Chapter 319
319:
Unwavering, Christina replied, “No need. My answer won’t change.”
Ralphy studied her face and finally understood why Dylan had failed to talk her out of it. Christina’s stubbornness was something fierce—unyielding and absolute.
One more time, Ralphy asked, “Are you absolutely sure?”
“Completely.” Christina’s nod was firm.
Left with no other option, Ralphy threw up his hands. “Alright, you win. I’ll double the security around here.”
He figured if he couldn’t get through to Christina, he’d make sure Christina and Dylan were both protected, no matter what.
“Bring Chloe back to Dorfield with you. I won’t feel at ease unless her safety is entrusted into your hands,” Dylan said, his eyes locked steadily on Ralphy.
“All right, all right!” Ralphy answered, his tone laced with resignation, realizing he couldn’t sway the pair before him. “I’ll see to it that Chloe gets back safely myself, and after that, I’ll come right back here.” Even with extra people stationed to protect them, the thought of leaving just the two of them behind left him unsettled.
“Alright,” Dylan replied. “Then take Chloe to the Cloudcrest Estate.”
Security at Cloudcrest Estate was unmatched. Every entryway bristled with checkpoints, each one more rigorous than the last. No place could have been more impenetrable—Cloudcrest Estate was a fortress in its own right.
“Will do.” Ralphy nodded.
Before letting Ralphy go, Dylan added a final instruction, “Make sure Chloe doesn’t leave Cloudcrest until we’re safely back.”
“Got it,” Ralphy replied, his tone resolute.
Lingering a moment longer, Ralphy confirmed that Dylan was stable before heading off to collect Chloe, casting one last, reassuring glance before they departed for Dorfield.
Though reluctant to leave, Chloe knew her staying behind might only complicate things, so she eventually left with a heavy heart.
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Aboard the helicopter, unease followed her like a shadow. “Ralphy, do you think Christina will really be alright? I am a bit worried about her since she’s staying behind.”
Chloe’s hands fidgeted restlessly in her lap. The thought of more trouble finding Dylan made her chest tighten, and the possibilities of Christina being caught in harm’s way only added to her anxiety.
Ralphy did his best to soothe her. “Don’t worry, I’ve already arranged security for Christina and Dylan. Besides, Dylan would never let anything happen to her.” A gentle pat on her shoulder underscored his promise. “Everything’s going to be fine. Try not to worry so much.”
Chloe said nothing, her eyes glued to the landscape whirring past the window. Her prayers drifted silently, wishing safety for Christina and Dylan. If anyone had to make a sacrifice, she would do it for them without a second thought.
Back in the hospital room, silence finally settled in. Exhaustion overtook Christina the moment she lay down on the spare bed, and sleep claimed her quickly.
While she slept, Dylan kept his eyes on her the entire time. He found himself completely drawn to her face, unable to look away for even a moment.
Dylan couldn’t help but marvel at the peaceful rhythm of Christina’s breathing, entranced by the gentle flutter of her lashes. Gradually, a quiet, contented smile lit his face—one that lingered, sweet and soft, as he watched her sleep.
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