Chapter 1222:
Brad moved with deep intensity, every motion drawing them closer in a powerful rhythm, while Rylie matched his passion completely, leaving her own imprint on him as though etching the memory of the moment into both their hearts.
As their overwhelming emotions slowly settled, they lay wrapped in each other’s arms on the tapestry, catching their breath in comfortable silence. The gentle glow from the domed ceiling washed over them, casting their closeness in soft light while the ancient relics stood quietly around them like silent witnesses.
Rylie shifted slightly, her fingertips tracing the faded scar near Brad’s collarbone with a delicate touch. Her gaze drifted toward a nearby ancient statue that seemed to carry a faint smile, and a quiet laugh slipped from her lips.
“What’s making you laugh?” Brad asked softly, pulling her closer and pressing a tender kiss to the crown of her head.
“Nothing, really,” Rylie murmured, tucking her face into his neck, her tone filled with quiet contentment. “I was just thinking — these antiques have probably witnessed centuries of history. Tonight, though, they watched something entirely different.”
Brad let out a low chuckle, his chest vibrating gently with the sound. “I’m sure they’ve seen countless things over the centuries. One more moment won’t surprise them.”
Once Ares Global’s headquarters were uncovered, the hidden locations of its military production facilities around the world quickly came to light. Rylie immediately mobilized everyone on the island, setting plans in motion to take control of the abandoned factories one by one. She chose to spare individuals who could serve her purposes, as well as those who posed no threat — but anyone who dared to compete with her for power or resources was removed without hesitation.
ոe𝗐 𝘄𝘦e𝗄𝗅𝗒 с𝘩𝗮𝘱𝘁e𝗋𝘀 𝗼𝘯 g𝗮𝗹𝗇𝗈𝘷𝗲𝗹ѕ.со𝘮
When the final phase of the operation concluded, Rylie returned to Eshea alongside her family.
Brad later arranged for her to meet Carter, who had already been captured and transported back. No one knew exactly what Carter had endured inside Ares Global’s underground facilities, but his appearance told the story plainly enough — his mind seemed clouded, four of his fingers were missing, and an entire row of teeth had been knocked out, leaving him in a horrifying state.
“He wasn’t in this condition initially,” Brad explained. “But the moment our people told him he was being sent back to Eshea and that every cent he had transferred was frozen, he completely lost control.”
A faint smirk crossed Rylie’s face. “He spent decades working as a spy. It’s no surprise he couldn’t bear it when everything collapsed.”
“He’ll remain in prison in a half-conscious state,” Brad said calmly, “sometimes aware of his surroundings, sometimes not. It’s a punishment that breaks both the mind and the body — far more painful than death.”
Rylie gave a small nod. “Knowing this would bring my parents peace.” And with that, Carter’s story reached its final chapter.
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