Chapter 77 – Please accept this gift

’I sent my driver to pick you up. If you do not step outside right now and get into the car, you already know what will happen.’

The message sat on Emery’s screen like a loaded weapon, and for a split second the world around her seemed to blur into nothing but those words.

She stopped walking, her shoulders stiffened, and the faint sound of her uneven breathing filled the quiet hallway. Tears swam in her eyes, distorting her vision as she slowly lifted her gaze from the glowing screen to where Corvine stood a few steps away, confusion and concern written all over his face.

"I’m sorry," she said, her voice breaking under the weight of something heavier than embarrassment or pride. "I can’t."

There was finality in her tone, the kind that did not invite negotiation.

Before either of them could reach her, Emery turned and walked out without looking back, as though looking back would shatter whatever fragile resolve she had left.

Corvine moved instantly, frustration and urgency flashing across his features. He opened his mouth, ready to call after her, but Seraphine caught his arm with surprising firmness.

"Do not stop her," she said, her voice low but commanding. "We follow her, but we do it quietly."

Her eyes were sharp now, calculating, every instinct she possessed rising to the surface.

Corvine hesitated only a second before nodding. He trusted her judgment, especially when danger hovered so close it felt tangible.

By the time they reached the entrance, Emery was already stepping into a black SUV that had pulled up with unsettling precision. The vehicle did not linger. The moment the door shut, it sped off as if it had been waiting for exactly that second.

Corvine’s eyes narrowed, and even in the rush of adrenaline, his mind worked fast enough to memorize the plate number before the car disappeared around the corner.

move

his side before he

his car and pulled out smoothly, careful not to draw attention, and maintaining just enough distance to avoid suspicion while refusing to

inside the car. Seraphine’s hands were clasped tightly in her lap, her nails pressing into her

gate that slid open with mechanical precision. The vehicle disappeared inside, and the gate closed immediately after, sealing whatever lay

he said,

now, whoever is inside will know Emery talked. We

authority again, the kind that turned

nodded, forcing himself to step back from

tone composed as she reported suspicious activity at the address, emphasizing possible trafficking and

than either of them

the silence as police vehicles surrounded the property. Officers stormed through the gate once it

brought out. Several young women emerged, some shaken, some crying, others eerily silent, all

at the sight. "Let’s go home," she said quietly after a moment. "They will all be taken to the

urgent thing had been getting Emery out of

arrested men were lined up

not

straight to the station and demand answers, but reality tugged at him. The Sovereign Circle event was happening over the weekend, and

the quiet of the mansion felt

on the event," Corvine said firmly, turning to her as they stepped inside. "Win over

for a moment before nodding. She trusted him, but trust did

see her," she added seriously, "make sure you have

faint smile stretched Corvine’s lips, not because he found it amusing, but because he recognized the care behind her

right," he said softly. "I will

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255