Chapter 1239:

Overwhelmed, Kalel reached out to Luther, hoping he could arrange for Brad’s release — but the reply he received caught him completely off guard.

“Brad isn’t the man he used to be. Bringing him back won’t solve your problems. And don’t forget — once a deal is sealed, it stays sealed.”

“This is not how any of this was supposed to end up!” Kalel shouted, slamming his fist against the table. “You’re the one pulling the strings behind the Havenridge Group — you have to understand what I’m facing after turning my back on Brad!”

Luther’s reply was measured and calm. “Did I ever force you to make that decision?”

𝗙іn𝗱 𝗻𝘰𝗏𝗲𝗹 P𝖣𝖥𝘀 о𝗇 𝗀𝖺l𝘯оv𝖾l𝗌.𝗰o𝘮

Kalel fell silent. He had no answer. A heavy wave of regret washed over him — he had been the one who pushed Brad away.

“If you refuse to help me, I’ll have no choice but to expose everything. If I hand Brad over to Rylie — whether it’s the real one or not — there’s a chance she’ll finally stop coming after me.”

Luther paused before responding. “Fine. I’ll step in and handle this.”

Kalel still believed the Havenridge Group had the reach and resources to resolve the crisis. Luther seemed capable of managing it — countless wealthy elites and influential figures depended on him, after all. And for a time, it appeared to work: many who had been vocal in their support for Brad fell quiet, and the public pressure seemed to ease slightly.

But the danger had not disappeared.

Even Luther’s attempt to use money to negotiate Kalel’s safety through dark web channels accomplished nothing. The strategic value of VS’s weapon systems and Healing Hand’s token far surpassed any monetary offer, making financial bargaining pointless from the outset.

Kalel remained locked inside his office — imprisoned within the very stronghold he had once believed untouchable.

The days passed slowly as tension built quietly beneath the surface. Rylie had no idea where Brad was, yet she held onto an unshakeable certainty that he was still alive, and that conviction kept the worst of her fears at bay.

Until this particular morning, breakfast had followed its usual rhythm, with her family gathered around the table as always. Then, without warning, a wave of intense nausea struck her. She had barely taken her seat before she was rushing to the bathroom, leaving her family standing anxiously outside, deeply worried she might be coming down with something.

Rylie doubled over as the nausea hit her, gagging for a few seconds before gripping the sink and splashing cold water across her face. She studied her pale, disheveled reflection in the mirror, and a sudden thought crossed her mind. When she checked the pregnancy test strip, her eyes widened slightly as she quietly absorbed what it revealed.

When she pushed open the bathroom door, she found her family crowded at the entrance, their expressions drawn tight with concern.

Kendrick and Selah stepped forward at the same time, each trying to reach her first. “What’s happening, Rylie? Are you feeling alright? Did something you ate upset your stomach?” Selah asked.

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