Chapter 0646

The atmosphere was tense, and the man's forehead was already dotted with sweat.

Perhaps because I had never experienced such a scene before, I didn't feel overwhelmingly scared. I had always believed in a peaceful world, but reality didn't allow me to remain that naive.

Soldiers could carry guns, but so could the rich and powerful...

Seeing me still in a daze, the man let out a low growl. "Take it!"

"That's impossible!" I snapped back to reality, too scared to take the gun. "I don't know how to use it! If you hold onto it, we might still have a chance to escape. If I take it, it's as good as suicide!"

"I have another one!" The man didn't waste words. Apologizing briefly, he grabbed my hands firmly. "Let me teach you! "Both hands here. Always use both hands. Then, use your index finger to pull the trigger!"

Holding the cold, unfamiliar metal in my hands felt incredibly heavy.

"No! If the worst comes to worst, I'll just face them. They wouldn't dare kill me, would they? I don't believe it! You're here to protect me, not to take risks for me. We're not at that point yet!"

I clung to the faint hope that they wouldn't shoot on sight-that they wouldn't fire at someone just for showing themselves.

"Ms. Jones, letting you go out there would be the real risk! My mission is to ensure your safety. You escaping is the only way I won't be held back. There is no time for hesitation!"

Neal had been investigating the secrets of this place for a while. The people here were inhumane, but he couldn't fully explain their ruthlessness to Ariana. His priority was to get her out safely.

I wanted to argue further, but the man interrupted me firmly. "Listen! I'll head back to the second floor while you go to the first floor. Wait for my whistle. We'll both fire at the locks on the fire escape doors simultaneously.

"I'll draw their attention upstairs, and you'll take the opportunity to escape from downstairs. Captain Steele already knows you're here, and I'm sure reinforcements are coming!"

The cold weight of the gun in my hand grew heavier. The man, light on his feet, vaulted over the stair railing swiftly, disappearing from my sight.

I reached the fire escape door on the first floor, aiming the gun at the lock. My palms were drenched in cold sweat.

At that moment, my fear grew exponentially. I didn't know when he would whistle or whether we could coordinate perfectly.

Behind the fear was an overwhelming sense of helplessness, a chilling cold that made my hands stiffen like stone. Even breathing felt like a struggle.

A sharp whistle pierced the silence, startling me into action. Without hesitation, I raised my hands and aimed at the lock.

"Bang!"

"Bang!"

The two gunshots from separate floors blended into one.

"Target spotted! Second floor!" The man's muffled orders filtered through the dizzying smell of gunpowder.

On one side was a panicked crowd screaming in confusion, on the other was the relentless sounds of gunfire.

I glanced up toward the second floor before opening the door and blending into the crowd, keeping my head low as I ran outside.

"Over here!"

I looked up, locking eyes with Neal. I had never been so relieved to see him. I ran toward him, ignoring my disheveled state. "Quick! The person you sent to help me is in danger! Go save him!"

Neal didn't respond. He quickly pried open my numb, rigid hands and took the gun, tucking it into his coat. "Your hands are bleeding. I'll get someone to take you to the hospital."

I stared at him, speechless, pointing toward the entrance of the club. So many people were fleeing, but I didn't see the man who had saved me earlier!novelbin

"Go save him! Hurry! He's waiting for your reinforcements!"

I didn't understand. Wasn't that his comrade? Why wasn't he anxious?

Neal's expression turned unreadable. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke with difficulty. "We're waiting for orders from the higher up."