GoodReadCaught in the throes of a life-and-death crisis, Valerie found herself trapped between the instinct for self-
preservation and the desperate need to save her children.
A rare clarity washed over her, illuminating the harsh reality of her situation.
She could escape now, save herself, but her children would be left to perish. If she didn't make it out, they would
all die, leaving no one to avenge them.
She could be ruthless, she could choose survival, but the thought of watching her children burn alive required a
heart of steel and a strength she wasn't sure she possessed. Valerie drew in a deep breath, the thick smoke
filling her lungs and triggering a violent cough.
Her fists clenched, determination flashing in her eyes as she rose to her feet and bolted for the
exit."Mommy!!""Mommy, save Hannah... it hurts so much!"Valerie froze at the doorway, turning back as if pulled
by invisible strings. Through the haze, she saw her children crying out in agony, their pleas tugging at her
heartstrings. Her hand on the blistering door frsizzled, but she felt nothing. "Mommy...""Do you not want us
anymore...?"Their voices grew fainter, barely audible over the roar of the flames. Valerie was torn between her
own survival and the desperate need to save her children.
She was just one step away from safety, but if she turned back, she might never make it out. In her despair, she
glanced down and, almost comically, noticed two keys lying on the ground by the door. Like a divine
intervention, the keys made the choice for her, silencing her rational mind.
Without a moment's hesitation, Valerie bent down, snatched the keys, and plunged back into the inferno.
Meanwhile, Wayne had already gone to handle the paperwork, transferring the shares to his name. The mountain
blazed brightly, and the people below could vaguely see the billowing smoke piercing the sky.
"Is there a fire up on the mountain?""Yeah, something's burning up there."Spectators paused in their tracks,
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtcraning their necks to catch a glimpse of the spectacle. Stook pictures with their phones, while others called
to report the emergency.
Elsewhere, Alexander had taken Quinn out for a movie and was now treating her to lunch. Despite a slight ache
in her knee, Quinn hadn't walked too much.
Alexander had spent the entire day with her, a rarity since their wedding. His presence, his attention, felt like the
grandest of gifts. That afternoon, he had taken Quinn shopping for clothes. Though he bought a lot, none were to
Quinn's taste; they were what he liked.
He purchased items for both winter and spring, carrying the bursting bags until dusk when they finally got into
the car."Did you enjoy today?" Alexander asked, turning to her.Quinn could only nod, a gesture that under
normal circumstances would indicate happiness, but she wasn't happy. His behavior was too out of
character.Alexander reached out, gently touching her cheek.
"As long as you're happy.'His smile
was cryptic. His phone rang then, but
he seemed in no rush to answer.
Instead, he asked Quinn, "What do
you feel like for dinner?"Quinn
glanced at his chest, where the
phone continued to ring. After a
moment of silence, depen
‘Anything s finec’Alry ; then let's
head'Hfor dinner." He flashed
another grin before leisurely taking
out his phone. Before Alexander
could speak, Freya's voice came
through urgently, "Bro, where are
you?""'Out and about, what's
up?" There's been trouble, you need
to cback fast!" Freya's voice was
hushed, as if hiding from
something."l can't right now. We'll
talk later." After hanging up, Alexander
drove Quinn back home.In the dim
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
light, Quinn glanced at him-his smile
was there, laced with an unsettling
hint of danger, reminiscent of the
unnerving smile she once saw on
Walter's face. Redirecting her gaze
downward, she couldn't help but
recall Alexander's words from the
night before."It's almost over." The
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