Chapter 1399:

Brandon’s voice was sharp, barely contained fury lacing every word.

“All right. A deal’s a deal. Bring them here. Let’s make the exchange.”

Macauley’s eyes flicked to where Millie lay sprawled on the ground.

While he’d been distracted by the paperwork, Millie had inched closer to Ari, leaving a trail of blood and grime behind her. Her determination was plain for all to see.

Macauley’s face twisted in disgust.

“Don’t get any ideas! I still have Vivian. One wrong move and she pays the price!” Brandon snapped, tightening his grip around Vivian’s throat in warning—just as Macauley lifted his boot, poised to strike Millie again.

For a moment, neither dared move.

“Keep crawling if you want, stupid bitch! You look right at home groveling in the dirt,” Macauley spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

Then he barked, “Take the gag off Vivian. I want to hear her talk!”

Jaw clenched, Brandon tore the gag from Vivian’s mouth.

Vivian sucked in air, her voice trembling.

“Let go… I can’t breathe… You’re hurting me…”

“She said she can’t breathe! Release her now!” Macauley shouted.

Brandon shot back, “Hand over Millie and Ari first!”

Macauley let out a harsh laugh.

“Do you still think you’re the powerful Watson Group CEO everyone feared, Brandon? That title means nothing now. You’re not in charge here, and you’re done giving orders.”

Macauley swung his pistol without warning.

A sharp crack split the air.

The shot tore through Millie’s leg, and she collapsed with a scream.

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“Ah!”

“Macauley!” Brandon’s voice cracked, fury threatening to swallow him whole.

Without hesitation, Macauley slid another round into place, his sights shifting to Ari.

He flashed a cruel smile.

“This is what you get for thinking you could tell me what to do.”

Then his words turned colder.

“Tell me, Brandon, what happens if I pull the trigger and blow that little girl’s head off? Think Millie will hold herself together, or will she fall apart completely?” Macauley’s voice dripped with menace.

“Millie chased me all the way here just for that girl. If she doesn’t make it out of this, do you think Millie will survive it, Brandon?”

He flicked the pistol toward Vivian’s throat, the warning unmistakable.

Brandon’s jaw tightened until it threatened to crack. He looked at Millie—battered, barely moving—and something inside him shattered.

Regret stabbed through him, cold and sharp. If he had kept his feelings hidden. If he had never kidnapped her. If only he had dealt with Macauley sooner. All of this pain—every bit of it—was on him.

Brandon’s hand finally fell away from Vivian’s neck. She gulped down air, coughing as her breath returned.

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