Chapter 676
Tiffany chuckled, her smile radiant and captivating. “Where did you learn to be so smooth-talking?” she asked.
“I’m telling the truth,” Richard replied, tightening his arm around her waist and grinning. He was clearly in an excellent mood.
Tiffany blinked, her gaze shifting from his handsome face to the sprawling mountains and rivers below. The wind howled past them; in the distance, a city glittered with neon lights. Luckily, the moonless, starless night concealed the two shadows streaking across the sky.
Jeffrey, still at large after escaping a prisoner transport (an accident had left the officers unconscious, while he sustained only minor injuries), was the target of a thorough investigation Tiffany had arranged. She wasn't surprised to learn he'd been spotted near the Ruiz family estate that day, but she hadn't expected Molly to be the one who reported him. Though he escaped again, at least one member of the despicable Ruiz family had shown a shred of decency.
Ten minutes later, they landed smoothly. Tiffany noted the dense forest surrounding them. Ahead, a cluster of houses in the valley below glowed with lamplight. The secluded, remote forest was the perfect hideout for a fugitive.
“Should we check out the village?” Tiffany asked.
“Let’s go,” Richard replied, clasping her hand and leading the way. After a couple of steps, he heard a faint cry for help carried on the wind.
“Help… someone, help…”
Tiffany heard it too. They exchanged a glance and immediately changed direction.
In the valley, a dim light glowed from the small, simple cabin of a forest ranger. Eighteen-year-old Veronica Carney, carrying a flashlight and a warm meal, walked through the familiar woods. Before reaching the cabin, she called cheerfully, “Dad, I brought you dinner!”
No response came. Veronica quickened her pace, her heart light as she clutched the food container. Her family was poor; since her acceptance into a prestigious university the previous year, her father had taken on extra jobs to cover her tuition—working tirelessly by day and guarding the forest at night. With winter approaching and the dry conditions making open flames dangerous, the least she could do was repay his hard work with good grades. During her break, she brought him a hot meal every evening.
“Dad?” She still heard no reply as she neared the cabin, but she saw the shadow of a stranger moving past the window. Panic struck; she rushed to open the door and saw a horrifying sight. Blood was everywhere. Her father lay lifeless in a pool of it, a disheveled, wild-eyed man standing over him, gripping a bloody brick. The man turned as the door swung open.
Veronica froze, a chill gripping her from head to toe. The food container slipped from her hands, hitting the floor with a clatter, jolting her back to reality.
“Dad! Dad!” she screamed, rushing to his side. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the murderer—Jeffrey—staring at her with malicious intent, muttering, “I’m already a dead man walking… might as well…”
Life on the run was difficult. Jeffrey felt like a rat, hiding in the shadows and, after being betrayed by his daughter, daring not to contact anyone. He ventured deeper into the mountains, but food, water, and clothing became major problems. Desperate, he stumbled upon the ranger's cabin. Seeing it empty, he slipped inside, hoping to find cash or food. His plans unraveled when the owner returned and threatened to call the police. Panicked, Jeffrey grabbed a brick and struck the man during the ensuing struggle. Just as he was about to flee, the man's daughter arrived. His rationale snapped; if the world wouldn't let him live in peace, he wouldn't let anyone else.
Dropping the brick, he turned his cold gaze toward Veronica.
“What are you doing?” she stammered, backing away.
“What do you think?” Jeffrey sneered, unbuckling his belt.
Terror flooded Veronica as she tried to run, but he grabbed her hair and dragged her back into the cabin.
“Help! Someone, please help!” she screamed. But she knew the village was too far; no one would hear her.
Jeffrey, consumed by rage and despair, gave in to his twisted impulses. Veronica’s cries grew weaker. Just as she was about to give up, the wooden door burst open.
The noise startled Jeffrey. He spun around to see a woman silhouetted in the doorway. As she stepped into the light, it illuminated a breathtakingly beautiful, radiant, and composed face.
Jeffrey's expression twisted with shock, fear, and dread. “Tiffany! You again!” he shouted. He had fled so far, taken so many precautions, yet she was there to ruin his plans. His murderous intent only grew.
He noticed someone else behind Tiffany—tall and commanding, their shadow stretching long in the dim light. As the flickering light revealed his features, Jeffrey’s heart plummeted. It was Richard.
His legs nearly gave way. A wave of suffocating pressure and despair crashed over him. He didn't know how they'd tracked him, but if he didn't escape, he'd face justice.
With desperate resolve, he seized Veronica's throat, attempting to use her as a hostage. But before he could act, an immense force slammed into him, leaving him gasping for air, his strength drained.
Tiffany calmly approached and pulled Veronica to safety. “Are you alright?” she asked gently.
“I’m fine… thank you…” Veronica trembled, her tears flowing uncontrollably. Moments ago, she'd been hopeless; now, someone almost celestial had stormed in, stunning yet commanding.