Chapter 199

Cynthia’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly stepped forward, grabbed Jessie’s arm, and asked, “What happened?”

Usually carefree and easygoing, Jessie looked as pale as a ghost. She stammered, “Nina and I were on the tour bus, going to see the animals in the Savannah. Nina wanted to drive one herself, and everything was fine at first. But then, her vehicle stalled right in the middle of the Savannah.”

The Savannah was part of a wildlife park, which included sections like “Tropical Rainforest,” “Savannah,” “Desert Scenery,” and “Undersea World.” The Savannah was the largest area, designed to replicate a real savannah, complete with wild predators from their natural habitat.

Jessie looked anxious and scared. “I can’t find anyone, and I have no idea where the staff went. I also can’t reach the show crew,” she added. “After Nina’s car stopped, a bunch of wild animals went crazy and attacked. Even when I drove over to try to scare them off, they wouldn’t move, as if they were only focused on Nina. I had no choice but to drive away.”

Jessie was obviously at her wit’s end. “What should I do? What am I supposed to do now?”

She had already tried her best to drive the animals away, wanting them to leave so Nina could get into her car. But the animals wouldn’t budge. Some circled Nina’s car continuously; others bit the tires; and several even jumped onto the roof. Jessie couldn’t get rid of them.

What was even more alarming was that more and more fierce beasts seemed to be charging at them in waves, as if under some command. Jessie had to work hard to break through their encirclement.

She went out to find the staff, but everyone was gone. However, when Jessie stepped outside, she saw Cynthia and the others. Then they all went back into the park together.

The park’s tour vehicles were small pickup trucks, reinforced for safety with strengthened tires and an outer steel frame. Cynthia and the others used three trucks: Jessie and Ethan sat in one, with Jessie driving. Jonathan drove another vehicle alone, while Cynthia and Preston shared the third, with Preston driving.

Jessie still remembered the route, driving ahead with Cynthia and her group following. After about ten minutes, they reached the Savannah.

The sky was crystal clear, and the blazing sun poured its rays unfiltered over the vast plains. The golden light mingled with the waves of grass, creating a breathtaking scene. Wildebeests grazed leisurely, lions lounged sleepily under the trees, and then, chaos erupted among the antelope as a cheetah sprang from the bushes. This place showcased the raw beauty of nature and its fierce competition.

However, nobody was in the mood to admire the scenery. Jessie finally spotted an off-road pickup truck not far away. “Nina is over there!” she called out.

As their trucks got closer, they could see Nina’s situation clearly. Her vehicle was completely surrounded by a pride of lions. Six or seven lions circled the car, and the wire mesh outside had been chewed. Two lions kept jumping onto the roof, gnawing at the protective netting. The big problem was that the car had a sunroof, which had been open before the car broke down. Now, with the car stalled, the sunroof couldn't be closed. If those lions bit through the roof netting, there would be no chance of survival for anyone inside.

Another lion was sprawled on the car’s hood, its massive paws pounding against the front glass. The thick protective glass was starting to crack under the constant pounding. Nina’s heart-wrenching cries echoed from inside: “Help! Help!”

Nina was terrified. It was far scarier than when her horse had bolted. With six or seven lions attacking the protective net around her car, it was shaking violently, tossing her around until she was dizzy. The net on top of the car had already been bitten through, leaving a hole, and a sharp claw reached directly inside.

Nina crouched under the driver’s seat, holding her head and screaming. Seeing this, Jessie felt her legs weaken and her car slowed down.

A pickup truck sped past behind her, heading straight through the lions. It was Jonathan’s truck. He drove directly into the pride, knocking a full-grown male lion to the ground. Then, with a powerful burst, he crashed into Nina’s car. Her car skidded, scattering the lions.

Nina was in despair. Hiding under the driver’s seat, trembling, she felt a hopelessness reminiscent of being locked in the basement by Whitney at age twelve, almost dying. Her current situation wasn’t much better; the lions could break through the net at any moment. The thought of her death horrified her.

The image of Jonathan appeared in her mind. The last time she was close to death, he had appeared as if a savior. Now, she fervently hoped he would again.

The car was hit, and she moved with it. Her instincts told her someone was coming. Nina felt a surge of hope. She quickly stood up and looked outside. Sure enough, she saw Jonathan not far away, driving a pickup truck. Sunlight shone on his face from the rooftop; his eyes were resolute, as if he had descended from above.