?Chapter 442:


    “Mr. Flynn!”


    Phillips tried to argue, but Eric had already dashed ahead, disappearing into the crowd.


    With his teeth clenched tightly, Phillips realized there was no stopping Eric. He had to trust Eric’s decision and do whatever he could to help.


    Meanwhile, Eric faced significant challenges as he made his way toward the backstage area.


    The outgoing flow of people was as difficult as moving against a strong current.


    “Please, let me through!”


    “You’re headed the wrong way! It’s dangerous inside!”


    “Excuse me, I really need to go in!”


    Navigating through the frantic crowd, Eric was drenched in sweat.


    Bang!


    Then another loud st echoed.


    “Nobody move!”


    “Stop! Can you hear me?”


    But the crowd’s panic was uncontainable. Shortly after, two more gunshots rang out.


    The situation escted quickly.


    Eric nced toward the entrance, now heavily guarded. He furrowed his brow, wondering whether Phillips had made it out safely.


    Eric fought his way through the surging crowd, intent on getting inside.


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    Once inside, he navigated toward a quieter side door and slipped through. Themotion from the hall dimmed, and the distinct sound of footsteps echoed clearly.


    Eric held his breath and swiftly ducked behind a nearby door, pressing against the wall to conceal himself while scanning his surroundings vigntly. Approaching footsteps revealed themselves as theater security—calm andposed.


    Why weren’t they panicking?


    Several possibilities shed through Eric’s mind: either they were orchestrating the chaos, or they had beenpromised.


    A slight grin touched Eric’s lips as he pieced together his next move.


    Once the footsteps receded and the security moved on, he cautiously stepped out, noting the sign above him. His n was starting to take shape.


    Backstage in the dressing room, dancers from both Lightning Dance Studio and Red Choreography were effectively held hostage.


    Five armed rioters stood in grim silence, their imposing presence and cold firearms creating a suffocating atmosphere.


    Hadley sat on the floor with her colleagues, clutching her head, paralyzed by fear.


    “You!” Suddenly, a rioter pointed directly at her, his voice sharp andmanding. “You! Come out here!”


    “Hey, are you listening?”


    Noticing Hadley frozen in ce, the assant grabbed her arm impatiently and yanked her up. “Hadley!”


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