Ernest wasn’t even sure what had triggered his reaction. He just knew something felt off. For a split second, he thought he caught the faint scent of Elissa’s perfume.

He rushed out, eyes searching wildly for a familiar face.

That was when he spotted two women walking close together up ahead. Their shapes looked all too familiar.

A lump formed in his throat. His pulse hammered in his ears.

“Stay right there!” Ernest’s voice boomed.

The order jolted Hadley and Elissa, leaving their thoughts in chaos.

Elissa squeezed Hadley’s hand even tighter, panic rising. What should they do now? Ernest had caught up. He was right there.

Panic swept over Hadley as well.

Their eyes met, and even through their sunglasses, the fear between them was clear.

It was as if fate had planned this moment. Their escape had become a nightmare.

In a sudden burst of desperation, Elissa yanked her hand from Hadley’s grip.

“Go! Don’t worry about me!”

She bolted, running headlong into the crowd.

“Elissa?” Hadley stared after her, momentarily shocked. Ernest was nearly upon them. Where could Elissa possibly hope to go?

Elissa understood it too.

They had lost. Everything they tried was falling apart.

There was no way out.

Still, she ran—driven by nothing but a sliver of hope.

? .

“Elissa!” Ernest dodged around Hadley, his attention fixed on the fleeing woman.

He called out, “Don’t do this! You’re pregnant—please, stop!”

At the same time, Ernest shouted, “Quentin!”

Quentin, who had years of experience working by his side, needed no explanation. He quickly gestured to the bodyguards, directing them to encircle Elissa.

“Move it!”

“Right away!”

Gasping for breath, Elissa staggered forward, her mouth open as she tried to pull in air.

She had pushed herself too hard. Each breath stung like cold needles, forcing her to stop.

Bent over, she pressed a hand to her chest, desperate for oxygen.

The bodyguards had already formed a barrier in front of her, cutting off every possible escape route.

A hollow laugh slipped out as her vision blurred with tears. She could only taste defeat.

Ernest approached from behind, closing the distance at a slow, measured pace. He didn’t make a move to grab her. Instead, he lingered a few feet away, taking in the moment.

Drawing in a deep breath, Ernest let his eyes close for just a second.

.

.

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