Chapter 1149:
Seeing Melany’s unmasked face in the midst of the gathering, Deandre’s temper ignited like a flare. He couldn’t quite process why she was there, and with so many watchful eyes upon them, the atmosphere thickened with tension.
“And who might this be?” someone among the Mista Dunkadelic’s circle asked.
Lochlan’s voice remained steady and composed. “She’s a new addition to the syndicate — and Deandre’s lover.”
The word lover struck Melany sharply, like a thorn embedding itself in her chest. Her gaze darted to Deandre, who had Karina cradled effortlessly in his arms while Karina leaned against him with teasing ease.
“Oh? Is this your lover, showing such temper?” Karina’s voice rang with playful mockery.
The situation left Deandre with no room to maneuver. Should he choose Melany over Karina now, the repercussions would be catastrophic. His eyes darkened, sharp and stormy. “She’s merely a plaything, but I won’t allow her to treat you poorly.”
Karina’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as she kissed his cheek. “I know you care for me, but there’s no need to be cruel to a mere toy. Just have her apologize — and polish my shoes while she’s at it.”
𝖯𝗼pul𝘢𝗋 ѕ𝘵𝘰𝘳𝗂𝘦𝘀 𝘰𝘯 galո𝗈𝘃e𝗅𝗌.с𝗈𝗆
Deandre’s gaze shifted to Melany, calm yet dangerously firm. “Do as she says, if you value your well-being.”
Melany felt her heart splinter into pieces, yet her face betrayed nothing. She requested a cloth from the bartender, bent gracefully, and fixed her gaze on the tips of Karina’s shoes. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, but her resolve only hardened with every passing second.
She carefully cleaned the scuff from Karina’s heels — only for Karina to cruelly step on her hand, sending a sharp jolt of pain up her arm. Deandre, standing nearby, bristled as if about to strike. But before he could move, Rylie acted with lightning precision, yanking Melany back and landing a firm slap on Karina in one seamless motion.
“That’s enough,” Rylie declared.
Her eyes swept the hall, instantly commanding the attention of everyone present. She then flanked Melany and led her out with quiet authority, with Nightingale and Storm falling into step behind them like shadows — lethal, watchful, and silent.
“Who is that woman?” a guest murmured.
Curiosity spread like wildfire through the assembled crowd. Lochlan offered a modest smile. “It’s because of her that I’ve been healed.”
“The Healing Hand?” someone whispered, awe threading through their voice.
“Could she really be the fabled doctor rumored to bring the dead back to life? And she’s so young — and a woman?”
Lochlan inclined his head. “She has a gentle nature and has spent time in our circles. She’s also become well acquainted with Deandre’s close associate — Rylie.”
“It was a small incident, nothing to concern yourselves with,” Deandre said smoothly. He brushed Karina’s hair back with a tender hand as he addressed the onlookers. “No one can harm you, and no one will ever replace you in my heart.”
Melany, poised to leave, caught every word with perfect clarity. She paused for half a heartbeat — but didn’t look back.
All the while, the room hummed with quiet discussions about the Costa Syndicate’s newly appointed godfather.
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