Chapter 620

A biting winter wind swept past, making Elissa shiver.

It was hard to tell if it was the cold or fear taking hold.

Before the thought could fully form, headlights pierced the darkness on the distant road.

A convoy of black sedans approached at breakneck speed.

The lead car was one Elissa knew all too well.

Rowan was here.

Remembering Finn's plan, she jerked up from the chair, only for Specs to slam her back down.

He grabbed her jaw. "Dr. Drummond, didn't we agree you'd cooperate? The boss told me not to rough you up, but if you try anything stupid, I will absolutely send you and that kid to the grave together."

He emphasized the last few words. It was a warning, and a statement of fact.

A chill seeped into Elissa's bones. Dropping all thoughts of struggling, she took a deep breath. "I just saw Rowan and got a little excited."

"Excited for what?"

Specs let go in disgust and sneered. "The kid isn't even his, yet you can put on such a convincing act. Gotta hand it to you women—you're all award-winning actresses."

Elissa ignored his degrading taunt. She watched helplessly as the cars screeched to a halt at the gates. The rear door of that familiar car opened from the inside. Rowan stepped out in a black overcoat, his face a mask of absolute frost.

To her surprise, he hadn't come alone.

Frank stepped out right behind him.

Then, as the rest of the convoy parked, Nash and the other men emerged. Even Rex was there.

And Laurel and Jesse.

She wasn't the only one surprised. Stepping out at the commotion, a flicker of confusion crossed Finn's eyes, though his face remained a picture of calm. "Mr. Murphy, they say nothing happens in Vistapeak City without you knowing."

"Turns out, you're not all that."

Finn's provocation was blatant. "Dr. Drummond vanished at noon, and it still took you this long to find us."

But Rowan didn't even seem to hear him. He merely shot a look at lan.

A second later, his highly trained men fanned out, surrounding the entire property.

Only then did Rowan turn to him. "Except for Paige, no one wanted that car crash twenty years ago to happen."

"But if you want to blame me, fine. I accept it."

Rowan glared into the villa, every word seemingly ground out through his teeth. "But dragging Elissa into this was the biggest mistake of your life."

Finn was taken aback.

Clearly, Rowan digging up his entire background in such a short window was completely outside his calculations.

Without waiting for a response, Rowan moved to storm the house.

Recovering his composure, Finn leisurely raised an arm to block his path. "Mr. Murphy, do you really think you can just waltz in and out of my place as you please?"

Rowan's face was terrifyingly grim Just as he was about to signal lan to attack, Finn pointed toward the roof.

"What's the rush

brought her out

for you."

Right on cue, Specs shoved Elissa from behind, making her lean forward so the

people below could get a clearer look.

Unable to hear the exchange, she

was caught off guard by the sudden shove and nearly pitched over the edge She scrambled to steady

herself, looking down right into

Rowan's eyes.

Her frantic heart found a fleeting second of peace before she started shaking her head violently.

But she didn't make a sound.

Seeing her life dangling by a thread, Rowan was the only one who maintained his terrifying calm.

Frank, Rex, and the others could no longer hold back. Laurel looked straight at Finn. "Name your terms."

"A high-ranking official at such a young age. Impressive, Laurel."

Finn smirked, his tone shifting as he drawled, "Too bad I want Rowan's life. And

that's something you can't give."