With her father under investigation, Josephine lost her usefulness. Josie disappeared, leaving Arnold with only one card left to play â Wayne and the ship.
Mark advanced, but Arnold raised his gun toward him. âMy shipâs sniper isnât just for show. Are you really not afraid?â
âKid,â Mark began, his eyes narrowing with a sense of nostalgia. âWhen I was your age, Iâve been through situations far more perilous than this. And yet, I survived. What Iâm facing now is childâs play in comparison.â As he spoke, his gaze subtly shifted toward the corner window, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes.
Although he had aged, his eyesight remained sharp, allowing him to gaze into a pair of eyes that mirrored his own.
The two of them exchanged glances from afar.
Josie had noticed it too, her pupils suddenly constricting. She shook her head at him, her meaning clear, âItâs too dangerous! You all need to leave!â
Despite his surprise, Mark managed to keep his composure, revealing only a slight smile and a barely perceptible shake of his head.
In a moment of distraction, no one noticed the ruthless glint that flashed across Arnoldâs eyes. He aimed his gun directly at the mast of Markâs ship and fired. The boat rocked violently, startling everyone. Without wasting a second, they shielded Mark behind them.
Dexter was the first to react. With a single push of his hand, he leaped off the side of the boat, clutching the wobbly, mysterious rod as he jumped onto Markâs main ship. Without hesitation, he snatched the gun from the bodyguardâs hand, aiming it directly at Arnold.
âYou dare pull the trigger?â Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, his nerves taut with tension.
Arnold was equally unyielding. âStep aside if you donât want to die.â
Dexter merely lifted his wrist. âAlmost ten minutes have passed. Mr. Dalton hasnât given you any instructions yet?â
Thus, Dexter wasnât the only one who was on edge.
Markâs brows furrowed in worry. He hadnât expected that Dexter would risk his life for him. In the past, Dexter was always the one who weighed the pros and cons the best!
âStep aside. The people I brought is more than capable of standing up to him,â said Mark.
Dexter didnât listen. Abruptly, he raised his hand, striking directly at the sniper hidden at the bow of the opposing boat. The manâs position was concealed, never expecting to be discovered by Dexter. Caught off guard and in pain, he tumbled over.
âDoesnât mean Iâll let you fight with an outlaw,â Dexter said. As he finished his sentence, he fired another shot, shattering Arnoldâs mast.
Arnold slowly curled his lips, observing the situation. He no longer held back and decisively gave the command, âFire!â
In a moment, the sound of gunfire was relentless, all caution thrown to the wind.
Josie was taken aback, watching everything unfold in disbelief.
Mark was shielded beneath Dexter, unharmed.
âNow the fight has begun, Arnold stood no chance of winning.â The two individuals behind Josie slipped a bulletproof vest onto her. âWe need to move quickly, Ms. Warren. Your safety is our top priority!â
Josie shook her head without moving, looking outside. âWill Dexter and the Olsen family be held accountable afterward?â
âNo, this isnât international waters.â Thus, Mark was allowed to act.
Josie wasnât wearing a bulletproof vest. She took it off and said, âYou guys wear it. You all have families to care for. I canât put you in harmâs way!â
âMs. Warren!â Despite their reluctance, they had no choice but to leave, as they had other responsibilities to attend to.
Josie spared them the discomfort. âIâll go out with you all.â
The original plan was to escape with Josie on a lifeboat. However, as they emerged, Josie looked up just in time to see Dexter shielding Mark. At the same moment, a bullet from Arnold was fired directly at Dexterâs leg.
âDexter!â Josie couldnât help but exclaim.
It was at that very moment Dexter successfully dodged the bullet. However, the bad news was, Arnold discovered the presence of Josie.
Several men turned around simultaneously, their gazes filled with complexity.