Tessa could feel James’ killing intent. He dared to fire a gun in broad daylight, right here in Orkford. This proved, once again, that he was a complete madman. Despite the emergency situation, Stephen remained unfazed.

“They came prepared. Tessa, stay down. Don’t move.”

Stephen had been too careless. He thought he had shaken them off but they caught up soon after. Consequently, Tessa had almost taken a bullet.

His jaw tightened, and a storm brewed in his eyes.

Stephen slammed on the accelerator, weaving through traffic with sharp, calculated turns.

A gunshot rang out again, this time aimed at the driver’s seat. Stephen jerked the wheel once more, narrowly dodging the bullet.

The side mirror exploded with a loud bang. Glass shattered, shards flying everywhere.

Tessa was thrown sideways, her body colliding against the car door.

Behind them, two cars were closing in. The black Aston Martin and silver Porsche were moving at terrifying speeds, trying to box them in.

In the Porsche’s passenger seat, a man held a sniper rifle. He was the one firing the shots earlier.

Stephen slowed slightly. He had one hand on the wheel, and the other reached for the gun he had stashed beneath the seat.

Normally, he wouldn’t carry one in his car. However, he wanted to defend against James.

The Aston Martin surged forward, nearly parallel to them.

Stephen suddenly braked, letting their cars align for just a second.

One second was all he needed. He raised the gun and fired.

The bullet tore through the gap in the window, heading straight for its mark.

The Aston Martin’s window shattered, leaving a bullet hole as the only evidence.

The passenger seat was empty, but the driver wasn’t so lucky.

A split second later, the car veered violently off course, slamming into the right- side guardrail.

The front of the car crumpled on impact. The guardrail twisted and buckled, metal screeching as thick black smoke billowed from the wreckage.

Behind them, the Porsche slowed down. Its driver was momentarily distracted by his comrade’s accident.

Stephen seized the opening. With one hand on the wheel, he turned raised the gun, and fired. The bullet punched through the Porsche’s windshield. Swnovel

The driver panicked, yanking the wheel in a frenzy. Unlike Stephen, he wasn’t calm under pressure.

The Porsche swerved erratically, tires screeching before it hit the left-side barrier. Then, it plunged over the cliff’s edge.

Inside the Bugatti, Tessa remained curled up. She hadn’t seen what happened outside, but she felt it all-the sudden deceleration, the violent crash, the echo of twisted metal. swnovel

Still, she didn’t lift her head. She obeyed Stephen’s instructions and stayed still.

Just like that, Stephen dealt with his attackers. He stepped on the accelerator once more, leaving the chaos behind them.

When he was sure they were in the clear, he exhaled, tension draining from his muscles.

“It’s over. You can get up now.”

Tessa slowly pushed herself up.

Stephen glanced sideways. Her face was ashen, eyes wide with lingering terror.

Her voice trembled as she asked, “Was that James?”

Stephen shook his head. “He wouldn’t show up now. That sniper was likely one of his men from Arcton. Judging by his equipment, he should be a mercenary swnovel

Tessa shuddered, and cold sweat clung to her skin.

“He’s a lunatic,” she whispered.

Stephen felt immense guilt. “You’re shaken up. I’m sorry, Tessa. I put you in danger again.”

Perhaps it was time to consider what Samuel had said.