Chapter 139

• The room was eerily silent for a moment, everyone frozen in place as Brayden’s body slumped forward. Then, chaos erupted.
• The older man’s eyes widened in shock as he pushed back his chair abruptly, rising to his feet. “What the hell—” His voice was sharp, cutting through the stunned silence.
• Ryder reacted first. “Brayden!” He rushed to his side, gripping his shoulders as his unconscious body sagged against the chair. His breathing was shallow, his skin unnaturally pale.