As Coby's words hung in the air, the crowd held its collective breath. No one dared to intervene, fearful of incurring Coby's wrath. His reputation for ruthlessness preceded him, and everyone knew better than to cross him.
Sophia's anger simmered just below the surface. Who did Coby think he was, speaking to her like that? She clenched her fists, her mind racing with the possibility of taking down Coby's men. But Rachel's firm grip on her arm stayed her hand.
Rachel's eyes locked onto Sophia's, a silent warning to keep quiet. Sophia's gaze narrowed, searching for answers, but Rachel's expression remained enigmatic. A faint glimmer in Rachel's eyes hinted at a plan, but Sophia couldn't decipher it.
The bodyguards, sensing Coby's growing impatience, closed in on Sophia and Rachel. Two men converged on Rachel, their movements swift and menacing. The other two targeted Sophia, their eyes cold and calculating.
As the men drew closer, Sophia's unease spiked. She had trusted Rachel to have a plan, but now it seemed they were on their own. The crowd watched in silence, paralyzed by fear.
Just as all hope seemed lost, a voice boomed from the airport entrance, echoing off the walls. "If you lay a hand on them... you're dead."
The words hung in the air like a challenge, and the bodyguards' eyes darted toward the newcomer, their faces etched with uncertainty. The crowd parted, revealing a middle-aged man with a commanding presence. His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into Coby's very soul, and his chiseled features were set in a determined expression.
Coby's shock was palpable. His eyes narrowed, fury boiling beneath the surface. No one had ever dared to challenge him, and this man's words hung in the air like a gauntlet thrown.
"If they lay a hand on the girls... they're dead!" The man's voice echoed through the airport, sending a shiver down Sophia's spine. Her heart skipped a beat as she wondered who this mysterious stranger was.
Rachel's reaction was a stark contrast. A smile played on her lips, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. She seemed to be expecting this man, and Sophia noticed a subtle nod of recognition between them.
The middle-aged man's attire was impeccable - a crisp white suit that seemed tailored to perfection. Behind him stood two imposing figures in black suits, their rugged features and menacing stares leaving no doubt they were bodyguards.
Sophia's gaze returned to the man, and she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. The resemblance to her father was uncanny, and a spark of hope ignited within her. Could this be her uncle?
As she turned to Rachel, she noticed a subtle smile still playing on her lips. Rachel's eyes met hers, and Sophia sensed a deep understanding between them. It was as if Rachel knew something Sophia didn't, and the anticipation was almost palpable.
The air was thick with tension as the middle-aged man took another step forward, his eyes locked on Coby. The challenge had been issued, and it seemed the outcome was far from certain.