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Chapter 21 - Pursuit

Victoria Hart left the lengthy meeting with Aloys and his group with a sense of urgency and responsibility. She knew that much was at stake, not only for herself but for everyone involved in the fight for truth and justice. She thanked everyone sincerely and bid them farewell, aware that she needed a moment of reflection and rest to process all the intense discussions.

Accompanied by her personal driver, she entered the waiting vehicle outside the building. The city streets rushed by the car window, but her mind was immersed in deep and complex thoughts. She knew that the magnitude of Nikola Tech's crimes and the consequences of her actions would affect many lives, including her own.

As the vehicle navigated through urban traffic, Victoria contemplated the weight of her decisions. She knew she was in a unique position to do the right thing and ensure her brother and the company were held accountable for their actions. The path ahead was uncertain and filled with challenges, but she was determined to move forward. It was a transformative moment in her life, and she was prepared to face the consequences of her choices, no matter how difficult.

Victoria reflected on what was to come. Her personal driver, James, who knew her well, cautiously broke the silence of the car. "Are you alright, Mrs. Hart?"

Victoria looked at James with gratitude in her eyes. "I'm fine, James, thank you for asking. Just a lot to process. This journey is more challenging than I could have ever imagined."

James nodded, keeping his attention on the road. "I understand, Mrs. Hart. But know that we stand by your side, no matter what happens. The truth will prevail, and justice will be served."

Victoria weakly smiled. "You always find the right words, James. Thank you for your unwavering support."

Suddenly, the car was struck by a violent impact, causing it to skid across the road. Victoria peered out the window, her heart racing as she saw two unmarked, sinister black vehicles intentionally colliding with them.

"What's happening?" Victoria exclaimed, as the driver struggled to maintain control of the car.

The black vehicle continued to pursue, and with each passing moment, it became clear that they were under attack. Victoria knew they couldn't rely on anyone's help and needed to protect themselves.

She frantically grabbed her phone and dialed Aloys, explaining the situation and their location. As she did, the black vehicle fired several shots, hitting Victoria's car.

Aloys heard the panic in Victoria's voice and shouted to his team, "She's in danger! Let's go!"

While Aloys and his team hurriedly made their way to the scene, the pursuit continued. Victoria's driver did his best to evade the shooters, but the situation was growing increasingly dangerous.

"Victoria, stay down!" the driver ordered as he made a sharp turn, narrowly avoiding a barrage of bullets.

Victoria obeyed, clutching the seat tightly as the car's tires screeched on the city streets. She knew they were in the hands of Aloys and his team to survive this deadly pursuit.

Finally, Aloys and his team arrived at the scene, seeing Victoria's car being chased by the two black vehicles. Aloys gripped the steering wheel tightly and accelerated, closing the gap rapidly.

He looked at Victoria through the rearview mirror and shouted, "Victoria, hang on! We're coming!"

At this critical moment, Aloys remembered his recently discovered ability to control the energy that heightened thought speed and reaction time. He knew this was the time to use it.

Intensely focused, he activated his ability, feeling time slow around him. Everything became sharper, and the bullets fired from the black vehicle seemed to move in slow motion. It was as if he were operating on an entirely different level of consciousness.

Aloys steered the wheel with pinpoint precision, avoiding the bullets coming his way. He could feel the movement of the wheels, the wind on his face, and the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

As time returned to its normal pace, Aloys accelerated even more, overtaking the black vehicle and forcing it to retreat. The shooters inside the vehicle, bewildered by Aloys's incredibly rapid reaction, lost control and collided with a lamppost.

Just when it seemed it was over, with one of the black vehicles now stuck on the lamppost, a palpable tension filled Victoria's car. The driver, James, displayed an incredible skill in dodging the bullets fired from the other car toward them. But then, in a moment of pure adrenaline, a bullet dangerously closed in on Aloys, aimed directly at his head.

Time seemed to slow down as Aloys, with his reflexes heightened by the energy of the heart, felt the bullet flying toward him. He focused his entire being on that critical fraction of a second. His mind was in tune with the energy flowing through him, and he realized he could do something extraordinary.

With an almost imperceptible movement, Aloys tilted his head to the side, causing the bullet to pass just inches from his face, grazing his hair. It was a display of skill and control that defied the laws of physics.

However, while Aloys avoided the bullet, another tragedy unfolded. A subsequent shot hit James directly in the chest. The driver let out a cry of pain, momentarily losing control of the vehicle.

"James!" Victoria exclaimed, her face contorted with anguish.

Aloys, with his agility and determination, immediately left the car he was driving and took control of Victoria's car, pushing James to the side. He looked at James, whose breathing was labored, and whose eyes showed intense pain.

"Hold on, James," Aloys said urgently, while continuing to drive at high speed to escape the pursuit. "We'll get you to the hospital. You'll be okay."

Victoria held James's hand firmly, her hands trembling as tears of concern streamed down her face. The situation was critical, and they needed immediate medical attention to save James's life.

Aloys accelerated even more, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. The pursuit had turned into a race against time to save the life of their precious ally and driver, James.

Aloys, with his abilities amplified by the energy of the heart, accelerated the car even more, leaving behind the black vehicle that was chasing them. The combination of speed and his skillful driving made it nearly impossible for the shooters to continue the pursuit.

While Aloys drove with determination, they distanced themselves from imminent danger. The black vehicle began to slow down, unable to match Aloys's and his team's skill. Gradually, they disappeared in the rearview mirror, and the pursuit came to an end.

However, relief was short-lived as the situation inside the car remained critical. James was fighting for his life, his breathing growing weaker with each passing moment. Victoria continued to hold his hand, looking at him with distress.

Aloys maintained a high speed, driving as fast as he could toward the nearest hospital. He knew that every second was crucial and was determined to save James. The energy of the heart pulsed in his chest, propelling him to overcome any obstacles that might come their way.

As night fell around them, the engine roared with fury, carrying them toward the hope of immediate medical treatment. They had escaped the pursuit, but now faced a race against time to save the life of their valuable ally and driver, James. It was a test of courage and determination that awaited them, and they were determined to overcome it, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.