Chapter 831: Is There Even a Little Room for Me in Your Heart?

"Pres... Preston..."

Chloe Reed’s eyes widened in shock. As she held Preston Vance, a warm liquid flowed over her hands.

It was Preston’s blood!

He was in immense pain. His entire body weight rested on Chloe, and his breathing was heavy and ragged. Gritting her teeth, she helped him sit down to the side. Then, she looked at the mercenary who had just woken up and, without hesitation, ended his life with a single gunshot.

Immediately turning back to Preston, she asked urgently, "Are you... okay...?"

She took out her phone and used its faint light to examine the wound on his back. The dagger had plunged directly next to his spine. Since he was wearing a dark sweater, the bleeding wasn’t immediately visible, but when she reached out to touch it, the entire area was completely soaked.

Preston’s voice was laced with tremors and pain. "This... I suppose this counts as a first for me. I have to admit, getting stabbed really hurts."

Even at a time like this, he was still cracking jokes. Chloe felt her heart twist in agony.

"We can’t... stay here anymore," she said with difficulty. "We... have to leave right now."

The more anxious she became, the more fluent her speech grew, though her voice remained hoarse and raspy.

Preston chuckled. Looking at her, he said, "You can already communicate normally. It seems taking this hit was well worth it."

Chloe fell silent. Taking a deep breath, she didn’t say anything more. Instead, she supported his arm and helped him up, intending to leave the area.

Preston suppressed his pain and walked with her, the metallic scent of blood permeating the air. His wound needed immediate treatment; if he continued bleeding like this, his life would be in danger. Chloe was overwhelmed with guilt. She was the one who had dragged an innocent friend into such grave danger.

However, after only a few steps, Preston’s tall figure staggered. He stopped and said with a helpless expression, "I really don’t want to admit this, but it just hurts too much. I can’t keep going. Chloe, you go. Go and hide, and no matter what happens, don’t come out..."

His gaze was remarkably gentle. In the darkness, she couldn’t clearly see the emotions in his eyes, but she could feel his tenderness.

"No, we... have to go together." Chloe shook her head. There was absolutely no way she would abandon a friend!

Preston looked at her, his eyes filled with heartache for her, and said, "I’m sorry. I didn’t want to make you worry, but I want to see you get hurt even less. I even selfishly thought that if my getting injured makes you remember me a little more, and allows me to have a place in your heart, I would be very happy..."

He let out a faint sigh, as if trying to alleviate the excruciating pain. "Is it inappropriate that I’m still thinking about matters of the heart at a time like this?"

Chloe bit her lip. She stubbornly supported him, continuing to trudge forward. They absolutely could not stay here. As long as they kept looking, they would definitely find a way out.

Preston, however, continued speaking. "But... I really envy Mr. Grant. No matter how fiercely you two fight, as long as he swallows his pride and gets hurt, you look at him with such pity. Your heart aches for him..."

"Stop talking..." Chloe interrupted him. "Conserve your energy. We are leaving together."

Her voice had grown firmer. In such a critical situation, she had no mind to discuss matters of love. Surviving was the only thing that mattered right now!

Preston looked at her dirt-smudged yet exceptionally resolute face and smiled in gratification. "Chloe, you will be fine."

With that, he shoved her away and collapsed to the ground.