I Deleted You Traitor Even My Blade Forgot Your Name novel Chapter 38

Chapter 5

A dozen guys in suits get out, and leading them is Dax’s manager, Quinn Foster.

Quinn walks up with a professional fake smile.

‘Mr. Blake, Miss Blake, Mr. Remington would like to see you both.”

ett pulls me behind him, eyes wary.

We’ve got nothing to say to that psycho. Move.”

Quinn’s smile doesn’t reach his eyes.

Not happening. Hospital confirmed it–Ms. Shaw’s arm’s shattered.”

Mr. Remington is furious. You don’t make this right, he’s going to court.”

But between you and me? He’ll probably handle you himself first.”

Quinn finishes and the guys in black all step forward.

ett’s face goes dark.

What do you want?”

Nothing much.”

Juinn’s eyes move past Jett to me.

Mr. Remington says Mr. Blake injuring someone is a fact.”

Medical bills, emotional distress–someone’s gotta pay.”

But he’s willing to settle this privately. For Miss Blake’s sake.”

le pauses, his smile widening.

Dax’s show needs a big finale.”

He wants Harlow to be part of it.”

She cooperates, everything before this gets wiped clean.”

ett doesn’t hesitate.

Not happening! You’re not using my sister as your puppet again!”

Quinn’s smile vanishes completely

Jett, think real carefully here.”

You’re one guy with a sick girl. Where exactly do you think you’re going?”

You know what Dax is now. What he can do.”

“He could crush you both easier than stepping on a bug.”

“So either play nice, take the money, and disappear–or he makes your lives hell until you’ve got nowhere left to run. Your call

Chapter 5

Jett’s fists are clenched so tight they’re cracking, glaring daggers at Quinn.

I’m hiding behind Jett, can’t understand what they’re saying, but I feel his anger and helplessness.

So I tug on his shirt.

“Jett, Ill… I’ll go.”

ett whips around, can’t believe what he’s hearing.

Harlow, what are you saying? Do you even know what they want you to do?”

shake my head. I really don’t.

just know I don’t want to see Jett struggling like this.

he Post–Its said, “Jett’s the best person to you, don’t make Jett sad.”

look at him seriously.

Jett. I’m not scared.”

ventually. Jett gives in.

get taken to the town square where they’ve already set up a massive stage.

he area below’s packed with people who came to see the celebrity Dax Remington.

ameras are pointed at the center of the stage.

hey push me onto the stage, blinding lights making me squint.

az and Brynn are standing center stage.

rynn’s arm is in a thick cast hanging from her neck, she’s leaning on Dax with a winner’s smile,

he host grabs a mic, voice pumped.

today, right here, Coming Home is about to witness something incredible!”

Bment of love and redemption!”

bur very own Dax Remington is personally giving his ex girlfriend Harlow Blake a fresh start!”

Wanding wway the past–endracing a new beginning!”

he crowd below erupts–applause, screanding, the whole nine yards

get dragged to the center of the stage–there’s this massive glass tank filled with low water

he host keeps going.

This ceremony? We’re calling it The Cleansing

Harlow will step into this tank and wash away all the pains, all the mistakex

When she comes out? She’s reborn!

And Dax and Brynn–they’re here representing all of us, giving her that second chance

stare at the tank, massive fear rising in my chest.

Chapter 5

I don’t want to go in there.

Two crew members come over to grab me.

I fight back hard.

“No… I don’t want to…”

Dax walks over, grabs my hair, and drags me roughly to the tank.

‘Harlow, you owe me.”

Seven years ago you made me look like shit in front of everyone.”

Now you get to feel it.”

le’s right in my face, voice barely above a whisper.

Get in there. Don’t make a scene. Or your brother? He’s not gonna make it to tomorrow.”

hear “brother“, my body goes stiff.

And I stop fighting.

he crew opens the tank lid and shoves me in.

reezing water swallows me instantly.

can’t swim–I’m flailing around, choking on water.

My lungs feel like they’re exploding.

hrough the water and glass, I see blurry faces.

Jaz, Brynn, the host, the crowd below.

heir faces twisted with excitement, entertained.

ike they’re watching some circus act.

My consciousness starts fading, my body slowly sinking.

Broken images flash through my mind:

White hospital walls, a diagnosis paper, a strange man’s face, Dax’s shattered expression….

These images are jumbled, chaotic, bringing deeper pain and confusion.

just when I think I’m dying, the tank lid gets ripped open.

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