Chapter 174 The Breaking Point Gael , full name Gael Leach , was a man of few words and deadly efficiency .
A former Special Forces operative , he had once single handedly raided a drug cartel stronghold in the Gloisal , earning him the nickname The King of Hell in underground circles .
After he retired , Felix had recruited him as a driver and shadow operative , handling matters that required … discretion .
To outsiders , Gael was the quiet , unassuming chauffeur .
But those in the know understood .
When Felix used him , the truth would be unearthed , no matter how deeply buried .
Josh sank back onto the sofa , recognizing the unspoken message in Felixs order .
This isnt an investigation anymore .
This is a hunt .
With Goel involved , every Bennett family secret past and present would be unearthed .
A suffocating silence fell over the room .
Laurens eyes swept over the faces around her .
Kates sad frown , Marilyns tearful eyes , Joshs clenched jaw .
Their pity was a vise around her heart .
How pathetic must I look ? She forced a shallow breath .
Dont break .
Not here .
I … I have to lie down , she murmured , rising unsteadily .
The room spun .
Three pairs of hands shot out , which are Felixs , Joshs , and Jeffreys .
But she stiffened her knees and grabbed the arm of the sofa .
Im fine , she lied , her lips twitching into a ghost of a smile .
I just got up too fast .
Marilyn hovered anxiously .
Bennett , at least eat some breakfast Lauren read her lips and shook her head .
No appetite .
Each step toward the stairs felt like wading through tar .
Behind her , Marilyn stifled a sob at the sight of her swaying gait .
How could the Bennett family do this ? Steal from their own flesh and blood .
Lauren didnt go to her bedroom .
She staggered into the embroidery room Sunlight streamed through the bay windows , gilding the half finished pronk tapestry , Queen of Blooms , on the loom Felix had designed this room for her .
He said , When youre tired , stand here .
The view will calm you ! But today , the vibrant garden below a riot of crimson , blush , and snow white blooms might as well have been grayscale .
Her fingers brushed the silk threads , usually so vibrant , now dull as ash .
The needle .
Concentrate on the needle .
She threaded the embroidery needle with trembling hands , the shh shh of silk through linen a faint distraction .
First stitch .
In her mind was Davids indifferent look when shed called him father .
Second stitch .
The picture of Alices back turning as Willow mocked her deaf ear appeared .
Third stitch .
The hospital bed .
Cold steel .
The missing kidney a tear splattered on the fabric .
Then another .
She scrubbed furiously , but the floodgates had burst The needle slipped .
A sharp sting of blood welled at her fingertip , mingling with the tears to form a grotesque crimson bloom on the pristine silk .
The last thread of composure snapped .
Chapter 174 The Breaking Point Lauren collapsed over the loom , her wails echoing off the walls that had once held her hope .
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