Chapter 368

Nora spoke quietly, her voice steady. “Everyone, save your strength. Don’t talk.”
“Nora, you too Eleanor’s voice cracked with despair.
Time dragged on, impossible to measure, until the heavy door creaked open
again.
This time, all three of them had their eyes covered with rough cloth and were yanked outside.
They stumbled along for what felt like half an hour, the sharp sound of rushing water growing louder with every uneven step.
Suddenly, the blindfolds were ripped away, and daylight flooded their vision.
Nora blinked, quickly taking in their surroundings-a wide, fast-moving river roared nearby, its current fierce and relentless.
She realized Una and Eleanor were standing together, at least fifty yards away from her, separated by a stretch of muddy ground and armed men.
Someone had deliberately hidden her from the others.
David stood by the riverbank, eyes dark and brooding, his attention fixed on the swirling water as if awaiting a signal.
A cargo ship thundered past upstream, its engines echoing across the valley.
David exhaled, a trace of relief flickering across his face.
But before he could truly relax, a voice sounded behind him-Hans, clear and commanding.
“David. Let them go.”
Hans emerged from the trees, flanked by men who quickly formed a semicircle around them, blocking any escape.
David’s lips curled into a cold smile as he turned. “Well, aren’t you a fine nephew. Three years I raised you, taught you everything-and this is how you repay me? Teaming up with outsiders to bring me down?” His gaze was venomous. “You’re nothing but a traitor, Hans.” ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ.net
Hans’s face was set in stone. “You orchestrated my parents’ accident, didn’t you? You destroyed my family. Don’t talk to me about loyalty or family.”
David’s eyes narrowed. “So, you know everything now.”
There wasn’t a hint of remorse in his voice. In his world, only the ruthless survived. If Hans’s parents died, it was just bad luck. Even now, hemmed in by Hans and his men, David saw it as nothing more than a turn of fortune.
Hans had played the fool for three years-reckless, irresponsible, a charming wastrel. All the while, he’d been laying low, biding his time, waiting for this moment. David regretted not eliminating him when he had the chance.
Hans, my dear nephew, these two women-you love both of them.” David stepped back, positioning himself next to Eleanor, his eyes calculating and cruel. “Let me walk away an I’ll leave one of them
behind for you.”
Una’s face was pale as she looked at Hans, saying nothing.
Eleanor broke down, her terror spilling over. “Hans, please! Save me!”
Hans gritted his teeth. “You’re despicable, David.”
David threw back his head and laughed. “Did you really think I’d come here unprepared, Hans?”
He shoved Eleanor and Una forward.
“Pick one
Whoever you choose
stays. I take the other with
me she’s my guarantee thatyou won’t try anything until I’m gone.”
David knew Hans too well. He was certain Hans would choose Una-she was the
one Hans truly cared for. In fact, David was counting on it.
Hidden behind a tree, Nora struggled helplessly. Her mouth was sealed with duct tape and someones hand clamped around her throat, leaving her unable to utter a sound.
Desperation clawed at her. Please, Hans. Choose Una. Save her.
Hans hesitated for several agonizing seconds, then made his choice.
“I pick Eleanor.” The words came out strained, barely above a whisper. He didn’t dare look at Una.
Una gave a broken smile, tears shining in her eyes. Relief and heartbreak warred across her face.
It’s all right. It’s better this way, she told herself, though the pain was overwhelming. She lowered her gaze, refusing to look at Hans again.
Eleanor wept with joy, her voice trembling. “I knew it—I knew I was the one you loved most!”
David’s triumphant smile vanished. Hans’s answer was not what he’d expected, and now his plan was falling apart.
His expression darkened, frustration simmering beneath the surface.
“Bring her here,” he barked.
Nora was dragged out from the shadows, forced to stand beside Una.
At the same moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the woods.
Daniel appeared at the edge of the clearing, his face grim.
As soon as Nora saw him, her knees buckled with relief. She couldn’t explain it,
but for the first time in hours, she finally felt safe.