Chapter 343 Cooperation
Emma pretended to glance frantically at the windowsill below, while Joseph turned slightly, sneaking a look downwards. He saw Ethan inflating the safety cushion.
Unfortunately, Joseph's movements were too subtle. If he had leaned out further, George inside the room could have kicked him out of the window.
The cushion was fully inflated now, ensuring that anyone landing on it wouldn't be seriously hurt.
Moreover, Lucas and Seraphine were just kids, light enough to have an even lower risk of injury. Once Joseph hit the ground and was separated from the children, they could all rush in and subdue him.
But Joseph's vigilance was unexpectedly high.
Not only did George miss the chance to control Joseph, but Joseph also saw through their plan.
"So that's your game? Clever, Emma. I underestimated you. To make sure your plan fails, I'll stab your kids first, then throw them out!"
Joseph's lips curled into a cruel smile. He slowly drew a sharp knife from his waist, the blade glinting coldly in the dim light. He gently pressed the knife against Seraphine's cheek, tracing it slowly.
"No, no, Mom, help me!" Seraphine tried to back away, but the high windowsill behind her left her no room to move. She clung to the window frame, trembling.
Lucas didn't dare move either, but he still tried to protect Seraphine. "Don't you dare hurt Seraphine! If you have the guts, come at me!"
"You're quite brave." Joseph said, pressing the knife slightly harder, leaving a shallow cut on Lucas's cheek.
Lucas gritted his teeth, not making a sound of pain, staring defiantly at Joseph.
Joseph hated that unyielding look and thought about blinding Lucas.
George stood a short distance away, fury blazing in his eyes as he watched.
"Joseph, if you hurt them again, I'll make you wish you were dead."
"Wish I were dead? George, why don't you try and see who's faster, you or me?"
With that, Joseph pressed the knife against Seraphine's cheek again, drawing a thin line of blood. Seraphine's tears flowed instantly, her cries filled with despair. "Mom, Mom, I'm so scared."
George didn't dare act rashly. They were all by the window. One wrong move from Joseph, and the kids could fall!
Even though he had snipers in place, they couldn't fire without risking the children's safety.
A few minutes earlier, Mia had rushed to the rooftop, panting. She quickly assessed the surroundings, ensuring it was safe, then deftly tied a safety rope to a sturdy railing. She was grateful for her years of rock climbing experience, which were now being put to use in a rescue.
She gripped the rope tightly, lowering herself slowly.
Moving with the grace and caution of a silent cat, she was careful not to alert Joseph inside. Emma stood outside the building, her eyes fixed on Mia's slow descent.
Inside, Joseph was losing patience. "Emma, quit stalling! I'm running out of patience here."
Emma's heart sank. Mia was in action; she needed to buy her time.
Her eyes flicked to George on the big screen, a complex emotion flashing through them. She then shouted, "George, they're your kids too! You choose! Which one stays, you decide!"
George was stunned but quickly realized Emma's love for both children. She must have a reason for saying this. He played along, retorting, "Emma, what are you talking about? How could I choose? I get it, you're just trying to shirk responsibility! So you won't feel guilty, right?"
Joseph heard George's words, sensing something was off but not knowing George well enough to understand. He assumed George was just angrily blaming Emma. He turned to look inside, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "How amusing! A couple passing the buck. Seems your relationship isn't that strong after all!"
Mia had descended to the floor above Joseph. She carefully adjusted her position, ensuring she wouldn't be seen. Holding a small mirror, she used it to watch Joseph's every move.
Joseph's attention was fully on Emma and George's argument, his back to the window, oblivious to Mia's presence.
The perfect moment had arrived.
Mia dropped swiftly, her feet slamming into Joseph's back. Caught off guard, Joseph fell heavily to the ground, his knife flying from his hand.
Mia quickly grabbed two kids from the windowsill, holding them close as she moved them to safety.
They clung to Mia, their eyes wide with fear and trust.
"Mia, I'm so scared," Seraphine whispered.
Mia gently patted their backs. "It's okay, kids. We're safe now."
Joseph struggled to his feet. "How dare you trick me!" He lunged at Mia, trying to reclaim two kids.
But George was already there, landing a punch to Joseph's belly. Joseph grunted, stumbling back but quickly lunging again.
The twelve guards moved in, swiftly subduing Joseph and Phoenix.
Joseph struggled, furious. "George! You ruined everything! I'll never forgive you!"
George looked at him coldly. "Joseph, you brought this on yourself."
Downstairs, Emma saw Lucas and Seraphine were safe. Overcome with emotion, she rushed inside, running to her children. She hugged them tightly. "Lucas, Seraphine, I'm here. It's okay, it's okay."
They clung to Emma, their small bodies still trembling, but their faces showing relief.
Seraphine, tears streaming down her face, said, "Mom, I was so scared. I thought I'd never see you again."
Lucas, trying to be strong, had tears in his eyes too. "Mom, we're okay now. Don't cry."
"I'm sorry I didn't protect you. I'll never let anything happen to you again."
George stood nearby, watching with a mix of emotions. He stepped forward, gently embracing Emma and the children.
"Emma, kids, we're safe now. It's all over."
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