Chapter 529: He understood the weight of Brenna's role within the military. He didn't want to complicate things for the military or expose Brenna to unnecessary danger.
Ellie nodded, her agreement clear. “Exactly. I can disguise myself as you and go." But Brenna dismissed the suggestion without a moment's pause, saying, "No. If the kidnappers managed to snatch Patrick while evading all those surveillance cameras, they're no amateurs. They won't be easily tricked." Braeden watched them talk, concern etched on his brow. He, too, didn't want Brenna to put herself in harm's way. He said, "None of you needs to go. Our team is already en route. This is an operation the military can handle." Jayceon rose abruptly, heading toward the door, but Ellie stopped him. "Where do you think you're going?" Frustration boiled over in Jayceon. He silently blamed Brenna for this, but out of consideration for Ethan, he had kept his mouth shut. Yet it was painfully clear that this entire situation was aimed at Brenna, so why had his son gotten dragged into it? He unleashed his anger on Brenna. “Patrick is my son. I should be the one to save him! Miss Harper, it's because of you that he's in danger. But you're important to the military, so you can't risk your safety for him. If I, as Patrick's father, don't go either, what kind of man would I be?" Brenna felt displeased by Jayceon's fury. She had watched Patrick grow up, and she wouldn't let anything happen to him. She made a resolute decision. "I'm going. I can't just stand by while Patrick is in danger." With that, she stood up and strode out. Ethan followed her without hesitation, and Thiago, along with Ellie, trailed behind. Together, they boarded the military helicopter.
On the northwestern edge of Shirie, cloaked by the cover of night, a dozen camouflaged figures moved stealthily toward an abandoned chemical plant. Each man was armed and alert. Their leader, a tall, bearded man in his thirties, spoke in a rough, eager tone. "I've heard the Harper family's daughter is a real knockout. She is beautiful and has a great figure." He pulled out his phone, showcasing a photo of Brenna delivering a lecture at Shirie University. More content now at gVlTwo men beside him leaned in to look at the photo, chuckling. “When that girl shows up, you can go first, Mr. Curtis. After you've had your fun with her, the rest of us will take our turns." Barr Curtis laughed with smug satisfaction, envisioning himself with Brenna. He nodded, pleased with his subordinate's words. "Make sure to record it. The boss wants a video. The more brutal, the better, and keep it long." Eagerly, one of his people replied, "We will ensure that everything is captured on camera." Their crude words echoed through the night as they approached the entrance of the abandoned facility. But just as they crossed the threshold, a streak of light shot through the sky like a falling star, heading straight for them.
Only when it was nearly upon them did they realize what the light was—a missile.
Their eyes widened in disbelief. They barely had tto scream "run"m before the explosion erupted, scattering them into a storm of bloody fragments.