The Divorced Military Queen Awakens (by Sadie Baxter) novel Chapter 303

Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart

Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart

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Fabian’s breath snagged in his throat. “Mr. Whitethorn!” he blurted. Shock flashed across his face as he saw his boss lift the crystal tumbler toward his lips. In a panicked rush he shot out a hand, blocking the glass before it could tilt.

Julius long–lashed eyes lifted, calm yet glacial. “Move your hand,” he said, the words so soft they hummed with warning.

“Mr. Whitethorn, you can’t be serious,” Fabian urged, voice tight with worry. “That drink’s been spiked with… with that kind of drug. It’ll wreck your body.”

Julius‘ gaze drifted to the amber liquid. In a voice meant only for himself, he murmured, “If this body breaks, will her heart ache?”

The “her” needed no clarification; he was speaking of Quinn, the woman who had once been his entire horizon.

Fabian opened his mouth, then closed it again, words failing him at last.

“Move your hand,” Julius repeated, the command now carrying the chill weight of an order that brooked no refusal.

Fabian’s resolve cracked. “Mr. Whitethorn, if you really down that drink and Ms. Bridger still refuses to come… what then?”

“Then I’ll consider the bet lost,” Julius said. He tipped the glass. The tainted liquor slid past his lips, burning a trail of heat down his throat. When the rim left his mouth, the cup was empty. His eyes, cool as winter water, lifted to Fabian. “All right. Go tell her.”

He needed to know whether any corner of her heart still held his name. And if it cost him the integrity of his own body, so be it; he would stake flesh and bone on the answer.

Quinn and Laura were deep in negotiations with a cluster of executives from another firm when Fabian barged into the lounge, breathless and pale.

“Ms. Bridger, Mr. Whitethorn is in trouble. Please, you must come with me—at once!”

“What?” Quinn froze. Julius Whitethorn, in trouble?

“His condition is urgent, Ms. Bridger. This way, please,” Fabian pressed.

Instinct propelled her two strides after him, then something inside her braked hard, and she halted.

Fabian blinked back at her. “Ms. Bridger?”

Quinn pressed her lips together. If Julius were truly hurt, you would call the police or an ambulance–not me.”

“But Mr. Whitethorn refuses the hospital. He insists on seeing you and only you.”

“Is he injured?” she demanded.

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Chapter 303 Gamble Of The Heart

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Fabian hesitated, leaning close to her car. “He drank a glass laced with that drug” he whispered. “He won’t let a doctor near him–only you.”

Awareness flared in Quinn’s eyes; the puzzle snapped into place.

Did a woman who fancied Julius dose him?

Learning he suffered no other harm, Quinn allowed herself a quiet breath of relief.

“He and I have ended things,” she said evenly. “This is no longer my concern, Fabian. Take him to the hospital–let professionals handle it.”

Fabian’s hands curled into fists at his sides. Panic darted across his features.

“You know his temperament,” he pleaded. “Once he decides on something, nothing sways him. He said he must see you. Until then, he will not step inside a hospital. His condition is deteriorating. For the sake of what you once shared, at least look in on him.”

Quinn’s mouth remained closed, but her silence said she understood: Julius was forcing her hand.

But once I stand before him again—what then? Rowan still stands between us, and the wrecked bridge of trust yawns between us. How could we possibly cross that chasm?

Laura had not heard Fabian’s hurried confession about the drugged wine, yet one glance told her enough. Julius needed a hospital, and he would not budge until he had looked Quinn in the eyes. Watching tension ripple beneath Quinn’s calm surface, Laura saw a silent tug–of–war that twisted her own heart.

She said, “Quinn, if you still care for him at all, go see him. Get him to the hospital now, before the night births a tragedy you’ll spend forever regretting.”

Quinn paused, lashes lowering like shutters over storm–gray eyes. After a breath, she forced a small, weary smile. “I’ll go check on him first.”

She turned, voice steady if brittle. “Fabian, lead the way.”

Relief flashed across Fabian’s face. He pivoted smartly and guided Quinn down a hushed corridor to the private–lounge where Julius waited.

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