?<strong>Chapter 629:</strong>


    “Rafael!” Just then, Liza ran to him, her arms wide open in a longing embrace. “You’re finally back! Don’t you know how much Mom and I have missed you?”


    Rafael had to grab Chris with one hand and hold the knife in the other, unable to push Liza away. Allie, who was aiming her gun at Wade, redirected her aim toward Liza.


    “Allie,” Rafael called out, attempting to intervene, but it was already toote. A gunshot rang out.


    In a split second, Rafael let go of Chris and shoved Liza out of harm’s way. The bullet struck the nearby iron railing, and the force of the recoil knocked Allie to the ground. Sitting in the dirt, she fixed Rafael with a defiant re, as if protesting that Liza could hold him while she couldn’t.


    “Rafael…” Liza murmured, her voiceden with pain and her eyes brimming with unspoken words.


    Rafael gave her a brief, indifferent look before he walked over to Allie, extending a hand to help her up and gently brushing the dirt from her clothing.


    Tears streamed down Liza’s cheeks as she watched the scene unfold.


    “Rafael, can you really be so cruel? Will you truly leave Mom and me behind?”


    Rafael’s voice carried a trace of scorn as he dered, “I have nothing to say to you.”


    He then took Allie’s hand, making sure Liza saw their fingers intertwined. Allie nced at Liza with a smug expression, reveling in her apparent victory, regardless of Rafael’s true intentions.


    Seizing the moment, Chris made a break toward Wade. Just then, Can burst through the door. He lunged at Chris, tackling him to the ground with a thud.


    “Let go!” Chris protested, struggling helplessly and reaching out toward Wade.


    “Wade!”


    “Let him go!” Wade bellowed, his anger roaring like a lion unleashed.


    Joelle and Adrian faced each other, tension palpable in the air. Michael stealthily locked the door, sealing off any route of escape.


    As dawn teased the horizon, clouds gathered rapidly above. Joelle’s gaze was resolute and firm.


    “Return Rnd to me, and I’ll ensure your brother’s safety.”


    Wade, his expression savage, ran his tongue along the gun’s barrel. “You’re in no position to bargain with me.”


    Adrian forcefully pressed his foot against Chris’ head. A flicker of murderous intent passed through Wade’s eyes, betraying his emotions.


    “Does this look like a negotiation to you?” Adrian asked.


    Wade paused, lost in thought. Having cared for Rnd over the past year, his attachment had grown, rivaling his affection for Chris. Slowly shaking his head, he said gravely, “Without Rnd, even if I save Chris, it will be meaningless.”


    Adrian asked sharply, “So, you’re saying you don’t want him?” He applied more pressure. Chris’ face was now mashed against the earth.


    Wade had always protected Chris from harm, and witnessing such cruelty ignited his rage.


    “Adrian Miller, don’t test my limits!”


    “Or what? You’ll overstep yours?” Adrian retorted sharply.


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