Chapter 83

A few moments afterimpact, the occupants regained their senses. Dennis Gonzalez, Jonathan's bodyguard, turned to check on them.

"Mr. Berkeley, Dr. Cavendish, are you both alright?" he asked.

Kathie was unharmed, having been shielded in Jonathan's embrace,though his arm was bleeding.

Jonathan peered outside-their pursuers were approaching fast. He released Kathie.

"Dennis, get Dr. Cavendish outof here." Though he could stand, he couldn't escape with them and needed to ensure their safety first.

Kathie shook her head firmly. "If we leave, we leave together. I won't abandon you."

Jonathan sighed. "They outnumber us. We have no chance. You run first-I'll hold on until you can bring back help."

Kathie insisted, "I'm absolutely not leaving you behind."

Seeing the attackers closing in, Dennis opened the door. "I'll hold them off.Mr. Berkeley,call for backup."

Jonathan called Keith again. "Keith, how long until you get here?"

"Hang on, Jonathan! Ten more minutes," Keith replied frantically.

"In ten minutes you'll be collecting my corpse," Jonathan retorted."What about your helicopter?"

"It's being repaired. Don't worry-I'm driving 120 mph. Almost there."

Kathie watched several attackers surround Dennis. He wouldn't last long.

and with Jonathan's leg injury, they were trapped in the car.

Soon, one of the assailants ran toward them, smashing the window with a rock.

As the window by Kathie shattered. Jonathan swiftly pulled her to him.When an arm reached through the broken window, Jonathan stabbed it with his knife. The attacker withdrew, screaming in pain.

When Jonathnan's window was broken next. Kathie immediately jabbed her acupuncture needle at the intruder, who retreated in agony.

They exchanged glances and smiled. "Great teamwork!"

An attacker tried to open the door, but Kathie flicked her needle with precision. hitting him in the neck. "Don't move, or you're finished," she warned.

The man ignored her and continued pulling. Within seconds, he collapsed,his body turning purple and convulsing-frightening the others into keeping their distance.

Jonathan gave her an admiring look. "Dr. Cavendish, you're quite impressive."

Kathie smiled ruefully. "What a shame. I learned acupuncture to heal, not harm.My teacher would be furious."

Jonathan took her hand earnestly. "That's not true. You're saving us."

Kathie looked at him, her heart racing. No one had ever protected her as he had, risking his life for her safety. She was acutely aware of her changing feelings for Jonathan, though she'd been suppressing them.

"What are you waiting for? Use the rocks!" a voice shouted from outside,snapping her back to reality. They couldn't stay in the car-it was a death

trap.

As the attackers began smashing the car with rocks. Kathie opened the opposite door and helped Jonathan out.

Jonathan pushed her away. "Run! I'm their target."

Furious. Kathie held onto him firmly. "Push me away again and I'll give you extra needles tonight. We agreed to stay together-I won't abandon you!"

Jonathan was stunned by her words, which touched him deeply and moved him to the core.

"But what about your children if something happens to you?"

"Then we'll both make sure nothing happens to either of us."

Supporting him as they moved awkwardly forward, they were quickly surrounded by knife-wielding attackers. Kathie's heart raced with fear. She wanted to save Jonathan, but she didn't want to die either. Who would care for her three children and grandmother? She readied her needles,prepared to fight.

Jonathan stepped in front of Kathie protectively. "Who sent you? If it's me you want, leave the woman alone."

The assailant raised his knife menacingly. "You're both dead!"

As they charged forward, Jonathan shielded Kathie with his body.Just as the knife was about to strike him, a furious shout echoed from nearby,"Stop! We're Mr. Raymond Barnes's men! Anyone who harms his lifesaver will answer to us!"

At Raymond's name, the attackers froze, then fled at the sight of over a dozen armed men rushing toward them.

The leader approached Kathie as his men bowed respectfully. "Dr.Cavendish. are you alright? I'm Kian Barnes, Mr. Raymond Barnes's nephew. He sent us to protect you."

Still shaken. Kathie realized they would have been killed without this timely intervention.

"Mr. Barnes, thank you for coming to our rescue," she said.

"My uncle said that since you saved his life, he'll protect you as long ashe lives."

Kathie felt immense gratitude-her past kindness had saved their lives.Learning of her danger, Raymond had sent his own nephew by helicopter instead of entrusting the mission to subordinates.

Jonathan spoke up, "Please convey my thanks tó Mr. Barnes. If he ever needs anything, I'll be there without hestation."

Kian nodded respectfully. "I'll tell him. Since your car is wrecked and our helicopter is nearby, may we escort you? It would put my uncle's mind at ease."

"That would be wonderful, thank you." With their car destroyed,helicopter transport and protection were exactly what they needed.

"No need for thanks, Dr. Cavendish," Kian said cheerfully. "If you hadn't saved my uncle, he'd be gone. It's our turn to repay that debt. Those attackers looked like professiona1 criminals-I'll look into it."

Kathie expressed her deep gratitude,"You're helping us tremendously.Please thank Mr. Barnes for me as well."

Jonathan, who had intended to protect Kathie, instead found himself saved because of her-the first time in his life he'd been protected by a woman.

Just then. Keith and his team finaly arrived, rushing toward them."Jonathan! I'm here! Are you okay?" he called out.

Jonathan couldn't helpbut roll his eyes. "Minor injuries. If we'd waited for you, we'd be with the angels by now."

KKeith laughed awkwardly. "Sorry about that. Cars can't compete with wings."

Jonathan punched him lightly. "Don't worry, I'm not blaming you. Mr.Barnes's men are flying us to Silverbrook. Get the unconscious bodyguard to a hospital, then watch the company for me. Also, arrange some protection for Kathie's children."

Keith gave him a thumbs up. "Worrying about them at a time like this?People might think you're their real father."

Jonathan glared at him. Keith shrugged. "Got it. I'm on it. Take care of yourself."

Kian helped Jonathan into the helicopter where Kathie treated his arm wound-fortunately not deep enough to cause complications.

Twenty minutes later, they landed in Silverbrook.