Chapter 495
Flynn glared at Baron after speaking, his expression sharp. Baron felt something stir deep in his chest—not pain, but a burning warmth. So this was what it felt like to be protected by family. The realization made his nose sting and his throat tighten. He turned his head quickly to hide it.
Natalie heard Flynn’s words and felt her heart swell with the same heat. Fresh chapters posted on.net
Without wasting any time, Flynn sealed the entrance behind them. The heavy door slid shut, muffling the sound of approaching footsteps outside. Whoever was coming, they were definitely after the Stone family.
Flynn’s face darkened, though the dim light of the tunnel hid it from the others. “Move,” he ordered quietly.
Baron instinctively pulled Natalie into his arms. “When we get out, stay behind me,” he murmured. “I know you’re worried, but I’ve been doing this kind of thing for years. I have the experience. To avoid unnecessary risks, just listen to me, all right?”
He understood her fear-her worry that his background and position as her protector would always leave him in danger, always standing between her and the world. But to Baron, protecting her was never a burden. It was the life he’d chosen.
Natalie looked into his eyes and saw the resolve there. He wasn’t reckless, just determined. She nodded. “Fine. But promise me you’ll be careful. If anything feels wrong, we face it together. No heroics.”
“Deal.”
In the dim light, Baron stole a quick kiss on her cheek. Natalie’s heart jumped violently, her face flushing. Baron, that shameless man-didn’t he realize her brother was right there?
The embarrassment mixed with a rush of warmth that spread through her chest.
Flynn didn’t see the kiss, but he caught Baron’s tone. “This tunnel was built by Dad,” he said, voice low. “I don’t know where it leads, so there might be danger waiting outside too. Baron, you’ve
got more field experience-if the exit looks bad, call it out immediately. We’ll stay inside if we have to, but we’re not risking Mom or the girls.”
“Got it,” Baron replied.
They moved slowly through the tunnel, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. None of them knew what was happening above.
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Chapter 494 The Missing Matriarch
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Meanwhile, Jensen had finally returned to the Luke estate from Ocevaris, only to find Loretta gravely ill.
“Has the doctor been called?” he demanded, his voice tight.
Despite all the conflicts and bitterness, Jensen still cared deeply for Loretta. Five years ago, when he was on the verge of death and stripped of his inheritance rights, it was Loretta who had fought for him-risking her life and her standing to make sure he’d get one final chance.
Whatever power or position he had now, it was because of her.
Lucy wrung her hands. “Yes, sir. The family doctor has been in, but her fever won’t break. The medicine hasn’t helped.”
“Then why the hell haven’t you taken her to the hospital?” Jensen snapped. “What are you waiting for?”
He stormed toward Loretta’s room, but Lucy stepped in front of him. “Mr. Jensen, ma’am gave orders-she doesn’t want to see anyone.”
“She’s delirious from fever and you’re still following her orders? If anything happens to her, I’ll make sure you
all regret it!”
Jensen had already been in a foul mood after everything that happened with Baron. Now even the servants were defying him-it made his temper explode.
“Move!” he barked, shoving Lucy aside and throwing open the door.
The room was empty.
His face went pale. “Where’s
my
mother?”
Lucy stared into the vacant room, shocked. “She was just here, sir! She hasn’t left since the fever started. How could she be gone?”
“How the hell should I know?” Jensen roared. “Where is she?”
Before anyone could answer, Hansel rushed in, breathless. “Mr. Jensen-there’s trouble at the Stone residence!”
Jensen frowned, exasperated. “What kind of trouble could the Stone family possibly have?”
Hansel blinked, uncertain if Jensen was serious. “Ms. Stone’s mother’s family is the Stone family, sir.”
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