Chapter 438

The valley floor was treacherous, strewn with loose rocks and fallen trees. Despite her excellent hearing and the use of a walking stick, Tiffany stumbled repeatedly. As she neared the source of the gunshots, all sound ceased.

“June?” she called, a sudden chill of fear gripping her. Her small party was heavily outnumbered and outgunned; the hitmen were clearly prepared. Remembering the ferocity of the earlier battle, she worried about June's fate.

While jogging forward, Tiffany tripped over a rock, striking her forehead. A bloody gash appeared on her brow, eliciting a sharp gasp of pain. She struggled to her feet.

Meanwhile, the jungle battle had been intense, leaving both sides heavily injured. Three of Kenneth's men were wounded, and the hitmen fared no better. Their leader, recognizing the imminent threat of annihilation, ordered a retreat, warning, “Mr. Harper, we’re withdrawing out of respect. Further interference will not be tolerated.”

Kenneth replied indifferently, “I’ll be waiting.”

“Retreat!” The hitmen vanished into the jungle.

Kenneth, instructing his men to continue the search, thought, Since they tracked them here, Tiffany and the others must be nearby. The thought of encountering Tiffany filled him with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

A subordinate rushed forward, exclaiming, “Mr. Harper, someone's over there! It looks like Miss Kelley.”

Kenneth, overjoyed, started to run, then hesitated. “Everyone, retreat and hide. Don’t let her see you.” He thought, Tiffany dislikes me; she wouldn’t want to see me. His men immediately obeyed.

Footsteps approached. Kenneth, surprisingly awkward for such a refined man, hid behind a large rock.

The footsteps drew closer. Tiffany slowly approached, her clothes still damp from a recent fall, a branch clutched in her hand. Watching from behind the rock, Kenneth wondered if she intended to use it as a whip—a possibility that seemed quite plausible, given her temper. He chuckled, a mix of anticipation and nervousness fluttering in his chest. He peeked several times, quickly ducking back each time.

Tiffany, smelling blood, called out repeatedly, “June? June? Billy? Ronnie?” Receiving no answer, she worried that the hitmen had killed her team. Following the scent of blood, she hurried forward, only to fall again, cutting her palm and knees on sharp stones. Feeling utterly helpless, she struggled to her feet, clutching the branch once more.

Kenneth, witnessing her fall into an obvious pit, was astonished. She tamed a mountain tiger; how could she miss such a simple obstacle? A terrifying thought struck him: In this situation, she wouldn't be joking. Could she be blind?

He stood, approaching Tiffany without attempting to conceal his footsteps.

Tiffany spun around, demanding, “Who’s there?” Raising her branch defensively, she listened intently, her face alert. Kenneth's pupils constricted. She really can't see… how did this happen?

As he drew closer, the dullness in her usually bright eyes hit him with a shocking force. He felt his breath catch. Tiffany's voice turned cold, "Who's there?"

Kenneth steadied himself. He deepened his voice, altering his tone, “I’m from a nearby village. What are you looking for? Do you need help?”

Tiffany thought, This voice is unfamiliar. After a moment, she replied, “Did you see anyone? I’m separated from my family.”

Kenneth lowered his voice, "No. But I saw a gunfight. It's not safe. Where are you going? I'll take you there. My people will search for your family, and we'll reunite you at your destination. How about that?”

“Thanks, but my destination is far. Could you take me out of this valley?”

“Okay.” Kenneth offered his hand to steady her, guiding her forward. “Slow down. Watch your step.”

Touched by his kindness, Tiffany smiled. Even the bloodstains on her forehead couldn't dim her beauty. Kenneth’s ears burned, forcing him to look away.

His hidden subordinates exchanged glances, unsure whether to follow. Kenneth signaled them to trail at a distance. Tiffany's sharp hearing would detect any approach.

They followed discreetly as Kenneth led Tiffany from the valley. He pondered, How can I get her onto my helicopter while posing as an ordinary villager? The plains are vast, and finding a car quickly is impossible.

An idea struck him. “Where are you going? We have a helicopter leaving to collect medicinal herbs. If it's on your way, I can give you a lift.”

“Medicinal herbs?” Tiffany asked. “Where?”

“The Azure Sea Royal Family’s estate.”

Tiffany raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on her lips. That's where I'm going. What a coincidence.