Adrian Jennings had a serious expression as he replied, "I’ve brought back two groups of mercenaries from abroad this time. Their training is even more rigorous than those at Vincent Fletcher’s military base. With them protecting you and your family, Vincent Fletcher’s men won’t harm you again."
Talia was taken aback, "Mercenaries?"
"Yes." Adrian’s thin lips pressed together, a hint of guilt flashed in his eyes, "I miscalculated before and didn’t protect you and your family well. Talia, I promise you, similar things won’t happen again in the future. I’ll protect you."
Talia’s eyelids drooped slightly, her feelings mixed.
She initially wanted to make some sarcastic remarks, but then she remembered how Adrian risked his life to meet Vincent Fletcher to save her that day. The words of mockery reached her lips, but Talia couldn’t bring herself to say them.
Seeing Talia remain silent, Adrian thought she didn’t believe him. His throat tightened, and a wave of bitterness washed over his heart.
Soon, they arrived at Adrian Jennings’ base.
Jasmine Rhodes was brought back by Lucas Langley, one of Adrian’s subordinates.
Lucas Langley was the commander-in-chief of Adrian Jennings’ Ameria base. Commanders of his level rarely participated in operations themselves. Usually, tasks were delegated to his subordinates, and only extremely important and confidential missions warranted his direct involvement.
Rescuing a little girl was something Lucas Langley had never done in his over a decade of service to Adrian.
When he received the mission, he was stunned.
He asked for clarification again, and after Adrian confirmed it, he was still a bit incredulous.
Vincent Fletcher was a powerful force in Aridia, but the country doesn’t ban firearms; once there, their people wouldn’t be restricted. Rescuing someone wouldn’t be difficult.
He could send a reliable subordinate to command and a few mercenaries over, and the matter would be settled. There was really no need for him, the commander-in-chief, to take action personally.
Still confused, Lucas Langley had always obeyed Adrian Jennings’ orders unconditionally. Since Adrian issued the order, he had no choice but to comply.
Vincent Fletcher’s men, although not as formidable as their counterparts in Ameria, were still a force to be reckoned with.
The people Lucas took with him, five were injured, three of them severely. However, they went equipped with a top-tier medical team, and the injured received professional treatment on the helicopter, ensuring their survival.
The helicopter took almost seven hours to fly from Anford in Aridia to Oakhaven in Veridia.
When Jasmine Rhodes was first rescued, she was unconscious.
The accompanying doctor performed a simple examination, and fortunately, she had fainted from hunger.
The doctor gave her a glucose injection, and shortly after boarding the helicopter, she awoke.
The little girl was very scared.
She huddled in her seat, trembling, hugging her knees, her little face pale, her eyes filled with terror like a frightened fawn.
A wild-looking, handsome young man among Lucas Langley’s men shot a curious glance at Jasmine and turned to Lucas, "Boss, what’s the deal with this little girl? Why did it require your personal rescue?"
Lucas shook his head, "I don’t know either. The young master didn’t say."
The young man, named Elliot Yeats, was one of the mercenaries involved in rescuing Jasmine Rhodes.
Although only seventeen, Elliot had been professionally trained for nine years. He had never failed a mission, and his skills surpassed many veteran soldiers, ranking him among the top three mercenaries under Lucas Langley’s command.
Elliot had taken a bullet to the arm, and the white bandage was soaked through with bright red blood. However, he bore no complaints, merely smiled and said, "She must be someone very important to the young master."
When the young man smiled, his tough features softened significantly.
Jasmine looked up at him, the fear in her eyes subsiding.
She recognized this brother.
He was the one who rescued her from that dark dungeon, and his arm was injured saving her.
Seeing Jasmine’s timid demeanor, Elliot felt a surge of compassion, recalling the little girl’s experience. He pulled a fruit candy from his pocket and offered it to her, "Little sister, do you want some candy?"
Elliot had a habit of eating candy whenever he was nervous or needed to concentrate intensely.
Eating candy helped him remain more calm and composed.
It was a habit he’d formed in childhood. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵✦𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✦𝙣𝙚𝙩
It had never changed over the years.
Jasmine shrank into the corner, her colorless lips pursed slightly as she stared blankly at the beautifully wrapped fruit candy in the boy’s dirty hand.
Hesitating for a moment, the little girl timidly reached out and took the candy from Elliot’s hand, softly saying, "Thank you."
"Quite polite," Elliot said with a warm smile.
Another companion teased, "Who knew you had such a gentle side?"
Elliot looked at Jasmine, his gaze soft, seeming to see someone else through her, "Seeing her reminds me of my sister. Back then, I promised my sister I’d bring her some candy when I returned..."
The companion was taken aback, a flash of remorse in their eyes, "Sorry..."
Elliot shook his head, "It’s okay."
When Talia Rhodes and Adrian Jennings arrived at the base, the helicopter had just landed on the helipad not long ago.
Jasmine Rhodes was taken inside to dine.
Talia rushed over, and upon seeing her sister, her legs almost gave way.
Adrian quickly supported her.
Talia’s tears streamed down as she sobbed uncontrollably, "Jasmine..."
Sitting at the dining table, Jasmine turned at the sound of her sister’s voice, her eyes instantly welling with tears, "Sister!"
Talia quickly walked to Jasmine’s side, embracing her tightly as she cried, "It’s so good, you’re finally back, so good, so good... As long as you’re okay..."
Jasmine leaned into Talia’s embrace, her small sobs gradually turning into loud cries.
Adrian stood by for a moment, exchanged a look with Lucas Langley, then turned and walked out.
Lucas, along with Elliot and the others, followed Adrian out, leaving the sisters alone.