Chapter 826: Who Is Helping?

They were looking for Chloe Reed. Once they finished searching the guest room area, they would move on to other locations. Therefore, they had to seize the opportunity to get their hands on some weapons immediately.

Advancing silently, they searched for isolated targets. They had nearly scoured this entire side of the area, yet they hadn’t spotted a single person. Just as they were contemplating with grim expressions about where to look next, the mysterious figures finally appeared.

Amidst the dark night, mixed with the distant sounds of firecrackers and fireworks, the sudden crunch of boots stepping on the stone paths echoed out. Even though it was extremely faint, they still caught it. Their nerves were highly strung, keeping them on high alert to any nearby movements at all times.

The group didn’t dare to advance any further. They hid themselves in the shadows right where they were, waiting for the footsteps to draw closer.

The beam of a flashlight suddenly flared to life, sweeping across the area. The bodyguard listened carefully before flashing them two fingers, indicating that two people were approaching.

Chloe lowered her eyes slightly, formulating a countermeasure. She wondered whether the enemy wanted her dead or alive. Could she take a gamble?

This thought wavered in her mind, preventing her from making a swift decision. If Vera Holloway wanted her dead, these mysterious men would blow her head off the second she showed herself. But what if Vera wanted her alive to take her back for torture and abuse?

Chloe was incredibly conflicted. Preston Vance noticed her distressed state and immediately pressed a hand against the back of hers. She looked up at him, and he shook his head, signaling her not to be impulsive or let her thoughts run wild.

Sticking to their original plan was the safest bet. This was not the time to create unnecessary complications.

Chloe slowly exhaled a heavy breath, suppressing the chaotic thoughts in her heart. She couldn’t afford to gamble. After all, she only had one life; if she lost the bet, it would be all over.

The footsteps were still approaching. They were incredibly light, showing just how cautious these mysterious newcomers were.

"THWIP..."

Right at that moment, a muffled sound suddenly rang out, followed immediately by the noise of a heavy object hitting the ground.

Chloe and the others froze. Before they could react, another heavy thud echoed out, and then the footsteps vanished completely. A cold wind blew past, sending an endless chill surging up to envelop their bodies.

The bodyguard took the initiative to scout the situation. He returned in less than five minutes, holding two guns. He made a hand gesture for them to retreat. Once they reached a relatively safe location, he finally spoke. "Those two mercenaries are dead."

The intruders were mercenaries again!

Fiona Linton was astonished. "How could that be? Did your comrades arrive? Are we saved?"

The bodyguard’s face was tight as he shook his head. "No, they haven’t contacted me yet. The signal has been spotty at best. I suspect my team stationed outside the villa might..."

He didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone understood his meaning. These mercenaries were thoroughly prepared. If they could execute everything so flawlessly inside the villa, how could they possibly have neglected to clear the outside?

For a moment, Fiona’s expression became complicated.

Chloe had already quickly familiarized herself with the two guns. She immediately handed one to Preston, asking, "Do you know how to use this?"

Preston took it and said, "I studied them when I was abroad, but I’ve never actually shot a person before. My aim probably won’t be very accurate."

Chloe’s eyes grew a fraction more resolute. It didn’t matter. As long as he knew how to pull the trigger, that was enough.

Fiona swallowed nervously and said, "But I don’t know how! What should I do?"