The taunt hit a nerve. Melvin''s face twisted in a snarl.


    "You know better than anyone whether I''m still a man or not! I know you''re not afraid of pain, injury, or even death, Soren. So I''m not going to give you any of those things. I''m going to give you something worse. I''m going to make you live in hell!


    "I''m going to make the woman you love, and the woman who once loved you, die because of a choice you make. I want you to be filled with regret, no matter who you pick. I want you to live every single day of your life in agony and torment!"


    Listening to him, Evangeline felt a hystericalbination ofughter and despair. His revenge on Soren had nothing to do with her. Why drag her into it? Did he really think Soren would be tormented by her death? That he would choose her?


    If she died, Soren would probably feel a brief flicker of regret, maybe give her avish funeral, but he wouldn''t suffer day after day. He should have kidnapped Flora instead; that would have been far more effective.


    As her dark humor faded, Evangeline resigned herself to the fact that she was probably going to die here. The child had died because of Soren''s choice. Now, it seemed she would be joining her child in the same way.


    Her heart grew cold. She looked down at the deep, lush forest below, searching for anything that might break her fall. Even if she only survived with half a life, it was better than nothing. The height was dizzying, and her legs felt weak just looking down.


    As she was about to look away, her eyes caught something in the distance. On a small, hidden path, she saw the faint, shadowy figures of several people moving through the trees. She stared, a flicker of hope igniting within her.


    On the cliff''s edge, Mr. Howard, having vented his anger, seemed to have calmed down. He checked his watch. "Time''s running out, Mr. Fawkes. You have one minute left. Have you decided?"


    Soren clenched his fists, trying to control his breathing and appear calm. Inside, he was waiting.


    "Mr. Fawkes, the sniper is in position," Gregory''s voice came through his hidden earpiece.


    Beforeing, he had hired a top-tier sniper through Gregory, who had been secretly tailing him, looking for the perfect vantage point. It was a precaution, in case the kidnappers went back on their word.


    Hearing Gregory''s voice, Soren felt a wave of relief. The weight on his chest lifted slightly. His eyes were locked on Mr. Howard. A gun was faster than a knife. If the sniper was quick enough, Howard would be dead before he could cut the ropes, and both Evangeline and Poppy would be safe.


    And in the absolute worst-case scenario, if the ropes were cut, he was close enough to run and save them.


    Soren stared at the dagger, so close to the ropes, and subtly gave the signal.


    *Take the shot.*


    It was a gamble. But just as he gave themand, Mr. Howard shifted in his wheelchair, as if sensing something.


    "Damn it, Mr. Fawkes, he moved! He''s blocking the best angle.


    can''t take the shot! It looks V


    we''ve been spotted." >


    The frantic whispers in his ear made Soren''s heart seize up again.


    At the same time, Mr. Howard looked at him with a knowing smile. "Have you made up your mind, Mr. Eawkes? You have three seconds if you don''t choose, they both die."


    "Three..."


    "Two..."


    "One!"


    Just as Mr. Howard was about to slice through the rope, Soren roared.


    "I choose Evangeline!"