Chapter 849:
Marcus’ tone softened with sincerity. “Always.”
Out on the observation deck, Rylie peered through the telescope, eyes fixed on the glittering stars. “Havenridge wouldn’t hand out a deal like that to a crumbling family for no reason,” she said quietly. “What did you do?”
Brad stepped closer, closing the distance between them as he adjusted the lens for her with careful precision.
She turned her gaze to him. “Is it something you’re unwilling to tell me?”
Brad said evenly, “Take another look.”
Rylie leaned closer to the telescope once more. What had been a dark, hazy stretch of sky moments ago now shimmered with a trail of stars and a faint crescent moon.
Brad spoke in a steady, low tone. “I entered the battlefield at fourteen. By sixteen, I was at my most rebellious, defying my grandfather’s orders. During an overseas counterterrorism mission to rescue hostages, I acted against command. I infiltrated the enemy’s base and crossed a minefield to reach one of the captives.”
Rylie’s eyes flickered toward him. “Was that hostage the man behind Havenridge?”
Brad’s lips curved faintly. “The situation was dire. The terrorists were consumed by their twisted beliefs, making negotiation impossible. They had captured a top scientist from our side, and to strengthen their control, they took over an entire hotel, killing anyone who stood in their way. Our command was absolute: protect that scientist at all costs, even if it meant abandoning the rest. Bound by duty, we had to let go of parts of ourselves, knowing we couldn’t save everyone.”
His tone softened as he continued, “Through what was left of the hotel’s surveillance, I saw the corridor filled with bodies. I couldn’t bear it, so I took matters into my own hands.”
Though Rylie had faced peril and bloodshed herself, she could feel the quiet sorrow radiating from Brad’s words.
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She shifted her attention from the telescope and rested her hands on the railing. “Were you injured?”
“Yeah, took a shot to the lung. Nearly didn’t make it.” Brad let out a small, rueful laugh. “I was reckless, throwing myself in front of the hostage like that. Luckily, the medics got there just in time.”
Rylie’s chest tightened. Every scar he carried was proof of his courage, a reminder of what he had endured. The world must never let extremists twist such sacrifice through another staged tragedy like Everswell.
She remained quiet, and Brad went on, “In the end, my grandfather managed to save the scientist, but I rescued two others — a hotel security guard and Luther Marquez, the head of Havenridge, who happened to be there on vacation. I took a bullet for him, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since.”
Rylie whispered, “That explains everything. I can’t even say I’m surprised.”
“He once wanted me to take over his company, but I refused at the time.” Brad’s eyes lingered on her face, his expression soft.
“At the time?” Rylie caught the word, turning toward him. “Does that mean you’ve changed your mind?”
Brad’s voice dropped, calm and deliberate. “I’m preparing to accept Luther’s proposal — to become the successor.”
“…fortune and position.”
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