Chapter 359: Nothing Must Happen (Part 1)
Pierre hadn’t expected Alison to trust him over Gabriel at such a moment.
Joy flickered through him as he turned to Matthew.
“Dad, let’s go outside. I’ll accompany you for a game of chess downstairs.”
“No, I need to know where that letter is now,” Matthew insisted.
“Alison, after you’re done, could you tell me where the letter is?” Pierre asked smoothly, glancing toward her with practiced ease.
His tone softened the wall of resentment she’d built up.
“All right.” She nodded softly.
Only then did Matthew reluctantly leave the study.
Pierre pulled him off to play chess, calling back to Gabriel, “Stay here. Once she’s done, wheel her downstairs.”
“Yes.” Gabriel exhaled in relief.
At last, a window of freedom — he had waited too long for this.
In the study, Alison trembled while scrolling through site after site for the leaked photos.
Finally, she exhaled in relief.
Her face and intimate parts had been blurred — it had to be Gabriel’s doing.
She turned around, but didn’t see him.
She gripped the wheelchair rims and rolled quietly toward the door.
Just as she was about to touch the doorknob, it creaked open — a shadow slipped in, and a strong hand covered her mouth.
A low voice whispered, “Don’t make a sound.”
That familiar, husky voice sent a wave of elation through her.
Gabriel gently lifted her onto his back. “Hold on. I’m getting you out of here.”
“Gabriel,” she called out in surprise, then shook her head slightly.
“Jack…” the name slipped out before she could stop it.
“Alison, we must hurry,” he murmured, drawing a coiled rope from his coat pocket.
With a gentle puff of breath, he blew on it — the weave loosened, soft enough to bind without hurting her.
He secured her tightly to himself, then strode toward the window.
He pushed open the window.
Instead of securing the rope to the frame, he vaulted forward without hesitation.
Gripping the windowsill with one hand, he swung out and landed with her against the adjoining balcony rail.
Alison kept her eyes tightly shut, too afraid to glimpse the drop below.
Gabriel knew the layout by heart — every turn, every ledge — and descended fast.
They touched the ground within seconds.
He carried her on his back and bolted for the shadowed edge of the estate.
Suddenly, a deep warning echoed. “Freeze! Move and I shoot!”
Gabriel froze instantly.
After a moment’s thought, he said calmly, “Noah, orders from the boss — Pierre may act tonight. Stay sharp. If things go bad, the boss exits through your sector.”
“Who are you?” Noah was surprised that Gabriel knew his identity.
Gabriel let out a low chuckle.
“I’m carrying out the boss’s orders — taking her from Pierre quietly, per his command.”
“What’s the boss’s direct line? I’d like to make a call.” Noah asked, suspicion flickering.
Gabriel recited a phone number smoothly, without pause.
“Please, sir.” Noah stepped aside.
Gabriel, carrying Alison on his back, passed Noah.
Freedom was now just a step away.
All they needed to do was clear the barbed fence ten meters ahead — Officer Clark’s men were waiting beyond it.
But after taking just two steps, Noah’s phone suddenly rang.
A deep male voice came from behind him. “This is Noah.”
It made Gabriel’s pulse spike.
The plan was blown.
He spun around, pulled his silenced gun and fired once.
Noah collapsed instantly. On the open line, Matthew’s voice roared: “Noah, Gabriel’s taken the woman! If they breach your sector, I’ll have your head!”
Noah managed only a faint “I—” before slumping motionless.
It immediately put Matthew on high alert.
He turned and shouted to his men, “Move! Gabriel and Alison are in Noah’s zone — now!”