Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 186

Ashton sat by the bay window for a long time. Only when a car pulled up did he close his laptop, get up, and

head. off to change. Briar walked in just behind Connor, curious to see Ashton’s reaction to her email-not for

sympathy,

but to know what he honestly thought.

Connor greeted Briar with a bright, enthusiastic smile. “Morning, Miss Jennings.”

Briar smiled back. “Morning.”

“You're up early today. Are you waiting for a morning run with Mr. Wade?” Connor asked. He had recently taken

over Brandon's responsibilities, driving Ashton back and forth each day. He knew that whenever Ashton stayed

here, he not only prepared Briar's meals but also served as her morning running partner.

Briar nodded. “Yeah, | woke up early today and cover to see Ashton.”

As they chatted, Ashton cdownstairs dressed in his workout gear. He approached Briar and gently kissed her

forehead. “Why are you here so early?”

The warmth of his kiss made Briar instantly lose her cool. “Someone’s here, you know...”

Ashton chuckled, took her hand, and started leading her toward the door. “Who? | don’t see anyone watching.”

“Connor's still here,” Briar said, turning to point out that he was still standing nearby. But just as she did, Connor

quickly slipped into the kitchen, disappearing like he'd been greased up.

Briar was utterly at a loss for words. Ashton grinned. “See? No one’s here now.”

By the tthey reached the yard, no one else was around. As Ashton began to stretch, he casually asked,

“Briar,

did

you ever face any bullying back in school in Qathana?”

Briar raised an eyebrow. “Do | look like the type that can be easily pushed around?” She leaned closer, teasingly

asking, “What's with the sudden interest, Ashton?”

Ashton’s eyes flickered as he gazed at her face, now mere inches away. “I'm curious about what you were like

back in Qathana. You're so pettie and sweet-what would you have done if someone tried to mess with you?”

Briar made a fierce expression, but to Ashton, she still looked as cute as ever. “If anyone tries to bully me, I'll

beat them up!” She raised her gentle little fist playfully toward Ashton’s face and twirled it. “I'm serious, I'm

good at fighting. No kidding.”

Ashton gently held her fist and said, “Oh, | believe you. | bet you could kick sass.”

Briar nodded earnestly. “Just wait-next t| get the chance, Ill pick a fight and show you what I can do.”

later that day at the

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The women’s two-mile race was divided into three groups, and by chance, Briar and Beatrice found themselves

in the sgroup, assigned to neighboring lanes. Considering the recent tension between the sisters, Beatrice

chose not to make small talk this time. In the stands, Halle had brought Camden to support Beatrice. “Go,

Beatrice!” they

cheered.

Sitting next to them was Robert, his eyes fixed on the track. He intently observed the girl assigned to the lane

beside Briar, his hands clenched into tight fists as he silently hoped she would contribute this time.

Briar shot a casual glance at the girl who had edged a little closer to her, then let out a low, ambiguous snort.

The girl instantly recoiled, her shoulders hunched, afraid to meet Briar’'s gaze. ‘With nerves like that, does she

think she can mess with someone? Isn’t she worried about getting burned herself?’ Briar wondered.

Beatrice, on the other hand, had noticed the girl's nerves. She leaned in, engaging her in conversation and

offering a quiet pep talk, even hinting at a reward if she performed well. “Leilani, don’t stress. Just be yourself

out there- the championship is practically calling your name!”

Sure enough, Leilani seemed to relax significantly, her expression much more relaxed. “I'm fine now, so don’t

worry. I'll give it my all.”

As the race was about to begin, Briar couldn’t be bothered by the pretense of invisibility from the two blocking

her path. She shoved them aside. “Move aside, you're in the way.” Perhaps Briar was simply that strong, or

maybe the two girls were off balance, but with just a gentle push from her, both of them fell over.

The crowd gasped as a wave of shock swept through the stands. However, the starter was already calling the

runners to their marks, so none of the other athletes dared to speak. They helped the two girls to their feet, and

everyone took their positions, ready for the race to begin.

“Bang!” The starting gun fired, and everyone on the track surged forward-everyone except Briar. She casually

strolled off the line, completely unfazed, as if the race didn’t matter to her at all.

Beatrice and Leilani took off quickly in the lanes right beside her. By the tthey realized Briar wasn’t even

trying to keep up, they had already left her 160 yards behind. Leilani kept glancing back. “Beatrice, why is she

running so slowly?”

Beatrice frowned, equally perplexed, “Who knows? Perhaps she’s saving her energy for a final sprint. That works

for us. When we reach the second lap, let's catch up to her. Don’t waste your opportunity-stay calm, or someone

might get suspicious.”

Leilani nodded, “Got it. Don’t worry.” She had already taken the cash. No matter how anxious she felt, she had to

see the job through to completion. With that kind of money at stake, paying it back was her only option. She was

tired of people showing up at her door, demanding she settle her debts.

Ashton and Hamish were also seated in the stands, enjoying the best seats in the house, surrounded by

university administrators from various institutions. “Hey, what's Briar up to now?” Hamish chuckled, observing

Briar move along at a snail's pace.

Ashton watched with interest. “Isn't she running beautifully? Her breathing and strides are perfectly in sync-she

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Chapter 186

doesn’t even seem tired.”

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Hamish shot him a look. “Is that what | meant? Are you two hiding something from me? Please don’t tell me

someone's trying to set Briar up or sabotage her out there!” Hamish had observed everything that occurred

before the race began, and after noticing the two girls repeatedly looking back, he immediately sensed that

something

was amiss.

Ashton just smiled, looking all mysterious. “Just wait and see-it’s still anyone's guess who's setting up whom.”

Hamish nodded. “Alright, as long as you guys have it under control. I'll sit back and enjoy the .”

After all, Ashton was as cunning as a fox-once he sensed danger, he would never let it pass by. And Briar, she

was

not foolish at all.

As they entered the second lap, real excitement started. Beatrice deliberately slowed her pace to match Briar's

relaxed speed, engaging her in conversation to keep her distracted. At that moment, Leilani caught up, and the

three of them found themselves running side by side.

As they ran, Leilani suddenly turned pale and began to sway, appearing as if she might collapse at any moment.

Usually, there would be observers stationed along both sides of the track during a race, but at that moment,

there

wasn't a single one near the three of them.

Beatrice noticed that Leilani didn’t look well and, sounding concerned, asked, “Leilani, are you okay?”

Leilani shook her head, breathing heavily in short gasps. She opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly her

foot slipped, causing her to sway. In an unexpected move, she launched herself straight at Briar.

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