Chapter 597

The deserted island under the scorching sun looked like a forgotten emerald, set in the sapphire sea of Marigoldia.

Upton shut off the yacht's engine, sweat trickling down his temple and leaving dark stains on his bandage.

He roughly hoisted the writhing burlap sack and jumped off the boat, a sharp pain from his abdominal wound making him curse through gritted teeth.

"Upton, are we really gonna do this?" Jett followed behind, his voice a mix of excitement and a barely noticeable hint of fear.

Jett's eyes darted around the dense tropical vegetation, as if expecting a wild animal to leap out at any moment.

Upton turned and glared at Jett, his face looking particularly menacing in the sunlight. "What? You scared now?"

He hefted the sack on his shoulder. "Weren't you the one always yelling about teaching Claire a lesson?"

Claire, inside the sack, seemed to hear the commotion and struggled even more violently.

Upton impatiently slapped the sack. "Stay still!"

They walked along a path almost hidden by the vegetation, heading into the island.

Coconut trees and bushes grew denser, blocking the sea breeze, making the air hot and humid.

Upton finally stopped at a clearing shaded by trees and roughly threw the sack to the ground.

Jett squatted down, curiously watching the writhing sack. "Will Claire suffocate in there?"

"She's not that delicate." Upton sneered as he untied the sack. "This will wake her up."

As the sack was pulled open, Claire's head shot up, her messy hair sticking to her sweat-covered face.

Her eyes squinted against the sudden light but quickly adjusted, her gaze like daggers aimed at Upton.

"Upton! Are you insane?" Claire's voice was hoarse from the heat inside the sack but still sharp. "Joseph and Zoe won't let you get away with this!"

Upton laughed loudly, the sound piercing the silence of the island. "Save it, Claire. This place isn't even on satellite maps. Your friends are probably still waiting for you at the restaurant."

He squatted down, his rough fingers gripping Claire's chin. "By the time they find you, you'll be begging me to stop."

Claire jerked her head and bit down hard on Upton's finger.

The sensation of teeth sinking into flesh and the taste of blood filled her mouth as she bit with all her strength, as if to sever the filthy finger.

"Bitch!" Upton cried out in pain, instinctively shaking his hand.

The slap landed squarely on Claire's face, making a sharp sound.

Her head snapped to the side, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth, but the fury in her eyes remained undiminished.

Jett, startled by the sudden violence, took two steps back, his eyes wide. "Upton..."

"Get out of my way!" Upton shook his bleeding hand, his eyes gleaming with a beast-like ferocity. "Today, I'll teach Claire what rules are!"

He lunged at Claire, tearing open the front of her shirt.

The sound of buttons popping off was like thunder in Claire's ears, and fear finally overtook her anger.

She struggled desperately, her nails leaving bloody marks on Upton's face, but the difference in strength between them made her efforts futile.

"Let go of me! You scumbag!" Claire's scream startled a flock of seabirds from the bushes.

Just as Upton's hand was about to touch her skin, a dark figure struck like lightning from the side.

Upton didn't even have time to react before a fierce side kick sent him flying, crashing into a tree trunk ten feet away.

"Zoe!" Claire's voice was filled with incredulous joy.

Zoe stood in front of Claire like a vengeful goddess, her eyes burning with fury.

Her gaze swept over Claire's torn shirt, her facial muscles instantly tensing.

Without hesitation, Zoe strode towards the just-recovered Upton.

"Don't come any closer!" Upton clutched his kicked ribs, his face pale. "I can explain."

Zoe's right foot landed precisely on Upton's groin.

For a moment, all sounds on the island seemed to cease.

Upton's eyes bulged, his mouth opened wide, but no sound came out.

He slowly sank to his knees, then collapsed to the ground, his eyes rolling back as he passed out completely.

"That's the least you deserve," Zoe said coldly, turning back to Claire.

Joseph had already taken off his shirt and draped it over Claire's shoulders, his fingers trembling as he tried to button it.

"I'm sorry," his voice choked. "I shouldn't have let you go with Jett. I knew something was off."

Claire held Joseph's hand, gently shaking her head. "It's not your fault."

Her gaze moved past Joseph to the huddled Jett. "Who would suspect a thirteen-year-old kid?"

Jett was completely terrified now.

Seeing Zoe's icy gaze turn towards him, he instinctively turned and ran.

Jett stumbled over a protruding tree root, falling forward.

His forehead hit a sharp rock, and blood immediately gushed out.

Jett clutched his forehead, blood streaming through his fingers, quickly covering half his face.

Claire sighed. Despite Jett's betrayal, she couldn't harden her heart seeing his bloodied face.

"Joseph, stop the bleeding for Jett," she said softly. "Then take the yacht to the hospital."

Zoe frowned. "That little traitor..."

"Jett is only thirteen," Claire interrupted Zoe. "And a head injury can't be delayed."

Henry arrived at the scene, quickly assessing the situation with a glance at the unconscious Upton and injured Jett.

"There's a first aid kit on the yacht," he said briefly, then knelt to check Jett's wound.

Joseph carefully lifted Claire, feeling her slight tremble in his arms.

"It's over," he whispered comfortingly. "It's all over."

Zoe dragged Upton by the collar towards the beach, deliberately bumping his head against rocks and tree roots every few steps.

"This trash should be shark food," Zoe said through gritted teeth.

The sun began to set, casting long shadows over everyone.

Claire leaned against Joseph, watching Henry carry the bandaged Jett and Zoe drag the unconscious Upton, silently heading towards the yacht.

The sea breeze gently brushed Claire's injured cheek, carrying the salty scent of freedom.

As the yacht's engine roared to life, Claire took one last look at the island that almost became her nightmare.

In the fading light, the palm trees swayed gently, as if silently bidding farewell.

Claire squeezed Joseph's hand, knowing she was finally safe.