Chapter 175

“Make sure our security stays close to the convoy at all times,” Lauren instructed Eunice. “We can’t afford any problems.”

Eunice protested, “But Miss, are we really leaving a third of our herbs behind? Returning with this amount will force us to shut down several pharmaceutical plants. The losses will be substantial.”

“I’ll cover the losses personally,” Lauren replied with a cold smile. “If Michael wants to play games, I’ll play along until the end.”

Eunice, worried, remained silent, relaying the orders to the convoy.

Lauren then approached Tracia Martin, a scar-faced woman standing nearby. “Tracia, the convoy is departing. Ensure your team maintains vigilance throughout the journey.”

Despite her unassuming appearance, Tracia’s eyes held a sharp gleam revealing her martial arts expertise. “I apologize, Miss, but my team’s mission is your protection. Anything beyond that is outside my purview.”

Lauren frowned. “Tracia, you’re the Rhodes family’s head of security. I brought you specifically to protect my convoy. Don’t worry about me.”

“Miss, as I stated, anything beyond your personal protection is outside my remit,” Tracia stated firmly. “Your safety is infinitely more valuable than these herbs.”

“So you’d stand by while someone hijacks over three million dollars’ worth of herbs?” Lauren snapped.

“Yes,” Tracia replied calmly. “As long as your life isn’t in danger, it’s not my concern.”

Lauren gritted her teeth, saying nothing further. Tracia, a grandmaster-level fighter recruited from an elite martial arts academy, was incredibly powerful but antisocial and cold. She answered only to Lauren, often ignoring even the Rhodes family patriarch. At least Lauren had twenty other Rhodes family security personnel, offering some reassurance.

The convoy of over a dozen trucks began its journey back to Jayrodale, with Lauren’s vehicle in the rear. As they passed a remote mountain base, a battered bus swerved from a side road, blocking their path. Over fifty masked thugs, brandishing machetes, emerged.

Chaos erupted. Several drivers were forced off the road by the armed men. The Rhodes family security team and corporate guards engaged the attackers, the sounds of battle filling the air.

The attackers were clearly prepared, several displaying exceptional fighting skills, quickly subduing the Rhodes family guards and advancing toward Lauren with murderous intent.

“These bastards have the nerve to hijack Rhodes Corporation’s supplies!” Lauren shouted, furious as she watched the trucks being diverted.

Tracia quickly locked Lauren’s car doors and barked, “Stay inside! There are skilled fighters among them—getting out would be suicide!”

Without waiting for a response, she sped into the dense forest beside the road.