Chapter 147

My heart ached as I cast a sorrowful glance out of the car window, watching as Leonard rushed to Bal and Bell, who had both been anticipating his arrival outside Bal's home. The tall and robust male locked eyes with me, and to my relief, the scorn he usually directed at me had vanished.

Instead, he regarded me with an expression that was deeply sincere—reminiscent of a time when I had affectionately called him Uncle. I could see regret and a profound sense of shame reflected in his gaze, which filled me with a sense of peace about leaving my brother in his care.

"He'll be fine, baby," Xavier whispered gently in my ear, drawing me back into his embrace as I settled against him.

The next phase of our plan involved returning to our apartment. However, since it had been compromised, we needed to go in with our weapons ready and prepared for whatever extent of confrontation that could erupt. After losing valuable time, we needed to retrieve essential supplies, dependin