Chapter 1125

The pressure crushing his ribs eased—just slightly. The dread that had sat in his throat since he heard the news began to unravel.

As long as Sadie was safe, the rest could wait.

But that sense of calm didn’t last. His features tightened again almost instantly. He brushed moisture from his forehead, his voice low and weighted.

“We’ve gone through almost every district in Jazmah, but there’s still no trace of Averi or Isabel. One spot remains… the urban village.”

Noah’s jaw tensed. When he spoke, his voice bore the strain of fatigue.

“Alex found Averi. He’s okay.”

Blaine blinked, momentarily thrown off. He had dispatched countless teams and scoured every block around the clock with barely any sleep.

And it was Alex who reached Averi first? Really?

Still, at least one life was no longer in danger.

But Isabel hadn’t been found.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Blaine muttered, eyes going wide.

“Well… that’s at least some good news.”

He released a slow breath, the edge in his shoulders dulling slightly.

“But Isabel is still out there.”

Noah’s brow furrowed. “That urban village—what kind of place is it?”

Blaine answered, “It’s a chaotic spot, stuck between farmland and high-rises. You’ll find every type of person crammed in there. Filthy. Chaotic. Totally off-grid.”

A girl like Hailey—pampered, protected, untouched by the real world—would never end up in a dump like that. She’d retch just walking past it.

“Hailey wouldn’t last five minutes there,” Blaine added. “She’s spent her entire life wrapped in silk.”

Noah’s expression hardened, a glint of ice in his gaze.

The more forgotten a place, the less anyone looked twice.

M ?ρ ν.

And Hailey? She was running scared. Fear made people unpredictable.

“Often, the worst-looking places offer the best cover,” Noah said, his voice like ice. “Scour it. Leave no corner unchecked. I don’t care how deep you have to dig—bring Hailey to me.”

Blaine gave a determined nod. This wasn’t the moment for second thoughts. “I’ll get on it right away.”

Just before turning to go, he glanced back at Noah, his face a storm of worry and urgency.noveldrama

If his grandfather learned what Sadie had endured—especially the loss of her child—he’d be finished.

“I don’t care who you are. Just… take care of Sadie. If she gets hurt again, my grandpa will destroy me.”

Alex drifted through the streets after leaving the hospital, thoughts spiraling. Evening air brushed his face, but it did nothing to soothe the pressure crushing his heart.

.

.

.