[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-2603222E6F78-141":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},141,43,"Chapter 43: The Sun Is Too Damn Bright","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ryker Salazar knew he was done for. If only he had kidnapped that Kelly woman along with her, he might have had some leverage to bargain with. Now, there was no way out.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Still, he knew Rose Harrison was the apple of Albert Harrison’s eye. He couldn't afford to be reckless with her, not if he wanted to save what little face he had left. He tilted his head toward his men. \"It’s a misunderstanding. I know who Miss Harrison is. Get her out of here. Now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Men in black jackets stepped forward, hoisting Rose to her feet and hauling her out of the warehouse.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Maximus Anderson felt the knot in his stomach loosen. Once she was outside, she’d be in his men’s territory. If not them, the Hughes family would be there to scoop her up. For the first time in hours, he allowed himself a shallow, silent breath.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Ryker stepped away from the crowd, moving to the center of the concrete floor. He took a fighter's stance, his voice dropping to a gravelly, lethal tone. \"Maximus, I’ve reached the end of the line. Let’s finish this. No rules. To the death.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Fine by me,\" Maximus replied, stepping forward without hesitation. \"If you want to die, I’ll be happy to see you off.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They were both monsters in their own right, locked in a brutal, seamless dance of violence.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Outside, Maximus’s team synchronized with the Hughes family reinforcements, cutting through Ryker’s remaining guards like butter.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They intercepted the car meant to transport Rose, pulling her from the vehicle just in time.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The moment Caspian Hughes caught sight of Rose, his knees buckled. He scrambled over to her, his hands trembling as he cradled her terrified face. \"Rose, it’s me. It’s Caspian. I’m here. You’re safe now.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Rose looked up, her eyes unfocused until they locked onto his. A sob ripped through her, and she collapsed into his chest, her composure finally shattered. She clung to him, weeping uncontrollably.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Caspian pulled her tight, his hand stroking her back in a rhythmic, soothing motion. \"Shh, it’s okay. I’ve got you. I’m taking you home, Rose.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">After a long time, the shock finally took its toll. Rose went limp, drifting into unconsciousness. Caspian didn't waste a second; he scooped her up and raced toward the hospital.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">By the time the smoke cleared, Maximus had finished off the last of Ryker’s men.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stood in the doorway of the warehouse. The sun hit his face, sharp and blinding. He let out a hollow, jagged laugh. That sun was unbearable—it was so bright, it felt like it was burning away any chance of a future.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In the hospital, Rose remained unconscious. Caspian stayed glued to her side, his blood boiling every time he looked at her. Her body was a roadmap of abuse, covered in deep, purple welts.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The doctor, Dr. Gardner, didn't hold back. He told Caspian that she had been brutally beaten—punched and kicked until her skin was stained dark with bruising. She was suffering from severe exhaustion and dehydration, having gone at least two days without food. She would live, but the sight of her broken frame made Caspian’s heart ache with a violent, protective rage.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stayed by her, swearing to himself that he would keep her far away from Maximus Anderson. Everything about this nightmare reeked of Maximus’s influence. Caspian’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the edge of the bed. If he ever got his hands on Maximus, he’d make sure the man paid for every single bruise.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Rose didn't wake up until the following morning.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm, gentle glow across the room. She opened her eyes, blinking against the brightness, and a small, bittersweet smile touched her lips.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Rose,* she told herself silently, *it’s all going to be okay. If it isn’t meant to be, then let it go.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When Caspian entered the room, he stopped dead. She was smiling.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Even now, bruised and battered, Rose was breathtaking. Her features were delicate, her eyes bright and clear, her skin like porcelain. She looked every bit the socialite she was, but there was a new depth to her expression. Her smile was more radiant than the morning sun itself.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">For a moment, Caspian just stood there, paralyzed, not wanting to shatter the fragile peace of the moment.\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272922915]