Chapter 106
"No matter what, I'm sticking with you," John said, his voice full of meaning. He didn't need to spell it out; his loyalty was obvious.
"We'll try to avoid any sacrifices, but be ready. Once we land, don't get off the plane right away. There are armed men on the ground. When we touch down, they'll come up. John, be ready for a fight," Nathan instructed calmly.
"Got it, Mr. Kennedy."
"Thanks, everyone. Get ready for landing."
The crowd on the ground cheered when they saw the helicopter overhead. "Someone's here to save us!"
But then, the helicopter circled back and hovered, leaving everyone confused.
"Mommy, where are they taking us?" Sophie asked softly, snuggling up to Caroline.
The journey had worn everyone out, both adults and kids.
"I don't know," Caroline admitted.
"Will Daddy find us?" Sophie asked again.
Caroline didn't know what to say, but Ryan answered for her. "He will."
"Really?" Sophie brightened up immediately.
"Yes," Ryan said firmly, clearly believing rescue was near.
"When will Daddy come to save us?" Sophie continued.
"Not Daddy, it's Nathan," Ryan corrected.
Caroline was surprised by Ryan's faith in Nathan.
"Why?" Sophie was puzzled.
"Because he's stronger," Ryan said simply, his trust evident.
In such a tough situation, a stronger person was indeed needed.
"Daddy is strong too," Sophie argued, thinking of Nick, who was more approachable and easygoing. She liked Nick better.
Ryan didn't respond.
Just then, the wind picked up, and the helicopter, with a roar, began to land slowly.
The kidnappers cheered immediately.
Caroline's heart sank. If they were taken away by the kidnappers, the consequences would be dire.
Even if Nathan did come, it would be very hard for him to find them.
The helicopter's landing was rough; it hit the ground with a loud thud, but luckily, it didn't explode or catch fire.
After the helicopter stopped, no one came out.
The kidnappers started packing up, getting ready to board.
"Move! Hurry up!" one of the kidnappers barked at Caroline.
"Where are we going?" Caroline asked.
"You'll know when we get there. Stop talking."
Helpless, Caroline got up, holding a child in each hand, and walked towards the helicopter.
Suddenly, the door flew open, and Nathan leaped out, tackling the lead kidnapper.
In an instant, Nathan overpowered the kidnapper and took his weapon.
Caroline quickly crouched down, shielding Ryan and Sophie.
The scene was chaotic, and Caroline was terrified for the kids' safety.
"Demi, Ryan! Sophie!" Caroline heard that usually cold but now incredibly warm voice.
"Nathan?" Sophie and Ryan said together.
"We're here!" Sophie shouted.
Nathan heard the reply, a faint scent of orange blossoms in the air. He felt relieved, knowing she was safe.
"Ryan?" Nathan called out.
"Nathan, we're here!" Ryan wanted to rush forward but was held back by Caroline.
Nathan quickly arrived, kneeling down to hug Ryan and Sophie tightly.
"You guys okay?" Nathan asked, concern in his eyes.
"We're fine, Nathan. I knew you'd come to save us," Sophie said confidently.
"How'd you know that?" Nathan was curious.
"Because you're stronger," Sophie repeated Ryan's words without hesitation.
"Stronger? Stronger than who?" Nathan was puzzled.
"You're stronger, more handsome, and more capable than Daddy," Sophie said, showering him with praise.
"Don't compare me to your dad. Who taught you to say that?" Nathan looked at Caroline, his eyes questioning.
Caroline felt a bit nervous, thinking it wasn't her who said it; she couldn't say such cheesy things!
"Mommy taught me," Sophie blurted out.
Caroline sighed inwardly. "I did not!" she quickly defended herself. "Sophie, what are you talking about?"
Sophie just hugged Nathan's neck and giggled.
Nathan fell silent, surprised to learn he meant so much to her. So why did she always oppose him? Was it to assert her independence or to make herself known?
"Mr. Kennedy, the hostages are safe, but the plane's badly damaged and can't take off right away. It might take until tomorrow to fix," John reported.
"Everyone stay alert; there could be more enemies."
Before Nathan could finish speaking, two helicopters, lights blazing, roared towards them.
"Everyone, be on guard and get ready for a fight," John ordered.
"Roger!"
"Come this way." Nathan picked up Ryan and Sophie and ran in another direction, with Caroline following closely behind.
"You take care of the kids; I'll go help," Nathan said.
"Be careful!" Caroline couldn't help but remind him.
Nathan paused slightly, then jogged to join the fight.
In the air, the two helicopters began to circle, seemingly about to land.
But when the lights shone on Nathan's helicopter, they suddenly ascended.
With a loud bang, the ground seemed to tremble, and dust flew up.
Caroline held Ryan and Sophie tightly, shielding them from any panic.
The helicopters had dropped bombs!
"Mr. Kennedy, are you okay?" John called out anxiously through the smoke.
"I'm fine. What about the others?" Nathan responded calmly.
"Thanks to the precautions, no one should be seriously injured," John replied.
After dropping the bombs, the two helicopters quickly retreated. Their target was clearly Nathan's helicopter. Mission accomplished, they naturally withdrew.
Ryan and Sophie, still in shock, clung tightly to Caroline.
"Don't be afraid, Mommy's here," Caroline comforted the children, though her voice trembled slightly.
She thought scenes like this only happened in TV dramas, never imagining she'd experience one herself—so shocking and dangerous!
Nathan jogged over, confirming that they were safe, and then calmed down. "It's over."
Caroline noticed Nathan's quickened breathing. Though he tried to calm down, her keen senses picked up on it.
He had rushed over immediately, and a strange warmth filled her heart. Even though she knew it was for Ryan and Sophie and not for her, she was still deeply moved.
"Ryan, Sophie, come here." Nathan picked up Sophie.
Ryan obediently walked to Nathan's side and softly called his name.
Nathan hugged Ryan. "Were you scared?"