Felicia anticipated the man would refuse to admit wrongdoing with a cold laugh, saying something like, "I won't tell you." Much to her surprise, he froze, his expression becoming complicated. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke, not provocatively, but with a slightly helpless tone: "I'm not a kidnapper. I'm here to rescue people."

Rescue people? Felicia looked him up and down. Tall and slender, he was dressed in a black tactical uniform that accentuated his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs. She hadn't noticed his appearance during the fight, but now, under her flashlight, she realized he was extremely handsome, with sharp features, defined eyebrows, and a righteous bearing. She didn't move the gun, raising an eyebrow as she asked, "If you're here to rescue people, why were you chasing after me?"

The man's lips curved into a fleeting smile that, despite its brevity, was captivating. Meeting her gaze, he replied, "I thought you were the kidnapper."

She recalled rescuing Jennifer and the other women, and then learning from Jennifer that the kidnappers were coming to move them. Given the critical juncture and the sounds of approaching footsteps, anyone would have assumed it was the kidnappers. That's how the situation unfolded.

The man watched her changing expressions, amusement flickering in his eyes. He lowered his defensive stance and asked, "Since it's a misunderstanding, can you lower your—"

"No can do," Felicia said coldly. "I don't have enough reason to trust you. Please be considerate and tie your hands."

Her words were a suggestion in form, but a threat in tone, emphasized by the gun barrel moving closer. He chuckled softly, asking calmly, "How do you want me to do that?"

There were no ropes or vines—only thorny bushes. Felicia tilted her chin, indicating, "Don't you have a belt? Do it yourself."

Apparently, the threat worked. He obediently unbuckled his belt and tied his hands, his movements deliberate and composed. His strong forearms and well-defined hands were intensely masculine as he performed the task. Soon, he waved his bound hands at Felicia. "Am I being sufficient?"

Seeing he posed no immediate threat, Felicia lowered her gun. At that moment, her communicator beeped. It was a message from Scarlet. Worried about Jennifer, she answered immediately.

"Bo! You alright?" Scarlet's voice was urgent.

Felicia replied, "I'm fine. How about you? Have you brought everyone down the mountain? Is everyone safe?"

"Don't worry, they're all safe," Scarlet said, the background noise loud. "I've settled them down. I'm coming to get you now!"