Two hours ago, the seawater poured in, engulfing Josieâs mouth and nose, reaching up to her head. She gave up struggling. Just when she thought she was about to lose her life there, a force came from beneath the water. It was a person!
The stranger was fully equipped and signaled to Josie that he was an ally. He took the lead in fitting her with another set of diving gear, then swam to the surface. He cut off the chain that was binding her and, holding onto her, began to swim downward.
Surprise flashed across Josieâs face as she gestured toward the stranger, demanding, âWho are you?â
The stranger gripped her hand tightly, swimming back the way they came. There were people waiting for them at the entrance, and they quickly made it ashore.
Well, that wasnât true. They were still in the ship, inside a secret room undiscovered by anyone.
After being rescued, Josie removed her diving gear, taking in deep breaths. It took her a while to recover before she finally asked, âWho are you? Why did you save me?â
The stranger also removed their gear, their face was resolute yet refined. âWe were assigned by Mr. Russell to infiltrate this ship undercover. Weâve received orders from above that neither you nor him can come to harm!â
They had been prepared all along. Josie closed her eyes briefly, uttering a word of thanks. âI truly thought I was going to die.â
She suddenly had a realization. It seemed that Dexter had merely been stalling before, providing ample time for rescue.
Although she was unharmed, she had been submerged in the water for far too long. She was completely drained of energy, her complexion pale as a sheet, and she couldnât even muster the strength to stand. âShould we leave now?â
The stranger responded, âWeâre awaiting orders.â
They were professionals who conducted a basic examination on Josie.
A tremor echoed from above, causing Josieâs heart to leap in fear. âDexter has been kidnapped! You must hurry and save him!â
They fell silent, repeating the same phrase, âWe must wait for orders.â
On the deck, Arnold slowly rose to his feet, picking up the megaphone in kind. âOld Mr. Olsen, I thought your health was failing. Yet, here you are, having traveled a great distance. Is it really worth coming out of retirement for the sake of those people in Wavery?â
Markâs expression was stern, but in reality, he was seething with anger. âDonât play dumb with me,â he said. âYouâve taken my daughter hostage twice. Itâs high time we settled this score. Just because Iâve been out of the picture, you thought she had no one to watch her back, didnât you?â
âI donât understand, Old Mr. Olsen.â Arnold leaned on the armrest, âWasnât your so-called daughter Rachel back then? You didnât acknowledge Josie, did you?â
That statement struck a chord in Markâs heart, leaving him unable to let go for a long time.
âNow you come to stop my ship, accusing me of kidnapping her. Do you have any proof?â
Such words of persuasion didnât faze Mark in the slightest. He scoffed, âArnold, youâre too naïve to play these games with me. If you donât hand over Josie today, this ship wonât be leaving the country, and youâll be staying with me!â
Mark had not easily involved himself in such grand affairs for many years, nor had he personally left his seclusion. Despite his body ailing with sickness, he took his place at the helm of the ship, all for the sake of Josieâs safety.
From the moment he received the news, only a few hours had passed. Yet, he had managed to gather so many people. Clearly, he was giving it his all.
The location was not far from Wavery, still under the control of the Olsen family. Taking down Arnold was entirely within their capabilities.
The expression on Arnoldâs face gradually turned serious. He had considered many possibilities, but he had never thought that Mark would interfere.
âOld Mr. Olsen, Josie isnât dead.â Arnold could only step back.
âThen hand her over!â Mark simply didnât believe any of it. âHave you truly forgotten Josieâs surname? Her last name isnât Warren but Olsen!â