Back at the Russell residence, Johanna tightened the belt around her neck and, using her body weight, desperately pulled in the opposite direction. Suffocation quickly followed. Her face turned red, and the veins on her forehead bulged.

Suffering intensely, she only needed to release the pressure or give in to save herself. But she refused. Whenever her resolve faltered, she glanced at Archie's body, remembering their past. Her heart ached unbearably, her courage and hope extinguished. Life or death, she would join him.

The lack of oxygen intensified. Johanna could no longer make a sound; her limbs spasmed, her vision blurred. It was almost over. Then, the window shattered. A gleaming dagger flew in, severing the belt.

Propelled by inertia, she fell to the ground, gasping for air. Her wheezing breaths filled her lungs, revitalizing her body. Clutching her neck, she saw a tall figure silhouetted against the window. He easily jumped inside.

In the room's light, Johanna recognized him: Pete Camell, head of the Carrell family. Handsome and refined, he looked like a gentleman—except for the bloodstains and dirt marring his crisp suit. She knew of his alliance with Archie; they both considered the Russells obstacles to eliminate. Archie's faked death, orchestrated by Pete, was a cruel irony, as Pete was complicit in his actual death.

Hatred contorted Johanna's face. "Mr. Camell," she said coldly, "what perfect timing! What concern is my life or death to you? Did you save me out of the kindness of your heart?"

Pete wasn't offended. He smiled, his gentlemanly demeanor unaffected. People were easily fooled by his charm, unaware of his enigmatic nature and insincere smile. His gaze fell on Archie. Casually, like discussing the weather, he said, "Is he dead? Seems I backed the wrong horse." He shook his head, muttering, "Ambitious underling, no real ability. A miracle he got this far."

"Shut up!" Johanna cried, unable to bear his criticism. She wanted to strangle him.

Pete surrendered. "Alright, alright. Ms. Rosario, calm down. I risked much to save you. Come with me."

Johanna remained cold. Archie's last words were for her to escape with Pete—her only chance of survival. Yet, her abhorrence for him, especially considering his role in Archie's death, deepened. He simply offered again, unfazed, "Come with me. I guarantee your revenge."