Ch. 1831..1840
Chapter 1831 Intercepted
Francesca got into a car among William's convoy, and Gordon escorted them to the airport.
After two days of receiving treatment, William finally regained consciousness. He was still weak, but he was in a good mood as Francesca was keeping him company. Thus, his condition was improving steadily.
Before the convoy left, Danrique came to bid goodbye to them. William was gazing at Francesca gently, and Francesca was wiping his sweat off using a warm towel. She paid no heed to his gentle gaze.
They seem intimate...
“Your Highness, Mr. Lindberg is here,” Robin reported in a low voice.
William snapped back to reality and turned to look out of the window. “Are you leaving with us?” “You should leave without me.”
After glancing at Francesca, Danrique gave some orders to Gordon in a soft voice before turning to leave.
“Take care,” William said feebly.
Danrique waved without bothering to turn.
As the engines roared to life, Danrique thought, I should feel relaxed after sending that nemesis off. But why do I feel somewhat disappointed? No, this must be an illusion.
“Mr. Lindberg,” Sean called out and opened the door to the car.
Danrique got into his car. This time, he occupied the driver's seat.
He would be distracting Pastor's men so William and the rest could reach the airport safely.
Sean took the passenger's seat while Sloan and two other subordinates sat behind them. They were all armed, prepared to face their enemies.
With the three men in tow, Danrique drove in the opposite direction.
There were ten cars tailing William's convoy stealthily to protect them.
Through the window, Francesca spotted a silver glint disappearing from sight. She knew Danrique and the rest had also departed.
Her forehead creased as indescribable emotions welled up in her heart.
After spending some time with Danrique, she grew to realize that his cool demeanor masked his kind heart underneath.
Previously, when they ran into Mafia’s trap, he told Sean and Sloan to head down the mountain to send a signal and get help, but in fact, his plan was to stay behind and get rid of those men.
To make sure William got to leave safely, he assigned his men to protect William and went to distract Pastor's men with only three men by his side.
No one knew that Danrique Lindberg, who was rumored to be vicious and ruthless, was actually an honorable man.
“Francesca,” William called gently. “May I know what is in your mind?”
“It's nothing.” Francesca flashed a smile. “Get some rest. We'll arrive at the airport soon.”
“Mm.” William gazed at her hesitantly.
Francesca scrolled through her phone in her seat.
For the past few days, she was bus treating William and didn’t have time to go through her phone. Now that she was about to leave, she wanted to see if Anthony had sent her any texts or called her. Her phone battery was flat, so she plugged it to the charger and started nodding off with her phone in her hand.
William signaled the maid, who quickly took a blanket and draped it over Francesca.
Francesca soon fell asleep. She slept soundly and didn't stir.
William gazed at her tenderly.
Robin and his other subordinates kept their guards up nervously.
They knew Pastor's men had set traps all over to capture William. Once they left the mountain, his men would discover them soon.
Indeed, they ran into an ambush after their car arrived at the foot of the mountain.
Gordon immediately told the driver to speed up before informing the other bodyguards to intercept the attackers.
Right then, the convoy was in a state of panic. The drivers alternated between speeding up and hitting the brakes.
Everyone was worried about each other. Robin and a subordinate kept an eye on William, worried that the sudden attack would affect his wound.
Francesca drew the curtains and looked out. There were a lot of enemies, and it seemed like a tough battle.
Fortunately, Gordon was a capable leader. Under his instructions, the Lindberg family's bodyguards managed to stop the assassins.
He then joined William, and they continued on their journey to the airport.
Chapter 1832 Go Ahead
On their way there, they were ambushed again.
This time, the concrete truck rushed toward them like an untethered horse.
“Turn right to avoid it! Hurry!” Gordon bellowed.
The bodyguard who was driving hastily turned the steering wheel to dodge it, but the rear of the concrete truck still slammed into the car. Spinning out of control, the car crashed against the guardrail.
Bang! came the thunderous noise. The hood of the car was dented inward.
The one in the front passenger seat flew out, and Gordon immediately took his gun and went down from the car to fight against the attackers.
The bodyguards pried open the door to rescue William and Francesca. They then went into another car. At the same time, Gordon brought his subordinates to defend them against the assassins.
It was then Francesca saw that the attackers came in a large group, and they were all heavily armed. “Danrique’s not in the car!” one of the assassins cried out.
"Capture Prince William and the masked youth beside him!" another shouted.
“Understood!”
All of them rushed toward them.
Just as Gordon and his men were about to falter, a silver light rushed toward them.
