Brian charged at Dominic Zane like a wild animal.

"Brian! Stop!"


Brandon shouted a warning, but couldn't stop his brother's charge.

Brian feinted, kicked away the driver holding me, and pulled me behind him.

All hell was about to break loose.


We were outnumbered—if both Shaw heirs were captured, the situation would become catastrophic.

I forced myself to calm down and think strategically.


I noticed their vehicles were newer models, likely equipped with smart driving systems.

And they'd left the engines running for a quick escape.

I clutched my mini computer and tested the connection.

—Perfect. I had a signal.

I quickly connected to each car's smart driving system, cracked the security, and gained control.

Then I disabled their collision prevention systems.

The cars honked in unison, then began moving on their own.

Dominic Zane realized what I was doing and ordered his men to destroy my computer.

Brandon threw himself in front of me, taking the blow from a steel pipe meant for me.

He clenched his teeth, absorbing the impact without making a sound.

"Brandon!" My heart lurched.

Tears sprang to my eyes.

Brandon seized the pipe and pushed me firmly behind him.

"Anna, do what you need to do."

He shrugged off his jacket and launched himself into the fight.

For years, he'd sheltered me in the safe world he'd built around me.

But his betrayal had shattered that illusion—he wasn't the man I thought I knew.

I sent the cars swerving wildly, clearing a path through the chaos as everyone scattered.

Brian pulled up in a car, Brandon scooped me up and jumped in.

I quickly restored the safety systems to prevent serious injuries, then initiated a power lockdown on the vehicles.

Crisis temporarily averted.

Brian drove like a madman, even worse than Brandon, racing to get me back to my studio.

As I moved to exit the car, he grabbed my hand and pressed it reverently to his lips.

Brandon remained unusually silent, making no move to intervene.

"Anna, you'll remember me, won't you?" His eyes shone brightly before tears spilled down his cheeks.

What did he mean by that?

My heart softened inexplicably, concern rising within me.

I admit my night with Brian was just a moment of weakness, but that didn't mean I wanted him to suffer.

He turned to Brandon, his gaze hardening.

"Take care of her, or you'll answer to me."