?Chapter 1138:


    Noah pulled up short. “Let’s split up. You take that one, and I’ll head this way.”


    ine gave him a curt nod. He was just as anxious as Noah. Every second they lost put Isabel at greater risk.


    “Be careful,” he rasped.


    Noah nodded in acknowledgment, then led his half of the group down one direction.


    Before long, he noticed that the deeper they went, the narrower the path became. The air was musty yet damp at the same time, and soon they were assaulted by the reek of rot and mildew.


    A wave of unease washed over Noah.


    Just then, he heard the faint sound of footsteps echoing from up ahead.


    Noah halted and raised a hand to signal his men to stop as well.


    Everyone held their breath, their eyes peering into the dark expanse before them. The silence was heavy and almost suffocating, but it also made each footfall louder.


    After a while, a group of men in ck suits emerged from what looked like an even narrower side alley.


    The man in front didn’t seem surprised to see Noah and his team there. He even stepped forward and gave Noah a courteous nod.


    “Mr. Noel, Ms. Burgess has been expecting you. Pleasee this way.”


    Noah’s brows knitted into a scowl. Just what was Hailey up to this time? He said nothing, nor did he make any move. His mother was in Hailey’s hands at that very moment—he couldn’t afford to make a single misstep.


    The other man seemed to sense Noah’s reluctance, but he kept hisposure.


    “I am merely following Ms. Burgess’s orders,” he said matter-of-factly. “Follow me, and you will see everything for yourself. Then you will understand. Besides, your mother has been waiting for you, too.”


    Noah’s jaw tightened at the mention of his mother. His expression darkened, and his hands balled into fists at his sides. “In that case, lead the way,” he said through gritted teeth.


    They soon found themselves at the entrance of a quiet, nondescript courtyard. The gate was slightly ajar, its wood weathered and partially eaten by termites. A rusty brass lock hung loosely from itstch.


    Noah instructed his men to wait outside, then pushed the gate wider before stepping inside.


    The courtyard was small and had clearly been abandoned for many years. It was paved with old stone bs whose surfaces were worn smooth by time and the elements. Wild grass grew in the spaces between them, particrly dense in the corners.


    Hailey stood in the center of the courtyard, d in white.


    Her back was turned to the gate, and in the dim light, she painted quite the solitary figure.


    Noah quickly swept his gaze over the courtyard, a cold ball of dread settling in the pit of his stomach.


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