Chapter 1169
“But…” Paulina’s voice trembled.
Elliana placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
“What Miguel wants is Dr. Atkinson—the one with the knowledge of the Medical Codex. He needs me alive. He won’t dare harm me.”
“This is only to buy us time. I’ll return, you’ll see.”
Even weak from childbirth, Elliana still carried the fierce presence of Death Thorn—the woman who ruled Delta. Her calm strength made others believe she could survive anything.
Paulina took a deep breath and nodded. “You have my word. I’ll protect the baby.”
Elliana gave her a final nod before walking toward the door. Miguel stood waiting outside. The moment Elliana appeared, his gaze locked onto her.
Elliana wore a simple white dress, with a long coat draped over her shoulders. Despite her pale face and fragile frame, she was radiant—beautiful in a way that quieted the entire corridor.
Miguel’s heart skipped a beat. This was Rita’s daughter. He had seen countless photos and videos of Elliana since she discarded her disguise, but none compared to seeing her in person. No image could capture the depth of her beauty. She didn’t look much like Rita. Her features were Arthur’s, but her aura was pure Rita. She had Rita’s eyes, where wisdom and fire danced together.
Miguel had loved Rita for that very spirit—for the strength in her soul. Now, looking at Elliana, old memories crashed over him. Childhood laughter with Rita. Shared days. Lost chances. If only Elliana had been his daughter with Rita. If Rita had given him a daughter, he would have given her the world—made her life nothing but joy. Longing, regret, and pain tangled inside him, emotions too heavy for words.
Elliana couldn’t read the storm in his eyes. Seeing his dazed stare, she gave a cold smile. “Miguel, I thought you came to capture me, not to admire me. What’s wrong? Changed your mind?”
He didn’t answer at once. His voice, when it came, was oddly soft. “Your eyes… your temper… you’re just like your mother.”
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Elliana raised an eyebrow. So, he was lost in memories of her mother again. How pitiful. A man consumed by a love he could never have, twisted by his own obsession. But her face stayed unreadable.
“I’m not here to relive your past. Say what you came to say—and make it quick.”
Elliana kept a poker face, her tone flat and her manner deliberately rude, while Miguel was in unusually high spirits. A low chuckle rumbled from his chest and rolled down the hallway.
From a man like him, that sound was nothing short of eerie. His men, used to his ruthless silence, exchanged uneasy looks. None of them had ever heard him laugh—not with such genuine delight.
Unbothered by their discomfort, Miguel’s eyes softened as he looked at Elliana.
“Even your temper,” he said with a wistful smile. “You really are your mother’s daughter.”
Elliana’s brows knitted, disgust flashing across her face. His voice carried a warmth that made her skin crawl. A man her mother despised had no right to speak of her with such familiarity. Her parents had shared a love that ran deep, yet this madman had always found a way to wedge himself into their lives. It was revolting to even think about it.
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