Chapter 1144

Chapter 1143:
Carlos’s reply came like lightning. “Nah, that won’t work. I picked this time for a reason. You’re vulnerable now. Once you’ve recovered from childbirth, I’ll lose my leverage, won’t I?”
Elliana gave a short, humorless laugh and sent a sneering emoji. “So you expect a woman about to go into labor to rush out and meet you?”
“Of course not. I’m not that heartless. Milton can come in your place.”
Milton, seated right beside her, had been watching the exchange unfold. When he read that line, his expression darkened. He took the phone and sent a voice message. “This is Milton. I’ll deal with you on her behalf. Name the time and place.”
But Carlos didn’t send a location. Instead, he added a new condition. “I was hoping to see Elliana myself. Since it’s you coming in her place, I’ll have to add one more requirement.”
Milton’s voice turned sharp as he sent another voice message. “And what would that be?”
“Bring Arthur along. We’ve been wanting to discuss something with him—about Rita.”
That last word hit like a spark. Elliana and Milton exchanged a look. Someone else was involved. Carlos wasn’t working alone. But who were these people? And why were they so fixated on the Medical Codex?
Milton’s tone grew cold. “Who do you work for?”
Carlos replied smoothly, “I can’t say that yet. You’ll know soon enough when you get here. We’ve had our eyes on Arthur for years. It’s about time we met and talked about Rita.” ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ͟.net
Elliana let out a bitter laugh. Carlos’s words were polite, but the meaning was clear. They’d been plotting against her father all along. Now, with her so close to giving birth, they were finally making their move.
“Elliana,” Milton said calmly, analyzing every piece of the puzzle, “Carlos and whoever’s behind him are timing this on purpose. They want to pull Dad and me away from you. Once you’re in labor, no one will be here to protect you. I think their real target is you.” He frowned. “For your safety, Dad and I can’t meet them right now.”
Elliana shared the same thought, but her mother’s life was on the line. She couldn’t put herself first. Still, the idea of Milton and Arthur walking into danger made her heart race. Carlos’s background was still a mystery. No one knew who he truly worked for or how dangerous they were. If Milton and Arthur went, they could be walking right into a trap.
Your escape begins with gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝓬𝗈m
Torn, Elliana sat in silence for a long moment before finally speaking. “Milton, after testing that blood and watching the video, I know you have to go. If anything happens to Mom because we waited, you’d never forgive yourself—and neither would Dad. And I couldn’t live with that either. So go.” She lifted her chin. “Don’t worry about me. Jason’s here, and so are Adah and the others. I can call in members of the Star Society anytime. The security here is airtight.”
“The Star Society?” Milton asked, frowning.
A small smile touched Elliana’s lips. “I never told you or Dad, but… I’m Lexi Hanson.”
Milton froze. Of all times, he hadn’t expected Elliana to drop another secret identity. The mysterious Star Society—her own organization? He suddenly realized how little he truly knew about his sister. But there was no time to process it. The only thing that mattered now was dealing with Carlos, staying a step ahead, and finding their mother.
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