Chapter 180

Chapter 180

"This woman is Asher!" Ken's voice was filled with disbelief and anger, like he hadn't seen this coming.

Asher's laughter echoed from the hall, sending shivers down everyone's spine.

Jim's voice turned cold. "No wonder I couldn't find you anywhere, you sneaky devil, hiding in plain sight as a woman among us."

His voice dripped with sarcasm and anger, "But now that you're busted, it's game over. Today, I'm putting an end to you."

Sophia's heart sank as she realized the gravity of the situation, a chill running down her spine.

She tried to stay calm, taking deep breaths, knowing things were more dangerous than she thought.

Ken's voice suddenly grew frantic, "Jim, what the heck are you doing? No, don't do it! I'm Ken, your..."

Before Ken could finish, a scream pierced the air.

Sophia froze, fear gripping her every nerve.

Asher's laughter grew more sinister outside.

Mocking, she said, "Chief Carter, the person who wants you dead is the one you trust the most! It's the person you promoted ten years ago. Do you regret making that call back then? What a twist!"

Sophia pressed against the cabinet wall, her body tense, her heart racing.

The struggle outside escalated, tables and chairs crashing.

Sophia wondered who Jim was fighting. Was it Gary or Asher?

Her mind raced, chaos filling her ears.

Footsteps approached, and a young voice called out, "Captain Carter, I'm here!"

One of Jim's crew, Sophia realized.

The scuffle paused, and the subordinate's voice trembled, "Captain Carter, what do we do with these two fugitives?"

Jim's voice was firm, "Get gloves and a knife from the kitchen."

Sophia's heart sank, knowing she had to make a life-or-death decision.

Footsteps faded, and a flashlight beam pierced the cabinet, blinding her momentarily.

"Huh, why's the faucet on?" a man muttered, his steps pausing.

The running water stopped, replaced by hurried footsteps.

Sophia let out a breath, glad her plan to use the faucet as a distraction worked. She had quickly thought of it to mask her breathing and divert attention.

She sensed the intruders' confusion and caution but stayed alert.

As the footsteps faded, Jim's subordinate spoke up, "Captain Carter, I checked, found nothing."

Jim's voice was stern, unwavering, "There are cut zip ties; search again!"

Sophia's heart raced. She gripped the scissors tightly, knowing her next move was crucial. She stayed still, hiding any signs of panic.

More footsteps neared, and a flashlight beam peeked through the cabinet. Sophia's heart pounded, time slowing down, the air thick.

The cabinet door swung open!

Without hesitation, Sophia lunged, the scissors aimed at the intruder. She felt resistance and heard a scream.

She pulled back and struck again, the metallic scent of blood filling the air.

A loud noise echoed from afar, shaking the space. Before Sophia could react, a hand gripped her wrist.

"Sophia, it's me, Robert!" his voice was familiar, comforting.

Trembling, Sophia looked up at Robert's calm face.

He pulled her close, asking urgently, "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, "Not my blood. We all have bombs—Gary, Asher, and me."

Robert reassured her, "Leave it to us."

Sophia saw her bloodied hands, fear lingering.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I stabbed him twice, not sure if it was fatal."

Robert comforted her, "You did well."