The car slowly pulled out of the Allen mansion, its windshield reflecting the golden hues of the rising sun.
Jessica took a deep breath as she plugged in her earbuds. She wanted to gather herself before she stepped into the Allen group.
She didn’t want to imagine how spectacular her arrival will be. Davis stretched his arm and gently pulled her into his embrace.
She accepted the gesture and rested her head against his chest in a comfortable position, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat serving as her only consolation.
"How many routes lead from the Allen mansion to our destination?" Jessica asked, her tone inquisitive.
"There are four routes," Ethan replied, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "Two are congested with heavy traffic, one is in terrible condition, and the last is rarely used."
Jessica closed her eyes momentarily, her brow furrowing in silent contemplation. Her gut feeling is usually scary that she never ignores it.
It is usually as if there is another being always telling her things or making her feel things.
When Ethan didn’t receive a response, he shrugged and refocused on his driving. Just as his thoughts began to drift, Jessica’s voice sliced through the silence.
"Take the fourth route," she instructed.
Ethan hesitated, glancing at the rearview mirror for Davis’s approval.
"Follow her instructions," Davis said without hesitation, sensing Ethan’s uncertainty.
Ethan was taken aback. The once headstrong Davis, who never accepted another’s opinion without questioning its authenticity, had yielded without resistance.
Jessica, though her eyes remained closed, felt Ethan’s lingering gaze. She could sense his silent question.
"Ethan, stay alert and steady. We’ll have company soon," she said, her voice calm yet firm. "The congested routes are riskier, but the lesser-used road gives us the advantage."
Ethan’s brows knitted together. "Understood." he said
Though he wanted to ask further but then his years of experience in working with Davis had taught him otherwise.
He still couldn’t shake his curiosity—how did she know?
"Slow down a bit, if possible—keep it at 25 km/h," Jessica continued. "Make it seem like the car has broken down and you’re trying to manage."
Ethan obeyed without question this time. There was no need to seek Davis’s approval, when it seems all of Jessica’s instruction will override.
Jessica turned to Davis, her lips curling slightly. "Are you ready?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Davis gave a faint nod.
Without another word, Jessica retrieved her phone and dialed a familiar number using her speed dial
"Send backup to my location. Now. I mean now," she commanded, her voice cold and unwavering.
"What’s going on? Are you under attack?" Richard’s voice came through, thick with concern.
"Stop asking questions and move it!" she snapped before ending the call.
Ethan stiffened at her sudden shift in tone.
Jessica’s gaze softened slightly as it landed on Davis. "No matter what happens, Ethan—keep him safe."
Ethan swallowed hard. "Got it."
Davis, however, was staring at her, disbelief etched on his face. He really wants to make out the identity. But
No—she had been hiding her true identity all along.
The morning light was warm and gentle disturbed only by the low hum of the engine. The road stretched ahead, empty—except for the oncoming threat.
Three super adventure motorcycles speeding toward them like silent wraiths in the night.
Jessica’s eyes snapped open, her gaze sharpening as she tracked their movement. The motorcycles’ headlights flickered erratically, their riders maneuvering aggressively.
This wasn’t a coincidence.
Ethan’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. "They’re closing in. What’s the plan?"
Jessica didn’t hesitate. "At the last second, swerve hard to the right. Make it seem like you’re panicking and ensure you break through the formation at one go."
Ethan inhaled sharply. "And after that?"
Jessica’s lips curled into a smirk, her eyes as cold as steel.
"Then, I’ll take care of the rest."
Davis observed her silently, his fists clenching tightly at a concealed spot. He didn’t want to think about how dangerous this journey had turned.
"Jessica, can you not go out let Ethan find a way for us to get through." Davis said with deep worry etched in his voice.
Jessica turned to him, amusement flickering in her gaze. "You are worried about me?she smirked.
His grip on her hand tightened slightly. He wouldn’t deny that he admired her courage and outlook toward life but thenhe felt fear—fear for the battle before them, fear from the unknown outcome.
The motorcycles were now within striking distance. The lead rider pulled ahead, cutting dangerously close to their car. The other two flanked them, forming a trap.
"They’re trying to box us in," Ethan muttered.
Jessica’s gaze flickered between them. "Not if we make the first move."
Suddenly, the lead motorcyclist pulled something from his side. The Metal glinted under the sun ray— a gun.
Jessica’s eyes darkened at the sight. "Now, Ethan!" she commanded.
Ethan reacted instantly, jerking the steering wheel hard to the right. The car lurched violently, tires screeching against the ground.
The sudden movement caught the attackers off guard. The nearest motorcyclist swerved wildly to avoid any impact, nearly toppling over as the rider struggled to keep it under control.
Jessica quickly seized the moment. In one fluid motion, she rolled down the window, pushed herself halfway out, and with deadly clear precision, flung a small blade hidden in her sleeve.
The second rider barely had time to react before the blade embedded itself in his shoulder.
A strangled cry tore from his lips as he lost control of his bike, skidding across the road before crashing into a street pole.
The remaining two quickly regained control.
The leader—still armed—lifted the gun, aiming straight at them.
Jessica’s gaze narrowed.
With a swift motion, she retrieved another hidden knife and launched it.
The gun fired—but the shot went wide.
Jessica’s blade found its mark, sinking deep into the attacker’s wrist. The man howled in pain, the weapon clattering to the asphalt.
Ethan saw his opening.
Slamming his foot on the gas, he accelerated out of their trap before the last biker could close them in again.
But Jessica wasn’t done.
Still leaning out of the car, she hurled a stone from her sling to the biker and with a clear precision it hit his jaw and he sprawled off his ride.
The motorcycle spun out of control, crashing against the guardrail before erupting in a burst of flames.
Silence fell over the car, broken only by heavy breathing.
Jessica exhaled slowly, rolling back inside and dusting off her hands as if she had merely completed a routine task.
Davis stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, a worried sigh escaped his lips.
"Are you okay? Are you injured?" Davis asked as he checked on her.
Ethan, still gripping the wheel, shook his head in disbelief with just a line of sentence hammering in his heart. "Don’t mess with madam."