Chapter 532
As expected, Tiffany received gentle and patient treatment. Sidney and Garry, however, were mere cannon fodder.
Sidney and Garry exchanged glances and wailed in unison.
"We are two jealous men," Sidney cried.
"We are sour and redundant," Garry added.
Richard left them to their wailing and struggling. After a sumptuous lunch, a helicopter lifted off from above Royal Bay.
Their destination was the far western desert, where Felix's tracks had disappeared two days prior. He hadn't been seen since. Given Felix's cunning, only two scenarios seemed likely: he was plotting something in the desert, or he was waiting for them.
Conveniently, it was time to settle the score with Felix.
Tiffany sat in the helicopter cabin with Richard sleeping beside her. She had slept soundly after a restless night, unlike Richard, who hadn't slept at all and had even showered several times.
Tiffany rubbed her nose, uneasy under Sidney and Garry's flirtatious glances, but unable to push Richard away.
Richard awoke after about an hour's sleep. His eyebrows were initially frigid, but his coldness vanished the moment he looked at Tiffany.
"Why didn't you wake me?" he asked, his eyes softening.
Tiffany was momentarily captivated by his charming smile. Stunned for a few seconds, she replied, "You didn't sleep well last night, so I let you sleep longer."
Richard's lips curled into a smile, clearly pleased. "Then I'll massage your shoulders," he offered.
Richard and Tiffany openly displayed their affection while Sidney and Garry watched from across the cabin.
Their journey was long. The helicopter flew for five hours, from afternoon to evening, before reaching the western desert. Tiffany gazed down at the sunset, casting a golden light on the endless expanse. The beauty and grandeur of the desert were breathtaking.
The lonely desert and the setting sun created an intoxicating scene—provided, of course, that one was there for leisure. However, their purpose was far from recreational.
Desert travel always presented unexpected risks. Given Felix's despicable and sinister nature, he might have laid a trap. They needed to be cautious.
The helicopter didn't land; instead, it descended, lowering a rope ladder. Subordinates first dropped equipment packs before descending. Sidney and Garry followed suit.
Tiffany prepared to follow, having vowed not to hinder them. The rope ladder presented no problem. However, as she stepped forward, she felt something tighten around her waist. Richard had her firmly in his arms.
"Stop fooling around. We need to go down," Tiffany said, attempting to break free. But before she could, and while the others were still on the ladder, Richard leaped from the helicopter!
The wind roared past them. It was thrilling. Tiffany was startled, nearly screaming, but she wasn't falling. Richard held her securely. She smelled his pleasant scent, her nervousness easing.
In an instant, they landed safely. The speed of the descent prevented anyone from witnessing Richard's daring maneuver.
Garry, bewildered, rubbed his eyes. "I thought you were at the end Did I miss something? Did you bypass me?"
Tiffany smiled brightly. "We flew down."
Garry chuckled. "Tiffany, you're a joker."
The truth is often unbelievable these days, Tiffany mused, maintaining her smile and implicitly agreeing with his assessment.
Richard, holding Tiffany's waist, walked forward. "It's getting late. Let's find a campsite."
The subordinates quickly set up the tents. Fifteen minutes later, darkness enveloped the desert. Fortunately, the tents were already pitched.
Desert temperatures fluctuate drastically. Daytime heat gave way to nighttime chill.
Tiffany nestled in her tent, wrapped in a thick blanket and holding a hand warmer. Richard's thoughtful preparations made the situation feel more like a vacation than a mission.
Tiffany yawned. The desert wind howled, carrying sand against the tent, creating a rustling sound—a peculiar lullaby with a hint of nature's power.
Unable to sleep, she left the tent. The subordinates were playing cards or standing guard. There was no fire, but ample, simple food. The campsite was illuminated, offering clear visibility.
Tiffany looked for Richard, but he was nowhere to be seen. She ventured out of the camp.
"Richard? Where are you?" she called, but received no answer.
Suspicious, Tiffany realized she hadn't slept and had been listening for any sounds. She hadn't heard him leave. He wouldn't leave without telling me, would he? she thought.
Worried, she quickened her pace. Surrounded by pitch-black darkness, even her phone's flashlight couldn't fully dispel it.
As she walked, the quicksand beneath her gave way, swallowing her instantly.
Shit!
The quicksand was ferocious, far more dangerous than anything she'd encountered in training. In such a situation, escape was nearly impossible.
Tiffany gritted her teeth, concentrating all her strength on her legs, trying to push forward. But the loose sand offered no leverage, and she was already sinking to her waist.