Chapter 1264

Chapter 1264:

“About the project in the west of Estresa — I’ve reviewed your development plans thoroughly. They’re impeccable. However, the media storm surrounding it warrants…

Deeper investigation.

“Based on what you’ve shared, certain elements don’t quite add up.”

Healy absorbed her words carefully, while simultaneously turning his attention toward the machinations of the Perkins family.

The halls of power in Estresa stirred once again as the government summoned another meeting about the development project in the west of Estresa. Every player with a stake in the game received their invitation, including the Welch Group and Perkins Group. Lilian, caught in this web of influence, found herself obligated to attend.

Seizing the moment of Aldwin’s and Lilian’s absence, Jared slipped into Aldwin’s study like a shadow at noon.

His heart leaped at the sight of the documents nestled within Aldwin’s safe, victory within his grasp.

“Who’s there!” A sharp voice shattered the silence.

In one fluid motion, Jared stuffed the damning evidence into his clothes and whirled around, only to find Lilian’s fist already cutting through the air toward him.

“Jared!”

The study transformed into their battleground, where every shadow held a threat. As Lilian locked eyes with Jared, the warmth she once felt for him crystallized into ice-cold fury.

The man before her was no longer the person who had earned her trust—he had become her enemy the moment he dared to break into the Perkins family’s study and steal their financial records.

Each move between them was a deadly dance of calculated precision. Though Jared hadn’t anticipated Lilian’s return—she should have been miles away with Aldwin—he found himself matching her skill for skill. The dagger in her grip flashed dangerously, each strike a lethal promise aimed at his vital points.

Jared’s heart thundered with each passing second. Any moment now, their violent dance could draw unwanted eyes.

Their deadly tango spilled from the study’s confines into the open air. As Jared calculated the bloody toll he might have to pay to escape with his prize, destiny intervened. Like a spirit of mercy, a willowy figure emerged behind Lilian, clutching a basin of white powder with determined grace.

Time seemed to slow as Nola witnessed Lilian’s blade arc toward Jared. Without hesitation, she lunged forward, the basin’s contents arcing through the air like a wave of divine intervention.

“Careful!” Jared’s cry of warning tore from his throat, his heart seizing at the sight of delicate Nola throwing herself into danger. Yet his fears proved groundless—she moved like an autumn leaf in the wind, each step a dance that defied nature itself. The powder found its mark, showering Lilian from head to toe in a ghostly shroud.

“Ah!” Lilian’s world vanished in a cloud of white. Her eyes, stinging and useless, were forced shut against the assault. The dagger in her grip became an extension of her desperation as she slashed blindly at shadows.

In that moment of chaos, Jared struck—swift and precise as a viper.

“We can hide her for now,” Nola suggested, looking down at Lilian’s bound and gagged form sprawled across the ground.

Their eyes met in silent understanding. The basement, where fate had first entangled their paths, was the best choice.

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