#Chapter 232: Run For Your Life

Olivia With Nathan acting as my protective barrier, I felt, for a brief second, a momentary relief. But that was short-lived as Ryan’s men closed in, their intent clear in their eyes: it was either Elliot or war. Yet, as they inched closer, with an uncanny synchronicity, figures began to emerge from the other side of the clearing. The dim sun breaking through the storm clouds harshly illuminated their forms, and my heart leaped as I recognized some of them. Nathan’s men. Just as Nathan promised, they had been concealed, waiting, watching, prepared for this very moment. Ryan’s smug expression faltered briefly, replaced momentarily by one of surprise and begrudging respect. He hadn’t expected this. “You really think you can outnumber us, Nathan?” Ryan taunted, though I could detect the slightest hint of uncertainty in his voice. “It’s not about numbers, Ryan,” Nathan responded, his voice laced with both menace and confidence. “It’s about loyalty, and