Chapter 897:
Nathanielâs posture straightened, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
âAlright,â he said, his voice trembling slightly.
âI look forward to seeing what youâll do.â
After his departure, Harlee exchanged a significant glance with Cullen.
âCullen, ensure Nathaniel is well cared for.â
Cullen, with a hint of solemnity, remarked, âMiss Sanderson, truth be told, he still harbors hope that his grandson is among the living.â
With a gentle smile of understanding, Harlee acknowledged, âYes, Iâm aware.â
It was for this very reason that she conveyed her intentions with unwavering determination. She couldnât ignore the goodness Rhys and his family had shown her. With resolve in her eyes, she decided to stand as their protector in Rhysâ absence.
Far away in Uwhor, Rhys had seamlessly integrated into Anikaâs environment.
He not only grasped her collaboration with Eugenia but also uncovered her intense resentment toward Matteo.
But beyond that, his investigation came to a halt. Though Anika placed limited trust in him, she remained guarded and cautious.
That morning, as Anika prepared to leave for a two-week business trip, Rhys seized the chance to reach out to Noel Archer, a trusted confidant from his university days in Mechuique.
âWhatâs with the sudden call?â Noel asked, sitting upright at his desk, his polished demeanor as charismatic as ever.
âDid something happen?â
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Without hesitation, Rhys got straight to the point, requesting Noelâs help to look after Harlee.
Hearing this, Noel, typically unflappable, was visibly taken aback.
He leaned in, disbelief evident in his widened eyes.
âAre you serious? Youâre asking me to care for the woman youâre in love with?â
A shadow of pain crossed Rhysâ face.
âNoel, Iâve been poisoned. The only way I can survive is by staying near Anika. I couldnât bring myself to let Harlee be disappointed after the short-lived delight of me being still alive, nor could I let her blame herself for my situation. I know Iâm asking for a lot, but thereâs no one else I trust more than you.â
Rhys had thought it through. Since Harlee was acquainted with those around him, Noel was the one Rhys had deliberated on for weeks before settling on.
Additionally, since Noel was unknown to Rhysâ usual companions, Noelâs presence wouldnât attract suspicion, making him an excellent choice.
After a pause, Noel regarded Rhys with a faint smile and said, âFine, Iâll do it, but only for three years.
After that, my obligation ends.â
Rhysâ brow creased slightly. Three years? It felt like a long commitment, but it was enough time to uncover Anikaâs real motives and protect Harlee from lingering threats.
âAgreed!â Rhys accepted.
As Noel watched Rhys leave, he sighed, turning his attention to gathering details about Harlee.
Rhys had never sought his aid before, so despite his reluctance, Noel was determined to fulfill this unusual request.
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