The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 395 The Hidden Threat Julius ' long fingers could snap his neck at any moment , yet Gavin did not flinch . Instead , he smirked , eyes bright with taunt . " The Huxleys have served the Whitethorns for generations . Your life outranks everything . If the choice is between you wasting away from insomnia and laying a hand on Quinn , I will always choose the second option . " Julius's glare could have cracked stone . " Touch her , Gavin , and the fact we grew up together won't save you . " Gavin lifted his palms in mock surrender .

" If you care that much , why not use every weapon at hand to bring her back ? The Whitethorns have never been squeamish about methods ." Julius ' eyes turned to ice , " So because my bloodline is ruthless , I must be ruthless too ? " Gavin blinked , momentarily caught off guard . " What ? " Julius released him and turned toward the window , silver moon and scattered stars painting his profile in cold light . " Yes , I could cage her forever , make her spend a lifetime at my side . But she would hate me , and I ...

I don't have the courage to face that hatred ." A flicker of astonishment crossed Gavin's face ; never before had he heard Julius say the words " don't have the courage . " Only now did Gavin grasp just how deep Julius ' feelings for Quinn ran . " When we were together , I wanted to be a good man . Even in separation , I still wish to be the good man she remembers . So keep your hands off her , Gavin , because I can't predict the madness I'll unleash if you force me otherwise . And ...

" His fingertips drifted to the sandalwood bracelet circling his wrist , stroking the cool beads as though they were living things . She had left the bracelet for him . Since the day she walked away , it had stayed with him through every day and sleepless night . Whatever sanity remained , he credited to those beads . At odd moments , the bracelet tricked him into believing she still stood beside him , keeping the abyss at bay . Julius spoke barely above a whisper . " Do you know what it feels like to gain everything only to lose it again ? To feel the sky collapse ? I've lived it .

I'm already in hell . If someone drags me out only to hurl me back in , I will not come out sane a second time . " 1/3 15:29 Mon , Sep 15 Chapter 395 The Hidden Threat 26 +10 Free Coins For once , Gavin had no retort ; he could only wonder what place Quinn occupied in Julius ' universe . Was she a goddess , or his lone salvation ? The question drifted through the hush of the night like smoke : If Quinn never returned to Julius , what would become of the man ? He could not make himself look down that corridor of possibility . Every door he imagined ended in darkness .

D Whitethorn Group's annual gala unfurled beneath crystal chandeliers , a parade of limousines depositing the city's glittering elite on the red carpet . Laura stepped out first , her scarlet gown flaring like the first strike of sunrise , confident , unapologetic , breathtaking . Beside her glided Quinn , wrapped in a champagne dress whose muted silk caught the light in quiet waves , while a single ruby necklace blazed ferociously at her throat . " Julius ' invitation list includes the Fane family , " Laura whispered , adjusting her clutch .

" Think that Serena Fane girl will make an appearance tonight ? " " Knowing her , she won't miss a camera flash , " Quinn replied . " What worries me is the chance she'll start something , " Laura muttered , worry edging her voice . " Because she's the donor of those stem cells , she's acted untouchable , wielding another person's life like her personal ransom note ." " She will one day reap what she sows ," Quinn answered calmly . " Besides , this is Julius Whitethorn's night .

She won't dare cross him under these lights ." " Let's hope you're right ," Laura exhaled , forcing a smile that failed to steady her nerves . On the opposite side of the city's traffic flow , a sleek sedan carried siblings Serena and Leander toward the same glittering destination . Serena worried her lower lip raw , her mind looping the same obsessive question . Will Quinn wear the ruby necklace tonight ? Whatever happened , she could not allow Everett to see that piece of jewelry . Tonight , by any means necessary , the threat had to disappear . The sedan rolled up to the entrance .

As Serena and Leander stepped onto the carpet , they spotted Quinn just a few yards away , clearly just alighting from her own car . Leander closed the distance in three long strides . " Quinn , " he greeted , warmth flooding his eyes . 2/3 15:30 Mon , Sep 15 Chapter 395 The Hidden Threat My sister is as breathtaking as I expected . 26 +10 Free Coins " Rowan ! " Quinn called back , her smile brightening as she caught sight of him - and of Serena hovering at his shoulder . Serena's stare drilled into Quinn with disquieting intensity .

At first , Quinn thought it was simple hostility , then she realized the woman's focus was fixed on the necklace at her throat . Just then , another black sedan glided to a stop at the curb , and the man who stepped out- Everett , undisputed head of the Fane family - brought a ripple of sudden tension to the night air . Chapter 396 Using Leander