Chapter 80 Surrounded
Author's POV:
Blake's heart hammered against his ribcage as he carried Olivia's unconscious body through the airport terminal. She was slumped against his chest, dressed in the teenage boy's clothes he'd brought—baggy jeans, an oversized hoodie, and a baseball cap pulled low over her silver wig. Her delicate features were partially obscured by fake glasses and a medical mask, completing the disguise.
Just keep walking. Don't run. Running makes you suspicious.
He maintained a casual pace as he approached Ethan's security guard, who stood vigilantly outside the women's restroom. Blake adjusted his blonde wig and sunglasses, mentally rehearsing the high-pitched voice he'd use if questioned. The weight of Olivia in his arms made his muscles burn, but adrenaline kept him moving forward.
As he passed the guard, Blake felt the man's eyes flicker toward him. Through the reflection in his watch face, he saw the guard turn and stare at his retreating figure with narrowed eyes. Sweat dampened Blake's fake hair, but he forced himself to keep walking steadily. Running now would only confirm the guard's suspicions.
The security guard squinted at the oddly tall, bulky "woman" in the green dress carrying what appeared to be a sleeping teenage boy. Something didn't seem right.
Suddenly, the guard's phone rang. He answered immediately. "Mr. Bennett."
Ethan's deep voice came through the line. "Where are you?"
"Second floor, security checkpoint, west side restrooms," the guard replied promptly.
"Good. Stay exactly where you are. I'm coming," Ethan ordered, his tone icy.
After hanging up, the guard checked his watch. Olivia had been in the restroom for twenty minutes now. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure if she was simply stuck in a long line or if something was wrong. As his concern mounted, a firm hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Where is she?" Ethan demanded, his face dangerously calm.
The guard straightened immediately. "Possibly still in the restroom, sir."
Ethan's eyebrow arched. "Possibly?" His expression darkened. "How long has she been in there?"
"More than twenty minutes, sir."
Ethan's jaw tightened. He spotted a young woman exiting the restroom and approached her, his charm instantly activated. "Excuse me, is it crowded in there?"
The woman, disarmed by his handsome face, smiled. "Not at all. Only two or three people inside."
Without hesitation, Ethan contacted VIP customer service to clear the women's restroom. After the few occupants were ushered out, he entered himself to inspect. When he emerged, his expression was thunderous.
"Any unusual activity?" he asked the guard, containing his fury.
"Just before you called, I saw a tall woman who looked strangely masculine. She was carrying what looked like a teenage boy."
Ethan immediately contacted airport management and demanded security footage. The video clearly showed a man in women's clothing—despite the dress, mask, and sunglasses, Ethan instantly recognized Blake by his build. And the plane Blake was scheduled to board had taken off two minutes ago.
Ethan's jaw clenched so hard his teeth nearly cracked. "Call Richard," he commanded the guard. "Ask him if he still wants his eldest grandson. If not, I'll handle it myself. If he does, tell him to summon him back immediately and keep him under lock and key. If Blake causes any more trouble, his father's lineage ends with him."
He stepped away and dialed a number. "Major Kendrick? It's Ethan Bennett. I need your help. My girlfriend has been kidnapped... Yes, aboard flight UA-738 to Vancouver... I understand the protocol, but this is an emergency... Yes, I take full responsibility."
Meanwhile on the plane, Blake had successfully boarded with Olivia, having bribed security personnel handsomely to bypass standard screening. He adjusted Olivia's seat to a reclined position, making her appear to be sleeping peacefully.
"I never thought you'd be such a romantic," his friend remarked, watching Blake tenderly brush Olivia's cheek with a kiss.
Blake shot him a warning look. "She's my girlfriend, so watch your jokes." He added defensively, "Always has been."
His friend lazily leaned back, hands behind his head. "But in your uncle's view, she's his girlfriend. After all, he's slept with her, while you haven't even touched her."
The comment struck a nerve. Blake clenched his teeth. "I'll settle that score with him eventually."
His friend shook his head. "Get over it. Just be glad you got her back. Don't turn this into some lifelong feud. He's still your uncle, your family. Don't make him your enemy."
Blake didn't respond, instead checking his watch. Olivia would regain consciousness in approximately two minutes, while the plane was scheduled to take off in three minutes. They were cutting it close.
When Olivia's eyes fluttered open, confusion quickly gave way to panic as she realized where she was. She attempted to sit up, only to be restrained by her seatbelt.
"Blake, this is too far," she said, her voice weak from the sedative.
He gripped her hand. "Liv, don't be afraid. I'm rescuing you. I swear I won't hurt you."
"Let me off this plane," she demanded, her voice strengthening with desperation.
Blake's expression hardened. "Why? Have you actually fallen in love with him?"
Olivia stared at him as if he were insane.
"Just relax," Blake said, softening his tone. "We're taking off. Everything will be fine."
Olivia gazed out the window hopelessly as the plane ascended. Blake counted down silently in his head—ten, nine, eight—feeling his heartbeat accelerate with each passing second. When they reached cruising altitude, he exhaled deeply in relief. They had made it. Ethan couldn't touch them now.
He turned to Olivia with a triumphant smirk, feeling he had finally outwitted his uncle. But his victory was short-lived.
Olivia's eyes widened as she looked past him through the window. Blake followed her gaze and froze.
Four fighter jets had appeared, one on each side, above, and below the commercial aircraft, surrounding them completely.