?Chapter 1104:


    Hailey didn’t object. She was desperate to escape this hellhole, to breathe freely again.


    She nodded and followed Forest as they raced out of the vi.


    Hailey and Forest had just arrived at the vi’s threshold.


    A short distance away, Isabel emerged from a glossy obsidian vehicle. She’de straight from Ultracare Hospital after seeing her child—her spirit weighed down by dread.


    She wasn’t here by chance. Her goal was clear: to meet Hailey and determine what game she was ying.


    As she began to approach the vi, her gaze zeroed in on Hailey and Forest.


    Wasn’t Hailey meant to be under Sadie’s people’s watch? Had she broken loose? It hit Isabel like a freight train. Her mouth parted, ready to call out.


    But then Forest’s piercing stare connected with hers, halting her instantly.


    Without pause, he flicked his eyes toward the guard at his side.


    The bodyguard reacted instantly. His weapon cut through the air with swiftness.


    A heavy, muted impact followed.


    Isabel crumpled silently, knocked out before a word could leave her lips.


    Hailey recoiled, her breath faltering. A sick feeling swelled in her chest.


    “Dad…” she whispered, her hand gripping Forest’s arm tightly.


    That was Noah’s mother. If something happened to her now, they’d never be able to fix it.


    Forest’s eyes gleamed with fury. There was no undoing this.


    Isabel hade at the perfect time. She had only herself to me. Now, they had another card up their sleeve.


    Forest’s hold on Hailey’s arm grew firmer. His voice dropped, firm and dangerous.


    “If you want to keep living a life of luxury, you’d better keep quiet. Everything I’ve done, Hailey, has been for us—for our name. Remember where we were three years ago? Without Noah, we’d have lost it all. We saved that boy, and this is his thanks? Now he wants to discard us for Sadie? We’re alone in this now. No allies left. They’ve pushed us too far.”


    Hailey’s mind reeled, her father’s words nging in her skull.


    Then something shifted. Her fear cooled into icy determination. He was right.


    The sting of betrayal burned through her chest.


    Straightening her shoulders, she met his eyes, steeled.


    Her words were low but unwavering. “Tell me what to do next.”


    Forest’s jaw clenched. A flicker of something ruthless crossed his face.


    “I’ve already sent some people to take Averi.”


    The statement shattered Hailey’sposure.


    Averi—Noah and Sadie’s only child.


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