Cedric approached Kaiden, announcing proudly, "Mr. Harper, Aurora and her driver are incapacitated. Jeremiah will soon learn of his mother's kidnapping. We've taken Aurora to Heaven's Bliss Resort, six to fifty-six miles from Betrico. He won't have time to return to the competition before your victory is assured."
Kaiden pressed his lips together, his face grave, eyes reddening. He couldn't afford to let his guard down. He instructed Cedric, "Remember, no one is to be harmed. Understood?"
Cedric nodded. "Understood, Mr. Harper. Aurora will not be harmed. Focus on the match."
At 3:30 PM, Jase and Kyle entered the competition venue. Jeremiah, also in competition attire, entered, accompanied by Jacob, recently returned from the rainforest after a bet with Yvette. Jacob, provoked by Yvette, now served as Jeremiah's bodyguard.
Media from various countries focused on Jeremiah. His custom-made mask concealed his features, revealing only his bright blue eyes—a detail specified by Jeremiah himself.
Kaiden watched Jeremiah enter, his boots clicking. He lowered his eyes, fingers tightening. Will everything go as planned? What will Jeremiah choose? He usually wouldn't take such risks, but he had no alternative. I have no way back. If I'm not to be a pawn, I must take this chance. I hope everything goes smoothly.
Andrew and Charles sat in the front row. Yvette and Samantha remained in Skyland. Andrew spotted Jeremiah and stood, chanting, "Jeremiah! Jeremiah! You're the strongest! You're the best!" His enthusiasm drew attention, the media cameras focusing on him.
Charles, seeing this, hid his face behind a newspaper. I can't afford to mess this up.
Tim, hearing Andrew, turned, his expression changing. Who raised this idiot? Samantha's so capable, while this brat infuriates me!
An official sitting beside Tim smiled, "Mr. Mitchell, like father, like son. Your cheering is impressive."
Another official agreed, "Indeed. Everyone envies their bond. Mr. Mitchell's presence here speaks volumes."
Tim, aware of their shared history and their lack of ulterior motives, merely suppressed his annoyance. Like father, like son? How embarrassing!
Clifford arrived, checking his phone with a serious expression. He couldn't reach Aurora or her driver, Max. Both phones are down? Something's fishy. Max's phone is an internal line; it shouldn't have issues. Something must have happened! He stood to leave, then received a text and photo from an unknown number:
[They want Aurora alive and Jeremiah to come personally. The location will be revealed in ten minutes. Don't interfere, or face the consequences.]
Clifford's face changed. I knew it! Aurora's in trouble! He realized the message aimed to prevent Jeremiah's participation. Ybaulla.
Clifford glared at Kyle and the Ybaulla delegation. Using such underhanded tactics! Though he believed Aurora wasn't in immediate danger, he couldn't risk it. If Jeremiah doesn't come, and the kidnappers become ruthless…
Staring at the thirty-minute countdown, Clifford felt conflicted. If Jeremiah learns of this, he'll choose Aurora. But without him, who can replace him? A random replacement means a terrible loss for Clusia!
He whispered to Jase, "Dad, Aurora's been kidnapped. They want Jeremiah personally, or else…"
Jase's grip tightened, his expression hardening. Nearby onlookers noticed the shift. Kyle, feigning ignorance, asked, "Jase, what's wrong?"
Jase replied curtly, "Family matter. Don't worry." Then, icily, "Tell Jeremiah to decide. Whatever he chooses, the Chavez family supports him. I'll handle it."
Clifford nodded, maintaining composure. Now's not the time to panic. We must show them Clusia can't be defeated by trickery.
He approached Jeremiah, handing him his phone. "Jeremiah, your mother's in trouble. They want you to go personally."
Jeremiah's brow furrowed, his eyes freezing over. He glanced at Kaiden and said coldly, "I'll go."