When the window wound down, Danrique gave them a thumbs-down as he supported himself with the other hand on the window. It was a gesture saying that they were too weak.
“It's Danrique!”
“Catch him!”
Immediately, everyone swarmed toward Danrique.
In seconds, few were around Francesca and William.
Thus, Gordon instantly led the bodyguards to escort William and Francesca away from the scene. "Will he be fine?” Francesca asked, her brows drawing together.
“Mr. Lindberg can handle it. He should be fine,” Robin replied. “Let's hurry to the airport. Perhaps Mr. Lindberg will come and meet us there soon.”
“Right...”
“Wait!”
Just as William was about to say something, Francesca cut him off. “Those people are holding onto heavy weaponry. If they're really after Danrique’s life, his nimbleness won't help him at all.”
"But there's nothing we can do even if we were to stay,” Robin weakly pointed out. “In fact, we'll be a burden.”
“Don’t worry. Mr. Lindberg has plans of his own,” Gordon told them. He then urged, “Drive now!” “Understood!”
The fleet of cars sped off toward the airport.
Francesca stared out of the window the entire time, distracted. She had never felt that way before. Technically, she did not even know Danrique that well. They were not close, and sometimes, she even found him annoying.
However, when she thought about how he might be in danger, she became anxious.
As a matter of fact, there was an urge that told her to get down from the car to save him.
Those emotions she was experiencing did not escape William's notice.
Although he said nothing about it, his eyes dimmed.
Just as Francesca was lost in her thoughts, something vibrated. Subconsciously, she reached out to touch her pocket and realized it was her phone.
She had charged her phone on the car earlier, and when she rushed down the car a moment ago, she had grabbed it and kept it in her pocket.
Upon lifting her phone, she realized that it was a call from Anthony.
Immediately, she accepted the call. “Anthony.”
"Where are you?” Anthony anxiously asked.
"What's the matter?” Francesca asked, frowning.
“The charity is urging us for the money. If we don’t send them the money soon, the children’s homes with issues will be closing down. I've been trying to contact you for days, but I somehow can't get through to you.”
“How much do you need?” Francesca queried.
“Seven hundred million in M Nation's currency.”
“Try to buy us a few more days’ time. I'll think of a way to resolve this.”
"What way? Hurry and bring the necklace to S Nation. I'll be waiting for you here.”
“I got it. Give me a few days’ time.”
Francesca then ended the call. She lifted her head and asked Gordon, “Will it be safe for us to go to the airport now?”
“The airport is just up ahead, and we'll be reaching soon. All the arrangements have been made, and Mr. Lindberg has led them away. It's unlikely that they'll come after us anymore.”
“Good. Stop the car there, and you'll leave first.”
Chapter 1833 Returning To Rescue Him
“Francesca, what are you trying to do?” William panicked.
"Dr. Felch, it's dangerous for you to leave the car at a time like this,” Gordon anxiously pointed out. “Stop fooling around and leave with us.”
“I have to go back to Danrique,” Francesca told them in a determined voice. “Stop the car now and give me your phone.”
As she spoke, she rose to her feet and snatched Gordon's phone from him.
Francesca knew that their phones were custom made, so they had tracking systems that would allow her to locate the person she was trying to find.
Only with the phone would she be able to find Danrique as quickly as possible.
"What are you doing?” Gordon froze for a second before trying to snatch his phone back. “Give it back to me!"
However, Francesca had decided not to waste any more time with him. In the next second, she opened the car door.
“Francesca!”
“Look out!"
Gordon hastily slammed his foot on the brakes.
Francesca leaped down from the car before quickly stopping the car behind hers. “Get down!" Taken aback by her actions, the few bodyguards obeyed and quickly got down from the car. Francesca then kicked the driving bodyguard down from the car and sped off.
“Francesca!”
“Dr. Felch!”
William tried to go after her despite his injuries, but unfortunately, he could not stop Francesca at all.
"Why is Dr. Felch in such haste?” Gordon was panicking, but then, a thought popped into his hand. His panic turned into a current of warmth that seeped into his heart. “Still, she’s loyal. She's diving headfirst into danger to save Mr. Lindberg!”
Hearing that, William's expression darkened even more.
"Why don’t we go to the airport first?” Robin worriedly suggested. “His Highness is grievously injured, and Mr. Lindberg has put himself in grave danger so that we can escape. We can't let his good intentions go to waste like this.”
"Okay. Let's get in the car.”
Gordon was going to heed Danrique’s order and make sure that William return safely. Nevertheless, William was in distress. “Francesca’s just a girl. She'll be in great danger if she runs back to save him. Gordon, we're already at the airport, so hurry back to help her out!”
