Not far from the cliff stood a group of people, including Darius, Ash, both looking anxious, and a team of SWAT officers.
"Release her,Do you hear me? Let Luna go!" Ash's voice echoed as he repeatedly tried to rush forward but was restrained each time.
But the bandit ignored him, focusing instead on Darius, boldly stating, "Mr. Vale, you must choose one—life or death rests in your decision."
Darius's face turned grim at the words: "I'll pay any amount, just release them."
He then looked at me with a softened gaze, attempting to reassure, "Don't fear, Luna. It will be alright."
"We don't want your money. We aim to see Darius Vale, the CEO of the biggest company in the provincial city, lose the two women he cherishes most," the Bandit taunted, deepening Darius's frown.
It appeared from his eyes that a sniper was ready.
However, Serena suddenly screamed as the bandit forced her head beyond the cliff's edge.
When she called out to Darius, her voice quivering with tears, "I'm scared," it was clear she felt vulnerable.
The bandage on her forehead from the previous day's injury made her appear even more fragile against the wind.
Darius's attention momentarily lingered on her injury.
"Keep still," the man behind her jerking her back and almost causing her to tumble off the ledge.
As he atmosphere tensed, Darius is furious and exudes a murderous aura.
Serena, managing to glance my way, flashed a sly smile.
"You're set to lose again," she taunted.
"Aren't you concerned they'll uncover this was all staged by you?" Serena scoffed dismissively, confident in her backing, "With the Azure family behind me, discovery is unlikely. Has anyone ever doubted me all these years?"
Her mocking smile at me, as her henchman pulled her even closer to the edge.
"Mr. Vale, if you don't know which to choose, we'll help you to decide."
"Darius, save me," she implored, on the verge of falling, her calls for Darius blending with tears that stained her face.
Darius, fists clenched, warned the abductors, "I will kill you all !"
"Enough stalling, choose now," they demanded.
As Serena's screams pierced the air and she neared the cliff's drop, Darius's resolve faltered.
His agonized glance met mine.
"Luna, was this also your scheme?"
"You demand a choice to ascertain who holds greater importance in my heart, correct?"
His self-mocking laughter concealed a deeper resignation, "I've indulged you too often. This time, I can't allow your missteps to continue."
Unsurprisingly, Darius Vale chose Serena.
