Chapter 287: Even Worse Than Imagined

Chapter 287: Even Worse Than Imagined

"Your life isn't worth a single strand of my daughter's hair to me."

Kumb glared at Tyler, his voice dripping with undisguised threat.

"Let go of her right now! You better believe there are snipers outside that window aimed right at you. One word from me, and they'll turn you into Swiss cheese."

As soon as he finished speaking, a faint whistling sound came from outside the window, as if confirming his words.

Tyler nodded slowly, his eyes terrifyingly calm yet filled with unwavering determination.

"I believe you. But let me remind you both—it only takes one second to snap someone's neck.

I don't care if I die, but if anything happens to Emily,

can you live with that?"

His fingers tightened slightly. Emily could clearly feel the pressure on her collarbone, but she didn't struggle...

She knew this was Tyler's only bargaining chip.

"Wait! Hold on, can I say something?"

Emily raised both hands, quickly interrupting their standoff. She looked at Kumb, her eyes full of pleading yet firm.

"Father, he might be lying to me, don't let him blackmail you! But I...

I want to go back with him to see for myself."

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling but crystal clear.

"I know you don't want me to return to Emerald City, don't want me to touch those painful memories, but I'm worried about James.

Dad, don't worry, you and Arian are so powerful, you'll definitely have ways to save me if I'm in danger, right?

But if what Tyler says is true, if James really is dying, then I have to go back and save him. I can't just watch him die."

Kumb looked at the hesitation and determination in Emily's eyes, saw the tears welling up, and let out a helpless sigh filled with heartache and compromise.

Arian sighed softly, leaning close to Kumb's ear to whisper a few words, her tone gentle yet somewhat persuasive.

"The child has grown up and has her own thoughts. If we force her to stay, it'll only make her more miserable.

Why not let her go back? We'll send our best security team with her—they can protect her and keep us informed at all times.

If something really happens to James, Emily will regret it for the rest of her life."

Kumb fell silent for a moment, his gaze shifting between Emily and Tyler. Finally, he glared fiercely at Tyler and barked,

"You hear that! I'm agreeing! Now let Emily go, you bastard!

Your attitude when asking for favors is way too arrogant!

If it weren't for Emily's sake, I'd destroy you today!"

Tyler shrugged and slowly released his grip, his tone softening somewhat.

"Thank you. Please have the sniper remove that red dot from my body.

Also, I've been traveling all day and I'm starving.

Get me something to eat, and we'll leave immediately after. Won't waste any time."

He knew Kumb had given in, so he appropriately toned down his edge...

Right now, the most important thing was getting Emily back to Emerald City as soon as possible.

Kumb snorted coldly, shouted "Prepare food" toward the door, then pulled Arian aside to quietly arrange security matters, his voice full of concern.

"Send ten of our most reliable guards to protect Emily at all times. Report any situation to me immediately.

Also, keep a close eye on Tyler's movements. If he tries anything funny, take action without hesitation."

Arian nodded, agreeing to everything, her eyes full of worry.

While Tyler went to the dining room to eat and rest briefly,

Emily hid in her room and called Layla.

As soon as the call connected, Layla's excited voice came through, full of surprise and joy.

"Emily! You really agreed to come back?"

Layla's voice came through the receiver, barely containing her excitement.

"Tyler is so brave, going to the Prince's residence all by himself—that's so intense!

You're coming back tonight? Great, great!

Then you'll arrive in Emerald City around the same time I'm taking Briar to the hospital tomorrow. We can meet directly at the hospital.

Don't worry, I've already settled things with Grandma.

When she heard you were coming back, her mood improved a lot. She's already gone back to the Smith Villa to rest, and she's doing fine physically."

Layla paused, then quickly added,

"Oh, and Queen Ruby has been at the hospital the whole time, hasn't left James's side.

You'll definitely see her when you come back. Don't be too nervous—she may be proud, but she genuinely cares about James.

Your status is different now. You're recognized as an heir by the Lumarian royal family. She won't give you a hard time.

Plus, your father will definitely assign you really capable security personnel for this trip. Safety is absolutely guaranteed."

Layla rattled on about everything from James's current condition to the hospital care arrangements, covering every detail, afraid Emily would worry.

Emily listened quietly, occasionally responding, and the anxiety in her heart gradually eased.

When she hung up, Tyler had already changed into a clean dark suit.

Gone was his earlier dishevelment—he'd returned to his usual composed and capable self, standing at the door waiting.

"Don't you want to rest a bit, Tyler?"

Emily looked at the exhaustion in his eyes and asked softly.

"Emily, I'm sorry for holding you hostage earlier, but... James... can't wait."

Tyler paused.

"The doctors say all his vital signs are declining. Every minute we delay, his chances of waking up decrease. We need to hurry."

He didn't dare rest, couldn't rest. James's life was slipping away second by second. What he carried on his shoulders was the weight of two lives.

Just then, the roar of helicopter blades came from outside. A private plane was ready on the Prince's residence landing pad,

its body gleaming with cold metallic light in the night.

Kumb and Arian personally escorted them to the landing pad. Kumb held Emily's hand, repeatedly reminding her,

"Take care of yourself in Emerald City. Call me immediately if anything happens. I'll always be your strongest support.

If Tyler dares to deceive you, or if something goes wrong with James, have the security team bring you back right away."

"I know, Dad."

Emily's eyes reddened. She nodded firmly, hugged Kumb and Arian, then followed Tyler onto the plane.

The plane slowly took off, breaking through the night sky, flying toward Emerald City.

The cabin was quiet. Emily leaned against the window, watching Lumaria's nightscape gradually shrink below, her heart a jumble of emotions...

She didn't know if this trip would bring the joy of reunion or another disappointment.

Several hours later, the plane landed at Emerald City's private airport.

The car sped along and soon arrived at the hospital.

James's condition was even worse than Emily had imagined.