“Mr. Lindberg has instructed me to send you back to Danontand before I can leave,” Gordon explained. “Once you're in the plane, we'll head back to Mr. Lindberg, so be at ease.”
“But...”
William had yet to finish his sentence, but Robin knew that William was much more worried about Francesca, not Danrique.
Meanwhile, Francesca was speeding down the road. At the same time, she had turned on the tracking system on Gordon's phone, and soon, she found Danrique’s location.
Right then, her phone vibrated. Once she accepted the call, she threw her phone to the side and impatiently said, “What now?”
“Are you in some kind of danger? Please don't risk yourself! If things can’t work out, I'll think of a way myself to get the money..."
“Shut up!” Francesca snapped. “How can you be so naggy despite being a man?”
“No, no. I'm scared that you'll start robbing people for those kids. That won't be good. We shouldn't do illegal things.”
Francesca was speechless at that. A beat later, she said, “Does that sound like something I'd do?" “I'm not sure. You look like you won't have any problem doing anything.”
"If there's nothing else you want to say, I'm going to end the call.” Francesca did not want to waste her breath on him anymore.
“Wait! I have something else I need to tell you!”
Right as Anthony was about to continue, Francesca ended the call. The only thought in her head at that moment was the thought of rescuing Danrique and getting back the necklace.
As she drove, she continued checking the tracking system on the phone.
I'm getting closer and closer. Good.
Finally, when the two dots were about to overlap with each other, Francesca saw the silver car on the top of the hill.
At that moment, dozens of black modified cars were surrounding Danrique’s car. Danrique would have trouble escaping even if he was a god of war.
Francesca slowed down. After all, she might not be able to save him even if she were to speed over to him. Thus, she had to come up with a plan.
Chapter 1834 Admiration
Francesca found a bomb in the car. She then connected it to the car's engine before driving the car over to the other cars.
At that moment, Danrique’s silver Maybach was completely surrounded. It was simply impossible for him to escape.
A group of people on the opposing side had come down from their cars. They were all ready to capture Danrique alive.
Sean and Sloan were both defending Danrique with all their might. One of his subordinates was injured, and that man was laying slumped by the side of the car. Nevertheless, he still had a gun in his hands as he continued guarding Danrique.
Despite the situation, Danrique still looked unfazed. He was slowly loading the gun in his hands. “Danrique Lindberg, you won't be able to escape from this place even if you're some kind of god, so why don’t you just give up?” the leading assassin suggested.
“Who should I start with first?”
Danrique raised a brow and began staring at the group of people.
“Stubborn even on the verge of your demise.”
With a wave from the leading assassin, the dozens of assassins then charged toward Danrique and his men with machetes.
Danrique, Sean, and the others calmly took them on, but soon, they were starting to weaken.
Right then, a black jeep flew toward them like a pouncing beast.
“Ah!”
The assassins were frightened. Before they could come back to their senses, the black jeep crashed into their convoy. Then, a figure jumped out of the car.
In the next second, the car exploded in a loud bang.
The explosion was a major one, and it sent the surrounding cars flying.
Through the fiery flames, Danrique saw a familiar figure. His eyes widened. Why is she here?
"Why are you still standing there in a daze? Hurry and leave!”
Francesca grabbed Danrique and began fleeing the scene in the opposite direction of the assassins. Meanwhile, Sean and Sloan helped the injured subordinate and followed closely behind.
The assassins tried to go after them, but the initial explosion triggered even more explosions as the cars around it detonated.
Most of the assassins were killed. Those who managed to react in time and escape were more preoccupied with preserving their lives instead of going after Danrique.
Soon, Danrique and the others were out of danger. They reached a small town and settled down in a motel.
Francesca went to the nearby pharmacy to buy antiseptic and medication. Once she treated the injured man’s wounds, she washed her hands and slumped onto the couch.
After a tired sigh, she groaned, “This is so tiring. It isn't worth the amount you're paying me!”
“Dr. Felch, why did you come back?” Sloan asked, agitated.
“It's because I realized you have no one to back you up. I'm scared that you'll all die here, so I came back to save you all,” Francesca muttered nonchalantly.
"Dr. Felch, you're such a nice person!” Sloan cried out as tears welled in his eyes.
"Dr. Felch, you've saved us again.” Mylo, one of Danrique’s subordinates was moved by her actions as well. “Thank you so much!”
“I didn’t make things worse this time, did 1?” Francesca raised a brow and sneered.
