Chapter 866
Chapter 866:
Panic surged. Stella tried to twist free, but their grip was iron. The club lifted higher, angled toward her wrist, while the other man pressed a hand toward her mouth. Out of options, Stella clenched her jaw, bracing for the blow.
Stella squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the blow.
Instead, a violent crash erupted beside her.
The man with the club let out a strangled scream as he was hurled backward, smashing into a dumpster with a hollow clang before crumpling into unconsciousness.
The second attacker barely had time to register what happened before a polished leather shoe slammed into his side.
Crack!
The sound of bone snapping echoed through the alley. He collapsed, clutching his ribs, howling in agony.
The attack ended so quickly that Stella could only lean against the wall, chest heaving, her mind struggling to catch up.
At the alley’s mouth, silhouetted in the light, a tall man calmly adjusted the cuff of his immaculate suit jacket. He lowered his foot, a roguish smile spreading across his face.
Amon.
Stella froze, shock rippling through her.
He strolled toward her as if nothing had happened, his gaze sweeping over her disheveled appearance.
“Ms. Russell, has it really been that long? Trouble seems to follow you. Do you enjoy keeping me entertained like this?”
His tone was playful, and he reached as if to brush a loose strand of hair from her cheek.
L𝑎t𝑒st ch𝑎pt𝑒rs in
Stella jerked her head back, eyes icy. “Amon—why are you here?”
The timing was too perfect. Too convenient. Suspicion flared inside her.
Amon only shrugged, the smile never leaving his lips, though his eyes glinted with something darker. “Call it instinct. Heroes always show up just in time, don’t they? Adds a touch of romance to the story.”
He sidestepped the question and glanced at the groaning men on the ground. “Seems my dear cousin isn’t doing his job. Some protector—nowhere to be found when you actually need him.”
Amon’s casual jab struck deeper than Stella wanted to admit. A flicker of disappointment crossed her face before she could stop it.
Only then did it hit her—she didn’t even know where William was right now. Amon caught the change instantly. A sly glint lit his eyes as he leaned closer, his voice dripping with mock sympathy.
“Ms. Russell, you’d be better off with me. I wouldn’t let you walk headfirst into danger again and again… or vanish on you for a blind date when you need someone.”
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