Chapter 42 The Pain of Betrayal

“Let them take him.”

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Lucas’s voice was low, drained of strength, the exhaustion in it unlike anything Andrew had heard before.

Yes, sir.” Andrew gave him a long,plex look before silently turning to leave.

The sound of footsteps came from inside. Lucas looked up instinctively–Sloane had finished her soak and was walking out.

Their eyes met. In that brief moment, Sloane caught something–an unmistakable flicker of pain in Lucas’s eyes.

But it vanished almost instantly. His expression returned to its usual calm, unreadable as ever, as if what she saw had been nothing more than her imagination.

“How was it?” Lucas asked in a casual tone, his voice calm and smooth. “Benjamin told me this spring has healing properties. That’s why I bought thend and built the vi here.”

Sloane shifted her gaze away from his face and responded lightly, “It was nice. Your friend was right–this spring really does have restorative effects. You should use it more often yourself.”

Lucas nodded gently, lips curving into a faint smile. “Alright.”

His eyes drifted past her, toward the distant sea, a barely visible emptiness hidden behind them.

Just when Sloane thought the conversation was over, Lucas quietly added, “I’m sorry. Mason was taken.”

Sloane’s brows furrowed. Someone actually managed to take Mason from Lucas’s grasp?

“But don’t worry,” Lucas said. “I won’t let him get another chance to hurt you.”

He knew Mason’s vengeful nature too well. Now that Sloane had ruined him, Mason would stop at nothing to retaliate.

15:11 Mon, 1 SeptA

Chapter 42 The Pain of Betrayal

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But Sloane didn’t seem the least bit worried. “If he has the guts toe, I’ll make sure he doesn’t leave.”

Lucas didn’t know the full extent of Sloane’s capabilities, but he knew enough to be sure she wasn’t just bluffing. Still, she was young–too young to understand how vicious some people could be when driven to desperation.

She may inot /iiworry/i, he thought. iBut /iI ihave /iito/i.

When Sloane returned home, she caught sight of Boone’s shy new sports car pulling into the driveway.

He climbed out with a flourish, immediately spotting her and letting out a mocking snort. “What are you staring at, bumpkin? You’ll never drive anything like this in your life.”

He deliberately strolled past her, fingers tapping rhythmically on the car’s sleek body as he bragged, “Top–tier specs. Limited edition. Even money can’t buy it

now.”

Sloane didn’t even bother responding. The irritation in her eyes was brief—then she turned away.

So Boone still had the energy to show off a new car. He really thought the online scandal had blown over.

Well… his car ihad /ibeen totaled in that hit–and–run. Of course he’d need a recement.

Sloane stood on the second–floor balcony, sipping tea as she watched the scene unfold belowi. /iSamantha and Adrian were circling Boone’s new ride, wide–eyed with excitement.

“Sammy, I’ll drive you to school on the first day,” Boone grinned proudly, “Everyone will be watching.”

Samantha’s eyes lit up. She practically sparkled as she circled the car. “Wow! This bis /bamazing! My ssmates are gonna be so jealous.”

Adrian chimed in, “That’s nothing. We’ll roll in together. Your car at the front, Boone’s bringing up the rear. Three–car convoy. You’ll be the talk of the entire university. Princess Sammy, arriving in style.”

15:11 Mon, 1 Sept

Chapter 42 The Pain of Betrayal

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Samantha was already basking in the imaginary spotlight, picturing herself as the undisputed queen of Stonebridge University.

Sloane raised her cup to her lips and let out a soft, coldugh.

Talk iof /iithe /iischool/i? she thoughti. /iiLet’s /iihope /iishe /iidoesn’t /iiregret /iiit /iiwhen /iithe /iispotlight /iiburns/i.