As evening fell, dark clouds cloaked the sky.
Arthur Stern, covered in blood, grasped Renata Bailey's arm tightly, racing through the tropical rainforest, his grip on her as firm as it had ever been.
Thunder rumbled, lightning illuminated the impending storm, and rain began to pour down relentlessly.
Brushing the rain from her face, Renata turned to the imposing figure ahead of her, saying decisively, "I betrayed you. I leaked news to Ray Davies."
"Quiet!" Arthur barked at her, and then called to Samuel Allen who was trailing behind, "Bury a landmine here to impede their pursuit. We'll regroup a kilometer from here!"
"On it!" Samuel reaffirmed with a yell.
He shot Renata a fierce glare, clenched his fists, and reluctantly turned around to execute Arthur's orders.
Renata's eyes were stinging as she suppressed the bitterness in her heart. She had to sound as cruel as she could as she said, "Do you know why Bobby turned against you? It's because you've always been protecting me; if you still insist on taking me with you, Samuel will be next!"
As if he hadn't heard her, Arthur still held onto her firmly and walked even faster.
The heavy rain slid down Renata's face like tears. She bit down on his shoulder and snapped, "Ray is the one I love. I'm going back to find him!"
No sooner had she finished her words than her back was slammed onto the tree with a bang!
With fire burning in his eyes, Arthur pinched her neck and roared, "Ray is trying to kill you. Can't you f*cking see that?!"
How could she not have seen it coming? It was precisely because Ray had wanted to use her as bait to catch them all that she refused to drag him down.
Resolute, she slapped him.
"I would rather die in Ray's hands before I go with you!"
Arthur's pupils shrank; he slammed his fist on the trunk behind her.
His handsome face was ridden with anger. He fixed his glare onto her as if he wanted to swallow her whole.
The big hand that was pinching her neck tightened, but it relaxed again the next second. His eyes were bloodshot.
"Snap out of your fantasy! Even if you die, I'll drag you with me!"
Just as he said that, there was an intense explosion not far away.
Arthur sneered and then grabbed Renata, running again.
However, they hadn't gotten far when they were surrounded by a group of people.
The crowd parted to reveal a tall figure slowly walking out among them. His face was fair and handsome, with a slight smile on his thin lips.
The man was Ray Davies.
He threw Samuel aside and wiped his hands slowly. "It's really not easy to catch you."
Arthur narrowed his eyes and protected Renata behind him. "This feud is between us. It has nothing to do with her."
Ray turned a deaf ear to Arthur, his eyes solely fixed on Renata, unfathomable emotions swirling within his gaze.
After a while, he chuckled and looked at Arthur. "Do you know why you were constantly tracked down? I installed a tracker in Renata's body."
Unsurprised, Arthur only looked back at Renata, tightened his grip on her arm, and made a split second decision.
"I'm aware that the tracker is also a small bomb. But Renata has been working for you, and you're the one she cares for. If you release her, you can do whatever you wish with me."
Barely had the words left his mouth when Renata began to sway.
So, Ray really wanted her dead.
Yet what about Arthur? She was the reason for his current predicament.
He was a distinguished noble, heir to the most eminent family in the country. He was born into privilege, admired, abounding in opportunity – he had everything anyone could want.
But now, he was forced to accompany her in her flight.
Why had he still chosen to bring her along? He must know that she was merely a burden!
Ray cast a glance at Arthur, his hand idly stroking the bomb's remote in his pocket.
"Arthur, I know you're not average – we can't eliminate you. So, if you end your own life, I promise that I'll set her free."