“No, no..." Sean bashfully mumbled. “Still, you didn’t need to come back. It's too dangerous.” “Sean, your legs bleeding!” Mylo suddenly yelled.
“It's just a superficial wound,” Sean quickly replied. “It's nothing.”
“Let me have a look at it.” Francesca gestured to him with a tilt of her chin.
Sean then pulled up the hem of his pants. When Francesca's eyes landed on his leg, she noticed that his calf was injured, and blood was streaming down his leg.
"Why didn’t you say anything about this earlier?” Francesca sighed. “Hurry up and sit down.”
She then started treating Sean's wound.
The entire time, Danrique sat by the window, using his phone. By the time Sean’s wound was treated, he was done with his arrangements, and he raised his head to look at them.
"Dr. Felch, thank you!"
Three of his subordinates were all thankful for Francesca's help.
Sloan, especially, was even looking at her with admiration and respect.
That was something he had never been on the receiving end of from Sloan.
Danrique rolled his eyes, deciding that it was time for him to teach them a lesson. They must not have interacted with any women in the past. Now that they've encountered one, they're head over heels for her.
Chapter 1835 Do Not Be Rash
“All right.” Francesca took off her gloves and tiredly lay back on the couch. She then turned her head to the side to look at Danrique. “What about you? Are you hurt?”
"What do you want?”
Danrique was giving her a suspicious look.
This woman risked her life for us, but there's no way it's because she has a crush on me... She must have ulterior motives.
“I told you—I want this.”
Francesca pointed at the black and gold cross necklace around his neck.
Bhs”
This time, Sean and the others did not misunderstand the situation again. Instead, they were taken aback
“I told you I can't give you this.” Danrique narrowed his eyes at her in confusion. “But I'm curious. Why do you want this?”
“No reason.” Francesca then impatiently asked, “Are you going to give it to me or not?”
"No."
Just as that word left Danrique’s mouth, Francesca whipped out a gun and pointed it at his head before hissing, “This is so annoying. You just have to make me use force!”
Sean and the others froze for a few seconds before they, too, took out their guns to point them at Francesca.
No matter how much they were grateful for Francesca’s help, they were still loyal to their employer at the end of the day.
Sloan hastily cried out, “Dr. Felch, please put your gun down now! Don't do this!”
"You b*stards, I've just saved your life earlier, but now you're repaying my kindness with cruelty?” Francesca gritted out as she glared at Sloan, Mylo, and Sean.
“I'm sorry. We're thankful that you've saved us, but protecting Mr. Lindberg is our duty.”
At that moment, Mylo felt helpless.
“That's why you should put down your guns,” Francesca said as she removed the safety. “Otherwise, I'm going to blow his head off!”
"Ah!" Danrique’s subordinates were all frightened out of their wits.
Sean attempted to persuade her otherwise again. “Dr. Felch, let's have a talk instead. Don't do anything... rash.”
Just as the last word was out of his mouth, a sound of a gunshot rang out.
The bullet whizzed past Danrique’s hair and buried itself into the wall beside him with an explosion of sparks.
Everyone was stunned, and their eyes widened into saucers as they looked at Francesca in disbelief. She actually fired the gun?
"Dr. Felch, are you serious?”
Sean could not believe what he just saw.
Meanwhile, although Danrique was not shocked by the gunshot, his expression was already darker than the night.
A cold glint flashed past his amber eyes, and he shot Francesca a death glare. “You must have a death wish!"
“I just want the necklace.” Francesca knitted her brows and extended her hand toward him. She then impatiently urged, “Hurry up and give me the necklace.”
Right then, sounds of footsteps came from the outside. The motel owner had brought men up when he heard the gunshot, and he was even telling his employees, “Call the cops quickly!”
“The cops will be here soon, the people behind Pastor will be coming soon. Hand over the necklace now, and we'll go separate ways from now on,” Francesca prompted. “Hurry up.”
“What if I refuse?” Danrique questioned, unfazed.
“You're such a pain in the *ss!”
Irked, Francesca reached over to snatch the necklace off him.
However, Danrique frowned and swiftly grabbed her wrist before snatching her gun away from her. Then, he pressed it against her forehead and said, “Ungrateful Wretch, how dare you threaten me? Are you tired of being in this world?”
"Ugh."
Francesca stiffened.
How did he snatch the gun from me? I never even realized it until it was too late. He was so quick! Wait, no. This isn't the right time to be thinking about this.
“Hey, don't do anything silly,” Francesca hurriedly pleaded. “This necklace is originally...”
Before she could finish her sentence, the sounds of police siren came from the outside.
