Under the moonlight, Felicia's clear, cold eyes shone like gemstones against her fair skin. Her delicate features were flawless, radiating beauty and calm confidence. The gang leader grinned. "Wow! What a pretty lady!"

The others whistled, their jeers unmistakable. These were dangerous men, unafraid of anything; even a manhunt couldn't diminish their malice. Felicia knew her silver needles were no match for so many guns. Desperate, her mind raced. How could she buy time?

A desperate idea struck her. She blurted, "I'm Stephan's woman! Lay a finger on me, and see how you die!"

At the mention of Stephan's name, laughter ceased. The truck fell silent. The criminals, initially intending to enjoy themselves at her expense, became cautious and serious. Felicia had struck gold; Stephan's name held considerable power.

Six faces were plastered on wanted posters across the city—five she recognized. One was missing: the man she'd seen in the Fuller residence's garden, lying at Stephan's feet during the reunion party. She didn't know their motives, but she gambled, hoping to buy time to free herself.

The gang leader cursed, fixing a hard stare on her. "Are you really Stephan's woman?"

"Of course," Felicia replied nonchalantly. In the world, identity was self-created. Besides, Stephan wouldn't know; intimidation was worth the risk.

However, Felicia hadn't anticipated Lance, wounded and in agony, betraying her. "She's lying! She doesn't know Mr. Russell! She's just bluffing!"

The gang leader's expression darkened. Stephan, the powerful Russell, was known to shun women—a girlfriend seemed impossible. "I've been played!"

Losing patience, the gang leader lunged. Before he reached her, two silver needles flew, followed by a folding knife plunging into his eye. He covered his bleeding face, howling in rage.

No one expected Felicia's freed hands or her swift, deadly response. The remaining men reacted instantly, aiming their guns. Anticipating this, Felicia jumped from the moving truck. The fall left her bruised, but she didn't hesitate.

The trucks halted; the gang closed in. Felicia sprinted toward the forest. The cover of night aided her escape, though she stumbled repeatedly. After what seemed an eternity, she saw lights ahead. Pushing through the brush, she found a village. Hope flickered.