Chapter One Hundred & Fifteen

A surge of fear coursed through her veins, realizing the gravity of her foolish choice.

As Emma stepped on the gas, she came to a sudden realization that it was too late. A loud bang rang out as a bullet tore through her tire, causing the car to screech to an abrupt halt. She jerked forward, narrowly avoiding hitting her head.

Glancing at the side mirror, she saw a hooded figure approaching her. Panic seized her, knowing she had to act quickly.

Emma's hands trembled as she struggled with her seat belt, finally releasing it with a metallic click. She flung open the door and rolled out, hitting the hard pavement with a thud. Pain shot through her shoulder, but she could barely focus over the sound of another gunshot.

"Come out, Emma. You were warned, but you chose not to listen," the hooded man's voice was calm, almost taunting. Emma bit her lip, flattening herself against the ground, her breaths shallow and rapid. She could feel the coarse asphalt beneath her palms, the cool air pi