Sir, theres a helicopter circling the castle, Loaded with explosives! This was Matthews trump card.


    He had steeled himself for a catastrophic showdown if needed, using it to shake Den and snatch a slender chance at survival.


    Fury painted Dens face a fiery red as he bellowed, Catch him! Make sure he doesnt slip through our fingers! Suddenly, a series of Loud explosions shattered the air outside.


    The guests erupted into chaos, scattering in all directions as screams sliced through the confusion.


    Amidst the bem, a determined group made their way in and swiftly located Matthew.


    Their leader, eyes wide with urgency, implored, Mr.


    rk, wevee to rescue you.


    Lets move, now! Just as Matthew was about to follow, a gunshot split the noise.


    Pain exploded in his abdomen like a bomb.


    He nced down to see his shirt blossoming with blood. But he clenched his teeth and roared to his rescuers.


    Get out of here! Leave me! Den, spotting Matthews distress, was eager to seize him.


    Yet, just then, he felt a chilling whisper.


    Im sorry, Grandpa.


    Before Den could turn, Sanfords hand delivered a swift, crippling chop to his neck.


    ckness swallowed Den whole as he crumpled silently.


    Sanford inhaled sharply, and then called out firmly, Fall back! Elsewhere, Fernando was driving Ste to safety ording to n.


    He casually broke the news.


    Mr.


    rk made it out safely.


    Hearing this, relief flickered across Stes face, though her voice carried a shadow of doubt. Was this all prepped ahead of time? It seemed like Matthew was just winging it, thrashing around without a n.


    As Fernando deftly maneuvered the car, he filled Ste in.


    Since you disappeared, Mr.


    rk has been moving chess pieces.


    Hes shuffled people from Seamarsh-Bet and Neville organized their own squads.


    And Whitney? She went deep, nted moles among the guests.


    Trust me, Mr.


    rk had everything charted out.


    Though Ste knew they were well-prepared, a whisper of unease lingered.


    She tried to quell her anxiety but it clung stubbornly to her.


    A dull ache began to nag at her abdomen, bearable but bothersome. Beside her, Be looked worse for wear, her face ashen, lips sealed in silence.


    The car sped toward a hospital, a stronghold under Whitneysmand.


    Matthews men, vignt and numerous, fortified it like a bastion.


    Any brash move by Den or Howard would undoubtedly stir a hos nest, escting the chaos.


    Fernando pulled up smoothly at the hospitals main entrance.


    Ste wasted no time, urging, Fernando, please make sure they check on my mom first.


    Together, the trio exited the car.


    At that moment, another vehicle arrived, disgorging its upants who were swiftly encircled by a waiting group.


    From her vantage point, Ste could only see their backs, a troubling sight that tightened the knot in her stomach.


    She turned to Fernando, concern etching her features.


    Did something happen?