In the next second, the motel owner barged into the room with an air gun and a few police officers with him
Sloan stepped forward to explain the situation to them, but at that moment, Sean noticed the group of people behind the officers. Promptly, he shouted, “They're Pastor's men!”
Danrique instantly kept away the gun and brought Francesca away from the room while Sean and the others followed him.
Chapter 1836 A Regal Demeanor
The quiet state of the town was disrupted by the sudden gunshot, and the people on the street let out screams of terror before they began running for cover.
Right then, a group of people darted out of the motel, running after Danrique and his group with guns in their hands.
By then, Francesca was no longer thinking about snatching the necklace. After all, saving her own life took priority in the situation
The few of them stole a car and tried to drive out of the town, but a few black modified cars soon blocked their way. Clearly, the other party was determined to capture Danrique.
Nevertheless, Danrique gripped the steering wheel tightly, slammed his foot on the accelerator, and drove straight at them.
One of the cars instinctively dodged Danrique’s car. With a flawless drift, the car's left wheels lifted into the air, and Danrique drove them through the gap.
Bang!
The rearview mirror of the car was sent flying, and it was a close shave. They managed to escape the barricade.
Francesca sighed in relief. Just as she was about to speak, Sean suddenly yelled, “Oh my god!”
At that, Francesca raised her head to look out of the window. A line of cars had formed a wall in front of them, blocking their escape route.
At the same time, more cars were coming from behind them.
“F*ck, I wouldn't have come back if I knew this was going to happen,” Francesca grumbled.
"Are you regretting it?"
Danrique was still calm and collected as always. After he coldly glanced at the row of cars in front of them, he then looked at his watch.
“Extremely,” Francesca huffed. “I risked my life and came back to you, and you repaid my kindness with cruelty. Now, you're getting me involved in your issues...”
"Answer me. Why do you want this necklace?” Danrique questioned. “If you give me a satisfactory answer, I'll give you another hundred million.”
“Then will you give me the necklace?” Francesca quickly asked.
“No,” came Danrique's reply without any hesitation.
“Is that ordinary necklace that important? Why are you so stubbornly holding onto it?” Francesca was absolutely baffled. “Answer me. If you give me a satisfactory answer, I won't keep asking you for it anymore.”
At that, Danrique shot her an icy look and fell silent.
“The necklace is the keepsake Mr. Lindberg gave to his first love, so it's very important to him,” Sean blurted out.
He did not think that matter was anything embarrassing.
“His first love?”
Francesca tensed up, and the image of the scene in her dream appeared in her mind.
Could it be that.
“Dr. Felch, why are you so adamant about getting the necklace?” Sean was equally curious about that as well. “Could it be that you—"
Bang!
The sound of a gunshot interrupted Sean's speech.
Then, a tall and large middle-aged man stepped forward from the convoy and spoke in Ustranasion, “Mr. Lindberg, let's talk.”
Danrique glanced at his watch again, and he went down from the car.
"Hey, don't get out! It's dangerous!”
Francesca tried to stop him, but he was already gone.
Sean, Sloan, and Mylo had gotten down from the car as well to stand behind Danrique. They were all holding up their guns, ready to protect him.
Francesca was at a loss for words as she stared at the group of stubborn men.
What do I do now?
“Mr. Lindberg, you're indeed a man with a regal demeanor!”
The leading middle-aged man did not seem like an assassin. Instead, he seemed more like a businessman. There was no trace of hostility in his eyes when he looked at Danrique; they seemed to shine with approval instead.
"You've wasted no bullets in taking down over a hundred members of the Mafia by yourself. Now, to save Prince William, you've managed to avoid the capture of hundreds of assassins. You're truly brave, smart, and loyal. Impressive!”
“Mr. Roth, what are you trying to say?” Danrique flatly asked.
"You know me?” The middle-aged man was astonished.
“I know the four men behind Pastor like the back of my hand.” Danrique curled his lips. “If anything happens to me, everything about the four of you will go public. Feel free to make a guess as to what will happen after that.”
Roth paled. “You're impressive. No wonder you're still so composed. It's because you have an ace up your sleeve!”
Chapter 1837 She Has To Stay
“A philanthropist on the surface but the mastermind of an underground organization in the shadows. I'm certain the media will eat up every single detail about you.”
Danrique elegantly leaned against the hood of the car as he toyed with the gold intricate gun in his hands.
It was as if he was the puppet master of the entire show.
"Hahaha!" Nevertheless, Roth burst out laughing instead of getting angry. “I did say a long time ago that you're more suitable to be our partner than Pastor!”
“Oh, please,” Danrique rejected. “I wouldn't want to stoop to your level!”
