chapter259

Lydia snatched the bottle and nodded. "Thanks."

In the next instant, to Garrett's surprise, she sprinted forward, wound up, and threw the water bottle straight at Leroy, who was trying to get away.

He stared, not sure whether to be impressed or laugh. Was that really going to work?

Before he could decide, the half-full bottle sailed over the crowd and smacked Leroy right in the forehead with a solid thunk.

The force of it must have caught Leroy off guard. He toppled forward and crashed onto the floor.

His black briefcase flew from his hand and slid away, popping open as it hit the ground. Bundles of bills spilled everywhere, spreading out like a carpet.

"Now! Grab him!" Byron shouted over the noise.

Leroy was stunned, his vision swimming, but the sound of people rushing toward him snapped him back to reality. He gritted his teeth, scrambled up, and without thinking grabbed the nearest person, yanking her in front of him. He pressed a hidden dagger to her pale neck.

"Come any closer and I'll kill her!" he roared, eyes wild.

The hostage was a young lady in her twenties. Her hair was long and loose around her shoulders, her skin soft. She had that graceful, unmistakable air of someone from a wealthy family.

Let her go! a middle-aged man shouted, his voice trembling with fear.

Violette was in shock. She'd heard shouting behind her, but before she could even turn around, someone had grabbed her from behind. A blade was suddenly at her throat.

Leroy's grip was so tight that the sharp edge had already left a red line on her delicate skin.

Byron stepped forward, his voice serious. "Leroy, you can't get away. Don't hurt her. We can work something out."

Leroy's eyes burned. "Don't try to trick me! Everybody back off, or she dies!"

"Please, officer, please! You have to save her!" the middle-aged man begged, voice cracking.

A police officer moved to calm him down, promising they'd do everything to keep everyone safe.

Byron nodded. "Alright, we're backing off. Stay calm."

He raised his voice. "Everyone, step back."

Dragging Violette with him, Leroy edged toward the exit. "Get me a car, now. Engine running."

Byron didn't hesitate. "We'll do what you want. Just let her go."

Leroy barked out a cold laugh, dragging Violette over to the waiting car. "Farther back, all of you!"

Nobody argued. Leroy was out of control, and if they made a wrong move, there was no telling what he might do.

Once everyone had moved back, Byron called out again. "Leroy, let her go." Leroy gave a chilling smile. Lydia's stomach twisted. Something was wrong.

Leroy shoved Violette forward, but didn't let go of the knife.

whet

Violette felt the blade slice into her neck A second later hot blood. poured out, running down her skin in a gush.

"Leroy!" Byron yelled.

"Miss!" her driver screamed in panic.

Leroy had done it on purpose, just to buy himself a little more time.

He ducked into the car, slamming, the door, but before he could hit the

gas, two sharp cracks rang out The tires exploded Byron had shot them out.

CUMS

car,

Leroy cursed, jumping out of the desperate to run. But then, out of nowhere, a rush of wind swept past. Before he could react, someone kicked him so hard he went flying.

Lydia glanced up, heart pounding. It was Connor.