Chapter 1183:

Just as he reached the threshold, Luther appeared to recall something and turned back casually — yet his next words sent a cold shiver down the President’s spine.

“Oh, one more thing,” Luther added lightly. “To show my sincerity — and to help you move forward without worry — I’ll send you a small gift. A detailed report on your deputy, the one who keeps stirring trouble in the Emerald Strait, along with his financial ties to Ares Global. I think it’ll help you clean things up nicely.”

The door shut with a quiet, almost gentle click.

Inside the study, the President remained seated in the oversized chair, frozen in place for a long time. Even with bright sunlight pouring in from outside, a deep chill crept through his body. He looked down at his faintly trembling hands and understood that he had crossed a point of no return. Brad had stood by him all along — and yet he had just betrayed the man who trusted him most.

Perhaps it was the crushing pressure, or the guilt he couldn’t escape, but he suddenly began coughing violently, struggling to catch his breath. It took him several long moments to steady himself again.

Meanwhile, Brad continued quietly tracking smuggler activity. Ares Global had been unusually active, with operatives attempting to cross nearly every day — but under Brad’s tight control, each one was swiftly intercepted and deported.

Except for one day. On that day — intentionally — he allowed three containers to pass unchecked.

𝗥om𝗮nс𝖾 𝘢𝗻𝖽 𝗉a𝗌𝘀іo𝘯 𝗼𝘯 𝗀а𝗹𝗇ov𝘦𝗅𝗌.с𝗼𝗆

Hidden beneath the plastic tarps of those containers, eight Ares operatives waited silently, prepared to escort Kristen safely back out of the country.

That same day, Rylie carefully arranged what appeared to be a chance encounter with Kristen. She brought along Isabella, who had once served under Paola.

Isabella had never imagined she would one day be shopping alongside Rylie. She had once suffered greatly because of her, even dragging her own family into trouble. But if Rylie truly accepted her now, her future might finally change. Someone powerful enough to ruin her life could just as easily restore it, so Isabella felt no resentment. If anything, she believed luck had finally turned in her favor.

Walking arm-in-arm with Rylie through elite social circles made her feel elevated, her confidence growing with every admiring glance they attracted.

“I’m so happy you invited me shopping,” Isabella said eagerly. “What’s the plan today, Rylie?”

Rylie noticed the store Kristen had just entered and gave a slight nod. “I heard Hermes released a limited collection. Want to take a look? If you see anything you like, let me know — we can get matching pieces.”

“Matching pieces?” Isabella’s eyes sparkled instantly. If it was limited or custom-made, the price would be astronomical. Rylie truly lived up to her reputation as the daughter of the wealthiest family.

“Don’t tell me you don’t like matching sets,” Rylie said with a playful smile.

Isabella shook her head quickly. “Of course I do! I love the idea!”

.

.

.