Chapter 523

Chapter 523 Promises in the Smoke
Chapter 523 Promises in the Smoke
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Graham and Dave took the first half of the night watch, while Kyle and Tyger covered the second. Theresa, however, had to remain on alert through the entire night.
By the time the shift changed, it was already past two in the morning–the hardest hour to stay awake. Surrounded by people guarding her while they dozed off, Theresa quietly rose to her feet and slipped toward the restroom to smoke a cigarette and clear her head.
She had just lit the flame when a shadow appeared in front of her.
“Give me one too.”
She looked up to see Sage walking toward her. Without a word, she handed him a cigarette.
“Here, your knife.” Theresa held it out to him.
Sage glanced at the blade. “That knife was yours a long time ago.”
Theresa froze. Then, without any pretense, she slid it back into the sheath strapped to her back.
“You people in the alliance seem to have plenty of supplies. You’ve already restored food and meat production, haven’t you?” Sage asked with his usual polite smile.
“Something like that,” she replied, slipping into her perfunctory mode.
“Don’t downplay it. The way you all eat compared to us… that’s no ‘something like that.”
“Not really. I had ribs at your camp just last year. You guys are the ones who have it good. Our Alliance isn’t much.”
Sage held the cigarette between his lips, watching her. When she smiled, he smiled back. But after a moment, his expression shifted into something darker, disappointment shadowing his face. “You don’t want us to join you, do you?”
Theresa blinked. It’s so obvious, isn’t it? So, why bother asking?
“Sage, don’t-”
“Don’t lie to me.” His eyes carried the sadness of a lost puppy. “You don’t want us. That’s why you keep brushing me off, using me. And tomorrow, when you’re out of here, you’ll walk away without hesitation–just like last year.”
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14:51 Fri, Sep 26
Chapter 523 Promises in the Smoke
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Theresa had no answer. What was she supposed to say now? He’d already said everything
himself.
The truth was, she really did think that way. She had never been the type to care about moral restraint. So what if she promised Sage something? If promises meant anything in this world, Morgan wouldn’t have torn up their agreement and attacked her.
In a world of survival of the fittest, promises were worthless. If they benefited one, one kept them. If not, one tore them apart. Flexibility was the only reliable bottom line.
She didn’t want Sage’s pack of jackals, and if it meant going back on her word, so be it.
Sage chuckled softly, though his pale, refined face looked lonelier than ever. “I’m used to it. If you want to go back on your word, then go
ahead.
“My father was an heir, my mother the only daughter of another powerful heir. And me? The sole legitimate child of a political marriage between two corporations. But I ended up as nothing. Both of my grandfathers once spoiled me, promised I’d always be their grandson. And later? Their promises became a joke.
“My parents split, the two families turned their companies against each other, and their illegitimate children walked in to become the real heirs. Overnight, I became the one everyone despised. Friends drifted away, classmates mocked me, and even the housemaids and chauffeurs scolded and humiliated me.
“I heard too many promises. They were all lies, but still, I can’t help fighting for a sliver of hope.
“Surviving the apocalypse is too hard. Do you think I wanted the meatfolk market in our camp? I didn’t. But I couldn’t control it. The need was there, and without answering that need, everything else was empty talk. I want your help.”
Theresa met the fragile glow in his eyes. Great. Another performance just like Quentin’s. Really? I’m supposed to fall for that again?
“Sage, don’t sell yourself short. You’re strong. Someone like you could rule a camp of your own without a problem.” Her words came out as another brush–off.
“Theresa Hall.” This time, Sage called her by her full name. His gaze locked on hers. “I never blamed you for last year. And when I saw your car again this time, I thought maybe I had hope. Can’t you take me just a little more seriously? I’m struggling.”
Theresa dragged hard on her cigarette, trying to steady herself. Anyone else might have stepped forward by now, pulled him into a comforting embrace.
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Chapter 523 Promises in the Smoke
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She just shook her head. Was it really worth all this effort? For a moment, he almost made her forget exactly what kind of man he was.
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