Chapter 170
I knew they were coming for me.
Without bothering to collect my test results, I rushed toward the side entrance, still in my hospital gown.
Lucky for me, a taxi had just dropped someone off right as I got outside.
I jumped in and urged the driver to go.
After we'd driven about a thousand feet and I was sure no one was following, I pulled out my phone to call Fanny.
"Mom, listen—I'm on my way to the airport. Grab your ID and meet me there, fast."
Fanny didn't ask questions, agreeing immediately. "Got it."
After hanging up, I hesitated, then called Ethan.
"Ethan, plans have changed. I'm taking the next available flight straight to Gravenford Kingdom. Can you leave right now?"
Ethan caught on quickly. "Is Leopold trying to stop you from leaving Silverlight City?"
"I'm not sure, but probably."
"Cindy, don't panic. Tell me where you are right now."
I glanced around and gave him the street name.
"Get out at the second traffic light. I'm nearby—I can pick you up."
I glanced at the driver and noticed he was practically leaning over to eavesdrop. I quickly agreed.
When I paid the fare, the driver kept staring at me, his eyes full of suspicion.
I ignored him, paid, and got out.
When I reached the street, I spotted Ethan's car with its hazard lights flashing. I rushed over and got in.
Ethan told the driver to go while turning to me. "Cindy, you absolutely cannot go to the airport. We need to change plans."
I was confused. "Why not?"
"Just hear me out. If Leopold's already planning to stop you, he won't give up easily. Our best bet is to go straight to Ravenbrook City and catch the next flight to Gravenford Kingdom from there."
His reasoning made sense. "But I already told my mom to go to Silverlight City International Airport. Should I tell her to change course?"
Ethan shook his head. "Your mother doesn't need to change plans. If she goes to the airport, Leopold will believe you're there too. And Leopold won't hurt your mother. By the time he realizes you're not at the airport, we'll already be taking off from Ravenbrook City. Then your mother can catch another flight, and we'll meet up at the Gravenford Kingdom airport."
His analysis was solid. I quickly called my mom and explained the plan.
Fanny didn't hesitate. "Okay, I'll do it."
After hanging up, I still felt uneasy.
Knowing Leopold, if he discovered I wasn't at the airport, he'd turn all of Silverlight City upside down.
So if I didn't get away this time, I'd never have another chance.
I'd considered telling Leopold about my condition, but only if I weren't pregnant.
Leopold had already lost one child three years ago. If I told him about my condition now, he'd choose to keep the baby without hesitation. He might even force me to cooperate with treatments until the baby was safely born.
Even though he was disappointed in Sophia now, his favoritism toward her all these years had been real.
He'd replaced me as principal dancer for Sophia. He'd let her lord it over me. He'd moved her into what was supposed to be our marital home. Each and every one of those things had destroyed my trust in him.
So I was terrified. What if one day Sophia's pitiful act swayed him again, and the nightmare repeated itself? Then I'd truly be beyond redemption.
"Cindy, don't worry. I'll get you out this time." Seeing my tension, Ethan quickly reassured me.
I nodded slightly, then remembered the video online. I couldn't help asking, "Ethan, did you see the video of Sophia and David?"
Ethan glanced at me and sighed. "I know what you're asking, but I didn't leak that video. I swear, if it was me, then let me—"
"Ethan, enough." I'd been somewhat suspicious, but thinking it through, it didn't make sense.
The video had already stopped Leopold and Sophia's engagement. Ethan had no reason to risk offending the Percy family by releasing it publicly.
Ethan looked pleasantly surprised. "You believe me?"
I nodded.
His expression immediately softened.
Just then, Fanny called.
My heart clenched as I quickly answered. "Mom, what's wrong?"
"Cindy, this is bad—Leopold already knows you're not at the airport. He knows you're not in Silverlight City. He's on his way to find you now."
"What?" I knew Leopold would find me eventually, but I hadn't expected it to be this fast.
Ethan heard Fanny's words, too. "Cindy, is there tracking on your phone?"
My breath caught. I remembered Leopold had taken my phone before.
I told my mom I'd call her back and hung up.
"It's probably too late to disable it now." Ethan frowned, glancing out the window. "I'll arrange for us to switch cars right away, but you'll need to turn off your phone and leave it behind."
"Okay." I'd memorized all the important numbers. I could manage without my phone.
Soon, someone came to pick us up.
As we got into the new car, Ethan specifically told the driver to keep going.
I knew he was trying to lead Leopold's people away and buy us time.
On the road, Ethan made several calls before finally telling me, "Since you don't have your documents, we can't switch to a commercial flight. But don't worry—I've contacted friends in Ravenbrook City. They're lending us their private jet to fly direct to Gravenford Kingdom."
My anxiety eased slightly, though guilt crept in. "Ethan, won't this cause trouble for your friends?"
Ethan smiled gently. "No, their family has considerable influence in Ravenbrook City."
I relaxed a bit, but this near-escape kept me from truly calming down.
Gradually, my nerves wound tighter and tighter, an inexplicable unease lingering in my chest.
Would Leopold really be diverted? Was Ravenbrook City truly safe?
Half an hour later, the car entered an upscale villa district.
Soon, I spotted a small helicopter sitting on a giant H-shaped pad.
The rotors were still turning, as if ready to take off at any moment.
In that moment, the unease finally began to fade.
"Cindy, let's go."
Ethan could barely contain his excitement as he pulled me toward the helicopter.
Fresh air rushed from my nose straight to my lungs. I pressed my lips together, protecting my belly as I ran with him.
Just get on that helicopter, and I could leave...
The helicopter door suddenly opened.
A tall, cold figure stepped out.
I stopped dead in my tracks.
It was Leopold!
"Cindy, why'd you stop?"
Ethan stumbled when I stopped, looking back at me in confusion.
But seeing me staring fixedly at that figure, he suddenly understood. He whipped around in disbelief.
Leopold wasn't looking at him. His gaze had been locked on my face the entire time.
Those eyes carried the fury of being played for a fool, along with some thick, viscous emotion that seemed ready to burst forth.
After a moment, he spoke slowly, his voice hoarse yet carrying an undeniable, icy force.
"Had enough fun, Lucinda?"
"Come back with me."