Chapter 182:

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Kelly’s POV

“This is the school,” Phoebe said, showing me a picture of the school she had chosen for Snow. The architectural style of the building was impressive, and it looked both elegant and well-maintained.

“It’s a private school, Kelly. The curriculum is strong, and the teachers are professional. Snow will really like it there.”

I smiled as I lifted my gaze to meet hers. We were sitting in my office, and she had come by after her class today to present the school she had selected.

“You really think so?”

“Yes! The best part is that it’s not far from Pierce’s company, so you won’t have to worry about a long commute.”

I nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll enroll her there.”

Phoebe’s face lit up with a wide smile, clearly excited. “I’ll come with you! The enrollment starts next week, so after your wedding in three days, I’ll help Snow get ready for the process.”

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I nodded again, feeling relieved. “That sounds great. Thank you, Phoebe.”

She smirked playfully and gathered her things. I watched her sit back on the couch in my office. She was still so young.

I remember how scared she was when she thought she might be pregnant after what happened with Caleb. I’m glad she’s okay now, and relieved that the worst of her fears didn’t come true. She’s still too young to carry such a heavy responsibility.

“Phoebe…”

She looked at me with a soft smile. “Hmm? Do you need something?”

“How have you been? How’s school?”

She tilted her head, crossing her legs as she smiled. “I’m doing well now. Thanks for checking in on me.”

I watched her for a few moments, feeling a quiet sense of relief, then smiled warmly. I glanced at my wristwatch and realized it was already time for lunch.

“Pierce is going to pick me up for lunch. Do you want to join us?”

She shook her head with a playful smirk. “It’s okay. I’m meeting my friends, and I don’t want to interrupt you two.”

“Hmm! Alright, then.”

Pierce and I drove Phoebe to the meeting spot with her friends. Before leaving, I made sure no one was following her.

Pierce reminded her bodyguards, who were strategically placed around the area, to keep an eye on her until we were out of sight.

As we drove off, Pierce stopped when the traffic light turned red. While waiting, he took my hand and kissed the back of it, his eyes meeting mine as he did so. I couldn’t help but watch him, feeling a flutter of warmth in my chest.

My eyes lingered on a man who had stopped beside the driver’s seat, riding a motorcycle. He wore a helmet, so I couldn’t see his face. For some reason, my heart started racing, and a sense of fear washed over me when the man glanced in our direction. It was as if he could see us through the heavily tinted windows of Pierce’s car. His gaze felt unnervingly direct, as though he knew exactly who was inside the car—and that he was planning something.

“Kelly.”

I flinched, turning to Pierce. His worried gaze met mine, and I immediately felt a wave of concern flood over me.

“Are you okay?”

I swallowed hard, taking a slow, steady breath to calm myself.

“Yeah…” I answered, my voice hoarse.

I glanced back at the man just as the car started moving again. My lips pressed together, and I watched as the man reappeared. Something about him sent chills down my spine.

Suddenly, Pierce’s phone rang. He quickly answered the call and placed it on the holder in front of us. It was the officer handling the shooting incident at the mall.

“Hello, officer?”

[Mr. Anderson, sorry for the sudden call.]

“It’s alright, officer. Any updates on the investigation? Did the shooter reveal who paid him?”

[That’s the issue, Mr. Anderson. The shooter can no longer speak about it. He died this morning—poisoned.]

My mouth fell open, and I looked at Pierce. His jaw tightened, and he stopped the car. We had arrived at the restaurant where he’d made a reservation.

Pierce stared at his phone. “Are you sure, officer?”

[We rushed him to the hospital, but despite our efforts, the doctor declared him dead.]

Pierce squeezed his eyes closed, massaging the bridge of his nose, trying to absorb the information.

[I’m calling to inform you of this and to warn you. I strongly advise you to leave the country with your family, Mr. Anderson. We’ve confirmed that this is not an isolated incident, and your family, particularly your wife, is in grave danger. If her hunch about her uncle being behind this crime is correct, you need to be even more cautious.]

I gritted my teeth, feeling the weight of the situation. Pierce’s hand squeezed mine tightly. I kept my eyes fixed on the figure behind the closed door beside the driver’s seat. My heart raced again as I gripped his hand more firmly, unable to shake the sense of impending danger.

“PIERCE!” I screamed, pulling him down to hide as the man on the motorcycle pulled out a gun and pointed it directly at the driver’s side window.

A series of deafening gunshots echoed through the area. The car window shattered into pieces, raining down on us. I felt a sharp sting in my shoulder, followed by an overwhelming ache.

Screams filled the air, mixed with the sound of gunfire, until suddenly, everything went quiet.

I could still hear the officer’s voice coming from Pierce’s phone. He was already sending his men to our location.

“Kelly…” Pierce’s broken voice reached me as he gently grabbed my shoulder, his gaze fixed on my bleeding arm.

I turned to him, panic rising in my chest. “Are you okay?”

He looked at me with tear-filled eyes, shaking his head. “How can I be okay when you’re bleeding?!”

His hands cupped my face, his touch tender as he examined me. “Are there any other injuries? How’s the baby?”

I placed my hand over his, trying to reassure him. His eyes dropped to my hand, now stained with my own blood. I watched as his face went pale.

“I’m fine, Pierce,” I whispered softly.

He swallowed hard and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead before swiftly opening the driver’s side door.

He bolted out of the car, rushing to the passenger side. I was terrified—was the shooter still out there? But Pierce’s instinct to protect me kept me calm, as he got me safely out of the car.

I scanned the area, making sure we were no longer in immediate danger. A hospital was nearby, and without hesitation, he scooped me up into his arms. I could feel his heart pounding rapidly against mine as he ran toward help.

I’m fine. It hurts, but I can endure this. It would hurt more if I lost him today. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not like this.

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