Struggling for air, my consciousness began to blur.


    The difort was so unbearable that I wished for death


    Thad vowed to never entangle with Bryant again, yet in this dire situation, he was the only person my mind could grasp.


    “Bryant. Please,e quickly. Save me. I silently pleaded in my heart


    Just as i was about to lose consciousnesspletely, a bucket of cold water was suddenly sshed over me.Content rights by N?velDr//ama.Org.


    The basement, almady chilled by the diught, became even colder, snapping me back to some semnce of awareness while making me shiver uncontrobly


    The icy water trailed down my cheeks, neck, and under my cor, biting into my bones


    As I lifted my eyes, I saw Dorothy tied up to a pir nearby


    Her face bore the imprint of two ps, and her clothes were filthy and tattered, presenting a picture of utter disarray


    Vet, she stood on a chair, calm andposed.


    I let out a weak, coldugh, “Looks like you’re quite the actress.”


    <b>“</b>Does it matter?” Dorothy retorted with confidence. “All that matters is who hell choose!


    At that moment, the sound of a <b>car </b>engine approached.


    Dorothy kicked away the chair beneath her, casting me a superior look, “Jane, don’t me me. me your lowly status that makes you so easy to manipte.


    Soon, a familiar figure descended into the basement, his posture dignified, still dressed in the bespoke suit from the moming.


    His gaze instantly found mine, his pupils narrowing, before someone stopped him a few feet away.


    Jamrod, lighting a cigar with a smile, greeted, “Mr. Ferguson, it’s not easy getting a moment with you.”


    Bryants expression darkened, his gaze sharp and foreboding, “Let them go.”


    “I was hoping to do some business with Mrs. Ferguson today, Jarrod settled into a chair. “But then, my men tell me Ms. Myers here has some unclear ties with you. Couldn’t decide who to take, so I brought both.”


    “What do you want?” Bryant asked impatiently.


    Jarrod burst intoughter, “I don’t want anything now Just curious to see, Mr. Ferguson… who you’d choose to save.”


    Bryant’s eyes narrowed, his gaze sharp. “What are <b>you </b>implying?”


    A handgun was ced in front of him. With a twisted smile, Jarrod exined. This gun has just one bullet left. Mr. Ferguson, pick someone to use it on, the rest is up to you.”


    The implication was clear. the gun was meant for either me or Dorothy


    Bryant’s jaw clenched, too far for me to clearly discem his expression.


    My breathing slowed involuntarily


    With a chilling tone, Bryant asked, “Are you sure?”


    “Mr. Ferguson,


    1, <b>can </b>you really care for two women at once? What’s wrong with g


    no regard for human life.


    Bryant held the gun, hesitating to act


    getting rid of someone insignificant?” Jarrod clearly had


    Suddenly, Jarrod grabbed another gun from his man, pointed it first at me, then at Dorothy, swinging it back and forth.


    My heart raced to my throat!


    No one is immune to the fear of death.


    I’m no different


    Dorothy looked at <b>Bryant </b>in desperation, “Bryant… save me<b>!</b>”


    “Still undecided?”


    Jarrod cocked the gun, “111 count down from three. If you haven’t decided by then, I decide for you!”