Chapter 302

Pamela, hands trembling, called the police. Cynthia and others had already taken Lilian away, but the remaining guests were still gathered. Moments before, the sudden power outage had terrified everyone. Now, with the lights back on, the ballroom was brightly illuminated, leaving no place to hide. Yates family security guards had also arrived.

Many distinguished guests, including officials, were present at the Yates family's event. Theodore, the Roncrity police chief, was among them. While others panicked, Theodore observed the scene carefully. After the bride and groom departed, he closed the ballroom doors.

He stepped forward, his voice cold and stern. "After the gunshot, no one besides those four has left this ballroom."

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Someone asked, "Mr. Buck, are you saying the shooter is still here?"

Theodore replied, "No one is allowed to leave. I'm determined to catch the shooter."

Shirley paled. She thought, Luke has completely botched it. I told him to kill Cynthia, but he hit Lilian instead! She searched the crowd for Luke.

Luke was terrified. He'd engaged in scams and thefts, but never killed anyone. However, the lure of $16 million for a gambling spree in Damianus, combined with his hatred of Cynthia for costing him a finger, had persuaded him to cooperate with Shirley's plan. As he fired, his nerves got the better of him, especially when he saw someone rush forward. He lost control, and the shot hit the bride, Mrs. Yates.

His murder plan had failed. He'd intended to escape, but the lights came on—Shirley had promised to cut the power to aid his escape, but hadn't. What is that wretched woman up to? he wondered.

With the police chief announcing his intention to catch the shooter, escape seemed impossible. He tucked his pistol into his coat and tried to slip away. In his anxiety, he stumbled, dropping the gun. Someone screamed, "The shooter! He's here!"

Luke reacted instantly, pointing the gun at the crowd. "Don't come any closer, or I'll shoot!"

Everyone recoiled as Theodore approached. "Why did you shoot Mrs. Yates?" he asked.

Luke, panicked, swung the gun wildly. "I don't know. Just let me out! Let me out!"

"Turn yourself in. There's no way out for you today," Theodore urged.

Surrender meant death for Luke. Shirley, panicked, knew she couldn't let him be caught; his arrest would expose her involvement in hiring a killer. Unnoticed, she moved to a table near Luke, tripping over a chair and falling in front of him.

Luke understood immediately. He grabbed Shirley, pressed the gun to her temple, and said, "Let me out, or I'll kill her."

Shirley's fall shocked everyone. Selena was petrified, and Justin suffered chest pains. Selena was giving Justin heart medication, unaware that Shirley had left her seat. When they finally noticed, Shirley was Luke's hostage. Selena felt like she was having a heart attack. She thought, What is wrong with Shirley? She's been so well-behaved tonight…

Selena, primarily concerned for Shirley's safety, ran forward. "Please, don't hurt her! I beg you!"

Selena could only plead. Luke retreated toward the door, Theodore closing in. "Don't struggle; you can't escape."

Luke, eyes bloodshot, pressed the gun harder against Shirley's forehead. "Open the door. Don't follow me, or I swear I'll kill her!"

Shirley cried, "Stop provoking him! He might kill me! Please, help me!"

They watched helplessly as Luke dragged Shirley out. Outside the Caesar Hotel, a black van waited. Shirley whispered, "Quick, get in!"

Luke didn't hesitate; this was part of their plan. He'd carried out the killing, and Shirley handled the escape to the airport. She'd prepared money, passports, tickets, and new identities. He would soon be in Damianus with $16 million and a new identity.

Once in the car, it sped onto the highway. Luke still held Shirley hostage. Shirley said irritably, "Luke, can't you let me go now?"

Looking in the rearview mirror, seeing no pursuing vehicles, Luke relaxed, removed the gun from Shirley's head, and pocketed it.

Shirley glanced at the gun in his pocket. "Luke, what were you thinking? I told you to kill Cynthia, and you shoot the bride? You're useless!"

Shirley became increasingly upset. This failure might be their only chance.

Luke was also frustrated. "How was I supposed to…? What's wrong with her?"

Shirley thought Lilian was crazy for risking her life to protect Cynthia. Shirley cursed, "Why didn't you just shoot a few more times?"

Luke hadn't thought much beyond the initial shot.

The ending is abruptly cut off in the original text and I have been unable to complete this section.