585: [Bonus chapter] Please. Keep everyone safe.

[Bonus chapter] Please. Keep everyone safe.

Meanwhile…1

Ivy's hand shook as she glanced at the masked man coming in her direction. Right now, everyone was formed in a beeline, waiting for their turns to leave the venue. Since there were a lot of people in the place, it was taking time for everyone. Adding to that was that these masked men were confiscating their devices and keys, anything that could give them opportunities to call for the authorities.

"Phone and keys."

She flinched a little as the masked man reached where she stood. He was holding a big storage box that contained everyone's valuables. She reluctantly placed her small purse inside.

"My keys are in it," she said, but the man just looked at her coldly. 

"Open it."

Ivy bit her bottom lips. These men were truly meticulous. It was one of the reasons for the delay. There were at least a few hundred — or thousands of employees who attended tonight's event. Yet, these men didn't care about that. Understandable. They weren't on the receiving end, after all. 

"Fine," she whispered as she placed her hand inside the storage box again, picking up her small glittery purse. She opened it and turned it upside down, letting her keys, lipsticks, compact press, and phone fall in it. 

"Happy now?"

The man simply glanced at the things that fell in the storage box before lifting his gaze to her. He didn't say anything despite the sarcasm in her tone but rather went on his way to collect the next person's valuable things. 

Ivy looked over her shoulder and the person next to her also opened her purse for the man to see. Unlike her, the person behind her didn't make a fuss. If anything, all Ivy could hear was her sniffling, as if she simply wanted to go home.

How did this auspicious occasion turn out like this?"

Ivy looked away from the person behind her and gazed down. She always mentioned how paranoid Dominic was, especially after knowing that device Heaven used to carry around during her pregnancy. But now, she wished Dominic had been more careful. 

Just who are these people? What did they want? Why were they targeting Dominic? And was it true that Axel was that man in those photos? Why was Tiger on the list of exceptions? Did that man run his awful mouth again and offend dangerous people? 

Myriads of unanswered questions hovered over her head, and Ivy didn't know which one was the most important question. All she knew was that as long as they were in this place, they were not safe. 

'Please…' Ivy bit her bottom lips even stronger, turning her head around to search for someone. People were lined up toward the exit, and she couldn't see properly. Thanks to her high heels, she could see past everyone's head if she stood on her toes. She checked if Tiger was still in the same spot where she left him. 

That man just pushed her away, and those masked men dragged her. After all, she wasn't on the list of exceptions, and she wasn't stupid enough to stay. Ivy also wanted to get out of this place unscathed, just like the majority of the people. However, she couldn't get rid of her worries about that frivolous man named Tiger.

'He's still there.' Somehow, Ivy couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief. It was short-lived though, as she realized that the man was still in great danger. 

Tiger might appear relaxed while burning his lungs with cigarettes. However, the masked men surrounding him were still holding guns. They never put down those weapons, even when they already had the upper hand. 

"That fool…" Ivy ground her teeth in irritation. "How can he be so relaxed?"

For sure, Tiger was skilled enough to be the head of security. Although Ivy had no idea just how skilled the man was, she was certain that against multiple people, Tiger wouldn't have a chance. Unless he was lucky.

'Can't he really let go of his arrogance?' she clicked her tongue while glaring daggers at him. But her grim expression slowly faded as she pressed her lips into a thin line. 'But then again, if he does anything, it might put everyone in danger.'

Since this situation unfolded, no shots were fired. It was the reason everyone remained tame. But she was certain if shots were fired, it would create a stampede. Everyone would just run to save their skins. Ivy couldn't confidently say she wouldn't run as well. 

'God.'A thin layer of tears coated her eyes until they looked shiny. 'Please. Keep everyone safe.'

Just as Ivy's prayers resonated in her mind, she caught a few people being ushered to where Tiger stood. Shifting her eyes, she immediately caught Dane in the small group of people. Now, not only Tiger was surrounded, but an entire group was with him. The masked men with their guns aimed at the small group also doubled. 

Seeing what was happening, Ivy could see how the crowd looked away with horror and guilt in their hearts. Dominic negotiated and everyone heard everything. In exchange for their lives, Dominic, along with a few men the voice named, would be staying in this place. They didn't need to guess what might happen once everyone was out. 

It was obvious. It would be a massacre. 

Although they were glad there was a chance they would come out of this place alive, they weren't so inhumane as not to owe those men for their sacrifice. However, they could only look away while squashing down the fear and guilt in their hearts. 

'You fool…'A tear rolled down Ivy's cheek, eyes on Dane standing beside Tiger. Usually, those two would banter due to Tiger's indecency. But now, Dane only carried a grim expression with his eyes cast down. Meanwhile, Tiger puffed smoke in the air before dropping the cigarette on the tiled floor, only to step on it to put out the fire. 

'I will not forgive you if you don't have any plans on emerging from this disaster alive.' Ivy looked away as the line started moving, taking little steps so as not to push the person in front of her. 'We still have a lot of things to settle, Mr. Zhang. That Tiger too. I won't forgive him if he dies. I still have to pay back that suit I ruined.'

Although the chances were low, Ivy wanted to hold on to the little hope they might survive. They have to. Dane must think of a way because he was smart and Tiger was the head of security. The latter should be capable enough, right?

The night was full of uncertainty and fear, but she was hopeful. That once the sun rolled in, a happy ending awaited all of them. 

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