Stephen’s expression turned serious as he replied, “I’ve brought back two teams of mercenaries from overseas who have gone through stricter training than the mercenaries at James’ military base. With them protecting you and your family, James’ people won’t be able to hurt you again.”

Tessa froze. “Mercenaries?”

“Yeah.” Stephen pressed his thin lips together as a flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes. “I miscalculated before and didn’t protect you and your family. Tess, I promise you, nothing like this will ever happen again. I’ll keep you safe.”

Tessa lowered her eyes with mixed emotions.

She had wanted to throw a few sarcastic remarks at him, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything. She remembered that day when he had risked his life to meet James alone to save her. The mockery that had been on the tip of her tongue dissolved into silence.

Seeing her say nothing, he assumed she didn’t believe him. His throat tightened, and bitterness welled up inside him.

They soon arrived at Stephen’s base.

It was Julian Spencer who had brought Seline back.

He was the chief commander of Stephen’s private forces in Alverton. At his level, it was rare for him to personally take part in missions. Typically, he delegated tasks to his subordinates. Only missions of the highest importance and secrecy warranted his direct involvement.

In all his years working for Stephen, he had never encountered a mission involving the rescue of a little girl.

When he first received the order, he was stunned.

He even asked for confirmation to ensure he hadn’t misheard. After receiving Stephen’s firm word, he still found it hard to believe.

James was a dominant force in Arcton, where firearms were legal. This made operations there far more convenient than in Orkford.

Rescuing a little girl wasn’t a difficult task. Julian could’ve simply assigned a reliable subordinate as commander, accompanied by a few mercenaries, and the mission would’ve been easily handled. There was no need for someone of his rank to step in.

But despite his doubts, he had always obeyed Stephen’s orders without question. Since Stephen had given the command, he could only comply.

Although James’ men weren’t as formidable as those in Alverton, they still weren’t to be underestimated.

Five of Julian’s men were injured during the mission, with three of them suffering serious injuries. Fortunately, they had brought a top-tier medical team along, and the wounded received immediate care aboard the helicopter.

The helicopter flight from Ashbourne, Arcton, to the base in Rivertown, Orkford, took nearly seven hours.

When they rescued Seline, she was unconscious.

The accompanying doctor performed a quick examination and found that she had passed out from hunger.

After they administered her with a glucose injection, she regained consciousness shortly after the helicopter took off.

She was terrified. She curled up in her seat, trembling with her arms wrapped around her knees. Her small face was deathly pale, and her wide, doe-like eyes brimmed with fear.

A ruggedly handsome teenage boy among Julian’s men glanced at Seline curiously before turning to Julian. “Boss, who is this little girl? She must be pretty important if you had to come and rescue her yourself.”

Julian shook his head. “I don’t know either. Mr. Jacobson didn’t say.”

The boy’s name was Lorenzo Sinclair. He was one of the mercenaries who had participated in the rescue mission.

Despite being only 17, he had

undergone nine years of

professional training. He had never

failed a mission and was more

skilled than many veteran soldiers,

ranking among the top three

mercenaries under Julian’s command.

Lorenzo’s arm had been hit by a bullet. The white bandage wrapped around the wound was soaked with

blood, staining it a vivid crime with

Yet, heshowed no sign of complaint. He merely smiled as he said, “Then, she must be someone very important to Mr. Jacobson.”

When he smiled, his tough features softened with a hint of warmth.

Seline looked up at him, and the fear in her eyes faded slightly.

She recognized him. He was the one who had rescued her from that dark

dungeon. His arm had been injured while saving her.

Seeing how timid she was, Lorenzo felt a pang of pity. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a fruit candy, holding it out to her. “Hey miss, do you want some candy?”

He had a habit of eating candy

whenever he felt nervous or needed to stay highly focused. It helped him remain calm and

composed-something he had

gotten used to as a child and had

never grown out of.

Seline shrank into the corner, her bloodless lips pressed together as she stared at the candy in his dirt-streaked hand.

After hesitating for a moment, she timidly reached out and took the candy from his palm. In a soft voice, she said, “Thank you.”

“Well, you sure are polite,” Lorenzo said with a grin.

Another teammate teased him, “Who would’ve thought you had such a gentle side?”

Lorenzo gazed at Seline, his eyes softening as if he were seeing someone else through her. “She reminds me of my sister… I promised to bring her candy when I got back…”

The teammate stiffened slightly, guilt flashing through his eyes. “I’m sorry…”

Lorenzo shook his head. “It’s fine.”

By the time Tessa and Stephen arrived at the base, the helicopter had only

recently landed on the tarmac.

Seline had been brought inside for a meal.

Tessa rushed forward, and the moment she saw Seline, her legs nearly gave out

beneath her.

Stephen quickly caught her.

Tears streamed down Tessa’s face as she sobbed uncontrollably. “Seline…”

Sitting at the dining table, Seline heard Tessa’s voice and immediately turned her

head. Her eyes welled up with tears as well. “Tessa!”

Tessa hurried over to Seline’s side and pulled her into a tight embrace. She murmured while crying, “Thank goodness… You’re finally back… It’s alright now… Everything’s alright…”

Nestled in Seline’s arms, Seline started with soft sniffles that quickly escalated into loud wails.

Stephen watched the reunion momentarily before exchanging a glance with Julian and quietly stepping outside.

Julian motioned for Lorenzo and the others to follow him, leaving the two sisters

alone.