Isabella shook her head firmly. “I appreciate your concern, but this is something I have to handle myself. I’ll be careful, I promise.”

Resolving the Julian situation quickly was essential. Every moment wasted increased the risk of complications.

In a rundown rental house on the west side of the city, Julian’s voice was pleading and anxious. “Miss Reed, about the final payment…”

On the other end, Sophia’s tone was sharp and dismissive. “Why are you still here? We agreed you’d leave the country immediately after finishing the job.”

Julian stammered nervously. “I don’t have the money for a flight ticket. Miss Reed, the final payment…”

Sophia let out a cold laugh. “The money will be transferred once you’re out of the country.”

Panic surged through Julian. “Miss Reed, you can’t do this. What if I get caught? I’ll have to tell them everything.”

“Don’t you dare!” Sophia snapped viciously. “If you say a word, I’ll make sure you pay for it.”

Julian’s face turned pale with fear.

Loud, urgent knocking suddenly echoed through the house.

Julian assumed it was his food delivery.

He opened the door and froze. Standing before him was Isabella, her expression cold and determined.

“You… How did you find me?” Julian stammered in shock.

Isabella’s gaze was steady. “Julian, why did you betray me?”

In a desperate move, Julian shoved Isabella aside and sprinted away.

“Stop!” Isabella yelled, chasing after him.

She quickly pulled out her phone and dialed emergency services. “Hello, 911? I need assistance with a fugitive. Please send officers immediately…”

Julian dashed onto a deserted street, his panic growing with every step.

“Even if you catch me, what then? Got any proof? Can you prove I leaked those designs?” Julian taunted over his shoulder, laughing maniacally as he ran.

Isabella chased him onto the highway. Suddenly, a black car appeared, speeding directly toward them. Julian had no time to react before the car struck him, hurling him through the air.

Isabella screamed in horror.

Everything happened too fast. Julian lay motionless on the ground, surrounded by blood. Shock overwhelmed Isabella, a piercing noise ringing in her ears.

The black car spun out of control after crashing into the roadside barrier, now heading straight for Isabella. Reality hit her; she tried to move, but her legs refused to respond.

Just then, a silver-gray Mayburst charged across the highway.

“Hit it now!” Ethan’s voice cut through the chaos, cold and decisive.

He had been passing by when the accident occurred. His driver looked terrified.

“Mr. Blackwood, it’s too dangerous!”

“Do it!” Ethan commanded, his eyes locked on the black sedan speeding toward Isabella.

With no time to hesitate, the driver swerved violently. The Mayburst slammed into the black car with tremendous force.

The sound of the collision thundered through the air.

The impact knocked Isabella unconscious, and everything went black.