Chapter 130

The rain poured down as six figures in black advanced with switchblades glinting.

Sebastian Valdemar shielded Evelyn Roland behind him, his gaze sharp as steel.

"Signal jammer?" Evelyn's eyes flicked to the device in the leader's hand. A cold smirk curved her lips. "Well prepared, I see."

Before the words faded, she launched forward. A spinning kick sent the nearest assailant crashing to the ground.

Sebastian's eyes gleamed with approval.

"Careful," he murmured. "Don't overdo it."

The corner of his mouth lifted as he twisted, wrenching a blade from an attacker's grip. Silver flashed through the rain.

A scream pierced the air. Blood mingled with rainwater.

The black-clad figures faltered.

"Move!" their leader roared. "No payment until the job's done!"

The assault intensified.

Evelyn's peripheral vision caught movement toward the equipment shed.

"Damn it!" She lunged—just as Sebastian's warning shout reached her.

A blur of motion. He intercepted the descending blade meant for her.

Crimson dripped from his forearm.

"Go!" Evelyn grabbed his uninjured arm, dragging him toward the mine shaft.

Flashlight beams stabbed the darkness as pursuers reached the entrance.

"Seal it!" The leader's laughter turned vicious. "Let them rot underground!"

Damp chill enveloped them in the tunnel.

Evelyn supported Sebastian's weight as they staggered forward.

"Sebastian?" Her voice held the barest tremor.

"Worried about me?" His chuckle came labored.

"Shut up." Her teeth clenched. "If you die here, Valdemar Group's stocks will crash."

A dim platform emerged ahead.

"Rest." She guided him onto the miners' bench.

Faint light revealed the gash through his sleeve. Blood welled steadily.

"This will hurt." She ripped her own sleeve, binding the wound with brutal efficiency.

Sebastian hissed, sweat beading his forehead.

"Why save me?" The question escaped before she could stop it.

In the darkness, his eyes burned like live coals.

"What do you think?"