Billionaire's Match

Chapter 679

Khloe lifted her head and met Nick's eyes. The tension in his expression was palpable, but beneath it lay unwavering trust and encouragement. In that instant, courage ignited within her. She drew a deep breath, and each step forward was deliberate and unhesitating.

When she had crossed just over halfway, Nick could no longer restrain himself. He leaned forward and grabbed the rope, even though it might pull him into danger as well. His arm muscles coiled like steel, veins standing out at his temple.

His eyes never blinked as he focused entirely on her, inching her forward with painstaking care, refusing to allow a single misstep. As she neared the last few steps, Khloe closed her eyes and leapt toward him. Nick flinched but reacted instantly, catching her safely.

Arista, behind them, also helped steady him. The short span of barely two meters felt like a journey across another world. Nick held her tightly, his heartbeat hammering in his chest.

"It's okay... it's okay..." he murmured against her ear, unsure if he was. soothing her or himself.

instinctively, she freed herself from his embrace and once again placed a hand protectively over her belly. Lenny followed right behind her. The

quickened his pace, while Nick

Arista from the balcony toward the room

chose the stairs,

Khloe, and Lenny supported Arista, their steps light and swift. By the tenth floor, faint footsteps from below echoed upward

a cramped, cluttered back area with dim lighting and stacked supplies. A wave of nausea suddenly surged from Khloe's belly. Her body rebelled, and she pressed forward harder, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Nick noticed her

"You okay?"

her teeth and shook

at a secluded loading area with a few narrow paths. Nick was about to contact rescue when a gunshot rang sharply from behind. Instinctively,