Sophia Sullivan kept her eyes locked on the vehicle ahead.
She glanced at the navigation.
"Time's running out."
Her finger traced the route on the map.
"Through the suburbs leads to the coastline."
"Once they board a ship and reach international waters..."
"Finding them would be like searching for a needle in the ocean."
Emma Sullivan was just a little girl.
If this were truly about the Sullivan family's enemies, they could've struck in the lounge.
Why go through the trouble of taking her to international waters?
This was clearly meant to create an unsolvable case.
To make Ethan Sullivan suffer in agonizing uncertainty.
Sophia's brow furrowed.
"Though we don't know who's behind this..."
"Their goal is obvious."
"They want you to experience the pain of losing a loved one."
"Or use Emma as leverage."
She turned to Ethan.
"You must stay calm now."
"Losing control plays right into their hands."
"Understood." Ethan opened his eyes.
His emotions had steadied.
"A well-laid plan, but overly confident."
"They didn't account for failure."
The words sent a chill down Sophia's spine.
No—they might have considered it.
Which meant...
Mutual destruction.
Sophia quickly sent Ian her location.
"Get to the coast now! Emma's in danger!"
The night was deep.
Moonlight shimmered across the sea.
Several vehicles surrounded the black sedan.
"The Sullivans live up to their reputation."
"But if you want her alive, don't make any sudden moves!"
A man in a baseball cap gripped Emma's throat.
He retreated step by step toward the dock.
"Send Ethan Sullivan forward!"
"Everyone else stays back!"
Ethan's expression darkened.
He pushed the car door open.
But pressed Sophia back into her seat.
"This is far enough."
Moonlight outlined the sharp angles of his profile.
"They're professional killers."
"Men with nothing to lose."
"I won't drag you into this."
His voice dropped low.
"Wait here."
Sophia frowned.
"Wait—"
As she moved to force her way out, something heavy dropped into her palm.
The silver pistol.
The token from their first meeting on the cruise.
"If things go wrong, use this to protect yourself."
"Drive away and don't look back."
"Are you underestimating me?"
"Because I know exactly what you're capable of."
Ethan's gaze held hers.
Her reflection filled his eyes.
"That's why I can't risk it."
"I can't afford to gamble with you."