?Chapter 1211:


    Watching Sadie’s faintly sad expression, Alex felt sympathy well up inside him, and his tone turned gentle.


    “Sadie, please don’t worry. I promise to help you figure out what really happened to your parents. You can count on me.”


    Sadie’s head lifted slowly at those words, and for a brief second, her eyes shimmered with tears.


    She wiped them away with a calm hand, her voice cool and steady once more.


    “Thank you, Alex. It’s gettingte. You should head back now.”


    Her words left no doubt she was sending him away.


    A faint shadow crossed Alex’s smile.


    He could see that Sadie still maintained her distance.


    Disappointment and bitterness washed over him, though he kept those feelings hidden.


    A meaningful look passed between them before he gave a slow nod.


    “Alright, take care.”


    He paused for a moment, then turned to make his way back to his car.


    His figure seemed especially solitary as the sun dipped lower in the sky.


    Sadie looked away, her expression cooling once again.


    Turning toward the old building, she found it even more unsettling in the dim evening light. The scorched walls stood bare and threatening, carved railings that were once beautiful were now broken and warped, and the scent of smoke lingered everywhere.


    The bodyguard at her side quickly stepped in, moving debris and broken wood aside to clear a safer path for her to walk. Even so, the entire ce looked ready to fall apart at any moment.


    Suddenly, a section of the rotting railing on the second floor, weakened by years of neglect, gave way with a loud crack and crashed to the ground. A thunderous bang echoed through the empty structure, sending up thick clouds of dust.


    “Careful!” The closest bodyguard reacted without hesitation, stepping in front of Sadie and using his body to shield her.


    A cloud of dust rolled her way, and Sadie quickly covered her mouth and nose. She still coughed twice, frowning as she did.


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    “Ms. Hudson, this ce is far too risky,” the bodyguard said, steady but clearly worried. “Maybe we should leave for now and onlye back once everything has been reinforced or cleared out?”


    Sadie lifted her eyes, taking in the ruined scene. Answers she was desperate to know might still be hidden among the ruins. A stretch of silence followed before she gave a single nod.


    “Alright. While the repairs are being done, make sure the ce is cleaned uppletely.”


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