?<strong>Chapter 896:</strong>


    Elyse didn’t fully grasp what Brook was trying to say, so she asked calmly, “Where am I supposed to go? Is Jayden nning toe after you?”


    “No,” Brook replied awkwardly. “You have to leave with Charlie’s friend. He came for you and wants to take you away.”


    Taken aback, Elyse smiled bitterly. “Of course. I knew you wouldn’t let me stay here for nothing. You had a n all along. Now I understand what it is.”


    Brook winced, feeling the sting of her words. This wasn’t how he had wanted things to unfold. He genuinely wanted to protect her, but circumstances had spiraled beyond his control.


    Elyse stood, feigning indifference. “I have no luggage. Should I leave now with that person?”


    Brook nodded stiffly. “That man is waiting downstairs.” Without another word, Elyse brushed past him and left the room.


    As she walked away, Brook sighed, regret swirling in his chest. Everything had gone so wrong, and he couldn’t fathom how word got out that Elyse was staying with him.


    Elyse entered the living room and immediately noticed a man seatedfortably on the sofa. One nce at Rory told her he was dangerous. Though he smiled, his eyes were cold and calcting, like a predator’s.


    Rory scanned her from head to toe before turning to Brook, who descended the stairs behind her. “Is this Ms. Elyse Lloyd?” Rory asked.


    Brook nodded. “Yes, it’s her.”


    Rory gave a curt nod and stood up. “Thanks, Brook. After this is all over, we’ll share a meal together.” Brook forced a smile and nodded in return.


    Elyse stood silently, showing no fear or hesitation as Rory led her out. She followed him to the car, calm andposed.


    As Rory watched her, curiosity got the better of him. “Why aren’t you afraid? Don’t you know what kind of ce the Hudsons’ residence is?” he asked.


    “Of course, I know,” Elyse replied, her voice steady.


    Roryughed, but his amusement wasced with disdain. “Then why aren’t you scared?”


    “It’s all pretense,” she answered. She had known this day woulde and had steeled herself for it days ago.


    She had already epted her fate, or at least appeared to. She wasn’t about to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her break.


    Rory chuckled again, this time with more cruelty. To him, Elyse posed no threat. She was someone who could be killed and discarded at any time. No amount of mental preparation would change the fact that suffering awaited her.


    After an hour-long drive, they arrived at a grand manor.


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