Chapter 953

Sydney, Dominic, and Shay found themselves dragged out to a desolate spot in the countryside. The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife, as they stood surrounded. Sydney and Shay were visibly shaking, their fear palpable.

Dominic, trying to keep a brave face, spoke with a cold edge in his voice, "Oliver, even if you pull that trigger, the law will catch up with you eventually!"

Sydney chimed in, her voice laced with both fear and defiance, "Oliver, your dad and I aren't even divorced yet! Killing us won't guarantee you a happy ending!"

Oliver's grip on the gun was rock steady. Without a word, he fired, and the bullet tore through Dominic's thigh. Blood poured out like a waterfall, and Dominic crumpled to the ground, overwhelmed by pain and blood loss.

The sheer brutality of it all left Sydney and Shay frozen in terror. Sydney quickly grasped Oliver's motive-Rowan was set on divorcing her. She and Dominic held shares in the Baldwin family company, shares that Rowan could hand over. If that happened, Oliver's grip on power would be threatened, depending on who held the majority.

With Rowan dead set on the divorce, Oliver had nothing to lose. To him, getting rid of them was as simple as squashing a bug.

Sydney was a bundle of nerves, while Dominic writhed on the ground. Shay stood by Sydney, a quivering mess of fear.

Gritting her teeth, Sydney shot back, "Oliver, I'm still technically your stepmom. If you kill me, everyone will turn against you, and Josefina won't marry a killer."

Oliver fired again, hitting Sydney's leg and bringing her to her knees. His eyes were cold as ice. "Why should I care?"

Just then, as Oliver aimed at Sydney's heart, another gunshot rang out.

Somewhere nearby, someone else had opened fire. The two bullets met mid-air, sending Oliver's shot astray and sparing Sydney.

"Take cover!" Oliver shouted, realizing they were under attack.

Bullets rained down like a relentless storm, aimed right at Oliver and his men. Harry and Asher shielded Oliver, giving him a chance to retreat.

A squad of twenty assassins, armed with machine guns, laid down cover fire, helping Sydney and the others make their escape.

Caught in a fierce crossfire, Oliver's group was outnumbered and had to retreat.

Relief washed over Sydney, Shay, and Dominic as they realized they were saved. But the relief was bittersweet, haunted by the close call.

Sydney knew there would be hell to pay for not completing her 'mission.' The punishment would be anything but light.

As they were hurried into a getaway car, Shay and Dominic were still in shock.

...

Back at his base, Oliver was fuming.

Sydney and her crew had vanished without a trace. His attempts to track them down had all hit dead ends. Siting in the dimly lit living room, he fumed, "Their timing was impeccable."

Harry and Asher exchanged nervous glances. Was Mr. Oliver suspecting a mole?

Harry, eager to clear the air, quickly

assured, "Mr Oliver, everyone on this mission was from our most trusted circle. I doubt there's a mole."

Asher nodded in agreement. "We've always kept things under wraps. We shouldn't have any issues."

Oliver's face remained unreadable as he slowly lifted his gaze. "Shouldn't?"

Harry was quick to respond, "I'll get on it right away!"

Asher added, "I'll help with the investigation too!"

Once they hurried off, Oliver poured himself a glass of red wine, deep in thought.

Who was backing Sydney? And why target the Baldwin family?

...

The next morning, Josefina was up bright and early, planning a trip to the local café

with her beloved South Hill.

Annika rushed after her. "Ms.

Josefina, you haven't had breakfast yet! I whipped up your

favorites shrimp dumplings, chicken feet and custard bung you mentioned wanting breakfast tea, so I set up a whole spread for you and the others."