No one really knew what Uriah had told Tegan, but in the end, Tegan decided not to go with Ste.


    When Ste heard about Tegan''s decision, she just nodded. "If you ever need anything, call me. I''lle get you."


    Respecting her choices and offering a shoulder to lean on was all that Ste could do for Tegan.


    Tegan was touched, nodding and hugging Ste tightly. "Thanks, Star."


    Ste gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    Tegan smiled. "With you saying that, I feel like I can face anything."


    At that moment, Tegan felt Ste''s warmth and support, a reminder that she had more than Uriah in her life.


    Tegan closed her eyes. "There are some things I need to settle."


    Ste''s eyes widened. "Settle?"


    Hearing Tegan''s words, Ste realized that whatever had happened between Tegan and Uriah was likely more serious than she''d imagined. Nobody knew what Tegan had gone through.


    "Need my help?" Ste offered.


    "No, I can handle it myself."


    That simple phrase revealed Tegan''s unyielding strength. She had always seemed like a fragile girl with Uriah around, but now...


    "Don''t push yourself too hard," Ste cautioned.


    Tegan shook her head. "It''s not about pushing myself. With you behind me, I''m not afraid."


    Truth be told, she never had been afraid. In the past, she didn''t worry about the small stuff, but it was different this time. They were after her life now. If that was the case, she would reim everything owed to her and her family.


    They chatted for a bit longer before Ste left.


    Once she was alone, Tegan pulled out her phone and dialed a number.


    The line picked up quickly, "Ms. James?"


    "I want Helena''s leg," Tegan said coldly, closing her eyes.


    She didn''t doubt Helena had orchestrated the ident. That woman was cunning. Whether it was Mrs. Horner or Helena calling the shots, they needed to pay for it.


    en


    "Understood, Ms. James."


    Tegan hung up, her once-soft eyes now hardened.


    When Uriah walked in, he caught a glimpse of that cold fire in her eyes. Their


    gazes met, and Uriah stood at the door, his expression stern.


    From his look, Tegan knew he had overheard her phone conversation. She turned her face away, saying nothing.


    Uriah approached, sitting down on the bed, taking a deep breath.


    The air was thick with tension.


    He turned her to face him again, their eyes locking.


    Tegan blinked. "This time, I''m not counting on you." She spoke firmly, enunciating each word.


    All these years, Uriah had been her protector. She had always believed he was shielding her.


    But if people dared to act even with Uriah''s protection, what did that mean?


    It meant no one could always be your rock. Only you could be your own support.


    When you stand strong, those people wouldn''t daree near.


    Uriah squeezed her shoulders a bit tighter, not responding to her words. He merely said, "I''ll handle Helena."


    "No." Tegan''s lips curled into a thin line as she icily rejected his offer, her voice firmer than ever.


    Uriah had cleared so many


    obstacles for her over the years.


    Each time something happened, he


    would clean up the mess. But what


    was the result? More problems


    would always arise.


    "This time, let me." She didn''t want Uriah to clear the way for her this time. She needed to do it herself.


    Uriah gripped her shoulders even tighter, his voice low, "Why do it yourself?"


    Tegan winced slightly, gripped his wrist, and replied resolutely, "Because doing it myself is more effective."


    This time was different from any previous challenge or threat. This time, it involved his mother''s distant niece. With her protection, what could Uriah do?


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!