Was Patrick… actually frightened? This seasoned man who had faced countless dangers throughout his life?

The vehicle shuddered violently as it accelerated, causing both occupants to momentarily lift from their seats with each jolt.

Elise didn't question further. She quickly reached for the phone Patrick was holding out.

When her fingers brushed against his hand, her heart stuttered. His skin felt feverishly hot.

But there was no time to dwell on that. She took the device and asked urgently, "Who should I call?"

"Benjamin Wick," Patrick responded, his voice tight with strain.

Elise swiftly located the contact and pressed dial.

Just as the call connected, their car executed a sharp, screeching power slide before lurching to an abrupt halt.

The phone slipped from Elise's grasp, clattering loudly as it disappeared beneath the seats.

Simultaneously, their driver cried out in alarm, "Brace yourselves, sir!"

A massive semi-truck had been barreling directly toward them from the opposite direction at the intersection. The driver had clearly been aiming for them, nearly causing a catastrophic collision.

The impact would have crushed them instantly.

Maintaining intense focus, their chauffeur swerved to avoid the truck, then sharply changed direction and accelerated again.

Elise unfastened her seatbelt and reached down to retrieve the fallen phone.

The car's violent motion made the task difficult. She was thrown about, repeatedly bumping against the door and console. After considerable struggle, her fingers finally closed around the device. But the moment she retrieved it, the driver slammed on the brakes again, sending her slamming hard into the center console.

"Elise!"

Patrick reached out, pulling her back. Elise's vision swam, dark spots dancing before her eyes as she nearly lost consciousness.

Gritting her teeth against the dizziness, she fought to maintain awareness and scrambled back into her seat.

Ignoring the splitting pain in her head, she checked the phone—Benjamin had answered. She quickly activated speakerphone.

Patrick shot her a concerned glance before barking into the phone, "Assassination attempt! Mobilize everyone available—I'm sending our location immediately! Move quickly!"

"Yes, Mr. Montgomery!" The response came promptly from the other end.

Panting slightly, Patrick instructed Elise, "Send Benjamin our coordinates now. Just hold on a little longer—he'll find a way to reach us."

"Okay." Elise worked on the phone while her body was tossed from side to side as the car sped wildly through the streets.

Patrick suddenly reached over, using what strength he had to help refasten her seatbelt.

Elise had no time to thank him—she was too busy trying to maintain her balance while sending their location.

"Done!" she soon reported to Patrick.

Patrick gave a curt nod and addressed the driver, "How many vehicles are pursuing us?"

"Three, sir!"

"Current location?" Patrick pressed.

"Outskirts of the city, sir. They've blocked all other routes..." the driver replied, his attention completely focused on the road ahead.

Having gotten his answer, Patrick turned back to Elise. He abruptly tore a strip of fabric from his shirt. "Apply pressure to your forehead."

Only then did Elise realize she had a gash on her forehead from hitting the console.

No wonder she had nearly blacked out.

She took the cloth from him and pressed it firmly against the bleeding wound. "Thank you."

"I should be apologizing, you know," Patrick said with clear guilt. "These people are after me, and I've dragged you into this mess."

Elise shook her head. "They might be targeting you primarily, but I could be on their list too."

In other words, she was also a target, even if she wasn't the primary one.