Chapter 68 Don't Be Afraid, I'm Here
The moment I saw that woman's back, my heart dropped. It looked just like the figure that left with Amelia last night; she was so stiff, like a zombie or something.
I froze on the spot.
I quickly looked down and said, "Eric, check out that woman. I think she's the one who left with Amelia, but I can't see her face."
Eric followed my gaze and his brows furrowed.
He was quiet for a few seconds, then he blocked my view. "Yeah, it's her."
Seeing how calm he was, I was shocked. Why was he so chill? Did he already suspect something, or did he know about this all along?
Amelia was still stuck over there. I couldn't imagine what she was going through, and I couldn't leave her to face more danger alone.
I said, "Aaron's stuff is over there. In broad daylight, that woman is clad in a wedding dress and has even kidnapped Amelia. This family is undoubtedly involved in something nefarious. We must rescue Amelia."
Eric got what I was thinking, his eyes fixed on Amelia.
"You're right. They might be looking for a companion for their daughter, and Aaron is their pick."
Amelia just got unlucky.
My expression faltered. "We can't let them succeed, or I'm done for."
That night was now my nightmare. I had to return the item.
"I did something bad, so I'm scared. Let's return the item quickly so we don't have to live in fear." I looked at Eric with pleading eyes, hoping he'd get it.
Luckily, he didn't say no. "Wait for the right moment and take the item."
I nodded and glanced around at the people and the remaining items.
The old man with the white beard kept muttering something, but no one knew what he was saying.
"I'll distract them later, and you grab the item. You're faster than me; they won't catch you." I couldn't think of any other plan.
As for the outcome, who knew?
Eric glanced at me and suddenly grabbed my left hand, where the ring Roy had given me was now completely devoid of its former luster.
He examined it closely and took the ring.
"Is there something wrong with the ring?" I looked at Eric nervously, afraid of being tricked again, and even more afraid of what these people might be plotting.
He rubbed the ring, like he was feeling something inside.
After a few moments, he said quietly, "Your item is already back in your body. The ring is useless to you now. Whether you want to take Amelia away or get Aaron's item, you can try it on your own. Your body should be stronger now."
He gave me a deep look before silently looking away.
After his reminder, I did feel much lighter.
Before, every time I woke up, I felt sluggish and uncomfortable, but now I felt not only comfortable but also much more energetic.
It seemed getting my item back was a good thing.
"But there are so many of them. Can I really get the item alone?" It was unclear how many people were in the villa.
I wasn't overly concerned about the old man with the white beard, but the woman in the wedding dress really unnerved me. And who knew how many people were guarding this place?
Eric saw me hesitate, patted my shoulder, and said softly, "Don't worry. If things go south, I'll handle it."
If he was ready to step in, what was I stressing about? Worst case, I'd get caught and roughed up. A few bruises were worth it if I could save Amelia.
Seeing his calm demeanor, I quickly nodded. "Alright, with you backing me up, I'm good. I'm going in. You better have my back."
Eric stayed put, his eyes locked on the hall across from us.
Right then, a few more women entered the hall, untying the ropes on Amelia.
The woman in the wedding dress was being helped towards Amelia.
The old man with the white beard sat calmly in the center, his eyes occasionally darting to Amelia.
"Sir, come in and take a look. Something seems off inside." A woman called the old man into another room.
The people in the hall followed her.
My eyes lit up, and I quickly rushed forward.
This was my chance. I sprinted to the center of the living room. Just as I grabbed the box covered with red cloth, I got hit from behind.
The blow landed on my injured arm, making me kneel in pain.
Who was the coward that ambushed me? I gritted my teeth, trying to get up as footsteps approached from behind.
"Looks like my suspicions from last night were justified. There was indeed someone lurking outside. It takes guts to attempt a theft in broad daylight. Who sent you?" The old man with the white beard held a stick and snarled.
His gaze was anything but friendly.
I looked at him and sneered. "Who sent me is none of your business. Your goal is impossible to achieve. You better give up and get lost."
Eric had given me confidence, and I had the strength to confront them.
I stood up with the box, my eyes lingering on Amelia. Today, I was taking both her and the box.
"Really? You're quite bold for your age. Let me tell you, no matter your purpose, you won't leave here today. Give up your thoughts." The old man waved his hand, and a few burly bodyguards stepped forward.
My eyes turned cold, and I gripped the box tighter.
"You took my friend and my item for no reason. It's only fair I want them back." I quickly moved to Amelia's side, grabbing her arm tightly.
Amelia remained unconscious. I was unsure of what was ailing her, as she showed no signs of awakening despite the chaos around us.
The old man looked at me calmly. "Stop making excuses. You can't take her today. I warn you, stay put and don't move. Once I finish my business, I might leave your friend intact." He signaled to the people behind me.
They quickly approached.
I looked at them warily. "No matter your purpose, you shouldn't have touched my friend."
As I spoke, I heard Eric's voice. "Don't be afraid, face them head-on. I can handle it."