After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 143

I was staring at the walls of my room, trying in vain to silence the storm in my head. The storm was all about memories.

I missed Cyrus so much that it hurt. I thought about our mornings together, how he’d wake up with a sleepy smile, his hair all messy.

I’d make him his favorite breakfast, eggs and toast cut into fun shapes, while he talked about his dreams. On weekends, we would visit new places, his small hand warm in mine, holding on so tightly.

Those little hands made me feel like I mattered, like I had a purpose. His laughter and endless questions about everything were the best parts of my day, filling my world with light.

But a loud knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts.

My heart sank. Nothing good ever came from unexpected visitors in this place. "Come in," I said cautiously, my voice steady despite the dread curling in my stomach.

The door creaked open, and a tall man stepped in. His movements were rigid, almost mechanical. "Beta Rylan," he introduced himself, his tone devoid of warmth yet brimming with authority.

He placed a tablet on the desk before me. "I’ve got something for you. Watch it," he instructed curtly.

Reluctantly, I picked up the device, my fingers trembling slightly as I tapped the screen. A video feed flickered to life.

My breath hitched. Nathan stood in a yard I didn’t recognize, tossing a ball toward Cyrus. Nathan was laughing, trying desperately to engage him, but Cyrus’s face was blank, cold, and distant.

The absurdity of the scene hit me like a slap. Once, I had begged Nathan to stay, to give Oliver the love and attention he needed.

He had dismissed me without a second thought. And now, here he was, desperately seeking a connection with Cyrus, who clearly wanted nothing to do with him.

"How pathetic," I muttered, shaking my head. "Keep watching," Rylan commanded sharply.

The camera zoomed out, and my stomach dropped. The scene shifted from the yard itself to its perimeter, where men stood stationed, sniper rifles aimed directly at Nathan and Cyrus. My grip on the tablet tightened as a wave of fear ran through me.

"What is this?!" I demanded, my voice cracking with panic.Rylan smirked coldly. "A precaution. When you see Carlos later, I think you’ll know how to answer."

Carlos? He was coming here? The realization struck me like a blow. Merhold was using Cyrus as leverage. He was threatening his safety to control me, to ensure I wouldn’t leave with Carlos.

"You can’t be serious," I said, my voice trembling with barely contained fury. "Oh, I am," Rylan replied, his smirk unwavering. "Merhold is too."

"Carlos," I replied, my tone calm and unreadable. A mix of emotions stirred inside me at the sight of him.

Before he could say another word, Merhold clapped his hands dramatically. A smug smile stretched across his face.

"Ah, what a lovely reunion," he drawled. "Carlos, don’t be shy now. Grace is all ears. Go ahead, ask her what you came here to ask."

Carlos’s expression hardened. Some sort of irritation flashed in his eyes as he turned to Merhold. "What is this about?" he demanded.

Merhold leaned back lazily, his smirk widening. "I thought it only fair to let Grace decide for herself. Go on, Carlos. Ask if she wants to leave with you."

The trap snapped shut. My heart shattered, but my face remained composed. This was Merhold’s game, and I couldn’t afford to falter.

Carlos stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Grace… do you want to leave with me?"

I tilted my head, feigning confusion as I held his gaze. "Leave with you?" I repeated, my voice cold and cutting. "And go where, Carlos? To a life where your fiancée waits in the wings?"