The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 383 For Family 40 +10 Free Coins With a flick of Everett's hand , more than a dozen burly bodyguards burst from the shadows and formed an unbroken ring around Quinn . Leander's eyes widened . " Mr. Everett , what is the meaning of this ? " " I simply want you to understand - when the Fane family chooses a target , wiping that person out is child's play , " Everett uttered the threat with a scholar's grace , yet beneath the gentle tone coiled a faint , unmistakable hunger for blood .

Quinn swept a cool gaze over the ring of bodyguards hemming her in , then lifted her chin toward Everett . " So you've decided , haven't you ? My brother will never be allowed to claim his own blood . " " All my life , I've cared for exactly two people . One is my mother . The other ... is my sister . For the sake of those two , I would torch cities , spill blood , raze the world itself . So , child , do not test how thin my patience can stretch ." The final words rang less like a warning and more like a loaded gun pressed to the ribs . Leander felt the chill first .

He knew Everett never spoke idle threats . " You cherish your family , Everett . I cherish mine as well . Yes , my brother owes you a favor . Let him repay it . But you have no right to erase everything he once was , or force him to spend the rest of his life behind a borrowed name . " Quinn stared him down coldly . " Your arguments are sound , yet tell me - what leverage do you , in this moment , truly possess ? " Everett asked . Quinn's eyes stayed calm as still water . Without warning , she sprang forward , a streak of motion aimed straight at Everett .

The circle of bodyguards tightened , surging toward her like wolves guarding their alpha . Leander tried to reach her , but two more guards intercepted him , their arms locking him into a useless struggle . Quinn fought with ruthless economy - no flourish , only speed . She was not chasing victory , only the quickest route through . Her left shoulder , only recently stitched , tore open under the strain . Blood soaked her shirt in a spreading crimson star , yet she did not falter . In less than three minutes , she broke the cordon and stood face - to - face with Everett .

He had never imagined anyone , let alone this woman , could reach him so easily . 1/3 17:31 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 383 For Family 40 +10 Free Coins Her arm snapped around his neck , elbow wedged under his throat , the hold precise and merciless . The bodyguards froze , not daring to make a move . Quinn asked , " Mr. Fane , do I qualify to negotiate now ? " Shock flickered across Everett's features . He had not expected to be so neatly trapped by a woman . " If you actually harm me , you declare war on the entire Fane family , " Everett hissed .

" I never meant to hurt you , nor to war with your family . After all , the Fane family saved my brother . But understand this - I'm no lamb awaiting slaughter . We stand in Azania , not Celosia . Threatening Azanians on Azanian soil may prove a shade overconfident , don't you think ? " Everett's stare drifted , as though thinking about something . " Release Mr. Everett at once , or none of us will spare you . " " Fine , I'll let go ." As her arm loosened , Quinn's fingers darted to the silver chain at Everett's throat .

With a sharp tug , she ripped free the antique oval locket that hung there , its hinge darkened by years . Lockets like that usually contained a photo . Everett's expression changed . " Give it back - now . That is not something you are allowed to touch . " Quinn's voice was ice . " I hear you prize two things above all . One is the prayer beads on your wrist . The other is this locket . If you think to threaten my brother through me , remember I can threaten you right back by shattering what you treasure ." She flicked the clasp . The locket opened .

Inside rested the faded photograph of a three - year- old girl , all sunshine grin and cotton - lace dress . The paper had yellowed , edges soft from time , proof that it had traveled many years close to his heart . Quinn's fingertip hovered over the child's face , light as a secret yet heavy enough to drain the color from Everett's cheeks . Everett's voice cracked through the silent room like a rifle report . " No ! " he roared . His hand shot forward , palm open , as though he could snatch the threat out of the air before it landed .

" You so much as lay a finger on that photograph and I swear , I will hunt you down , no matter who you are or where you try to hide . I will not let it rest ." 2/3 17:31 Wed , Sep 10 Chapter 383 For Family 40 +10 Free Coins The image in question was a portrait of his sister - a slip of glossy paper no larger than a postcard , yet priceless to him . Photographs of her were rare in the Fane household , but this one was singular . The negative was long lost , making the print in Everett's wallet the last surviving original .

She had vanished half a century earlier , and in every one of those fifty years the picture had ridden beside his heart like a silent oath he dared not break . Quinn studied Everett with new clarity , the overhead light carving his profile into stark planes of grief and steel . If the two people this man loves most are his mother and his sister , then that sister must be the one who disappeared all those years ago . Quinn squared her shoulders , voice steady even as her pulse thundered . " You care about your family , Everett , so you should understand exactly how I feel .

My brother is the only family I have left , and for him I will stand against you , no matter how hard you push ." 3/3