?Chapter 1125:


    The pressure crushing his ribs eased—just slightly. The dread that had sat in his throat since he heard the news began to unravel.


    As long as Sadie was safe, the rest could wait.


    But that sense of calm didn’tst. His features tightened again almost instantly. He brushed moisture from his forehead, his voice low and weighted.


    “We’ve gone through almost every district in Jazmah, but there’s still no trace of Averi or Isabel. One spot remains… the urban vige.”


    Noah’s jaw tensed. When he spoke, his voice bore the strain of fatigue.


    “Alex found Averi. He’s okay.”


    ine blinked, momentarily thrown off. He had dispatched countless teams and scoured every block around the clock with barely any sleep.


    And it was Alex who reached Averi first? Really?


    Still, at least one life was no longer in danger.


    But Isabel hadn’t been found.


    “You’ve got to be kidding,” ine muttered, eyes going wide.


    “Well… that’s at least some good news.”


    He released a slow breath, the edge in his shoulders dulling slightly.


    “But Isabel is still out there.”


    Noah’s brow furrowed. “That urban vige—what kind of ce is it?”


    ine answered, “It’s a chaotic spot, stuck between farnd and high-rises. You’ll find every type of person crammed in there. Filthy. Chaotic. Totally off-grid.”


    A girl like Hailey—pampered, protected, untouched by the real world—would never end up in a dump like that. She’d retch just walking past it.


    “Hailey wouldn’tst five minutes there,” ine added. “She’s spent her entire life wrapped in silk.”


    Noah’s expression hardened, a glint of ice in his gaze.


    The more forgotten a ce, the less anyone looked twice.


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    And Hailey? She was running scared. Fear made people unpredictable.


    “Often, the worst-looking ces offer the best cover,” Noah said, his voice like ice. “Scour it. Leave no corner unchecked. I don’t care how deep you have to dig—bring Hailey to me.”


    ine gave a determined nod. This wasn’t the moment for second thoughts. “I’ll get on it right away.”


    Just before turning to go, he nced back at Noah, his face a storm of worry and urgency.


    If his grandfather learned what Sadie had endured—especially the loss of her child—he’d be finished.


    “I don’t care who you are. Just… take care of Sadie. If she gets hurt again, my grandpa will destroy me.”


    Alex drifted through the streets after leaving the hospital, thoughts spiraling. Evening air brushed his face, but it did nothing to soothe the pressure crushing his heart.


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