“Mr. Lindberg, do you have any terms? Why don't you tell me about them, and let's have a talk.” Roth then raised a brow and proceeded to stare at him.
When Francesca saw the scene, she blinked, dumbstruck.
Aren't they supposed to be having the upper hand in this situation? They have over a hundred armed men with them, and they can unload all their bullets on us any time they want. In this case, the middle-aged man should be taunting Danrique. He should be asking him to prostrate before him. Why is he pleading with Danrique? Every time Danrique looks like he’s about to fall, he somehow always manages to turn the tides and emerge as the victor. What kind of demon is he? “I'm just a businessman who wants to do business peacefully. Nothing else concerns me,” Danrique noncommittally replied, folding his arms. “Our success in the corporate world is dependent on our skills. I'm not in your way, so don't be in my way either. That's all.”
“That's true.” Roth nodded in agreement. He then uttered, “What Pastor has done is shameful. He's failed to subdue you with his own capabilities, so he’s using our names to go against you. We're furious about this. After a discussion, we've decided not to intervene in the grievances between you and Pastor, and we won't be intervening in your business in Epea and Adrune. From now on, we'll both be co-existing peacefully and treating each other with nothing but respect. How does that sound?”
“That's right.” Danrique grinned. “You should've said this a long time ago, and everything would've been fine.”
“However,” Roth suddenly started. “You know that Pastor has important information about us, so we can't just let him die like this. In other words, we have to save his life. So... please hand over the antidote.”
“Mr. Roth, you must have watched too many of Zarain's action movies. You should look for a doctor if he was bitten by a venomous snake. What kind of antidote can we possibly have?”
When Danrique was speaking, Francesca was sweating buckets in the car. She finally realized that the group of people was after her.
Danrique had a card up his sleeve that he could use against them, and that was why they did not dare to lay a finger on him. However, it was a different case for her.
“Mr. Lindberg, you're smart, but don't treat me as a fool,” Roth wistfully said. “Clearly, the snake that bit Pastor was not a normal venomous snake. It was a specially raised venomous snake, and ordinary doctors can't treat its bites. You were searching for a renowned doctor back then because you were bitten by the snake you raised. However, you're completely fine now. Therefore, you must have the antidote.”
“I truly do not have the antidote, but I can tell you a way of treating it.” Danrique had chosen to buy time. “With that way, Pastor won't die.”
"Okay, I trust you.” Roth gave him a small smile. “After all, you're going to continue doing business here. We're going to have more interaction with each other, so we should help each other out.” “That's right.” Danrique shrugged. “All is well, so can you let us go now?”
"One more thing.” Roth's gaze drifted away from Danrique and landed on his car. “That youth has to stay.”
Francesca shuddered
Oh no, oh no. I really shouldn't have come back.
“That person's just an ordinary lad,” Danrique replied.
“It doesn’t matter who that youth is,” Roth said with a smile. “That youth has let out the snake that bit Pastor, so we have to give Pastor and the people on his side an answer to the case.
Chapter 1838 The Tables Have Turned
Hearing that sent chills down Francesca’s spine.
Will Danrique hand me over? After all, the negotiation is going well. Not only are they not going after him anymore, but they're also not going to interrupt his business here in the future. As a matter of fact, they're going to restrict Pastor from crossing Danrique again. Danrique has an upper hand now. As long as he hands me over, the market in Epea and Adrune will be his... Anyone would make the right choice at a time like this.
Unsurprisingly, Danrique fell silent.
Three seconds... Ten seconds... Twenty seconds went by, and he still did not speak.
Oh no, oh no. I'm doomed. This ungrateful b*stard’s going to hand me over!
“Mr. Lindberg—"
“Sure,” Danrique finally said.
Francesca's heart lurched, and she balled her hands into fists. At that moment, she desperately wanted to dart over and strangle him to death.
"A wise man indeed, Mr. Lindberg.”
“Please hand Pastor over first,” Danrique said, his words a sudden turn of events. “He has been provoking and taunting me again and again. How am I supposed to answer to the people on my side if I don't tear him from limb to limb?”
"You—" Roth was rendered speechless.
“She's mine.” Danrique pointed at Francesca. “When I'm in danger, the youth comes for me. They're such loyal dogs, so how can I leave them be? That'll be too cruel of me.”
You're the dog! Your entire family’s the dogs!
Francesca was furiously gritting her teeth, but soon, she realized that he was protecting her.
In other words, she should squeeze out a tear or two in gratitude.
"Since it's just a dog, why are you so protective of him?” Roth fumed. “Is that dog more important than the entire Epea and Adrune market?”
