Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 814 Lucas knew Nick's temper all too well. His phone kept ringing, but Nick had already switched it off, gripping the wheel and pressing on alone. Ahead, the road was about to enter a desolate stretch. Lucas had few men to spare, and even if the other party wasn't deliberately leading them into a trap, he wasn't willing to risk it without certainty. Nick understood. Lucas, though a friend, had to prioritize his subordinates. So halfway through, Nick made Lucas's team pull over and leave by the roadside. He had to go alone on this trip. Fire, blades, or traps-none of it mattered.

As long as Khloe was in danger, he wouldn't gamble on "what if." Over an hour later, exhaustion began to set in. Nick bit down hard on his palm until the metallic taste of blood filled his mouth. The sharp pain quelled the uncontrollable tremors shaking his body. Suddenly, the vehicle ahead disappeared into a narrow dirt trail. Nick accelerated, following swiftly. But in the next moment, the path ended abruptly. Before him stood an abandoned earthen building, looming in the black night. ---- A blinding light shot through his car window. Instinctively, he raised an arm to shield his face.

Moments later, someone stepped in front of the car. The glare was searing. Nick squinted, adjusting, until he could make out several men standing there-ordinary clothes, sturdy builds, faces obscured. No visible weapons, but each one was armored and unreadable. He drew a deep breath, swallowing the rising dizziness and discomfort clawing from within, then pushed the car door open and strode forward to meet them. The mountain wind cut cold across his pale cheeks, but his posture remained unwavering, exuding strength and control.

Even the men in front of him hesitated at the sight of a lone man moving forward without fear. "She's here?" Nick's voice was low, sharp. 1 The man in front laughed. "She? Who? Do we even know each other?" "Khloe. Where is she?" Nick repeated, quieter but no less commanding It was obvious-they had lured him here intentionally. He seized the collar of the nearest man, voice steady but heavy ---- with authority. "Do whatever you want, but take me to her." The man in front stared for a long moment, then motioned to his companions.

Two stepped forward, confiscating Nick's phone and checking him for anything else. Once satisfied, they bound his arms behind his back. Nick went along with it calmly. Yet the oppressive force radiating from him unnerved the men handling him, and it took them an agonizing while to finish. Satisfied, the lead man gestured toward the blackened doorway of the earthen building. Inside, the ruin was worse than it appeared outside. Dust and mildew filled the air. Only one room deep on the first floor emitted a faint, flickering light through a gap in the door. The guides stopped, stepping aside.

Nick didn't hesitate and stepped in first. The dim room was empty. The instant he realized it, a chill ran down his neck-a sharp blade pressed against his throat. "The person you want to see is already dead. If you want to see her, you'll die with her," a cold voice said from behind. Nick tilted his eyes slightly. "Is that so? Then kill me. She's gone; ---- living on has no meaning." He didn't struggle. He even tilted his head back slightly, giving the blade a more precise angle against his throat. The man behind him paused, then let out a bitter laugh.

"I've seen many who pretend to be brave... but | have to admit, | respect your courage."