Connor turned away from Iris as he stood in front of the counter, his chest rising and falling with frustration as he tried to process what was happening. “I’m sorry,” Connor said slowly, his voice controlled but clearly strained, “but I don’t think you understand what you’re saying. You’re telling me that every single flight in this country has been stopped… just like that?” he said again.The flight attendant shifted slightly where she stood, her fingers tightening around the edge of the desk as she forced herself to remain calm under his intense gaze.“Sir,” she replied carefully, “I understand that this is frustrating, but I am only telling you what we have been instructed. All flights—both incoming and outgoing—have been suspended until further notice.” she repeated.Connor let out a short, disbelieving laugh as he ran his hand through his hair.“That doesn’t make any sense,” he said, his voice rising slightly. “How can one person just decide to shut down an entire country’s air

Connor moved quickly through the thick forest his grip tight around Iris’s hand as he pulled her along. His breathing was heavy, but his eyes remained sharp and focused. “Hurry up, Iris,” Connor continued saying as he pulled Iris, glancing back over his shoulder. “We cannot afford to slow down now.”“I am trying,” Iris replied, her voice strained as she struggled to keep up with his pace. “You are walking too fast. I can barely feel my legs anymore.”“You have to keep moving,” Connor insisted. “If we stop now, they will catch up with us. I am not going to let that happen.”Iris swallowed hard and nodded, forcing herself to move faster despite the exhaustion weighing down her body.“Do you still think they are behind us?” she asked nervously.Connor did not answer immediately. He listened carefully, his senses stretched thin. “I do not know,” he finally said. “But I am not willing to take that chance.”They continued pushing forward until suddenly the dense bushes began to thin out.

The line remained silent for a few seconds after John Parker's last statement, Finally, he spoke again, his tone calm, “Let us be reasonable for a moment, John,” Li Feng said in a composed voice. “From a business standpoint, my responsibility ended the moment the transaction was completed. I delivered Iris to you, and you paid in full. That is where my obligation stops.”On the other end of the call, John Parker’s breathing grew heavier, a clear sign that his anger had not subsided.Li Feng continued without hesitation. “At that point, she was no longer under my control. Whatever happened after that… is no longer my fault.”John let out a sharp, humorless laugh. “So that is how you see it?” he asked, his voice low but laced with irritation.“That is exactly how it is,” Li Feng replied evenly. “You lost her after she was already in your possession. That is not a failure on my part.”John’s grip tightened around his phone. “Be very careful with your words,” he warned coldly. “I will n

Connor remained seated in the moving vehicle, his body still tense from everything that had happened, while Iris sat quietly beside him.The man who had picked them up earlier drove steadily, his hands firm on the steering wheel, and after some time he cleared his throat before speaking.“I believe this is as far as I can take you,” the driver said calmly, slowing the car as they entered a quieter part of the next city. “This area is safer, and there are lodges nearby where you can stay for the night.”Connor leaned slightly forward from the back seat and nodded. “You’ve already helped us more than enough,” he replied. “We appreciate it.”Iris added softly, “Thank you so much. If not for you we might still be stuck there.”The driver gave a small smile. “Sometimes, helping strangers is the right thing to do,” he said. “But I would advise you both to be careful. You both look like you are worried and running from something."Connor exchanged a quick glance with Iris before responding

The moment Connor and Iris stepped out into the night.Connor walked quickly, while Iris struggled to keep up beside him.“We don’t have time to hesitate,” Connor said again, glancing at her. “If the borders are truly open, we need to get on a flight immediately.”Iris nodded, her voice slightly breathless. “Yes, but what if the flights are already full or restricted?” she asked. “We might not be able to get tickets that fast.”Connor shook his head. “We won’t rely on commercial flights,” he replied. “We’ll use a private jet.”Iris looked at him, surprised. “A private jet?” she repeated.“Yes,” Connor said. “Harris can arrange it. He has the connections.”Iris’s expression softened slightly as hope flickered in her eyes. “If that’s possible, then it’s the best option,” she said.Connor did not waste another second. He pulled out his phone and dialed Harris’s number again.The call connected quickly, as though Harris had been expecting it.“Connor,” Harris said immediately. “What do yo