmly by the shoulders.

g Ɐ ln σ ν𝓮 ℓs․com hosts great fiction “Stop worrying about those things. If vengeance is coming, it will come for me. If a life needs to be sacrificed, it will be mine. Your job is to lead a life that’s safe, happy, and healthy. Got it?”

There was a moment of silence as Chris looked into Wade’s eyes.

“I really miss Mom, Wade. I want to see her.”

Chris’ gentle, pleading voice always managed to move Wade.

“There are things I’d rather you not face, Chris.”

Shock registered on Chris’ face, followed by disbelief.

“Wade, has something happened to Mom?”

Wade looked down, his silence weighing heavily.

Chris felt a premonition growing within him, fueled by Wade’s reluctance to speak.

“Tell me what happened! Don’t keep it from me!”

Wade had always treated Chris like a child, protecting him from the harsh realities of life and death. He never wanted to see Chris distressed or broken.

“Stop asking, Chris.” Wade pulled out his phone.

“Let’s act as if this never happened. Once we’re home, you’re to stay there and not go anywhere without my say-so.”

A sense of dread began to creep into Chris’ thoughts, becoming more intense with each passing moment.

“I won’t go anywhere!”

Wade lost his patience.

“Wade Potter!”

It was the first time Chris had ever used his brother’s full name. Up until now, Chris had always done as Wade directed, never questioning his decisions.

Now, defiantly stepping closer to Wade, this was Chris’ first real challenge to his brother’s authority.

“Stop treating me like I’m still a kid. I need to know—what happened to Mom?”

Chris’ gaze sharpened, making it clear to Wade that he could no longer keep the truth hidden.

Taking a moment to steady himself, Wade responded calmly, “She’s dead.”

“What?”

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