Chapter 263
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Devon got up, his movements deliberate as he pulled on a pair of jeans and a casual Henley. His eyes never left me as he said, ‘You’re in
no condition to drive. His tone was firm but not unkind. “I’ll take you.”
“I can call an Uber-” I started, not wanting to impose further.
“You’re shaking,” he cut me off, stepping closer and taking my hands in his. His thumbs brushed over my knuckles in a steadying gesture. And exhausted. I won’t let you go alone like this.” His eyes held mine, and I saw genuine concern there.
I nodded silently, grateful for his understanding. Following him downstairs to the garage, I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to contain my growing fear for Sophia and her mother. Devon’s hand rested briefly on the small of my back as we walked, a small gesture of support that steadied me.
His Bentley purred to life, the leather seats cool against my skin as I slid in beside him. Devon glanced over, noticing my distress, and adjusted the temperature. The city streets were nearly empty at this hour, allowing us to move quickly through Manhattan.
“Last night, Devon said suddenly, breaking the silence. “You were with Calvin Reed. Discussing a contract?” His eyes remained on the road, but I could hear a note of something in his voice–concern? Jealousy?
I glanced at him, surprised by the abrupt shift. “Yes,” I admitted, tucking my hair behind my ear nervously. “Harper Group needs his
business.”
His fingers tapped rhythmically against the steering wheel, betraying an inner tension. “If you needed help with Reed, you could have
come to me.”
‘I wanted to handle it myself,” I replied, turning to stare out the window to hide the emotions crossing my face.
Devon’s jaw tightened slightly. “Such pride,‘ he murmured, his eyes briefly meeting mine in the rearview mirror. “We’ll see if you can crack. Reed. He’s not an easy man to convince.”
‘I don’t need your approval on my business decisions, Devon.” The words came out sharper than I intended, my anxiety about Sophia making me defensive.
“No?” His voice lowered, becoming more intimate. “Then why did you come running to me for funding for your friend’s mother’s surgery?” His eyes flickered with something close to hurt before hardening again.
I clenched my jaw, refusing to engage further. My thoughts were already at the hospital with Sophia, imagining worst–case scenarios. The tension in the car thickened as we pulled up to the hospital entrance.
“Thank you for the ride,‘ I said, my hand on the door handle. I hesitated, turning back to look at him. Something in his expression made me want to stay, to explain, but Sophia needed me.
Devon didn’t respond, simply put the car in drive the moment my feet hit the pavement. I watched the Bentley disappear around the
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Chapter 263
corner, feeling strangely bereft despite my urgency, Shaking the feeling away, I rushed through the moate doors me the serie brightness of the hospital lobby, my fear for Sophia pushing everything slow selds,
I’m looking for Carmen Kim, I told the nurse at the reception desk, my wies tight with anxiety, the sheld have been added cathy
tonight.
The nurse typed something into her computer, her face impassive, Boom 412 was assigned to Mrs. Kim, but the frowned, the room a currently empty.”
My heart dropped, and I felt lightheaded with fear. “What do you mean, empty? Where is she? My voice rose slightly, drawing glances
from nearby staff,
‘I’m sorry, I don’t have that information,‘ she replied with practiced detachment that made me want to scream.
I grabbed my phone, dialing Sophia’s number with trembling fingers. She picked up on the second ring
“I’m at the hospital,” I said quickly, pacing in small circles. “Where are you?”
“Fifth floor,” Sophia’s voice was barely audible, choked with tears. “Surgery… they took her to surgery. Hurry, Aria… please… The brokenness in her voice tore at my heart.
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.

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