Chapter 175

Chapter 175
Sheryl's POV

But before we could pass the first exit northbound, the road ahead was blocked by several vehicles. About a dozen men stood in front of them, eyeing our sports car like wolves spotting prey. I hadn't expected to escape one group of killers only to be cornered by another. More cars had pulled up behind us, cutting off any retreat.

I glanced at Rhett in the driver's seat. Despite his slightly pale complexion, he showed no fear as he stared ahead, leaning back casually against the headrest.

"Get out if you want to live!" one of the men shouted.

The leader stood out front—tall, imposing, wearing a distinctive white glove on his right hand while casually playing with a gun. Rhett smirked slightly before opening his door. I quickly followed, positioning myself beside him.

"Who the hell are you people?" I demanded, my voice ice-cold. "Why are you hunting us?"

One of them looked at me with amusement dancing in his eyes. "Because you know too much that you shouldn't."

I frowned. What exactly did I know?

The man with the white glove studied me for a moment. "So you're the prey Phantom was after. Escaping him shows some skill." He caressed his gun almost lovingly. "Unfortunately for you, there's no escaping us."

We were completely surrounded—perfect targets in the center of their circle. I reached for Rhett's hand, gripping it tightly. Fear was still coursing through me, but I wouldn't show it. I positioned myself slightly in front of him, trying to shield him with my body.

"Boss," one of the men addressed the white-gloved leader while studying us, "these two don't seem afraid to die."

"Perfect." The leader—apparently called "Boss"—cocked his gun. "I love playing games with people like that."

He pointed the gun at me. "Since you're so pretty, I'll give you a special privilege." He glanced at Rhett behind me, then back to me. "Between you two—one dies, one lives. Your choice."

One dies, one lives. I'd considered the possibility we might both die, but never this sadistic choice.

I glared at him, squeezing Rhett's hand even tighter, my fingertips going cold. "Either kill us both or let us both go."

"So you won't choose?" He laughed, suddenly aiming his gun at Rhett. "Then I'll kill him."

"No!" I screamed, throwing myself completely in front of Rhett, my eyes burning with unshed tears as I stared down the man.

None of this would be happening if I hadn't insisted on staying in Italy. Rhett wouldn't be in danger. It was my fault.

I swallowed hard, forcing back tears. After a moment, I looked up at the gunman again. "You'll keep your word?"

"Of course." He tapped the gun, waiting for my decision.

In that moment, something hardened inside me. I reached out, grabbed the barrel of his gun, and pressed it against my own forehead. "Then kill me. Let him go."

In that moment, I found the strength I never knew I had.

"I expect you to keep your promise," I said, my voice steady despite everything. "Or I swear I'll haunt you until your dying day."

If one of us had to die here, it would be me. I had nothing—no family depending on me, no empire to run. The time I'd spent with Rhett, despite everything, had been enough. But Rhett was different. If not for me, he wouldn't be here. He was the CEO of Hayes Enterprises, the leader of his family. His grandfather needed him. His mother needed him. He couldn't die here like this.

He had always protected me. Now it was my turn to protect him.

The man with the white glove looked at my expression, then unexpectedly laughed. He pulled the gun from my grip and pointed it at Rhett instead. "A beautiful woman with such loyalty? I couldn't possibly kill you. I'll take him instead."

His finger moved toward the trigger. My heart stopped, a scream forming in my throat—but before I could utter a sound, Rhett moved with lightning speed, wresting the gun from the man's hand and pressing it against his forehead in one fluid motion.

Rhett tapped the gun barrel against the man's head, smirking. "That's enough."

Before I could process what was happening, the man's threatening demeanor vanished. He lowered his head respectfully and said, "Mr. Hayes."

Around us, all the men who had been surrounding us bowed slightly, calling out in unison, "Mr. Hayes!"

I froze, my mind blank, ears ringing. Suddenly, an arm wrapped around my shoulders, pulling me into a warm embrace. Rhett's voice came from above me: "Your performance was good, but you scared her."

He tossed the gun back to the white-gloved man, who caught it with an apologetic expression. "Sorry, ma'am. Guess we took it too far."

I looked between them, opening and closing my mouth, then turned to Rhett, who was staring at me with an amused smile.

"What... what's happening?" I finally managed.

Rhett tilted his head toward the man. "This is Kevin. He's one of my people."

I was still confused. Rhett ran his fingers through my hair, asking, "Do you know why I can always find you whenever you're in Italy?"

I shook my head, still dazed.

Rhett gently pinched my cheek, his smile widening. "Because this is my territory."

Rhett's POV

Even after boarding the helicopter bound for Rome, Sheryl remained in a daze, trying to process everything. I kept her close in my arms, occasionally asking if she was cold or hungry.

Kevin, sitting nearby, handed her a cup of hot tea. "My apologies, Mrs. Hayes. We were just having a bit of fun with you and the boss."

I kicked him lightly. "Hell of a stupid idea."

Kevin grinned. "You said she'd run off to Italy after your fight. I just wanted to see where you stand in her heart."

I raised an eyebrow, glancing at the woman nestled against me. I had indeed seen exactly where I stood in her heart. The moment she'd pressed that gun to her own forehead had shaken me more than I cared to admit.

Sheryl accepted the tea, looking at Kevin. "So you two are... friends?"

"Something like that. More accurately, he's my boss," Kevin replied, glancing at me. "I should let him explain. But first, I have business to report." He looked at Sheryl, silently asking if he could speak freely in front of her.

"Go ahead. Is it about the men who were following me when I landed?" I kept my arm firmly around Sheryl, making it clear I was hiding nothing from her.

"Yes, we've identified them." Kevin handed me a photograph. "This man goes by 'Phantom'—one of Italy's most wanted. He's notorious for his dirty methods and trains mercenaries who are essentially death squads. The men hunting you and Mrs. Hayes were his."

I studied the photo—the man had harsh features with a long, grotesque scar across his face. "Who's backing him?"

"We don't know yet. He keeps his connections well-hidden," Kevin said. "But there is someone who's been in frequent contact with him." He paused meaningfully.

I looked up sharply.

"Darren Hayes," he said.