Chapter 73

_Chase’s POV_

I paced the tiny, dimly lit room of Laila’s cottage, my chest heaving with each ragged breath. I balled my hands in fists yo keep from slamming it into her all or furniture. The air was thick with tension, and I could feel my anger simmering just below the surface.

I was fuming. I was livid.

"Why didn't you think this through?" I demanded, my voice low and menacing. It was a question I'd asked multiple times already, but Laila's nonchalant response only fueled my frustration.

"I got the facts right... mostly," she said, her tone light, almost flippant. I laughed, a humorless sound that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" I bellowed, my eyes bulging with rage. Laila's expression remained serene, but a hint of amusement danced in her eyes.

"Oh, please. I got you out of there just in time. You would've been toast," she said, her voice as calm as a summer breeze.

I took a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest. "And whose fault would tha