Before the four bodyguards could move, Debra shouted, "Cathryn, the rules of the game only say the hunters can chase, but it never said the bodyguards could join in."


    Cathryn snorted, "I made the rules. I can change them as I like. Grab her!"


    "Yes, ma''am." The four bodyguards charged at Debra.


    She took a few steps back and said, "Have you thought about the consequences?"


    The bodyguards didn''t flinch. She continued, "How much did Cathryn pay you? I can double it."


    But they were not swayed.


    Cathrynughed out loud, "Stop wasting your breath. No one is going to help you tonight. You''re dead meat."


    As the four bodyguards closed in, Debra took a deep breath, ready to fight.


    Unfortunately, the staircase was too narrow for her movements. Within minutes, she started to sweat.


    Just then, a figure appeared in front of her, kicking the hunters rushing up the stairs back down. He grabbed Debra''s hand and pulled her toward the exit, with the bodyguards hot on their heels.


    "If this goes on, we''ll both die here," Debra muttered weakly.


    So far, two hours had passed. The hide-and-seek game had drained her energy. Now her legs were weak.


    Frederic tightened his grip on her. "If you don''t want to die, run faster. If they catch up, we''re both dead."


    "Get them!" The hunters and bodyguards frantically chased after them.


    As the footsteps got closer and colder, Frederic whispered,


    "Everyone''s after us now. You


    the right stairwell to the fifth floor. I''ll handle them."


    Before Debra could refuse, he pushed her down the stairs and stood his ground, waiting for the hunters.


    Without a choice, Debra quickly changed direction and headed for the right stairwell.


    This spot on the second floor was a blind spot. Cathryn could hear the scuffle but could not see what was going on.


    The remaining socialites gathered, blocking Debra''s path.


    "Get out of the way!" Debra snapped.


    Frederic was fighting alone with so many people. Any dy would make things worse for him.


    "Ladies! If we catch her, we''re saved." The socialites were desperate to survive.


    Debra showed no mercy, knocking over the first woman reaching her side. Frederic was fighting with the hunters in the stairwell. His mask was knocked off during the struggle. In that split second of distraction, someone stabbed him in the thigh with a knife.


    He grunted in pain and copsed onto the floor. In the meantime, a loud crash echoed through the hall.