Chapter 865



With a heavy heart, Kallie nodded solemnly and settled into the passenger seat of Clayton’s car, her anxiety mounting with each mile. As they drove, Kallie’s mind conjured up a myriad of dire scenarios, yet none could match the harsh reality of Brysen’s condition.

Covered in bruises, Brysen’s face was marred by scratches, transforming her once delicate features into a jarring, almost unrecognizable state. At the sight of anyone, Brysen would erupt into screams and tears, her voice lost to her trauma.

For Kallie, Brysen was more than a subordinate. She was like family, a sister in all but blood. The sight of Brysen suffering shattered Kallie’s heart.

Gently, Kallie took Brysen’s hand, her voice soft and soothing.

“Brysen,” she murmured, trying to pierce the veil of Brysen’s pain.

“It’s okay. It’s me. I’m here. You’re not alone.”

But Brysen’s reaction was visceral, her body wracked with sobs and shakes.

An IV was taped to Brysen’s wrist, and fearing Brysen would disrupt it and worsen her condition, Kallie held Brysen’s hand firmly yet tenderly, her other hand stroking Brysen’s arm in an attempt to comfort her.

“Shh, don’t cry, Brysen. Stay still, sweetheart. We’re safe now. It’s me. I’m right here with you.”

But as Kallie’s grip tightened in a protective embrace, Brysen, caught in a haze of fear, bit down hard on Kallie’s hand in a desperate bid for release. Kallie flinched from the sting, but her grip remained firm.

Clayton had just arrived on the scene, his gaze hardening as he witnessed Brysen’s attack. Anger flashed across his features as he swiftly moved to intervene, shoving Brysen back with a firm push.

At that moment, a flurry of medical personnel swept into the room, swiftly restraining Brysen and injecting a sedative into her trembling arm.

Kallie watched, tears streaming down her face as Brysen’s expression twisted into one of pain and fear.

Clayton wrapped an arm around Kallie, his voice laced with deep concern.

“The doctor warned us Brysen’s really not stable right now. It’s critical you keep your distance for now. And look at your hand. It’s seriously injured. Come on. Let’s get you some medical attention.”

Despite his plea, Kallie gently shrugged off Clayton’s supporting arm, ignoring the blood that seeped from her wound, coloring her hand a vivid crimson. Determinedly, Kallie approached Brysen’s side once more.

With the sedative taking effect, Brysen’s agitated sobs had softened, her cheeks glistening with the residue of tears.

Kallie, looking down at Brysen’s subdued form remembered Brysen’s usual vibrant and kind demeanor, so full of joy and rarely ever cross. The depth of anguish Brysen had undoubtedly gone through weighed heavily on Kallie, stirring a profound sense of guilt within her. She instantly regretted sending Brysen on the mission to locate Jake. Her own stubborn determination had steered Brysen into harm’s way. A cocktail of pain and remorse swirled within her, quickly igniting into fury.

Kallie steadied her breathing, her voice uncharacteristically calm as she inquired, “What was the scene like when you stumbled upon Brysen?”

Clayton paused, mentally rehearsing his fabricated explanation.

“It was completely abandoned. They probably got wind of something and fled prematurely. Their initial plan targeted you, but Brysen was caught alone. Perhaps when they couldn’t reach you, they vented their frustrations on Brysen. But don’t fret, Kallie. I’ve already informed the police. They’re likely on the trail, piecing together clues. We’ll make certain that Ernesto and Griffin face the consequences.”

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