chapter988

Lydia and Connor leaned in, gazing out the helicopter window together.

The ocean stretched endlessly beneath them, swallowed by the thick night. Suddenly, a bright ribbon of light appeared in the distance. A luxury cruise ship, floating on the dark water like a palace from a dream, came into view.

Lights traced the ship's outline, their warm golden glow soft against the darkness, standing out against the deep, mysterious sea. From above, the ship looked like a massive treasure chest, every illuminated window sparkling like a pearl, casting an inviting glow.

Lydia narrowed her eyes. Take us down."

"Yes, boss."

The helicopter began its slow descent. On the open deck below, people dressed to impress danced gracefully to the music. The pool shimmered, reflecting the lights and the stars above, blending together like something out of a fantasy. Now and then, laughter floated up on the breeze, bringing life and energy to the quiet night. Right now, out here between sea and sky, the cruise ship was the brightest thing around, shining in the dark and mirroring the stars overhead.

The pilot found the ship's helipad, but two other helicopters were already parked there.

With the limited space, landing was impossible.

"Lydia, their helicopters are blocking the whole pad! We can't get down! Those bastards did it on purpose!" Sweet Potato's voice was tight with anger.

Lydia had never expected this to be easy. They were here to get Luke back, but she knew their opponents had never been the types to keep promises.

Their word was worthless.

Connor's eyes narrowed, his tone ice cold. "They're trying to send us a message.

Lydia's smile was sharp. "Let's see who's really in control."

If they could just get down there, no matter what dangers waited below, Lydia and Connor would deal with it. That was never the problem.

But for now, the helicopter kept circling above, unable to land.

Down on the deck, a middle-aged man in a black shirt and trousers watched everything unfold a beautiful girl in his arms her legs. bare and long in sheer stockings. His gaze was cold, almost bored.

This was Falcon, the man who'd clawed his way to the top of Southeast Asia's underworld.

"Boss, want me to blast them out

the sky?" The man next to Falcon

of

was tall and thin his face Sked

creased with meanness. He looked like trouble.

Ghost had told them that Ansel and Connor were coming for a boy. Falcon wasn't too worried about Ansel, but Connor...

If he managed to kill Connor, he'd be a legend. After all, Connor was their greatest enemy.

Did they really think he'd just hand over the boy?

Not a chance.

Falcon cackled, wild and unrestrained. "Relax. Isn't it more fun watching them buzz around like headless flies? This is entertainment!"

His laughter set off the men around him, their mocking voices loud and sharp the sound carried across the water, harsh and grating, echoing up to the helicopter above.

Sweet Potato and the others were furious, fists clenched tight.

"Lydia! This is ridiculous!"

"Damn it, those scumbags! I'll rappel down and handle them myself!"

Lydia, we have parachutes! Let's just jump and knock some sense into them. See if they're still laughing then!"

Lydia and Connor stayed cool. Unlike Sweet Potato and the rest, they didn't let anger get the best of them. In fact, they were almost calm.

They had known Falcon would pull something like this. People like him got off on watching their enemies struggle. It was what made them feel powerful.

Lydia gave a soft, cold laugh and stood up. "Let them laugh. It won't last much longer."