Chapter 257

Evelyn's heart leaped with sudden hope as the distant thrum of helicopter blades reached her ears.

This couldn't possibly be a coincidence.

Could it be her brothers coming to save her?

In the passenger seat, Vincent's grip tightened on his seat. "Is that the police?" he demanded.

Donovan, driving, let out a derisive laugh. "Vincent, you've been watching too many action films. Since when do cops use choppers for routine patrols?"

"We've used this route dozens of times. Nothing ever goes wrong."

"Then explain that helicopter," Vincent snapped. "We've never seen one in these mountains before."

"Probably some tourist company or news crew getting aerial footage," Donovan dismissed.

Vincent reluctantly admitted the explanation made sense. The idea of a rescue helicopter specifically for Evelyn seemed absurd given the astronomical costs involved.

Soon, Donovan pointed out, "See? It's flying away. Told you it wasn't here for us. You're too paranoid."

Evelyn's hope deflated as the helicopter's roar faded into the distance.

Had it really just been passing through?

A fresh wave of panic gripped her. The sheer audacity of being kidnapped in broad daylight still stunned her.

What could she do now?

Was she really going to deliver her baby in these godforsaken mountains?

The van suddenly jerked to a violent stop.

"Damn it!" Donovan slammed the wheel. "Who the hell put this tree across the road?"

"What now? Turn back?" Vincent asked.

"Like hell we're turning back. Everyone out - we're moving this damn log."

As the men exited, Evelyn found herself alone in the van.

Holding her breath, she carefully sat up, peering through the windows at the treacherous mountain terrain surrounding them.

Escape seemed impossible in her condition.

Then, like ghosts materializing from the forest, figures in camouflage gear emerged, swiftly overpowering the kidnappers.

Evelyn's pulse pounded as she watched the scene unfold.

Who were these mysterious rescuers?

The van door suddenly flew open. Evelyn turned to see a camouflage-clad man with dirt-smudged features, but those piercing eyes were unmistakable.

Nathaniel?

Without a word, Nathaniel sliced through her restraints. His expression darkened seeing the raw marks on her wrists.

Masking his fury, he offered her a steady hand. "You're safe now."

Evelyn blinked dazedly. "I...I can't feel my legs."

Pregnant and stiff from being bound, she feared falling if she tried to stand.

Before she could protest, Nathaniel bent and scooped her into his arms. Instinctively, her arms circled his neck as she studied the tactical paint streaking his handsome features, giving him an almost feral appearance.

"How did you find me?" she whispered, astonished he'd been the first to reach her.

Nathaniel didn't answer, carefully setting her on a cleared patch of roadside. He wiped off a flat stone. "Sit here."

As she complied, Nathaniel knelt before her, producing a medical kit. He worked methodically, disinfecting her rope burns.

The antiseptic stung. Evelyn flinched, a small whimper escaping.

Nathaniel's grip on her ankle tightened. "Hold still."

"It hurts," she breathed, tears pricking her eyes.

Nathaniel paused, his gaze lifting to meet hers. Adjusting his touch, he murmured, "Just a little longer. Be brave for me."