“That youth's mine.” Danrique raised a brow. “I can call them a dog, but you can't!”
"You—"
“That's enough.” Danrique had run out of patience. “Since you don’t seem like you're sincere in this, there's no point in continuing our conversation anymore.”
With that said, he glanced at his watch. “Return and tell the other three that they will have to show me their sincerity if they want to have a harmonious relationship with me. Don't assume that you can manipulate anyone just because this is your territory. Four-plus-one, and yet, you still can't do anything to me. If you really make me angry, I'll toss aside my business and drag you to hell with me. Let's see who's going to suffer more!”
"You—" Roth's face was purple from rage as his body shook. “Quit your arrogant act and open your eyes to the situation. You're on the losing side. With just one order from me, you and your men are going to be ridden with bullet holes!”
“Is that so?" Danrique’s lips curled. “Why don't you look up and find out who will be the one ridden with bullet holes?”
Just as his words left his mouth, a loud droning noise came from a distance away.
When Roth lifted his head, he saw dozens of helicopters heading toward him. Right then, he spotted the golden L symbol on the helicopters.
Immediately, the group of people panicked.
Even Francesca, who was in the car, was dumbstruck by the sight.
It was then she realized that Danrique always had an ace up his sleeve. No one could ever restrain him, and he was never in any danger. All he wanted to do was to lure out the man in the shadows. Danrique knew that the other party would not kill him, and that was why he had no fear even when he was surrounded back then. He was just waiting for Roth to come out and negotiate with him. On the other hand, she, the foolish woman, had come to his rescue, thinking that he would thank her and reward her for her actions.
Francesca finally realized that, to them, she was nothing but a reckless idiot.
Sean, Sloan, and Mylo only felt admiration and gratitude toward her because of her bravery.
She was sure that, unlike them, Danrique must think of her as a fool
Chapter 1839 Until Next Time
"Still sticking around?” Danrique taunted with a grin. “Are you really waiting to experience a shower of bullets? You'll be getting a package deal of a shocking piece of global news. That's a good deal, isn't it?”
"You—"
The colors drained from Roth's face as he trembled.
That was the first failure in his life, and it was one in which his pride was trampled on by his opponent.
“Young man, don't get too conceited! We'll meet again next time!”
With that said, Roth stormed away with his men.
Francesca let out a sigh of relief, thinking, Thank god I managed to survive this.
Sloan then walked over to open the car door and asked with a smile, “Dr. Felch, are you fine? Don't be scared. We're safe now.”
Francesca came down from the car and glared at Danrique. “Why didn't you tell me that you still have an ace up your sleeve? You made me come back to save you and nearly died in the car explosion!”
"You only have yourself to blame for your stupidity,” Danrique retorted.
"You—"
Francesca's expression darkened, and she wished she could strangle him then and there.
Right then, the droning noise came closer and closer to them as a helicopter flew over. As the helicopter hovered over their heads, it swept up a strong gust of wind.
Francesca squinted and looked up.
Gordon and the others were in the helicopter. As it turned out, they had come prepared. No wonder Gordon was so calm and was even trying to stop me from coming back.
One of the helicopters then descended before they let down a few ropes.
“Give me the necklace!”
Knowing that they were going to leave, Francesca shot out her arm to snatch the necklace from Danrique.
With a quick turn, Danrique nimbly avoided her grab. Then, he leaped and grabbed the rope from the helicopter before swiftly climbing up.
"Hey!" Francesca anxiously shouted.
Unfortunately, Danrique never turned around. He only said, “See you never!”
The helicopter soon brought Danrique away.
Sean left in the same way.
"B*stards!” Francesca shrieked, stomping her foot.
“Dr. Felch, let us escort you to Danontand.” Sloan looked at Francesca, chuckling. “Mr. Lindberg has instructed us to send you to Danontand to meet up with Prince William.”
“William's already in a stable condition. You can look for any professional doctors now; you don't need me anymore.”
Francesca's eyes were still fixed on the horizon, staring in the direction Danrique had left.
B*stard, I'm going to find you and get that necklace back.
But I don't have it now, so I can't use that money in S Nation. I only have a little over a hundred million with me. That's not enough.
“Dr. Felch,” Sloan called out a few times before Francesca snapped back to her senses. She then said, “Go after your team. You don't need to escort me.”
"How can I do that? Mr. Lindberg said—"
Sloan was about to say something else when Francesca jumped into the car and drove off.
“Dr. Felch! Dr. Felch!”
Sloan could only run after her.
