Alpha's Regret After the Divorce by Christina novel Chapter 268

Chapter 268 “So what’s the plan?” I asked, picking up one of the tactical vests, feeling its weight. Come with me,” Andy said, leading me to a strategy room I hadn’t noticed before. Inside, more maps showed extensive networks of locations across the country. Photos of facilities were pinned to a board, along with surveillance shots of people entering and exiting–potential Triads members or unwitting test subjects.“This is going to be a long fight, Kira,” Andy said quietly. “Deep cover operations, infiltration, intelligence gathering. We’ll need to dismantle their infrastructure piece by piece.” I stared at the maps, the scale of what we were facing slowly sinking in. “You need my leadership,” I realized aloud. Andy nodded, then hesitated. “But before you decide anything, I need to be completely honest with you.” Something in his tone made me turn to face him fully. “What is it?” He took a deep breath. “This path–fighting The Triads–it’s dangerous. It could take years. And I…” he paused, looking uncomfortable, “I heard what Rocco proposed to you.” My eyebrows shot up. “How did you-” “Rebecca has sources,” he said apologetically. “The point is, Kira, you have a choice to make.” I felt my defenses rising. “What are you saying? That I can’t handle this?” “God, no,” Andy said quickly. “I know you can. That’s not what I meant.” He ran a hand through his hair. “What I’m trying to say is that there are two paths in front of you. One with us, continuing to fight The Triads, with all the danger that entails. And one with Rocco, rebuilding a life, maybe finding peace.” My mouth went dry. “You’re asking me to choose between you and Rocco?” Andy shook his head firmly. “No, that’s not it. This isn’t about me versus him. It’s about the kind of life you want. Fighting an endless war or finding stability.” His eyes met mine, sincere and pained. “Rocco just survived one vendetta. Do you really think he’d support you throwing yourself into another dangerous fight?” I frowned. “You’re saying these are mutually exclusive paths.” “I’m saying Rocco just escaped a cycle of revenge,” Andy replied carefully. “He wants stability now, I can’t imagine he’d be happy watching you put yourself in danger again.” The implication hung in the air between us. I couldn’t have both–a life with Rocco and the fight against The Triads. “That sounds like I have to choose between you and him after all,” I said quietly. Andy sighed. “I don’t want to make it about that. But realistically, yes. I’m committed to stopping The Triads, no matter how long it takes. Rocco is looking for peace. You can’t walk both paths.” I turned away, moving to the window. Outside, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the grounds. The weight of the decision pressed down on my shoulders. “I need time to think about this,‘ I finally said. “This isn’t just about choosing you or Rocco. It’s about who I am and what I want my life to be.” Andy nodded. “I understand. But we do need to know soon if we can count on your expertise.““If I decide to stop, what will you do?‘ I asked. *Keep fighting,” he replied without hesitation. “It would be harder without you, but The Triads have to be stopped.” I looked at him, at his determined expression and the exhaustion lining his face. “That sounds lonely.” A small smile touched his lips. “That’s why we have a team. No one fights alone.” He touched my arm gently, then left me to my thoughts. I stayed in the strategy room for a while, studying the maps and photos. Eventually, I made my way to the base’s rooftop balcony. The setting sun painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson. I leaned against the railing, letting the cool evening breeze wash over me. Below, team members moved between buildings, preparing for a war they weren’t sure they could win. I thought about Rocco, about the possibility of rebuilding what we once had. Could we actually start fresh after everything? Then I thought about my team, about Andy. About the commitment to protect others that had driven me since I discovered my father’s condition. If I walked away now, could I live with myself? My father’s words from yesterday echoed in my mind: “Choose the path that’s true to who you are, not what others expect of you.” The question was: which path was truly mine?