Chapter 116
Elara’s POV
“Andre?”
There’s brow furrowed. His eyes narrowed with suspicion. “If i recall correctly, he’s Danton’s son.
“Faster son, Kimberly corrected, her tone sharp
Thome nodded slowly. “Right, Lance had Danton adept him after the former king passed, Smart more, really Keep your enemies close, as they say ”
Elara, still trying to digest this revelation, shook her head. “But if Andre is really the King’s son, why di
i son, why didn’t Lance kill him? Why keep him alive at all”
Kimberly shrugged, unconcerned, “Who knows? Maybe there are things about the old King Lance still doesn’t understand. Things that make Andre useful. You know Lance doesn’t share his plans with anyone. Not even with his closest allies, like why he keeps you all around. We’re all just guessing!
mcves
Elara’s lips tightened, her mind racing Kimberly was right. Lance never made sense, but he always had a reason for everything.
Still, sachething about Andre didn’t sit right with her.
“Do you have any ideas on how to break him?” Thome asked, his voice flat but eager. “Is there anything that might make him crack? Weak spots, something we can use?”
Kimberly sighed, rolling her eyes. “Andre’s a spoiled brat, like you saw for yourself. Danton’s been good to him, gave him everything–money, women, booze, whatever. He’s not the type to be bought off, though. He’s loyal to Danton, and that’s not something you can use against him.”
Elara’s mind spun, trying to make sense of this. She leaned forward, her voice tense. “Wait. You’re saying he’s really that close to Danton! Are you sure about that?”
“Yeah, everyone knows it. Danton’s treated Andre like his own for years. They’ve got a bond.” Kimberly looked at Elara like she was an idiot for even questioning it
But Elara wasn’t so sure. Something wasn’t adding up.
“What’s on y
Elara’s
on your mind?” Thorne asked, his voice dropping, sensing her hesitation.
gare flickered between Kimberly and Thorne, trying to piece things together. “When they dragged Andre out of the nightclub earlier, his shirt was loose. I noticed something.
“Something? What do you
u mean?” Kimberly’s voice was curious now.
“There were scars,” Elara said, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “Old scars. And not just any scars—burn marks. Weals. It looked like someone had really hurt him.”
Kimberly laughed it off, leaning back in her chair. “You’re overthinking it. After what you guys did to him, it makes sense he’d have some marks. You
kicked his ass
Elara shook her head, not buying it. “No, Kimberly/These were old scars. Burn marks. Weals
The room fell into a stunned silence. Everyone looked between each other, processing her words.
“If Andre is really Danton’s son, why would there be evidence of abuse? And worse, who would dare lay a hand on him?” Elara’s voice w whisper.
Thorne leaned forward, his expression dark. “You’re sure about what you saw?”
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Chapter 116
Elara nodded, swallowing hard, She could still picture the marks on Andie’s skin, vivid in her mind.
Elara paused, doubts creeping into her thoughts. “Maybe I misinterpreted
Kimberly shrugged, unconvinced. “Maybe he bumped into something. Who knows? But Danton loves his son, and he would never let anyone hurt m
Elara bit her lip, not willing to back down. She was sure of what she saw, but doubts crept in now that rise questioned it
“It’s nothing,” she muttered, waving it off. “I probably saw it wrong.”
Thorne put a hand on her shoulder, offering a small squeeze. “We’ll figure it out. Let’s focus on how to approach Andre for now.”
Kimberly yawned loudly, uninterested in the conversation. “Do you mind if i skip this one? You know, like you said, we hav
Thorne gave her a curt nod, acknowledging her indifference. He turned to Elara. “Ready to go
Elara glanced over at Jory, who looked like he was being dragged into the conversation against his will. He made a half–hearted attempt to stand, only to flop back into his seat, as if something invisible was holding him down.
Kimberly leaned in, placing a hand on his shoulder with a mocking smile. “No, Jory. You stay. We’ve got it covered.”
Jory, clearly uncomfortable, swallowed hard and nodded. His lace flushed red under Kimberly’s teasing
“You sure?” Elara asked again, her voice gentle. She didn’t want him feeling pressured into something he didn’t want to do.
Jory licked his dry lips, his eyes flicking nervously between Elara and Kimberly. He gave a small nod.
Kimberly’s laughter was light, almost teasing “Attaboy.” She packed his check, leaving him blushing even more fiercely.
Elars smiled, then motioned to Thome. Together, they left the room, leaving Jory behind in his awkward discomfort.
The nightclub was alive with chaos. The music pumped through the walls, the crowd pushing and shoving on the dance floor as the night deepened. Elara could feel eyes on them, the whispers of recognition trailing them. They chose the back door, avoiding the throngs of people who had noticed them earlier.
Once outside, Elara looked up at Thome. “How should we approach Andre? It’s gonna be hard aher… you know, tonight.”
Thorne’s voice turned cold, devoid of remorse. “If I had to do it agajh, I’d kick his ass all over again. He deserves it. But honestly, making friends with Andre was never going to happen. Not with Danton in the picture.”
Elara sighed. She knew Thorne was right. Andre wasn’t the problem–it was Danton. But the whole situation left a bitter taste in her mouth.
answers we need.”
“Don’t worry,” Thorne said, his voice softening. “I’ll figure it out, if necessary, just take Andre somewhere far away and get the answ
Elara gave him a half–smile. She appreciated his determination, but violence wasn’t the answer–not yet, anyway. She didn’t want to go down that read unless it was absolutely necessary.
They reached the employee exit, and Thorne pushed open the door. But as soon as he stepped outside, he froze, signaling for Elara to stay quiet
She obeyed, peeking over his shoulder as he hold a finger to his lips.
In the alleyway, there were a few people standing around a trash bin. It was Andre, flanked by a few guards,
Elara’s brow furrowed. “Why isn’t he in a hospital already? What’s he doing here?”
Then, she heard his voice, it was shaky, strained with pain.
“How much longer?” Andre asked, his words laced with frustration.
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One of the guards glanced at his watch, then said, “Soon, Master Andre“,
Andre cursed, wincing as he shifted on his feet. “You should take me to the damn hospitall My leg is broken! I shouldn’t be waiting hirets
The guard repeated himself, his tone respectful but distant. “Very soon, Master Andre
Elara exchanged a glanced with Thome. This wasn’t right. Andre was clearly in pain, but why was he forced to wait? And by whom?
A car engine banned in the distance. The black car appeared in the alley, its ties crunching against the gravel as it came to a stop in front of Andre
The passenger door swung open.
A man stepped out.
It was General Danton
Andre’s body stiffened. Cold sweat dotted his forehead. He looked up at Danton, his voice barely above a whisper. “Father?”
Danton’s lips curled into a small sneer as he pulled something from his pocket.
A whip.
With a sharp crack, Danton lashed out, the whip biting into Andro’s face.
SPLASH.
The sickening sound of flesh tearing echoed through the alley as blood spilled from the wound.
Elara’s breath hitched. Her mouth fell open in shock. She almost gasped, but Thorne clamped a hand over her mouth, silencing her in time.
“Kneel,” Danton commanded, his voice cold as ice.
With a cruel twist, he pressed his foot onto Andre’s broken leg, grinding it down until Andre’s body jerked in agony
“Fucking kneel for me, you worthless piece of shit,” Danton sneered, laughing as Andre writhed beneath him.
Elara felt a chill run through her body as she watched. This wasn’t just punishment–it was something far darker.
e this?
Her heart pounded in her chest. What kind of man could treat his own son like
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