Nevertheless, she stuck her head out of the window and said, “Until next time!"
Then, she slammed her foot on the accelerator and disappeared into the horizon in seconds. Sloan slowed down before staring at the spot Francesca disappeared from, the disappointment visible in his eyes.
“Sloan, let's go. We have to catch up with the rest of them and meet with Mr. Lindberg.”
"Okay."
With every three steps Sloan took, he turned back once. He was hoping that he would be able to see Francesca again, but Francesca was long gone. It was almost as if she never appeared. Francesca drove straight to the airport before taking a plane to S Nation.
Before she boarded the plane, she called Anthony and told him to wait for her at the airport.
Her memories of Anthony, the charity, Layla, Lincoln, and the children were slowly coming back to her.
Still, there were bits and pieces of her memories that she still needed time to recall.
Although she did not have enough money, she still needed to head to S Nation to deal with the charity's issue.
Once that was done, she would then undergo surgery to remove the metal pieces in her head.
I can't delay this anymore. My headaches are more frequent and intense recently.
Chapter 1840 Returning To H City
Half a month later...
Francesca had met Anthony at S Nation and used the hundred and twenty million medical fund to temporarily solve the charity's issue.
However, some of the children’s homes needed renovation, and some needed to relocate. Therefore, they still needed a large amount of funding.
Francesca had to get the necklace back as soon as possible to solve all those issues once and for all. Still, it was no easy feat to get close to Danrique.
Just as she was racking her brain for ideas, Francesca received a call from William.
William told her that his condition was stable and that he was planning to take a trip to Zarain. Hence, he asked her whether or not she was there.
Francesca immediately told him she was not. William expressed his disappointment at that. Right then, Robin's voice sounded out from the other end of the line.
“Your Highness, we've just received a call from Sean that they're planning to head to Zarain's H City tonight.”
“Tonight?” William asked. “That soon?”
“I heard that he has certain things to deal with.”
“Let's leave tonight to meet him there then.”
“Understood. I'll inform Sean about your decision.”
Just as William said that, he asked Francesca, “Francesca, where are you? Why don't I come to you once I'm done with my matters?”
“It's fine. I'm about to head to Zarain,” Francesca quickly said.
The opportunity had shown itself. If she met with William, then she would be able to meet with Danrique.
“That's great!”
"You should make arrangements for your affairs first. Once I'm there, I'll call you again.”
"Okay."
After the call ended, Francesca instantly made arrangements for her trip back to Zarain.
Anthony was worried sick about her condition, and he reminded her, “Francesca, although the children’s home's matters are important, you have to take care of yourself first. You've suffered such a grievous injury, it's best that you undergo the surgery first.”
“This is a good chance. They're in Zarain, and William's there. I'll be able to get close to Danrique again. If I miss this chance, I don't know when else I'll be able to get that necklace back.”
Francesca was packing her bag while talking to Anthony.
“But...”
“Don’t be so naggy,” Francesca cut him off. “Book the earliest flight available to H City.”
"All right.” Anthony went to work on it immediately. “I'll come with you so that we'll be able to take care of each other. Moreover, I want to keep an eye on you. Once you get the necklace back, you have to go for the surgery right away.”
“It's not that I don't want to undergo surgery but that I don't know which surgeon to go for,” Francesca muttered as she held her head. “It feels like I know someone suitable for the job, but I just can't remember who that is.”
"Could it be that it's your master, Dr. Felch?”
Perhaps Anthony was the one who knew Francesca best.
"My master...” Francesca froze as a familiar figure flashed past her mind. At the same time, a kind voice rang in her head, “Ce, we have to have a good foundation of medical knowledge before we can begin treating others...”
"Francesca. Francesca!”
Anthony had to call her a few times before Francesca returned to her senses. She then frowned and said, “I now remember my master, but I can't remember where he’s at.”
Before she could finish her sentence, a pang of intense pain came from the back of her head. Instantly, Francesca held her head and paled drastically.
“Let's talk about this after retrieving the necklace. I can only deal with my personal matters in peace after settling the children’s home's issues.”
Didn't you tell me that Dr. Felch's in Phoenix City? Do you want me to ask him to come?” Anthony was still worried.
“Phoenix City is such a big place, so how are you going to find him?" Francesca huffed. “Moreover, I recall that my master's upset with me. I'm afraid he'd be unhappy if you were to ask him to come to me."
“Then...”
“You don't need to bother yourself with this. I have my own plans,” Francesca interrupted. “Book the flight tickets first so that we can go back to H City as soon as possible.”
“All right, I got it.”
Anthony went to do as she asked.