Chapter 9

Gunshots echoed through the secret passage. Jiang Zhinan closed her eyes in terror, waiting for death to come. Yet, the anticipated pain never came. She slowly opened her eyes to see Jiang Xingzhi standing in front of her, blocking her. Lin Wei’s pistol had fallen to the ground, and she was collapsed beside it, sweat beads dotting her forehead, her face twisted in pain. It turned out that Jiang Xingzhi had pulled the trigger at the critical moment, shooting Lin Wei’s gun-holding arm.

“If you dare touch her, you’re as good as dead.” Jiang Xingzhi’s voice was icy cold, like a winter’s chill wind, devoid of any warmth. He quickly took out his phone and ordered through the earpiece, “Clear this place out completely. Leave no trace.” Then he turned and tightly embraced Jiang Zhinan, as if trying to merge her into his body.

Jiang Zhinan leaned against Jiang Xingzhi’s chest, listening to his rapid heartbeat, feeling a complicated mix of emotions. She knew Jiang Xingzhi acted to protect her, but it also made her realize more clearly that under his control, she had no chance of escape.

“Xingzhi, please let me go,” Jiang Zhinan pleaded softly, her voice choking with emotion. “I don’t want to live like this anymore. We both need to be free.”

Jiang Xingzhi stiffened, then hugged her tighter. “Impossible. Zhinan, you’re mine. Don’t ever think of leaving me in this lifetime.” His tone was firm and domineering, leaving no room for argument. “If anyone dares take you away from me, I will make them pay a heavy price.”

Despair washed over Jiang Zhinan’s heart; tears spilled uncontrollably. She touched her belly, thinking of the child inside, the future shrouded in darkness. Jiang Xingzhi noticed her movement and his gaze softened. He gently covered her hand with his own: “Zhinan, don’t be afraid. I’m here. I will protect you and the baby.”

Back at the villa, Jiang Xingzhi intensified his surveillance over Jiang Zhinan. Every move she made was under his watchful eye, with bodyguards constantly nearby. Jiang Zhinan tried to escape again, but Jiang Xingzhi always saw through it easily. Her resistance only led to harsher punishments.

Days passed, and Jiang Zhinan’s belly gradually grew, making movement increasingly difficult. Every day she thought about how to break free from this cage but found no opportunity. Just when she was about to give up, an unexpected person appeared — Jiang Xingzhi’s mother, Su Yue.

Su Yue was a mysterious woman whom Jiang Zhinan rarely saw. Her arrival brought an unusually oppressive atmosphere to the villa. Jiang Xingzhi was extremely wary of his mother’s presence, as if she were a dangerous enemy.

“What are you here for?” Jiang Xingzhi asked coldly, his eyes full of suspicion.

Su Yue looked at her son with a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. “I’m here to take Zhinan away.” Her voice was calm but carried an irresistible force. “You can’t keep going like this, Xingzhi. You’re only going to ruin her—and yourself.”

Furious, Jiang Xingzhi sneered, “Take her away? Only if I’m dead.” He gripped Jiang Zhinan’s hand tightly, as if afraid Su Yue would snatch her away.

Su Yue sighed softly. “Do you think I don’t know what you’ve done? Faking the paternity test, imprisoning Zhinan — you’ve lost yourself.” She looked at Jiang Zhinan with pity. “Child, come with me. I will help you get free from him.”

Jiang Zhinan felt a stirring inside, about to speak, but was cut off by Jiang Xingzhi: “Shut up! No one is taking her away.” His eyes revealed madness and obsession. “Mom, you better not interfere, or else…”

Su Yue looked at her son, full of disappointment. “Xingzhi, you’re beyond saving.” Then she turned to Jiang Zhinan softly, “Child, wait for my message. I will definitely rescue you.” With that, she left, leaving Jiang Xingzhi and Jiang Zhinan standing there.

Jiang Xingzhi held Jiang Zhinan tightly, as if wanting to hide her away. “Zhinan, don’t trust her. No one can separate us.” His voice trembled slightly. “I only have you. If you leave me, I won’t be able to live.”

Jiang Zhinan leaned into his embrace, but a flicker of hope ignited in her heart. She knew Su Yue’s appearance might be her only chance to escape. She had to seize this opportunity to fight for freedom for herself and the child.