Chapter 592

Brixton shoved the barrel of the gun hard against Hannah's lower back, his tone cutting like ice. "You dismissed Vincent's men. Do you honestly believe I'd hesitate to harm you? Do you imagine I'll spare you out of mercy?"

Hannah steadied her breathing, forcing composure. She tried to shift hisfocus. "Brixton, surrender. Look around you-your men are barely standing. Hudson's forces and Vincent's have already locked the field against you."

"Surrender?" Brixton's lips twisted into a dark sneer. "That word has no place in my vocabulary."

"You won't escape today," Hannah replied evenly, her voice firm.

"Oh, I'll escape," Brixton hissed, yanking her closer, his arm clamped like iron as he dragged her toward the third deck. "And you'll be leaving with me. Picture Vincent watching helplessly while I take you away again.Wouldn't that be a sight worth remembering?"

His voice trembled with vindictive delight.

Hannah drew a slow breath, muscles tensing, preparing to use the judo Brixton never knew she practiced.

"Don't move." Brixton instantly caught her shift, shoving the muzzle harder into her lower back, his voice razor-sharp. "My finger's already on the trigger-faster than you'll ever move."

Then, colder still, he spat, "So, you've been hiding tricks. I never suspected you practiced judo."

"There's more about me than you'll ever know," Hannah answered frostily.

Brixton clamped his jaw, refusing further talk, and pulled her along with brutal force until they reached the third deck.

There, Vulture stood drenched in blood, flanked by battered men. A speedboat swung against the hull,ready for flight.

"Mr. Ward! The speedboat's set-we've got to go!" Vulture barked, relief cutting through urgency.His eyes narrowed when he spotted Hannah. "You're taking her? She'll only drag us down!"

"Shut your mouth!" Brixton snapped, the roar harsh and final. "Just carry out my orders!"

Just then, the sharp echo of boots came from behind.

Vincent and his men burst through, weapons raised, their advance unstoppable.

Vincent's gaze locked on Hannah, pressed to Brixton's gun.

"Release her!" Vincent leveled his weapon at Brixton, his stare lethal.

Brixton, still holding Hannah, turned slowly, his smirk mocking. "Mr. Jones-you never disappoint. Quicker than l expected."

Vincent held his fire, straining to rein in the urge to end it instantly. "This ship is under Hudson's control. You have no way out. Let her go, and I'll let you leave on the speedboat. This is your last chance."

Brixton threw his head back, laughter cutting the air like broken glass."Cornered? Me? Never. Threatened by you? Even less!"

He wrenched Hannah tighter, jamming the barrel against her temple."She's coming with me. Vincent, if you've got the guts, pull that trigger."

"If you so much as scratch her," Vincent growled, his knuckles white against the trigger, "I'll rip you apart piece by piece!"

Brixton's smirk deepened. "Empty words. My gun's already kissing her head. You won't risk it, not with her in my hands."

Hannah's mind whirled, her heartbeat pounding, yet her gaze found Vincent's and steadied. She inclined her head subtly and then shifted her eyes downward, signaling her intent.

Vincent caught it instantly. Barely moving his lips, he mouthed a silent order of her kneeling down, sharp as steel. In that split second, Vincent raised his gun and fired at Brixton's right shoulder. Almost simultaneously,receiving the signal, Hannah ducked down.

The bullet searing into his right shoulder, Brixton cried out, staggering, his grip shattered by pain. Hannah twisted free.

But before triumph could rejoice, Vulture lunged. Panic surged in him as he saw Brixton wounded-he shoved Hannah violently toward the open sea.

The force sent Hannah tumbling, her body breaking the water's surface with a splash.

Vincent's face blanched, shock seizing him. In a heartbeat, he dove after her.

"Idiot!" Brixton roared, clutching his shoulder. His fury lashed out. "Who told you to push her?"

Vulture faltered, his voice trembling. "Mr. Ward-the moment was desperate-I had to act! The assets and money are already loaded. If we don't leave now, we're finished!"

Other bloodied men shouted, "Mr. Ward, we have to retreat quickly!"

"Vulture was just panicking. Vincent's and Hudson's men are closing in!"

Brixton's eyes glared with savage fury, and reluctance to leave just yet warred in them. Finally, he ground his teeth and barked, "Retreat!"

His crew scrambled into the speedboat, engines roaring as they fled into the night.

Hudson stormed onto the deck seconds later, troops swarming behind him. His gaze landed on the departing speedboat, fury twisting his features. It was too late to stop Brixton and his crew.

In the freezing waves, Vincent broke the surface, clutching Hannah. She coughed up seawater, her body trembling uncontrollably, but her arms clung to him in desperation.

From a distance, Nate sped toward them in a boat."Mr. Jones! Ms. Scott! Over here-climb aboard!"

As Vincent steadied Hannah in his arms, guiding her carefully toward the approaching speedboat something happened. "Look out!" Nate's eyes tightened, his pupils shrinking sharply as his cry of alarm tore through the air.