Chapter 864



“Is that so? What tactics did you employ?”

Neal flashed a sly, secretive smile.

“Come with me, Mr. Morgan, and I’ll show you exactly what I mean.”

Led by Neal, Clayton followed to a desolate factory at the town’s fringe. Upon opening the door, the dismal sight of Brysen met them. Clayton instinctively grimaced, his hand flying to cover his nose, his eyes widening in astonishment.

“Brysen, with her gentle demeanor and striking features… Did you ever hesitate to treat her so harshly?”

Neal affirmed his commitment with fiery determination.

“My commitment is to you, Mr. Morgan.”

“In this game, women are mere pawns. Besides, she was a hindrance to your schemes. That she is still alive is already showing mercy.”

His voice was steeped in venom, the softness he once held for Brysen now replaced with bitter disdain.

As they left the desolate factory, Clayton’s chuckle echoed faintly, dark and approving.

“Your merciless nature will serve us well. Keep it up.”

Neal responded with an enthusiastic nod, his eyes alight with thrill.

After Kallie returned, she endured a long, sleepless night. As the hours ticked by and the 24-hour mark approached, her resolve hardened, and she decided it was time to involve the police.

Throughout this tense period, her team had scoured the county. Yet, despite the relatively small area, there remained no trace of Brysen. Clayton had suggested they escalate the matter to the county chief, but Kallie had firmly refused. She was committed to her role in poverty alleviation and improving the lives of local children. She didn’t want to burden others with a personal issue.

Just as Kallie was about to dial the police, Clayton appeared at her door, his face etched with deep lines of distress and his posture slumped from the weight of bad news. The air seemed to thicken with his somber energy as he stepped inside. Kallie’s stomach churned with unease at this sight.

She blurted out, “Did you find Brysen?”

Clayton gave a slow, heavy nod.

“Yes,” he replied, his voice a low rumble of solemnity.

Kallie’s heart skipped a beat, her voice barely a whisper.

“Please tell me Brysen hasn’t really gone…”

Clayton sighed, his gaze steady as he shook his head slowly.

“No, Brysen’s alive,” he assured Kallie.

“She’s safe for now, and there’s no immediate threat to her life.”

“It is a comfort, knowing Brysen has survived,” Kallie whispered reassurances to herself, yet a shadow of unease clung to her. At the sight of Clayton’s grim expression, it was clear that something dreadful had befallen Brysen.

Kallie pressed Clayton for details, but he remained silent. At last, Clayton let out a heavy sigh.

“I’ll drive you to the hospital to see her, but you must brace yourself and manage your emotions. It’s crucial to remain composed, no matter what you see.”

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