Can't Win Me Back

Preston laid out two demands in his ransom call—no guns and Landon had to come alone.

"Jasper, Lyse, and Cyrus," Landon said. "You guys handle the situation here. I'll go meet Preston."

Without a second thought, Landon turned and headed for the door.

"Landon!" Jasper cried out, his heart hammering in his chest. He lunged forward and grabbed Landon's arm. "This is Preston's trap! He might kill you; you cannot go alone!"

"I know he wants to kill me," Landon said with a humorless smile that quickly twisted into a grimace. It was a sight that tugged at the others' hearts. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Landon, we'll go with you!" Alyssa declared with determination in her gaze. "We can stay hidden and wait for an opening. That way, we can save Lauren and Angelina for sure!"

Landon shook his head. "Lyse, thank you, but I can't take that risk. If giving up my life means Lauren and Angelina can come back safely, then that's a price I'm willing to pay."

Alyssa's eyes welled with tears, and Jasper's heart sank further.

"Landon," Cyrus said, approaching him with a determined glint in his eyes. He opened his hand, revealing a tiny camera. "Take this. It'll allow you to stay in contact with the police. I'll handle things here."

Landon's lips trembled slightly as he took the camera. "Thank you," he rasped.

"Whether it's you, Lauren, or Angelina, you must all come back safe and alive." Cyrus took a deep breath, his small smile offering a warmth that felt like a hug. "Lyse and Jasper aren't the only ones worrying and waiting for you. Count me in, my friend!"

Landon was slightly taken aback. Then, he smiled and patted Cyrus' shoulders heavily.

It was nearly dawn, and a sliver of the moon cast a faint, silvery glow across the starless night sky, deepening the chill and loneliness.

Tires screeched against the asphalt as the sports car drifted steadily into the parking lot, coming to a stop in the middle.

Landon's eyes fell on a half-built commercial building that belonged to one of Harper Group's businesses.

This project was originally under Preston's responsibility. However, since Cornelius kicked him out of Harper Group, it naturally fell into Landon's hands.

Landon walked toward the entrance with purpose and conviction, his steps steady and strong. No matter the cost, he was determined to bring Lauren back to his side. Without her, life held little meaning. He pushed the heavy door and strode in, his expression gloomy and cold.

There was no one in the hall. Just then, Preston's message came through. It read, "Come to the fifth floor, the swimming pool. You can choose to climb the stairs or take the elevator."

Landon found the last sentence suspicious. In a split-second decision, he opted to take the stairs for safety. Quickening his pace, he sprinted upward.

But he barely reached the second floor when the sound of multiple footsteps echoed from behind. Whipping around, Landon's eyes widened as he twisted his body, narrowly dodging two knives aimed at him with deadly intent.

More attackers followed, lunging at him with knives drawn.

Engaged in a ferocious fight, Landon's instincts kicked in. Seizing a long knife from one of the assailants, he wielded it skillfully, slicing through the crowd as if they were mere vegetables.

One by one, the attackers fell, blood pooling on the floor and limbs scattered around.

However, Landon wasn't unscathed. His arm was wounded, and his black coat was torn to shreds. He tore off a piece of cloth to tightly wrap around his wrist, securing his grip on the weapon.

But the fight was far from over. Another wave of attackers surged forward, relentless in their assault.