Sofia was still dazed when Sandy pulled her out of the car. In that instant, she felt her soul leap out with her. Then came a searing pain that made her curl up in a ball. She even felt like her ribs might be broken. But Sandy didn't give a damn about any of that. After rolling on the ground a few times, he pulled her up and bolted toward the thick brush.

Daniela was utterly shocked, her voice laced with pain as she ran alongside Sandy, "What's going on?" Why were they jumping out of the car like that?

Sebastian didn't have time for her. He needed to keep a close eye on the path, afraid of getting lost in the mountains. Otherwise, they were finished.

The car behind them screeched to a halt. The driver cursed, "Damn it, they dared to jump out of the car here? They're crazy!"

Another voice chimed in, "Enough. Let's go after them. If they get away, the Boss will be the first to kill us."

The driver spat, "Crap," before abandoning the car with the other man and chasing after them.

Hearing the commotion behind her, Sofia's face turned pale. She wasn't stupid; she understood the implications of their words. Someone was out to get her and Sandy. She didn't have to think twice to know it was Sebastian!

Sebastian!

Him again!

She had been forced to leave the country, and yet he wouldn't leave her alone?

But no matter how much she resented him, she knew running was their only option.

However, the men behind them soon stopped their pursuit. As locals, they were well aware of the dangers lurking within the jungle and wouldn't dare venture too far in.

"They're not chasing anymore?"

"No. They've gone into the woods. If they don't come out, they'll be gone by tonight!"

"So, we're going back?"

"Yes, back!"

With that, the sounds of pursuit faded, confirming that the men had given up. But Sandy didn't stop. He continued for several hundred meters until he could no longer hear the men or see the car's headlights. Only then did he find a hidden spot to rest.

Sofia was already weak, and after jumping from the car and running so far, she was nearing her limits. Every breath sent a sharp pain through her chest. Her throat felt like it was lined with razor blades; every swallow was excruciating. Yet, her mouth was parched, forcing her to swallow repeatedly. She craved water desperately.

Sandy was in no better shape. He had been carrying the weight of their escape, his strength almost completely depleted. He collapsed on the ground, gasping for air.

Time blurred. Finally, Sofia caught her breath and asked, "Those guys were your friends, weren't they? Why did they attack us?"

Friends?

Sandy let out a cold laugh, "George sent them. Friends? Not even close."

He should have known that George wouldn't truly help him. He would only strike when Sandy was vulnerable in Southeast Asia. Thankfully, he hadn't completely trusted George.

After a brief rest, Sandy stood up. "Alright, let's find somewhere to stay."

Even though Southeast Asia wasn't cold, their clothes were soaked through. Walking through the night in this condition would make them easy prey for colds.

Daniela reluctantly rose, a sense of foreboding creeping into her heart. The forest around them seemed endless, dark and dense. Large and small trees grew close together, with the occasional rustle of animals passing by, leaving behind the sounds of rustling leaves. Sofia felt a chill crawl up her spine. In the next moment, she was clinging to Sandy, deathly afraid.