Chapter 324:

Jayden and Baxter engaged in a fierce standoff, exchanging blows and glaring at each other with murderous intent. After several minutes of intense fighting, Baxter's impatience grew. Moving close to Jayden, he swiftly produced a sharp knife from his sleeve. Gripping it with both hands, he lunged at Jayden.

"Jayden, go to hell!" Baxter yelled.

Jayden's heightened senses registered the dangerous shift in the atmosphere. He quickly ducked Baxter's attack and countered with a powerful punch to his abdomen. The force sent Baxter reeling backward, and he landed with a groan, spitting out blood. Jayden tackled him to the ground, sending Baxter's knife clattering onto the floor.

"You… you're supposed to be disabled! How dare you hit me!" Baxter exclaimed, regret evident in his eyes.

Baxter, having underestimated Jayden and believing him incapable of rescuing Elyse, hadn't brought reinforcements. Jayden picked up the fallen knife, toying with it nonchalantly. "So, being a cripple means I can't hit you?" he asked.

Attempting to rise, Baxter was instantly subdued by Jayden's foot. Jayden pressed down harder, eliciting a cry of agony and more blood from Baxter. Bloodshot eyes reflected Baxter's acceptance of defeat. He burst into laughter, blood streaming down his face. After a moment, he said, "You win! I concede. The mission has failed. But do you really think you can get your wife out of here safely?"

With a smirk, Baxter produced a small remote control, flaunting it before Jayden's shocked gaze and pressing a button. Laughing maniacally, he taunted, "It all depends on how fast you are. Let's see if you can escape with your wife."

Jayden heard the faint sound of rushing water. They were near a gate at the bottom of the cruise ship, which Baxter had blown open.

Jayden's expression hardened. He discarded the playful demeanor, swiftly slit Baxter's throat, leaving him lifeless. Dropping the knife, he rushed to Elyse, scooped her into his arms, and headed for the elevator. The power had failed, rendering it unusable. Jayden frowned. The seawater was flooding in faster than anticipated. He glanced down at the unconscious Elyse. "I will get us out of here," he said in a resolute but gentle voice, kissing her forehead before hurrying towards the escape route. The sound of rushing water intensified. He knew any delay could be fatal.

Meanwhile, on deck, the cruise ship's crew sensed trouble. Tobin was urgently summoned to the control room. The captain approached him with a grave expression. "The ship's hull has been compromised, and seawater is flooding in at an alarming rate. For everyone's safety, I must seal off the fifth sublevel deck to contain the water."

Tobin reacted with dismay. "We can't seal them off yet! My boss and his wife are still below; they'll be trapped!"

The captain shook his head. "I understand your concern, but I can't jeopardize the lives of everyone on board."

Desperate, Tobin pleaded, "Can't you wait just a little longer?"

The captain paused. "I can hold off for thirty seconds. After that, I must activate the blockades, or we all die."

Tobin was speechless. He checked his phone. Each second felt agonizing. If Jayden didn't return within thirty seconds… He couldn't bear to think it through. He instructed everyone to wait at the deck entrance, ready to assist Jayden.

But when thirty seconds passed without Jayden, Tobin collapsed in despair. Jayden was dead. After ensuring the ship's safety, the captain sighed in relief, then approached Tobin, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't be sad. Sometimes fate is inescapable."

Still in shock, Tobin muttered, "Mr. Owen is dead. Who will lead the Bayzee Group now?"

"What? Now you're wondering who will take over my company? That's quite bold of you," Jayden's voice startled Tobin. Bloodied and battered, Jayden stepped forward, Elyse cradled in his arms. ... ... ...