The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 626

Chapter 626 Unexpected Bargain

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The idea of trading the letter had never featured in Joaquin’s strategy. Its sudden appearance shifted the board–and Julius meant to exploit every inch of that advantage.

Sliding his phone into his pocket, Julius returned to the ancestral hall Quinn had already gone, her absence leaving the courtyard oddly hushed

He strode to the locked chamber where Gavin remained confined the hinges groaning as he pushed the heavy door aside.

Julius stood with his coat already bunoned the collar turned up against a night wind that had not yet begun to blow. The muted glow of the corridor lamps carved sharp angles across his face, etching resolve into every line. Ill be leaving Jexburgh tonight. The moment I’m gone. you’ll be free to step outside these walls. Remember this. Quinn and the child she’s carrying are now your responsibility. The estate guards will answer to you but Quinn’s word outranks yours. Treat it as law.

Gavin planted himself in julius path arms folded eyes a storm of disbelief. You really mean to disappear without telling Quinn? Aren’t you afraid shell lose faith in you all over again?”

Julius met the challenge without flinching. “Her rust is a lesser price than her safery.

To him, nothing—absolutely nothing—ourweighed her safery.

He adjusted his cufflink, voice dropping to something close to a plea. A few more hours and you’ll be free, Gavin. Don’t make me regret trusting you.”

With that, Julius pivoted and disappeared into the long corridor. Gavin was left pacing the cell–like room, rage coiling so tight he finally stamped the floor just to hear something break

To hell with his trust! If the man truly trusted me, he wouldn’t have locked me up in this gilded cage.

As twilight settled over the manor, Julius commandeered the vast marble kitchen, rolling up his sleeves and coaxing flames beneath copper pans until the air swelled with the aromas of sautéed herbs and slow–braised meat. By the time the grandfather clock tolled eight, a feast worthy of any holiday sprawled across the dining table, steam curling like silk above each dish.

Quinn paused at the threshold, eyes widening at the unexpected tableau. “What inspired you to cook tonight?” she asked, genuine surprise coloring her voice as she took in the neatly plated courses, each one looking suspiciously restaurant–perfect.

Julius wiped flour from a knuckle, offering the faintest smile. “You once told me that when your father was home, he’d cook for the family. You dreamed of a marriage like that. I can

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Chapter 626 Unexpected Bargain

never match your dad, but I’m willing to try.”

She sank into her chair, curiosity flickering. “When did you learn all these recipes?”

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He set a bowl of soup before her. “I’ve been learning in secret for a while–wanted to surprise you.”

The surprise was genuine; a soft laugh escaped her lips as she took the spoon. Together, they began their meal, the room quiet save for clinking cutlery and the low hum of night insects outside the open window.

After dinner, Quinn rose, but a sudden wave of dizziness stole her balance. Julius was beside her in an instant, one arm circling her waist before she could fall.

She blinked, lids heavy. “I… I feel weak,” she murmured, a thick drowsiness dragging at the edges of her words.

Julius kept his voice gentle, almost apologetic. “I slipped a mild sedative into your drink. It won’t harm you or the baby, but it will let you sleep for a few hours.”

He gathered her into his arms, cradling her as though she were the most fragile thing in the world. With measured steps, he headed for the bedroom, the corridor lights blooming like small moons along their path.

Quinn fought to keep her eyes open, words slurring together. “You…” she whispered, forcing each syllable through the fog. “Why?”

He tightened his hold, remorse clouding his features. “Quinn, I’m going to see my father and end this once and for all. I’m sorry I kept it from you.”

Only weeks earlier, he had sworn never to lie to her again. Yet here he was, twisting words and hiding truths–the difference between omission and deceit felt painfully thin.

Quinn’s heart sank. He’s… going to see Joaquin? And what does he mean by “end this“? Don’t tell me… But the thought dug icy claws into her chest, and panic bloomed where certainty used to live. She tried to form words, but her throat constricted, refusing sound. At last her eyelids, burdened with leaden sleep, drifted shut.

Somewhere inside the gathering darkness, a single spark of awareness flickered on, refusing to die out.

Julius carried her into the dim bedroom and laid her gently on the mattress, smoothing the quilt over her as though sealing a promise he wasn’t sure he could keep.

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Chapter 626 Unexpected Bargain

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Julius lowered his voice until it was barely louder than the hush of the IV drip beside the bed. “Quinn, back in Celosia, you blindsided me once, and tonight I’ve done the same to you. Let’s call it even, alright? If, by some miracle, I make it home again, forgive me for this betrayal. One last time. Please.”

No! Don’t do this, Julius. We promised we would face every demon together—not you alone, not ever again.

“You’re carrying our child now. You’re strong–stronger than anyone I know—but you’re in no shape to confront my father, that madman. The night I watched them wheel you into emergency surgery and could only wait outside, wondering if I’d lose both you and our baby, I swore that man would never touch either of you again.”

He spoke those words in a steady murmur while sliding the sandalwood bracelet she once gave him over her slack wrist, his fingertips lingering as though memorizing the curve of her pulse.

“You told me the bracelet would keep me safe every year I drew breath.” He tightened the loop gently. “Now I’m giving that safety back to you–and to our baby. May the two of you outlive every storm that finds me.”

For that blessing to hold true, he was prepared to sacrifice everything–name, fortune, even the years he had left.

Quinn, half–conscious beneath the sedatives, felt the familiar warmth of the beads settle against her skin. Yet something else–metallic and icy–closed around her thumb.

What is that? What is he putting on me now?

“The Whitethorn signet ring,” he explained, lifting her hand to the faint bedside light. “With it,

you

control every resource in the family. The Shadow Guards answer only to this crest. If I don’t return, you’ll be head of the Whitethorn family–no one will dare defy you.”

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