?Chapter 1153:


    “The bastard slipped through our fingers!” the captain shouted, rage twisting his features as his fists tightened. Never before had he suffered such disgrace — losing men and failing to detain the enemy.


    “We still have units chasing him, but I suspect he wasn’t working alone,” he added, cutting a nce at Rnd before striding to the window. He yanked the curtains.


    He closed the curtains in one swift motion. “Stay away from any ss panels. Position yourselves near the reinforced walls. For all we know, there could be a sniper waiting outside.”


    Pattie’s stomach churned as dread spread through her chest. This was the first time she had ever stared danger in the face so directly.


    Without hesitation, Rnd sped her hand. “Follow me.”


    Dragging Pattie along, he guided her straight into the bathroom. “You’ll be safer in here. Even if a sniper’s outside, these steel-reinforced walls can take the impact.”


    After saying that, he made a move toward the door, but Pattie clutched his arm. “Where are you going, Rnd? They’re after you,” she said, her voice filled with confusion and fear.


    “Pattie.”


    Turning back, Rnd fixed his gaze on her and spoke with a rare gravity. “What if their n is bigger than that? What if both of us are on their list? I need to find out.”


    A faint smile broke through as he added, “Rx. I still owe you a proper date, so I don’t n on dying tonight.”


    “You…”


    Pattie started to protest, but the door mmed shut before she could say more.


    From the other side, Maia’s voice rang out. “Stay put in there, both of you! Don’t step out!”


    “Maia!” Pattie shouted, startled by her sudden action. “What are you nning to do?”


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    Silence answered her. Maia was no longer standing by the door.


    Rnd immediately tried to push the door open, only to find the lead bodyguard blocking his way.


    “Step back! Do you have a death wish?” he shouted, nting himself in front of the bathroom’s weakest spot. “It’s my job to keep Ms. Miller safe — and you as well.”


    Rnd shoved against him, determined to break through, yet the guard held his ground and even forced him a step backward. “Quit resisting! Do you want me to put you down myself?” the lead bodyguard said, his eyes shifting past Rnd toward Pattie with a silent question. “Ms. Miller, do you want me to alter the assignment?”


    “There’s no need for that. You’re carrying out your duty well,” Pattie answered, forcing her voice to stay firm. “But I want a detail dispatched to guard Maia right away. That’s a direct order.”


    “Yes, ma’am!”


    Elsewhere, Austen stumbled into a narrow alley, his chest heaving after sprinting across two city blocks.


    “Damn it!” Austen pressed his back against the wall while ncing at the blood streaking down his arm. With a shaky breath of relief, he muttered, “Good thing it didn’t strike my stomach.”


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