Chapter 424

Victoria Langley's fingers dug into Richard Langley's wrist like talons. "Alert all maritime forces immediately," her voice was glacial. "Shoot those pirates on sight."

Richard stroked his wife's rigid back, his eyes glinting with cold fury. "It's already handled."

Those fools had dared to target his daughter.

The Langley maritime network sprang into action. Within half an hour, the dossier on the "Muller Pirate Crew" lay on Richard's desk.

"Old acquaintances," Richard sneered, dialing a series of encrypted numbers.

Meanwhile, Alexander Langley's global communications network activated. Every vessel with ties to the Muller pirates received an ultimatum—sever all ties immediately or face the Langley Group's full retaliation.

The tides had turned at sea.

Evelyn Laurent remained oblivious.

She moved through the dense jungle like a panther, the briny wind laced with gunpowder stinging her face. Without comms, she relied on primal tracking skills to find Ethan Sullivan.

In the distance, boat engines roared. Reinforcements were closing in.

At least the Southern Cross had escaped the danger zone. Evelyn exhaled slightly—now only she and Ethan remained as targets, simplifying her mission.

Bushes rustled ahead. Evelyn dropped low, holding her breath.

Six pirates shoved through the foliage, cursing, their weapons glinting in the sunlight. Frustration made them sloppy.

Evelyn's sharp eyes cataloged their arsenal: two assault rifles, four handguns. Her lips curved as her fingers brushed the combat knife at her waist.

The prey had walked into her trap.