Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Betrayed

Late Night, on the Island.

The lighthouse beam swept back and forth across the island, a beacon in the dark.

Inside the Smith family's private villa, a squad of bodyguards in sleek uniforms patrolled with stoic expressions, meticulously scanning their surroundings.

Gracefully, she maneuvered through the hedges, her black tactical suit outlining her sleek figure and long legs. In the night, she moved with the agility of a panther.

"Ring, ring-"

Suddenly, an alarm blared across the island.

The villa's security system had been compromised when they first infiltrated.

"What's going on?"

She tapped out Morse code to her partner on the other end of the earpiece.

"Get out of here. Don't worry about us. Take the item and meet at the usual spot!"

Receiving the response, she swiftly moved away from the gathering patrols.

Under the cover of darkness, the waves gently lapped against the shore. In the distance, a fleet of yachts sped toward the island.

Disguised by the night, she dove into the water.

The villa was close to international waters. She only needed to swim to the open sea, where a private boat awaited to whisk her away to safety.

After swimming a distance, she met her male accomplice who had come to assist.

"Did you get it?" he asked.

She nodded, pointing to the bag behind her.

They continued swimming toward international waters, where a luxurious yacht was anchored.

The party was in full swing on the yacht, filled with wealthy socialites. A blonde woman in a light blue gown approached the stern to meet them, eagerly extending her hand.

"Give me the item first."

"Be careful." She carefully handed over the box. The blonde quickly inspected it, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. After enduring the frigid seawater for so long, she felt herself weakening. Struggling, she removed her oxygen mask, revealing her soaked red hair and emerald green eyes. This was her final mission. Securing the priceless Musaev diamond meant she could finally be free. She exhaled softly, ready to climb aboard the yacht.

"Goodbye, sister," the blonde suddenly said.

Before she could react, a needle pierced her neck.

Paralyzed, she fell back into the sea, trapped in an iron cage.

Her last sight was the yacht's bright lights and the blonde kissing a man as they embraced.

Why?

That man was Tyler Blake, her boyfriend, who promised to elope with her once this mission ended. When did he get involved with her senior sister?

One was her true love, the other her childhood friend.

As she lost consciousness, she couldn't believe they had betrayed her so utterly.

The yacht's horn blared, setting off once more.

As she sank into despair, a flash of light pierced her vision.

She no longer had the strength to open her eyes, resigned to await death.

In her disoriented state, she felt someone pulling her up.

Fresh air filled her lungs.

"Cough, cough-"

She coughed violently, expelling the seawater from her body.

As her senses cleared, a man's voice reached her, "Are you okay?"

A young man was patting her face gently, trying to rouse her.

He had dark, wet hair and striking blue eyes like the deep sea. His chiseled features and strong jawline made him appear both tough and noble.

He was only wearing wet shorts, his muscular chest and abs on display. He bent down, concern etched on his face, "How do you feel?"

Emma Blake nodded weakly, giving an OK sign with her hand.

She wasn't dead!

She was alive!

"Cough, cough-"

Turning her head, she spat out more seawater and sat up.

"Thank you for saving me."

"Why were you in that cage? And where is your oxygen tank?"

The cage she had been trapped in was typically used for interacting with great white sharks during yacht trips.

If not seeing her without an oxygen tank, he would have thought she was trying to interact with the sharks.

Emma's mind flashed to Tyler and her friend's betrayal. She suppressed the rising bitterness, "I."

Before she could continue, the sound of marching footsteps approached, growing louder.

"Search over there!"

"Split up!"

The lead bodyguard barked orders to his men.

Damn!

Emma's heart pounded. She grabbed the man's hand and sprinted towards the woods.

"Hey, why are we running?"

The man was confused but followed her instinctively.

"There's no time to explain. Just keep up and don't fall behind!"

They dashed through the woods, arriving at a secluded cabin.

They hesitated, unsure if they should hide inside.

The bodyguards, accompanied by hounds, were closing in.

"Woof, woof, woof-"

The dogs barked loudly outside.

"Hurry, inside!"

She pulled him in, swiftly shutting the door behind them.

Leaning against the door, she peered through the crack to observe the outside.

Warm breath tickled her shoulder.

She instinctively brushed it off, "Stop leaning on me."

The heat and breath on her neck didn't cease but intensified.

"Hey, I said-"

"Hiss-whoa!"

A wolf's face loomed inches from hers, causing her to gasp in shock.