Rick's eyes blazed with defiance. "Do you think I am dumb enough to let her go?" As he said that, he positioned himself to shoot Eliza, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Vaughn's heart pounded in his chest. "Dare to shoot her, you won't even know how you'd die," he warned, his voice deadly calm.
Rick sneered, "Back off."
Vaughn stepped forward, maintaining eye contact with Alexei. Rick noticed the look but was too late to react. Alexei, always quick on the draw, fired a precise shot, hitting Rick's hand. The gun clattered to the ground as Rick screamed in pain.
Ryle seized the opportunity, lunging forward and tackling Rick to the ground. He held him down, ensuring he couldn't cause any more harm. Vaughn wasted no time. He ran to Eliza's side, his heart aching at the sight of her distress.
He hugged her immediately, feeling her limp body against his. "Eliza," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
