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Chapter 39: The Thin Line Between Love and War

last update Last Updated: 2025-02-12 18:20:04

The Ghost’s Lair – 1:00 PM

Isabella sat frozen, her mind struggling to process what she had just heard.

"From Ryan Kingston."

Her pulse was deafening in her ears.

This had to be a lie. A manipulation. A mind game designed to break her.

Because Ryan—her Ryan—was many things: ruthless, cold, dangerous.

But he wasn’t her enemy.

Was he?

She inhaled sharply. “You expect me to believe that?”

The Ghost—no, the man she once knew—watched her, his expression unreadable.

“You don’t have to believe me,” he said smoothly. “But you do have to listen.”

Her fists clenched. “Why would I? You wear a mask and hide in the shadows. Ryan never hid from me.”

His lips curled. “Oh, Isabella.” His voice softened, almost pitying. “Ryan Kingston has hidden more from you than you can ever imagine.”

A chill ran down her spine.

She hated how easily he unsettled her.

She had to stay in control.

“I don’t care what you say,” she said, steel laced in her voice. “I know Ryan. I trust him.”

His eyes darkened. “And yet, h
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