Chapter 92 Betting with Life
Lucas's cold voice came through the TV, but my head felt dizzy.
Marcus couldn't figure out what was going on either and asked me in confusion, "Why has Lucas become so cold toward Amelia?"
Before I could answer, Marcus showed a look of sudden realization and muttered, "Fuck, is the trauma from being kidnapped and almost raped really that severe?"
I was speechless. Amelia could only be considered an attempted rapist of Lucas - I was the one who actually had sex with him.
Marcus clicked his tongue and shook his head with emotion, "Amelia totally brought this on herself. Lucas used to be completely devoted to her."
At this point, Marcus quickly stopped talking, glanced at me carefully, and said with a smile, "Amelia doesn't deserve to wear that necklace at all. Lucas finally did something I approve of."
The tension between Marcus and me eased a bit, but Holden's mood turned stormy.
"Call Lucas," he ordered his subordinate with a stern face. "Does he not want his mother's keepsake anymore?"
My eyes flickered slightly. So Lucas appeared at the press conference because Holden threatened him?
When the call went through, on screen, Lucas took out his phone, glanced at it, and hung up without hesitation.
Holden angrily slammed his hand on the table. "Damn it, he dares to hang up on me!"
Amelia touched her neck, stared at the necklace in Lucas's hand for two seconds in a daze, then lunged forward. "That's my necklace!"
Lucas pushed her away, signaling Alfred to hold Amelia back, then faced the reporters and solemnly announced, "From today on, I officially sever all ties with the Valeri family!"
This statement was like a bombshell, instantly igniting the entire venue.
The furious Holden seemed choked up, his mouth slightly open in surprise.
Reporters swarmed toward Lucas, wanting more explosive inside information, but Lucas had no intention of satisfying public curiosity and quickly left the press conference.
Left behind, Amelia's face turned pale. Facing the flashlights, she awkwardly covered her face.
Colin had no intention of helping her out. If reporters hadn't also surged toward him, he would have planned to watch the drama a bit longer.
The press conference ended, but the chaotic scene was still being broadcast live. Marcus and I looked at Holden.
His face was full of anger. "That damn bastard! I knew he was an ungrateful bitch!"
Marcus mocked gleefully, "Your power is only so-so. Lucas won't listen to you, but Lucas's father, Donald, should be very obedient. You could have Donald marry Amelia."
Holden was quite provoked by Marcus. "Shut up!"
The viciousness in his eyes almost overflowed. "Originally, if Lucas had obediently cooperated, I would have let you go after the press conference. Now you can forget about leaving! I'll chop off your hands first to apologize to Grace!"
The atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing point.
Marcus and I immediately stood up, back to back in a defensive posture, while Holden's eight subordinates surrounded us, blocking the cabin's exit.
Marcus's expression changed dramatically, ready to fight to the death at any moment.
Holden sneered, "Those who harm people of the Valeri family must always pay the corresponding price."
"Wait," I stared at Holden, using a provocative tone. "The great Don of the Valeri family - doing this seems rather ungracious. How about we make a bet?"
Holden asked coldly, "Bet on what?"
"Let's bet on whether my brothers and I can leave Dawnharbor alive." Meeting Holden's scrutinizing gaze, I calmly negotiated. "Within three days, if my brothers and I can escape all pursuit and leave Dawnharbor, the grudge between Grace and me will be written off! If we fail," I paused, my eyes showing no fear, even a bit of madness, "not just our hands - you can have our lives!"
Marcus was somewhat surprised but didn't object to my proposal.
Holden stared at me with probing, examining eyes. After a moment, he laughed heartily. "Arrogant enough indeed! Fine, I agree! I want to see if you can escape my sphere of influence!"
"Stay tuned," I curved my lips, gave Marcus a look - let's go, quick!
Holden's subordinates still held their guns, but didn't stop us.
Marcus and I walked out of the cabin. Cole and Adrian breathed a sigh of relief - if we hadn't come out, they were planning to force their way in!
"Get in the car, go!" I signaled Cole not to linger, to leave the wildlife park at full speed, to leave Holden's territory.
Until we drove out the gate, Holden's people didn't pursue us. Marcus scratched his head and asked me, "Bella, this is bad. Holden's influence in Dawnharbor runs deep. What do you think our chances are?"
"At least seventy percent!" I told Marcus. "Don't forget, we were on the run for several years. We're experienced. It's only three days - not difficult!"
I actually felt uncertain inside, but I couldn't panic.
Marcus talked about being worried, but his expression was excited - this bet was thrilling for him!
His only concern was that I might get hurt.
I called Gale and Brian. They'd been waiting anxiously for a long time.
Especially Brian - he wasn't meeting any business partner today. I knew he was visiting Dad's old friend, but I mentioned a non-existent partner, and Brian immediately understood I was in trouble!
When talking with Gale, he also quickly grasped my meaning and temporarily left Dawnharbor according to my hints, staying outside the city.
"What exactly happened?" Brian asked anxiously.
I quickly explained the situation. Marcus cursed Holden on the side, "That damn bastard, so arrogant. Living too long in too much comfort makes him want to torment others."
Gale's tone was grave. "Where are you now? Brian and I will come meet up with you immediately!"
"Don't!" I stopped Gale. "Since you and Brian have already left Dawnharbor, you're not within the kill zone. There's no need to run back and take risks. If all four of us move together, the target would be too obvious. Just Marcus and I actually help with hiding."
Marcus wiped his gun, eager to act. "Why hide around? Bella, let me go assassinate Holden!"
Brian shouted over the phone, "Marcus, shut up!"
I said, "Gale, you and Brian might as well return to Starstream City first, convenient for backing us up. After three days, Marcus and I will definitely make it back, don't worry!"
Gale took a deep breath. "Alright, Bella, protect yourself. Marcus, take care of Bella - she can't be harmed in any way!"
Marcus instantly became serious. "Yes!"
Gale continued, "The Sorelli family's creed is 'Crisis and opportunity coexist - the greater the crisis, the greater the opportunity.' I hope you can seize the opportunity and successfully overcome this crisis."
Marcus and I nodded simultaneously. "Yes!"
After hanging up, I rubbed the gun in my hand, pondering what to do next.
I not only had to leave Dawnharbor alive, but Marcus and I had to leave safely without a scratch!
As for Lucas, his image at the press conference flashed through my mind, stirring up complicated emotions.
I temporarily suppressed these thoughts. Right now, the most important thing was to survive!
The sound of approaching vehicles came from behind. I looked back - four familiar SUVs.
The first wave of pursuit had arrived!