Chapter 612

Chapter 612:

Red Jack had vanished, like a ghost retreating into the night.

Red Jack’s behavior was a blatant challenge to Ashton, his audacious demeanor signaling a belief that Ashton would hesitate to retaliate.

Despite the rage simmering within him, Ashton had to concede that Red Jack had pinpointed his vulnerability accurately. Uncertain of whether Red Jack had laid additional traps, Ashton was compelled to prioritize Abrial’s safety.

Although he knew which way Red Jack had fled, he curbed his impulse to pursue and instead hurriedly escorted Abrial away from the resort by car.

As they drove toward Carter Manor, Ashton silently acknowledged his foresight in having sent Rosalie back to Inewood earlier. He was relieved. His precautionary measures had averted a potential disaster. Had Rosalie been there, even his adeptness might not have sufficed to protect everyone in his charge.

The escape from the resort was narrow, and it underscored a grim reality. The assaults from the Dark Night Organization were far from over.

Resolving his entanglement with Fraser had become imperative. Ashton knew he had to devise a strategy to apprehend Red Jack soon—failing to do so would perpetually jeopardize the safety of his close ones.

Ashton, burdened with concern, turned to Abrial and cautiously asked, “Are you feeling better now? Did that man try to harm you?”

Abrial, still visibly unsettled, took a moment before responding to Ashton’s query. She eventually nodded and explained, “I had just finished showering and was about to tell you to leave the pool. But the moment I left the shower room, I walked right into his trap. He didn’t harm me, though. He simply had his men tie me up in the storage room and then they left.”

Reflecting on Red Jack’s intentions, she added, “It seemed like he was more interested in you than in me.”

With a hollow laugh, Ashton’s lips twisted into a sardonic grin. “Oh, he only wants my life, that’s all,” he remarked dryly.

His expression then darkened, the weight of another thought pressing on him. “Abrial, did you mention our travel plans to anyone today? I’m starting to think we have a traitor in Carter Manor. How else could Red Jack have known about our last-minute trip and set up an ambush so precisely?”

Upon hearing Ashton’s inquiry, Abrial’s face took on a somber cast. “This getaway spot was recommended by my cousin Craig,” she explained with a sigh. “He mentioned it belonged to an acquaintance and that I could lease it for a surprisingly modest fee.”

Considering Craig has been unusually cooperative and trouble-free lately, I believed he was attempting to win my favor. It never crossed my mind to question his motives.”

“Craig?”

The mere mention of the name caused Ashton’s face to harden. How could he have overlooked him?

Craig had a tight relationship with the Marquez brothers back then, and they’d collaborated in plotting against Ashton.

Given that the Marquez brothers were involved with the Dark Night Organization, Craig’s involvement with them likely suggested deeper, more perilous ties to the group.

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