Chapter 295

Chapter 295 What’s Left Behind
Chapter 295 What’s Left Behind
Malik’s hand trembled like it had a mind of its own. His breath hitched, chest wound tight
Smack!
The sound rang out; a red mark bloomed across his cheek.
“Pathetic, he spat under his breath. His palm struck again, harder this time. “Stupid… for even liking your
“Malik…” Eva didn’t move. Watching him tear himself apart felt worse than if he’d turned that rage on her
He spun on with you, done with this
her, eyes raw and blazing. “Save it I’m done, Eva. I
His shove nearly knocked her back, then he was gone–footsteps hammering down the hall like war drums until the door slammed shut.
Eva stayed where she was, rooted to the floor. No anger, no tears–just that hollow ache in her chest.
“Ms. Hunter… Mr. Stark bolted. Should I- Ray’s voice barely broke through.
She shook her head, slow and certain. “No. ”
She knew he wouldn’t come back, not tonight and perhaps never.
Malik had given in.
If this was what winning looked like, she wanted no part of it. It felt less like a victory and more like watching something snap clean in two.
Eva exhaled, her thoughts quiet and sharp. That last fragile thread between us… It’s gone.
If the world hadn’t burned to the ground–no blood/no desperate choices–we’d still be running the company side by side. He’d be there, steady as ever, building the future we used to dream about.
By now, we’d probably be arguing over wedding flowers instead of escape routes.
What a cruel joke.
She dragged in a breath and steadied herself. “Anything else, Ray?”
Ray scratched the back of his neck. “The folks downstairs… they said they’re leaving at first light. They want to know if we’re in.”
Within half an hour, Eva had Theresa’s escape plan laid out in front of her.
Theresa didn’t dress it up. She told Eva this was their one and only shot. Miss it, and Br their grave.
Ford would be
Eva sat in her office, staring at the wall until the clock’s ticking felt louder than her own thoughts, Every second shaved away what little hesitation she had left.
After nearly an hour, she made up her mind.
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Chapter 295 What’s Left Behind
They were leaving.
Her people didn’t argue when she told them to pack. Most of them had been with her since Ridgefall Mall She’d kept them alive this long–they’d follow her anywhere.
Even the drifters they’d picked up along the way didn’t question it. If Eva said move, they mover.
When the noise died down, she walked its halls one last time, taking in every corner. Then she climbed to the rooftop.
The sky looked almost unreal–gold bleeding into crimson, fading to a deep blue where the first star through. If she ignored the horde below, it could almost feel like the world wasn’t broken.
At the door, she stopped.
Malik was there.
cut
He knelt beside Mario’s body, hands steady now. He dressed him in a clean shirt, set a pack of cigarettes by his side, doused him in liquor, and lit a flame in his palm
The fire took him fast. In minutes, nothing was left but black ash
Malik scattered it into the wind.
The horde howled like starving wolves.
Awooowooo!
They clawed upward, leaping like starving dogs for scraps they’d never reach. Smoke drifted down like an insult.
Malik stared at them, face like stone, then lifted his crossbow and fired. Each bolt landed with a vicious snap, a little piece of rage leaving him every time he pulled the trigger.
He didn’t stop until his quiver was empty.
“One day, I’ll wipe every last one of you out!” His voice tore through the night.
Eva didn’t move. She just sat there, watching him burn through the last of his fury,
When he finally turned, his eyes met hers for only a second. Then he brushed past her, hollow and cold.
She called out, “Malik.”
He kept walking.
“Malik.” Her voice was quieter this time. “We need to talk.”
He didn’t even glance her way.
By the time Eva caught up, Malik was already downstairs. He stood dead still when he saw everyone packing up.
“What’s this?” His voice was low and sharp.
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Chapter 295 What’s Left Behind
The men exchanged uncasy glances, “Mr. Stark… Ms. Hunter said we’re leaving with the camp downistick at dawn
Malik’s fists tightened.
Downstairs. Always about them.
Eva drew a breath. “Malik… I wanted to tell you first. Ms. Hall is leading an escape. It’s real. I’m going with them. You should, too.”
Malik laughed without a shred of humor. “Tell me first? No, Eva. You’re not telling me. You’re just announcing it.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ
She stepped closer. “I’m not trying to fight. You know this can’t go on. Every day we-
“Enough!” His voice snapped like a whip. “You want to run with them, then go. I’m not leaving!”