?Chapter 181:


    In that split second, acting decisively, Cole spun around with Elliana in his arms. The bullet missed her and hit his shoulder instead. He used his body to shield her, as there was no time to think.


    Others reacted quickly and returned fire. The threat was neutralized.


    Blood poured from Cole’s shoulder.


    Elliana’s face turned pale as she hurriedly checked his wound. “How are you holding up?”


    The pain was unbearable, but Cole didn’t flinch since he didn’t want her to worry. He even managed a smile. “I’m fine. Didn’t hit the bone. We’ll take the bullet outter.”


    Still anxious, Elliana tore open his shirt to examine the injury. As a doctor, she confirmed it hadn’t hit the bone. Only then did she exhale. But then, a storm was brewing inside her—fear, sympathy, and heartache. Her eyes reddened. If she’d ever doubted Cole’s feelings for her, she couldn’t anymore. In that moment of danger, he hadn’t even hesitated and shielded her with his own life. On what grounds could she question his affection anymore?


    Her chest tightened. The urge to cry overwhelmed her. Since her mother’s death, no one had ever risked their life for her—until now. She bit her lip hard, unable to speak, tears shimmering in her eyes. Quietly, she lifted her shirt and tore off a strip of cloth, wrapping it around his wound to stop the bleeding.


    Cole watched her in silence. When she finished, he gave her a faint smile, warmth glowing in his eyes. That warmth came from the heart—a sweetness he couldn’t hide. Because in her face, he saw something new—care. Real, honest care. Was she finally letting him into her heart?


    Just then, a shadow crept outside the yacht’s window. A hand holding a ck handgun aimed straight at Cole’s back. It was the masked man. Earlier, he had ordered his men to leave no survivors. While they fought and fell, he’d tried to…


    Escape to the rooftop. But when he reached the third floor, a skilled fighter had descended from above, cutting down everyone.


    Terrified, the masked man had slipped outside and clung to a pipe along the outer wall. He’d nned to wait until the fight was over and walk out a winner. But all his subordinates were eliminated. And the one who had killed them all—the so-called weak and ugly girl—was Elliana, their captive. How ironic. If he had known how dangerous she was, he would’ve stopped Merritt from taking her. But it was toote.


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    Merritt was gone. The yacht was a wreck.


    The masked man knew he wouldn’t be let off the hook. Cole and his crew were furious. Jump and die, or wait to be caught and beaten to death—those were his choices. He chose neither. He’d take someone down with him. If he was going out, he’d make it count. So, he recklessly stuck his head out, aiming his gun at Cole. Cole was rich, powerful—taking him down would make a statement.


    Elliana spotted the masked man first. She grabbed Cole and yanked him aside. In one smooth motion, she drew a curved de from her waist and hurled it toward the window. Her de flew as fast as a bullet. She was sure it would kill the masked man.


    But just as the de raced toward its target, a door burst open. “Cole, watch out!” Paige shouted.


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