Chapter 1039: Besse's Love for Doyle

"I want to see Doyle!" she declared, ignoring Oscar's concern.

Oscar nodded. "I came to discuss this with you."

"No need to negotiate, I'm going to see Doyle!"

"Okay," Oscar readily agreed. He knew she would go to save Doyle; she couldn't stand idly by, even if it meant sacrificing her life. But he couldn't let her die again. Therefore, he needed to discuss a solution with her.

"Skye intends to kill you to avenge Doyle. If you go, you'll die. But if you don't…"

"Doyle will die!" Besse interrupted.

Oscar nodded, crouching to retrieve a bulletproof vest from under the car seat. Besse was surprised, yet relieved.

"Put it on," he instructed.

Besse found his agreement unexpected. She'd thought he'd keep her in the car and attempt a rescue alone. She didn't doubt his effort, but doubted his success.

As she prepared to put on the vest, Oscar reminded her, "Wear it underneath."

Besse met his gaze, her hesitation vanishing. She removed her jacket and t-shirt in front of him. Oscar didn't avert his eyes, noticing her bruises and wounds. He reached out to help her.

Besse showed obvious aversion.

"I'll help you adjust it," Oscar explained.

She nodded. After fastening the vest, he removed his hands. His gaze, though lingering on her exposed skin, lacked any lustful intent.

Besse quickly redressed. Oscar, meanwhile, produced another vest, removing Theodore's blood-soaked coat and shirt. He faced Besse, revealing his own chest wounds. She knew his back held even worse injuries. Yet, he donned the heavy vest without flinching.

She didn't understand his vest, but appreciated the protection. He then replaced his tattered shirt and Theodore's jacket. Despite the blood on his face, Besse sensed his fighting spirit. She averted her gaze, avoiding speculation.

Oscar opened the car door. "Need help, or should I ask Theodore?" He knew of her reluctance to accept his aid.

"I'll go myself."

Oscar nodded. He knew she consistently excluded, distrusted, and disregarded him.

He exited first. Besse followed, enduring leg pain from a compression fracture; her other injuries were minor, protected as she had been in Doyle's arms during the accident. Oscar remained nearby, maintaining a distance.

"We buy time. Once the snipers are ready, we exchange you for him—the best time to eliminate them. Miss the window, and one of you dies."

Besse nodded, trusting his plan; he was the only one who could save them both.

Little was spoken as they approached Doyle and Skye. Skye's sinister smile widened upon seeing Besse, realizing her presence undetected. Her love for Doyle heightened his excitement for revenge; he laughed wildly.

Doyle's eyes widened at her appearance. He pleaded with his gaze for her to leave. Besse's focus was instantly on Doyle; she barely registered Skye, having been in a coma after their previous car accident years ago. The other driver had died. She never imagined Doyle would resort to such cruelty, though she couldn't fully blame him; the accident had been the other party's fault.

Suppressing her emotions, she said, "Doyle, calm down." She sensed his nervousness.

"I know how you feel, but you need to understand, I can't watch you die!" she declared firmly. Tears welled in his eyes.

"Four years ago, when I woke up to an unfamiliar world, you brought warmth, lessened my fear, helped me adapt. If you die, my life won't be easy."

Doyle's vision blurred. He wouldn't let her die for him.

"What a lovely pair of young lovers!" Skye sneered. "Isn't that right, Commander?"

Oscar grunted in response. Besse loved Doyle deeply.

"Let him speak!" Skye ordered. "Let them make a death wish."

Doyle's duct tape was removed.

"Besse! It's my fault, don't pay for me!" Doyle exclaimed. "A life for a life—it's fair! Don't suffer for me!"

"But you did this because of me."

"It's not about you! I'm twisted, cold-blooded. Go! Leave! I'd rather die with Skye…"