Chapter 334

Vivian's words were cut short as Ethan's fingers closed around her wrist like steel bands. "She won't be choosing anything—she's leaving with me."

Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel, dragging Vivian behind him.

"You insolent bastard!" Frederick Baldwin's patience snapped. His revolver clicked as he aimed it directly at Ethan's temple. "I should put a bullet through your skull right now!"

The surrounding guards raised their weapons in unison. One command from the old man, and both of them would be riddled with bullets.

Vivian's pulse spiked. She twisted against Ethan's grip. "Let go of me! There's no shame in retreating when you're outmatched. You might have a death wish, but I don't!"

Ethan's laugh was ice. "I don't need a woman to save my life, Vivian. That's not how this works."

She nearly choked on her frustration. This infuriating man! How many times have I pulled his ass out of the fire? And now he wants to play the hero?

Ethan turned back to Frederick, lips curling in a taunting smirk. "Go ahead, pull that trigger. But the second you do, every Baldwin training facility on this planet will be reduced to rubble. Are you really willing to gamble your entire legacy?"

Frederick's face darkened. "Nonsense! The Shadow Legion is untouchable. You're bluffing."

"Am I?" Ethan's voice remained eerily calm. "My grandfather anticipated your recklessness years ago. Explosives are buried beneath every one of your training centers. One signal, and your so-called invincible army vanishes in a blink. Test me if you don't believe it."

The blood drained from Frederick's face. The Shadow Legion comprised sixteen elite divisions stationed across the globe—their locations were top secret. How had the Blackwoods infiltrated them?

Those forces were the backbone of Baldwin power. Without them, the family's influence would crumble overnight.

Damn that Alfred Blackwood! Always ten steps ahead.

Ethan's smile turned razor-sharp. "My grandfather isn't cunning—he's prepared. Unlike you, he prefers peace. But cross him, and he'll burn your world to the ground."

Before Vivian could protest, Ethan hauled her past the stunned guards and out of the mansion.

They didn't stop until they reached The Grand Marquis. The penthouse suite doors locked behind them, and Vivian finally exhaled.

Free. Finally free from that gilded prison. The Baldwin estate had felt like stepping into a medieval dungeon. Another day there, and she'd have lost her mind.

Then she looked up.

Ethan's gaze pinned her in place, dark and predatory. The air between them crackled with something far more dangerous than anything they'd faced tonight.

Vivian swallowed.

Out of the frying pan... straight into the fire.

She edged toward the door. "If we're done here, I should go."