Chapter 715 ck Mountain Standoff

    “Send John to Ashen Pact,” Madam Evelyn ordered. “Dale has things we can use.”

    The butler hesitated. “…” At a time like this?

    But the more he thought about it, the more it made sense.

    Ashen Pact was in chaos.

    Madam Evelyn had never seriously considered fighting Ashen Pact for anything before–but now, it was different.

    Ever since learning that Dan was Dale’s son, the heir of Ashen Pact, a thorn had been lodged deep in her chest.

    Her daughter had been toyed with, nearly driven into a mental breakdown.

    As a mother, how could she swallow that humiliation?

    At ck Mountain, Marie and Derrick finally came face to face with Dale. Artemis was there as well.

    The atmosphere in the hall was heavy, oppressive.

    Marie said coldly, “That’s the situation. Hand Tessa over to us, and everything can be settled. Otherwise…”

    The word “otherwise” rang sharp as a de. She didn’t finish the sentence, but the threat was clear enough.

    Beside her sat Derrick, absently toying with a small silver knife, twirling it with practiced ease.

    His lips curled in a smile, but in this dangerous setting, that smile looked more like the grin of Hades himself.

    Dale’s expression darkened. Facing Marie’s fierce stance, he didn’t dare erupt.

    He knew too well whose daughter she was. Behind her stood the entire Dawson family. Madam Lorette’s ruthlessness was known across the world.

    Artemis nced at Dale, then turned to Marie with a gentle smile.

    “Ms. Dawson, we truly didn’t take Tessa. You’vee to the wrong ce.”

    Marie shot her a frigid look. “Don’t talk to me. My head’s not sharp enough to figure out which of your bfaces /bbis /breal.”

    Artemis’s face fell instantly.

    For

    years at Dale’s side, everyone in Noctarth had treated her with deference. She had forgotten what it felt like to be spoken to without respect.

    “Ms. Dawson-”

    “I said don’t talk!” Marie snapped.

    Her arrogance made Dale’s breath hitch, anger rising in his chest.

    “Ms. Dawson, you dare behave like this in my ck Mountain? Such temper won’t serve you well outside.”

    Marie sneered. “And yet I’ve managed just fine with this temper all these years.”

    “Enough talk. Hand her over. I’ve got people to answer to.”

    She didn’t want to waste another second. The longer Tessa stayed missing, the worse things became with Victor–and she wasn’t about to face him empty–handed.

    Thinking of that, she turned the screws harder on Dale.

    Dale’s face was grim. “What proof do you have that we took her?”

    “You’re the former master of Ashen Pact. You expect me to believe you couldn’t snatch a single girl?”

    Proof? She was already pressed for time. Who had patience for proof?

    Artemis interjected softly, “Ms. Dawson, that’s unreasonable—”

    “Shut your mouth. I told you not to speak.”

    Marie knew exactly what kind of woman Artemis was. She yed the saint, but in truth she couldn’t tolerate Dale’s other wives or their children.

    Artemis’s face turned stormy, but with Dale silent, she swallowed her anger.

    Marie leaned forward. “Does Mr. Morris know why your daughter Lana ended up so badly injured?”

    Dale stiffened.

    ?? ??

    Artemis blurted, “Ms. Dawson!”

    The mention of Lana’s injury froze her. Guilt flickered in her eyes.

    Dale frowned. “What are you suggesting? She only wanted to see what her sister looked like.”

    Marieughed. “Is that what you tell yourself? Curiosity? Concern? That’s the truth you’ve chosen?”

    Her eyes shifted back to Artemis.

    The woman’s fingers were clenched tight, betraying her nerves. That alone told Marie the matter was anything but simple.

    Marie smiled faintly. “Mrs. Nn, Tessa is very important to me. Do me the courtesy of giving her back.”

    Artemis couldn’t meet her eyes.

    She hadn’t taken the girl–but she feared if she said too much, Marie would expose what Lana and Lina had done to that wretched child.

    Finally, Artemis said carefully, “I’ll send people to search. Once we find her, I’ll make sure she’s delivered to you. Will that do?”