When Left
CHAPTER 140

When she left. He went crazy

Chapter 140: Ms. Royston, I Promise You

It transpired that Christopher’s sentiments mirrored those of the Harris family: I was merely a burden.

He must have been nurturing a deep–seated ire for quite some time. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have spewed forth such venomous words with such ease.

A bitter smile played at the corners of my lips. I should never have harbored any expectations that Christopher would be my savior.

Noah, clapping his hands, affirmed, “Man, Mr. Valence’s got some serious game. He knows when to cling cut loose!”

and when to

ly done

Kimberly nestled deeper into Christopher’s embrace, wincing, “Christopher, my leg hurts so bad. I think I’ve really

a number on it.”

“I know,” Christopher acknowledged curtly, striding away without a second glance.

Noah called out, “Hey, Mr. Valence, what’s the plan for Ms. Royston?”

torted not

“Do whatever,” Christopher retorted, not even breaking his pace as he flung the words over his shoulder. It was apparent that my fate bore no significance to him. His every thought was consumed by Kimberly’s injury.

my view.

His tall, imposing figure soon faded from my

Outside, the harsh screech of tires grated the pavement, and within moments, silence engulfed the scene once more.

I squinted at the flickering incandescent bulb above and suddenly let out a laugh. “Didn’t you want to finish me off? Go

ahead.”

Christopher’s earlier actions had already made me feel as though I had been dealt a fatal blow. I wasn’t scared

anymore.

Noah discarded the stub of his cigar, grinding it fiercely into the ground with his heel. His face glowed with a mischievous intensity as he regarded me. “Mrs. Valence, the Harris girl might be dim–witted, but I’m not. I wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you right now. I’ll let you off today, but if I ever need a favor, I hope you’ll remember to hack me

up.”

“What could I possibly do for you?” I laughed, my tone laced with self–deprecation.

I was utterly powerless–an inconsequential entity that the Harris family could easily obliterate. How could I ever be of any utility to Noah?

Noah waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t sell yourself short. Life’s a rollercoaster; who’s down forever?”

I studied him skeptically, “Are you really just going to let me walk away?”

He nodded, a smug smile playing on his lips. “Absolutely.”

Chapter 140 Ms. Royston, I Promise You

Noah signaled his men to untie me, speaking slowly. “But you can’t let the Harris family know I made it this easy for

Once untied, my legs buckled beneath me, and I crumpled to the ground. Fresh air filled my lungs, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, I felt truly alive.

After catching my breath, I asked, “Really? Then how do you want me to cooperate?”

“Mr. Gomez, someone from the Hammer family has arrived!” One of the thugs burst in, clearly panicked.

Was Jerry here?

Noah’s face darkened. “Which Hammer family?”

The Hammer family from Maple Valley.”

Noah’s expression shifted instantaneously. He slapped his subordinate, cursing vehemently. “You idiot! You left him

outside?”

Ignoring me completely, Noah adjusted his long leather coat and rushed upstairs, before encountering Jerry right at

the basement entrance.

Noah–the same man who had brazenly negotiated with Christopher–was visibly shaken in Jerry’s presence. “Mr. Hammer, if you wanted to see me, a call would have sufficed. Why go to the trouble of coming here personally?”

Jerry, as arrogant and nonchalant as ever, responded, “See you? Do you have any idea how much you’ve delayed my

affairs?

Noah asked, “What’s going on?”

“Hope Royston was on her way to pick someone up for me, and you had the audacity to kidnap her?” Jerry gritted his teeth, his voice biting cold. “Noah Gomez, are you seriously not considering my interests?”

Noah, visibly shaken by Jerry’s demeanor, quickly brought up Kimberly. “Mr. Hammer, I had no choice. Miss Harris and Mrs. Harris from the Harris family insisted on this. You know I can’t afford to cross them. But if I had known Ms.. Royston was linked to you, I wouldn’t have dared to touch her!”

Noah’s bravado evaporated as he repeatedly assured Jerry, completely losing his earlier arrogance.

Jerry chuckled softly. “The Harris family means nothing to me. If you lay a finger on her again, I’ll make sure you join your brother in hell.”

With a sudden thud, Noah dropped to his knees. “I was wrong, Mr. Hammer. Everything I have is thanks to you. From now on, I’ll honor you as my father and respect Ms. Royston as my mother!”

In that moment, I understood why Noah dared to stand up to Christopher but was petrified of Jerry. The Valence Group stuck to legitimate business, steering clear of dubious activities. Conversely, the Hammer family wielded power both within the law and outside it.

Jerry scoffed, “I couldn’t possibly have a son as old as you. Get lost with your men.”

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Chapter 140: Ms. Royston, I Promise You

“Yes, yes!” Noah nodded fervently, buriedly gathering his people to leave. Before exiting, he clasped his hands together and pleaded softly, “Ms. Royston, I genuinely intended to release you. Please, speak favorably about me to Mr. Hammer…

“Look at this.” I raised my hand to display the bloody wounds. “Noah Gomez, I can let you off this time, but I want the same injuries inflicted on Kimberly Harris.”

I was not willing to repay evil with good.Since no one was willing to let me go, why should I be the peacemaker?

“Ms. Royston… Noah was almost in tears.

Caught between the Hammer family and the Harris family, Noah couldn’t afford to offend either.

I smiled gently. “Outsiders may be formidable, but they can’t overshadow locals. This is Jacquar, your territory. If you want, it shouldn’t be hard to hurt her without anyone knowing, right?”

Noah pleaded. “Ms. Royston, please don’t make it difficult for me…”

Just then, Jerry descended the stairs, idly toying with a lighter. “Why engage in long conversations with someone who kidnapped you?”

I pursed my lips. I was asking Mr. Gomez for a favor, but he wouldn’t agree…”

“I’ll agree!” Noah shouted, unable to contain his desperation. “Ms. Royston, I’ll agree!”

“Thank you.” I smiled.

Noah, visibly relieved, immediately led his men away.

Soon, the only sound in the basement was the howling wind.

Jerry surveyed my disheveled state, frowning slightly. I’ve never seen a wealthy lady end up like this.”

I retorted sarcastically, “Thanks to your family friend.”

Knowing full well of Jerry’s connection to the Harris family, I didn’t bother with formalities.

Jerry didn’t deny it and raised an eyebrow. “Can you still move?”

I had tried to get up several times, but the injury on my ankle was as bad as the one on my hand. Forcing myself up would only result in another fall. “You’ll have to help me.”

“Alright.” Jerry Jerry nodded lazily, pocketing his lighter as he bent down.

Before I could extend my hand, Jerry slipped one arm behind my back and the other under my knees, effortlessly lifting me.

He said with a note of indifference, “Mrs. Valence, sometimes learning to show weakness might just be to your advantage.”

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Chapter 140: Ms. Royston, I Promise You