Chapter 1157:
Karina leaned into Deandre’s arms, her heart lifting uncontrollably. She knew, rationally, that this was all calculated — but she still couldn’t stop herself from wishing it might become real.
Inside the Mista Dunkadelic, cheers broke out in full force. Not only had they secured three districts from the Costa Syndicate, but they had also proven that Deandre was nothing more than an Eshea fool, easily blinded by a pretty face.
“Lochlan misjudged badly,” someone scoffed. “This time, we hit them where it hurts — their lifeline.”
A gang member leaned toward Henson and asked quietly, “You don’t think Karina will turn on us, do you? She’ll still bring us the password, right?”
Henson answered coldly, “Her brother’s grave is under our watch. Unless she wants to gamble with her life — and his remains — she won’t betray us.”
That was the nature of true gangsters: loyalty came second to profit. Love and women were nothing more than seasoning; only wealth and power truly mattered.
Far below, at the base of the cliff, Melany’s body tore through thick layers of leaves before landing safely on an air cushion set upon the rocky ledge beneath. Rylie hurried to her side at once. Melany’s hands flew instinctively to her abdomen. “The baby…”
“Don’t worry,” Rylie reassured her calmly. “With parents as healthy as you two, the baby will be just fine. Nothing’s wrong.”
Only then did Melany allow herself to exhale. After a brief pause, she asked softly, “When are we leaving?”
“Right now,” Lochlan said from nearby, steadying himself against one side. “There’s a smuggling boat waiting below to take you back to Ostium. Are you certain you’re ready to leave Deandre behind?”
Remembering how resolute he had been, Melany gave a steady, unwavering nod. “He’s not someone I can keep, and that world isn’t one I could survive in. A woman like Karina fits into his life far better than I ever could.”
𝘉𝖾 𝘁𝗵𝘦 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘴𝘵 𝘵о 𝗋ea𝗱 𝗼𝗇 𝗴𝘢lո𝗼𝘷e𝘭𝘴.𝗰о𝘮
Lochlan studied her for a moment before speaking. “I admire how resolute you are about this.”
Fresh identification documents were pressed into Melany’s palms — Rylie had already arranged every detail. “I’ll explain things to your mother,” she continued calmly. “Dennis has settled everything related to your studies. You can still live the life you once planned, just not as Melany. As long as you exist under another name, Deandre will never be able to trace you.”
After holding herself together for so long, Melany finally broke. She clutched Rylie tightly as sobs tore from deep within her chest.
Rylie understood exactly what she was feeling and slowly rubbed her back, offering comfort without a single word.
Some time later, Melany steadied her breathing and carefully composed herself, masking the sadness that still clung to her eyes. “Thank you, Rylie,” she said earnestly. “I’ll keep supervising Sweetberry’s designs as promised. Please don’t worry — I won’t disappoint you.”
Rylie gave a small nod. “Make sure you keep in contact.”
Shortly after Melany’s departure, Lochlan reported back to Deandre that no one had been apprehended.
.
.
.