Chapter 97

Chapter 97

"Amara, I'm asking you one last time. Where's Catherine?" His voice dropped, carrying a barely perceptible rasp. "My patience is running thin. If you don't tell me..."

He leaned in close to Amara's ear, speaking in a tone only the two of them could hear, "I'll make you and everyone behind you disappear from this world completely."

The words were soft but carried a chilling finality.

Amara's face went pale, her body trembling uncontrollably.

How is Richard standing?

She could feel that Richard wasn't joking. It was a cold, hellish killing intent that made her fear from the depths of her bones.

She opened her mouth, trying to play dumb, but her throat seemed to be gripped by an invisible hand, and she could not make any sound.

She could even smell the faint, cold scent of power and danger emanating from Richard.

Gavin, standing nearby, was filled with disbelief. How could he be standing?

The man he once considered crippled and a threat to be eliminated, Richard, seemed far more terrifying than he had imagined.

A complex emotion grew in Gavin's heart—fear, and perhaps a hint of... excitement?

The study was deathly silent.

Only the sound of the wind outside and the distant noises of the search party could be heard.

Richard's gaze was like a tangible force, locked onto Amara's terrified face, waiting for her answer.

Time ticked by, second by second.

"Get the car ready, we're heading to the backwoods," Richard finally broke the silence.

Meanwhile, deep in the dark woods, Catherine was leaning against a tree, struggling to find her bearings. The wolf fang whistle on her chest emitted a faint warmth, a reminder of past memories.

At the entrance to the woods.

Several large boulders blocked the narrow path, completely cutting off access. A few uniformed security personnel looked troubled, reporting the situation via walkie-talkie.

"Mr. Smith, the path is blocked. It looks like a natural landslide. Clearing it will take time, and the signal up there..."

Before he could finish, a black SUV forcefully pushed through the crowd, stopping in front of the fallen rocks. The door opened, and Richard stepped out from the driver's seat.

He wasn't in a wheelchair, standing tall and walking steadily, exuding an undeniable, commanding presence.

He held a black handgun, the barrel pointed towards the ground, his gaze icy as he scanned the stunned security personnel.

His legs had been treated for a long time, and a few days ago, he could actually stand up. He had kept this a secret for stability, but now was the time to reveal it.

"Move," he said, his voice low but carrying immense pressure.

"Mr. Smith... you..." The security personnel stammered, clearly shocked by the sight. The rumored immobile Richard now appeared like a war god.

Richard didn't waste any more words, signaling to the black-clad bodyguards behind him, "Clear the path, five minutes."

The bodyguards, well-trained, immediately stepped forward, using tools from the vehicle to start moving the rocks. Richard's gaze was fixed on the dark woods, his grip on the gun tightening, veins visible on the back of his hand.

'Catherine, you better be okay.'

Deep in the woods, moonlight filtered through sparse leaves, casting dappled shadows.

Catherine crouched under a massive ancient tree, a large, snow-white wolf lying in front of her.

The wolf's eyes were initially filled with vigilance and ferocity, but under Catherine's gentle touch and soft words, it gradually became docile, even nuzzling her palm.

Several young wolves curiously circled around Emberclaw, occasionally sniffing Catherine's pants with their wet noses, letting out low whimpers.

She could sense the wolves' goodwill and their hostility towards intruders.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps and rustling leaves approached.

Catherine's eyes narrowed, quickly calming the agitated Emberclaw, signaling it and the young wolves to hide. She herself slipped behind the tree, holding her breath.

Soon, a tall figure appeared in the clearing.

It was Richard.

Catherine's pupils contracted. He walked slowly but steadily.

Richard was clearly anxious. His sharp gaze scanned the surroundings, and he held a gun, fully focused on searching.

Suddenly, a bold young wolf couldn't contain its curiosity, poking its head out from behind the bushes, its dark eyes staring at the stranger.

Richard, nerves taut, reacted instinctively, the gun barrel instantly shifting direction.

The bullet grazed the young wolf's ear, hitting the tree behind it with a dull thud. The young wolf whimpered in fear, shrinking back to Emberclaw's side.

"Don't shoot!"

A clear female voice rang out, carrying an undeniable command.

Richard froze, quickly turning around.

In the moonlight, Catherine stepped out from behind the ancient tree. She had some dirt and leaves on her, her hair a bit messy, but her eyes were bright and clear, staring straight at him.

Their eyes met, and the air seemed to freeze.

Richard looked at Catherine, standing there unharmed. His heart was gripped by an invisible hand and then suddenly released—a wave of immense fear and overwhelming joy washed over him.

He almost stumbled forward, pulling Catherine into a tight embrace.

The force was so strong, it felt like he wanted to merge her into his bones. He couldn't say anything, just held her tightly, feeling her warm body and real breath. For a moment, he truly thought he had lost her.

Catherine, slightly breathless from his grip, didn't struggle. She could clearly feel his trembling body and the heart beating fiercely in his chest.

Richard, was he afraid?

After a long while, Richard loosened his hold slightly, cupping her face, his thumbs brushing the dirt-streaked cheeks.

His gaze was complex and deep, filled with fear, relief, and an indescribable emotion.

Richard rested his forehead against hers, his voice hoarse, filled with suppressed anger and deep concern, "Catherine, do you know how dangerous it is here?!"

He suddenly grabbed her wrist, pulling her to a secluded spot in the woods, away from the bodyguards and wolves.

"Answer me!" Richard's eyes seemed to blaze, "Coming here alone, are you tired of living?"

Catherine freed her wrist, rubbing the sore spot, her tone calm, "I came to find something."

"Find something?" Richard laughed angrily, "What could be so important that you'd risk your life coming to these woods? Did Amara leave you here?"