Chapter 1408: Chapter 1408

Chapter 1408:

Rhys seemed to sense her unspoken question and explained, “I checked the entire area. There’s no one here except you.”

“No one?” Harlee’s voice was tinged with disbelief.

“It seems this place was set up for Nicola. She’s got a thing for traditional artifacts.”

“We should leave now. We can talk later,” Rhys urged. He wanted nothing more than to hold her close, but they weren’t out of the woods yet.

“I’m not sure how much longer my grandpa can keep Lucius busy. We need to get out of here.”

There weren’t any guards by the secret passage, and not a soul in sight down here. Everything felt wrong—too many unanswered questions, especially about Nola.

Harlee met his eyes, shaking her head with calm determination.

“Lucius might be using me for something. I need to stay here and figure out what his game is. I also need to learn more about Nola through him.”

“Absolutely not!” Rhys’ refusal was swift and fierce. Lucius was volatile. One minute, he could adore Harlee, and the next, he could turn on her. The last thing Rhys wanted was for her to be in harm’s way.

Harlee didn’t back down. She looked him in the eyes, the silent message clear: she was staying, and nothing would change that.

Seeing her resolve, Rhys’ face darkened. After a moment, he scanned her from head to toe, a puzzled expression on his face.

“Lucius just left you here? No guards, no restraints? Doesn’t he know you could’ve walked out at any moment?”

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“I was drugged.”

Harlee lowered her gaze, not daring to meet Rhys’ eyes.

At these words, Rhys’ heart sank. His hands gently found her shoulders.

“What kind of drug? Does he have an antidote? I swear, I’ll tear him apart to make him give it up!” The fury in his voice was unmistakable.

“I don’t know.”

Harlee kept her head down.

“He just said it wouldn’t harm the baby, and honestly, I haven’t felt anything unusual.”

At this, Rhys’ expression shifted.

“What about you? How’s it affecting you? Is it going to hurt you?”

Harlee didn’t want him to worry. She looked up and forced a smile.

“I’m fine. He still needs me for something, so for now, staying here is the safest option.”

Rhys’ brow furrowed deeper in concern.

Harlee reached up, gently smoothing the crease between his brows.

“Trust me, okay?”

Rhys knew that if he forced her to leave, they could make themselves a target. Reluctantly, he pulled a tracker from his pocket.

“Hide this well. If Lucius finds it, I’ll have Patrick and the others come and blow this place to pieces.”

“Yes, sir!” Harlee did her best to lighten the mood, offering a playful smile.

Their fingers entwined. Harlee met his gaze again.

“Did you bring a syringe? I need to get some blood drawn for Goodwin to analyze. After this abduction, my trust in Lucius is basically gone.”

She only said it casually, but Rhys surprised her by pulling out a sealed bag from his pocket. Inside was a syringe. Harlee couldn’t believe it.

“You actually brought it?”

Rhys smirked, his voice tinged with arrogance.

“Of course. Always plan for the worst. It’s second nature.”

In reality, Goodwin had insisted on it before Rhys left. At first, Rhys thought it was unnecessary, but Goodwin’s persistence had paid off.

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