the sharp edges of his temper. Beside him was his daughter, Charlotte, a 24-year-old dressed casually in a hoodie and joggers. They were on their way back to the Morgan estate aft

She knew better than to argue when her father was in this kind of mood. Arthur exhaled shakily, his voice softening just slightly. "This isn't a game, Charlotte. You're not a child anymore. You're going to play a critical role in keeping yourself, me, your brothers-this entire family-alive. You need to start paying attention." Without another word, Arthur leaned across her, pressed the button to lower the window, and flung her phone out of the car. It sailed over the edge of the bridge they were crossing, disappearing into the river below. "Dad!" Charlotte shouted, her voice breaking. Arthur ignored her. "You'll thank me later," he muttered, sitting back in his seat. Unbeknownst to him, however, his impulsive act had just opened a window-literally-for the black Mercury Marauder that had been tailing them for the past two days. The open window gave the men in the car behind them a clear view of Arthur and Charlotte. They had been waiting for this moment. Meanwhile, inside the car, Arthur was still talking. His words were softer now, more measured-but no less heavy. "Please, Charlotte," he started once more, his voice nearly begging. "I understand this is overwhelming, but you need to comprehend." This is greater than either you or me. It's concerning survival. I didn't desire this for you. I tried to protect you for as long as I could." Charlotte's voice trembled as she finally spoke. "You promised me, Dad. You promised I'd never have to be involved in this life." Arthur's face softened, and he pulled her into an embrace. "I know, mein Engel. I know. And I'm sorry for breaking that promise. But this... this is the only way." Tears gathered in Charlotte's eyes, overflowing as she pressed her face into her father's chest. "I sense that I'm being exchanged," she murmured between her tears. Arthur's jaw clenched, the reality of her words piercing him profoundly. It was an exchange. He had no choice but to sacrifice her freedom to guarantee the safety of their family. "I'm sorry, my love," he murmured, stroking her hair. "Rest assured: no matter what happens, I will always stand by your side." However, it was a vow Arthur wouldn't survive long enough to fulfill. As he held Charlotte close, he glanced out the open window. That's when he saw it-the black Mercury Marauder pulling up beside them. Arthur's instincts kicked in immediately. He shoved Charlotte down, pinning her to the seat to shield her from what was about to happen. "Stay down!" he barked. It was already too late. The Marauder's window opened, and a gunman in a mask displayed an AK-47. The gun was fired, unleashing a barrage of bullets that broke the open window of the Range Rover. Arthur winced as the bullets struck him, his body convulsing with every impact. Charlotte yelled, her voice raspy with terror, as her father's blood splattered on her face and clothing. The Rang