Chapter 82

Kathie had sacrificed her time to accompany him on this business trip, so asking for compensation was reasonable-especially since Jonathan himself had just said she could name her price.

She asked, "Just tell me if you'll pay or hot."

Jonathan looked at her affectionately. "Of course I will. Name your price."

Kathie thought for a moment. "Well, since too little would be beneath your status, I'll ask for a hundred million dollars."

Jonathan fell silent. Kathie's remark struck him as unexpectedly humorous.

"What's wrong? Too expensive for you?"

"Not at all. I'm just touched by how considerate you are of my reputation."

Kathie shrugged. She had three children to raise, a grandmother to care for,and Jonathan was staying with them on her dime. She needed the money.

Jonathan pulled a gold card from his bag. "This is my supplementary card.Use it whenever you need."

Kathie frowned slightly. "This sudden generosity feels strange."

Jonathan looked genuinely hurt. "Come on. when have I ever been stingy?Living together means expenses, and I'm covering all of them. No need to hold back."

He simply didn't want Kathie overworking herself.

Kathie happily accepted. "You're quite the friend-worth keeping around."

They chatted pleasantly during the drive until they reached a rest area.

Kathie encouraged him to get some air, but Jonathan's expression turned

serious as he looked around.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling ill?"

Jonathan's tone grew grave. "There's something I need to tell you."

Seeing his expression, Kathie knew it wasn't good news. "Go on," she replied.

"We're being followed. At first, I thought it was normal highway traffic,but I've noticed two vehicles that have been trailing us. They've stopped here too, and their occupants are watching me."

Kathie anxiously looked around but saw nothing unusual. "Are you being paranoid?"she asked.

"This is a trap. Whether I go to Silverbrook or not, I'm in danger."

Kathie suddenly remembered his prestigious position-and his many enemies who wanted him dead.

By traveling with him, she had placed herself in danger too.

"What should we do? Turn back?"

"I never retreat. Get in-we need to move faster."

With mixed feelings, Kathie helped him back to the car. Through the rearview mirror, she spotted several men in black getting into two vehicles,following as they pulled away.

"You were right-they are following us. Will they hurt us? I can't die-my babies already don't have a father, they can't lose their mother too."

"Don't worry.I'll protect you."

Remembering Jonathan's previous injuries. Kathie couldn't stay calm.He

immediately instructed, "Accelerate now and exit at the next interchange.We can't stay on the highway."

An accident at highway speeds would be fatal. They needed to get off immediately.

"Understood!"

When the trailing vehicles saw them accelerating and changing direction,they suddenly floored their gas pedals and rammed them from behind.

The impact threw everyone forward. In that split second, Jonathan pulled Kathie into his arms while he slammed into the seat.

Still in shock, Kathie realized Jonathan's first instinct had been to protect her.

"Don't be afraid. I won't let anything happen to you," he comforted her gently, his voice soft and reassuring.

The steady thud of his heartbeat against her ear slowly eased her anxiety.

"Mr. Berkeley, should we stop?"

"No, keep driving. How far to the nearest exit?"

"About three miles."

Jonathan watched as the pursuing vehicles closed in. They clearly wanted him dead.

He didn't fear for himself, but Kathie was with him-and he wouldn't let anyone harm her.

He freed one hand to call Ben, but remembering he was watching the children,Jonathan called Keith instead.

Keith answered quickly,his voice casual, "Mr. Berkeley, finally decided to call me?"

"Keith, I'm being pursued on the way to Silverbrook. Send help immediately."

Jonathan's directness told Keith how dire the situation was.

"Right away. Send me your location."

After hanging up, Jonathan sent his coordinates while Kathie sat up from his embrace. Since he was calling for help, she decided to do the same and dialed Raymond.

He answered instantly, "Dr. Cavendish!"

Kathie spoke urgently, "Mr. Barnes, I'm in trouble and need your help."

With few connections in Eldoria, Raymond was one of the only powerful people Kathie knew. She hoped he could help.

"Tell me what you need. Dr. Cavendish."

"I'm on the road to Silverbrook, being intercepted by two vehicles. They seem intent on murder. Can you send someone?"

"What? Someone dares threaten the woman who saved my life? Send me your location immediately. Dr. Cavendish. I'll dispatch protection right away."

"Thank you. Mr. Barnes. You're our lifeline now."

After sending her location, Kathie looked up to find Jonathan staring at her intently.

She smiled awkwardly. "Did I do something wrong? I just thought more help would be better. If your friend can't arrive in time, we'd have backup

to protect you."

Jonathan was deeply moved. Throughout his life facing countless challenges, he had always handled them alone. Never had someone stood shoulder to shoulder with him.

This seemingly fragile woman was thinking of protecting him in this dangerous moment.

His previously grim mood lightened, as if illuminated by a ray of warmth.

"No,you did exactly the right thing."

Kathie smiled genuinely. "Don't worry, we'll be fine."

Jonathan reached for her hand, and in that instant, a sense of unity washed over them.

The pursuing vehicles rushed forward, attempting to flank them from both sides.

The bodyguard swerved onto an access road, but their pursuers accelerated behind them.

Jonathan shielded Kathie, worried she might hit the window.

The bodyguard in the passenger seat pulled a knife from his bag and handed it to Jonathan. "Mr. Berkeley, take this for protection."

Jonathan instinctively offered it to Kathie. "Here,take it."

Kathie pushed it back, raising her silver needles. "Keep it. I have these."

They recalled their previous encounter with assailants at the cottage, never imagining they would face such danger again-this time even more severe.

The pursuing vehicles recklessly floored their accelerators; the terrifying

engine roar was audible even from inside theír car.

Approaching a curve, their driver had to slow down, but the pursuers maintained speed, ramming them off the ramp directly toward a large tree.

With a deafening crash. their car slammed into the tree.Branches pierced the windows, and their driver was knocked unconscious.

In the moment of impact. Jonathan shielded Kathie with his body, his arm slashed by glass shards.