Chapter 577

Vincent's request for a meeting was answered almost at once by Brixton.

The time was fixed at five in the evening, and the place-a lonely pier on the edge of town.

It was a choice that spoke volumes: secluded,watchful, a stage where Brixton could pull the strings to his liking.

Before stepping away, Vincent wrapped Hannah tightly in his arms, repeating the same reminder as though it were a prayer. "Whatever happens,your safety comes first."

Turning to his most trusted aide, Vincent commanded with a steel edge in his voice, "Nate,Ms. Scott's protection rests with you. No matter what,guard her well!"

Nate gave a solemn nod. "You have my word, Mr.

Jones. Unless I fall, no harm will ever touch Ms.Scott."

Hannah's gaze clung to Vincent, worry plain in her voice. "And you-don't push yourself. Don't let yourself be hurt."

"Alright." Vincent gave her one last profound look and then boarded the speedboat with his guards,cutting across the waters toward the pier.

From the deck, Hannah watched Vincent recede into the distance. She began to count the minutes silently, each tick of time pressing heavily against her heart.

When a speedboat appeared from Odin's direction,Hannah knew the curtain had risen. "Act now!" she ordered.

At once, Nate gathered a team of elite bodyguards,each disguised in plain clothing, and they slipped aboard another speedboat bound for Odin.

Their vessel blended among the glittering boats of

wealthy gamblers, gaining passage without raising suspicion.

Once aboard, Hannah noticed immediately-the guards were fewer than usual.

The casino itself still rang with noise and clinking glasses, yet mutters of complaint surfaced between the gamblers. "Strange. There are even fewer pretty dealers today."

"Yeah, the vibe is awful! Heard something háppened last night?"

"Word is, someone fell overboard. Caused a stir all right."

Hannah grasped the truth in a flash. Brixton had learned of her plunge into the sea, and he had likely traced the matter back to Aanya and the others.Brixton was already tightening his net, investigating and reshuffling.

Without delay, Hannah used her familiarity with the layout to slip past the main corridors, heading

straight toward the kitchen area. She had to make contact with Kayce first.

At the corner of a hushed hallway, she finally spotted Kayce. "Key to the second deck," she said firmly,hand outstretched, wasting no breath on greetings.

Kayce's eyes flickered with a swirl of feelings-shock and relief. "I thought you'd left, that you wouldn't come back."

"I keep my word," Hannah replied with unyielding calm."The key."

"It's not on me, I hid it in my cabin. I'll fetch it now!"Kayce promised quickly. "You get ready-I'll bring Alfredo to you at once, soyou can take her with you."

"Good.Hurry." Hannah gave a curt nod.

Kayce turned and rushed away.

Meanwhile, Hannah signaled to Nate and his men,scattered through the ship, to stand ready.

Moments later, the casino exploded into turmoil. Nate and his team struck with sudden force,seizing control of vital choke points. His voice rang out over the din: "Stay still! We're here for money, nothing else! If you value your lives, lie down and keep quiet!"

The gamblers, pale with terror, obeyed without hesitation.

But Brixton's men wasted no time. They drew their weapons, and in the blink of an eye, the casino was engulfed in gunfire.

Shots cracked through the air, mingled with panicked screams, until the whole hall shuddered with chaos.

Amid the uproar, Hannah stole toward the staircase leading to the second deck, her pulse quickening as she awaited Kayce and the key.

At last, Kayce appeared, dragging Alfredo with him through a side passage.

Frightened by the gunfire, Alfredo clutched Kaycee's shirt hem tightly, timid. "What's happening down there? Why is it so loud?"

Hannah quickly stepped forward to reassure Alfredo,"Don't be afraid, Alfredo. Everything will be fine. I'll get you out soon."

Kayce added his own words of comfort and then fished into his pocket. "Here, I've got the key. Let's go-"

The sentence was cut short. Just as Kayce handed the key over, Alfredo-who had seemed weak and trembling-suddenly revealed a chilling resolve in her eyes.

From the wide sleeve of her garment, Alfredo drew a sharp pair of scissors. With startling strength, she drove them deep into Kayce's back.

It happened in the blink of an eye. Hannah froze in disbelief.

Blood gushed as Alfredo wrenched the scissors free.

"Alfredo! What are you doing?" Hannah gasped,dropping to her knees beside Kayce, frantic to stanch the wound.