Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 309

Chapter 309 A Heartfelt Plea

Julie began, her eyes fixed on the ground as if afraid to meet his gaze, “Yeah. We’ve known each other since we were young–maybe we weren’t exactly childhood sweethearts, but there’s always been a bit of affection between us. Now, finding each other again in a strange city… it feels like fate, like the heavens themselves tied a red string for us. Why not give it try? Why not spend our lives together?”

She paused briefly, then rushed on before her sourage failed her. “I know a girl shouldn’t speak this way. It’s embarrassing… but I’m scared that if you leave tomorrow, you might never come back. The truth is, I really like you. If I could be with you forever, I’d probably wake up smiling every single night.” She shook her head, flustered. “Oh, forget all that. Just… think it over tonight, Herman. I won’t bother you anymore.”

With that, she turned to leave, her cheeks flushed.

After a long silence, Herman’s voice stopped her. “If Ms. Campbell were to… pass away someday, would you still stay in Breston?”

Julie froze mid–step. All the warmth and shyness drained from her face, replaced by a cold clarity.

She slowly turned back, her expression unreadable. “Herman, what are you talking about?” Her voice was low, almost stern. “That’s horrible–don’t jinx her like that.”

Her sudden seriousness seemed to underscore just how deeply Margaret mattered to her.

Herman remained calm. “Just a thought.”

Julie studied him, her gaze unwavering. “I’ve gotten to know you these past few days. You’re not someone who speaks without reason. You wouldn’t say something like that unless you meant it. You’re hiding something, aren’t you? Herman, please, tell me honestly. You aren’t planning to hurt her, are you?”

“You’re overthinking,” he said calmly.

“No, I’m not. When I ask, it’s because I’ve seen signs. And that throwing knife earlier–it wasn’t an accident, was it? It was aimed right where I’d been standing, a split second from…”

She trailed off, shaking her head. “You said it was a friend. Fine, I can let that go. Maybe someone close to you doesn’t want you making friends or falling in love, I understand. I still like you, and I’ll still follow my heart no matter who tries to stop me. So I won’t hold the knife against you.”

Her tone shifted, growing firm. “But my own safety is one thing. Ms. Campbell… she saved my life. She’s my dearest friend. I won’t let anyone lay a finger on her. I might not be strong or skilled, but I’ll protect her with my life. If she ever died… I wouldn’t want to go on living!”

Herman’s brow furrowed slightly. For a moment, he said nothing.

Julie pressed on. “Answer me. Why bring her up? Are you really going to harm her? Is that why the authorities are chasing you–because you tried to move against her?”

“No…”

Julie’s voice grew urgent. “Hesitating like that tells me ‘yes. Herman, listen. She’s a good person, truly good. Whatever the reason, please don’t hurt her. She’s my closest friend, along with Lisa. She saved both our

ざいま

12:18 pm PNT

Chapter 309 A Heartfelt Plea

lives. L…”

“Is she really that important to you?” Herman asked quietly, his eyes locked on hers.

His question told her everything she needed to know.

Her world seemed to tilt beneath her feet

Finished

The man she’d longed for, the one who had made her heart race, wanted to harm the woman who meant everything to her.

The realization felt like a physical blow.

“Herman, promise me. Promise you won’t hurt her,” she whispered, her voice breaking.

“It’s not me. Someone else wants her dead,” Herman finally admitted, his tone heavy.

Julie demanded immediately, “Who? Tell me-”

“That’s confidential. A client’s privacy.”

“Confidential? Privacy? I don’t understand! Someone wants to kill the most important person in my life, and you won’t tell me who?” Her face flushed again, this time with anger rather than embarrassment.

Herman let out a slow breath, his shoulders sagging slightly.

“All I can say is this: Someone hired our gang leader, paying a small fortune to have Margaret Campbell eliminated. Our boss assigned me and a few others to carry out the hit. We failed. That’s why the Ducal Palace is hunting us.”

He paused. “I was the first to try. After I botched it, the boss sent others. But Prince Theodore has shadow guards protecting her, so no one’s succeeded yet. I’ve been lying low for days, but the boss is getting impatient. I have to report back.

“Our gang is small, but we take pride in our reputation. Once a job is accepted, we see it through—no matter how tough it gets. Even now, with the odds stacked against us… they won’t back down.”

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