Chapter 1171:

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“Security at that resort is extremely tight. It’s entirely possible his guards detected the breach,” Gracie admitted, though her voice remained steady. “But it shouldn’t derail the operation. As long as we’re only dealing with conventional weapons, I trust Charlie can handle it.”

At the very least, he’d get Jessie out alive. That was tonight’s only objective.

Minutes later, Eaton returned, and his gaze locked onto Gracie with arctic intensity. “I’ve underestimated you, Gracie. Even in your late pregnancy, you’re still orchestrating elaborate operations.”

“I’m afraid I don’t follow your meaning.” Gracie swirled her juice glass with deliberate nonchalance. “I’m here tonight to discuss a business partnership. Let’s keep unrelated matters out of it, shall we?”

Playing innocent — wasn’t that Eaton’s favorite tactic? She was merely returning the favor.

Eaton threw his head back and laughed, bringing his hands together in mocking applause. “Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. You never fail to exceed expectations.”

The next instant, a sharp, violent crash silenced the entire room.

Every head in the room swiveled toward Eaton.

Conroy moved instantly, positioning himself protectively in front of Gracie.

A wine bottle lay shattered on the floor, its deep red contents spreading across the polished marble like blood.

Eaton’s palm had been sliced open by the jagged glass, and bright crimson droplets fell steadily onto the tile.

𝗗i𝘴𝗰𝗈𝗏𝗲𝗋 ոе𝘄 𝘴to𝘳𝗶𝖾𝘴 𝗈𝗻 𝗴аlո𝘰v𝘦𝗅ѕ.с𝗼m

Yet his expression remained eerily calm — almost serene — as a strange smile curved his lips. “How clumsy of me. I seem to have injured myself. I won’t disrupt your evening any further. I should get this looked at.”

As he turned toward the exit, he threw one final, contemptuous glance over his shoulder. “As for your amusement park project — I’m withdrawing my interest.”

With that pronouncement, he walked out, leaving a trail of blood drops behind him.

The room immediately erupted into confused murmurs, shock and curiosity written across every face.

“What on earth just happened? Eaton’s always been the picture of composure. Why is he acting so erratic tonight?”

“I have no idea, but honestly, he’s been behaving strangely for weeks now. Declining every social invitation, skipping events he’d normally attend.”

“Actually, I heard some rather scandalous gossip. Apparently one of his old friends from abroad returned to the country recently. They met for drinks, and the very next day, the friend left town. Ever since then, he’s been spreading bizarre rumors questioning Eaton’s sexuality.”

The whispered speculation grew progressively louder, filling the entire room with gossip.

Gracie’s brow furrowed with alarm as she turned to Conroy. “We’ve been compromised. Contact our people immediately and send reinforcements. Charlie and Jessie cannot be captured.”

Conroy gave a sharp nod. “You’re in no condition to be running tactical operations. Stay here where it’s safe. I’ll coordinate the response personally.”

Without another word, he strode quickly from the room.

Gracie didn’t follow him out. Instead, she lowered herself carefully onto a nearby sofa and turned to address the gossiping guests. “The rumors you mentioned just now — can you tell me more about them?”

“Gracie, since when did you develop an interest in society gossip?”

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