**Rachel's POV*

Astrld rolled her eyes as Adrian disappeared into the darkness of the forest. She grabbed my hand, lowering her voice.

"I thought he'd be more reasonable," she whispered. "Didn't expect him to be such a hothead."

I squeezed her hand. "Don't worry. He's usually more pleasant. That kidnapper just pushed him too far."

Astrid reluctantly let me lead her toward the forest, her mouth set in a stubborn line. "I'm still taking Snow back, no matter what."

"What If Snow accidentally scratches his wife or daughter? Would he hurt her? Rachel, why would you give Audrey's cat to someone like that?"

I sighed, continuing forward. "Once you meet Mrs. Knox, you'll understand."

"Fine," Astrid huffed. "I want to see what's so special about this Mrs.Knox that made you give away Audrey's favorite cat."

We caught up with the search party, where dozens of headlamps transformed the night forest into an eerily lit scene. Beams cut through branches,casting long shadows across the ground.

The team methodically calling Blake and Evelyn's names at regular intervals. Then suddenly, a woman's voice broke through the night.

"We're here!"

Adrian stopped, raising his hand for silence. He tilted his head, listening.

"Adrian!" The voice carried through the trees again. "We've fallen into a trap!"

He turned to Michael. "They're in a trap. Search carefully."

Michael motioned for two men to take the lead. The group moved with renewed urgency, lights sweeping across the forest floor.

"Over here!" one of the lead men called.

We hurried forward. and my stomach dropped at what we found - a dark pit in the earth with jagged edges.

Adrian grabbed a headlamp and pointed it directly into the pit. The beam revealed Blake sitting against the wall, his face ghostly pale. His right leg was caught in a vicious animal trap, metal teeth sunk deep into his calf.Blood pooled beneath him. Beside him, Evelyn looked up anxiously.

"We're here!" she called desperately. "Adrian! Hurry!"

**Blake's POV**

I leaned against the dirt wall,waves of pain making it hard to think. The harsh light forced my eyes open, and I couldn't help looking at her.

Her face lit up with relief and excitement as she called to Adrian. The transformation in her demeanor was too obvious.

All night. I'd risked everything to protect her - carried her away from danger, stepped in front of a trap meant for her, fallen into this pit because of it. Her only response had been cold. treating me like a business transaction. Yet this man merely shows up, and suddenly she's looking at

him like he's her savior.

Was what I did worth so little compared to his simple arrival?

I watched Adrian secure a rope and descend into our pit with practiced efficiency. He moved like someone with professional training, not just a businessman.

"Evelyn!" he called, immediately checking her for injuries before glancing at me.

I knew what he saw - a man drenched in sweat, deathly pale, with a mangled leg.

He reached for her. "Are you okay?"

**Audrey's POV**

I felt myseIf stiffen as Adrian's arms encircled me.

I admit I was genuinely relieved when I saw the rescue party. But only because we were trapped in a hopeless situation. This was my first night in a forest like this. Despite being careful, I hadn't spotted the trap underfoot in the darkness.

If Blake hadn't pushed me aside the moment I stepped on that trap, I'd be the one with a mangled leg. Blake was seriously injured because of me.Besides gratitude, I felt guilt and anxiety. What if rescue had come too late?What if he lost too much blood?

Worse still, if Blake suffered permanent damage saving me, I'd owe him a lifetime of gratitude. In this second chance at life, I'd wanted to avoid entanglements with Blake. yet fate kept throwing us together.

Adrian's arrival was a relief, but that didn't mean I wanted his embrace.

I crewred some distance between us, patting his arm awkwardly. "I'm fine now that you're hera"

I turned to Blake, "Mn Parker, my husband is here. Wo're saved."

When our eyes met, something in his gaze made my heart skip.I quickly looked away.

"Mr. Parker!" a voice called from above. Michael was leaning over the edge.

Blake winced as he looked up, "Michael."

"Sir. are you alright?" Michael's voice wavered slightly.

"My leg is caught in an animal trap." Blake replied sarcastically."What do you think?"

Michael immediately said, "Just hold on. We'll get you out immediately."

He barked orders at his men whlle calling for an ambulance.

Rachel also appeared at the opening. "Be careful with him," she instructed the rescue team.

She looked down with concern. "Blake, what happened? How could you be so careless..."

Blake leaned his head back, a bitter smile forming."Iwasn't carelessness.Mrs.Knox wanted to keep her distance and walked right into a trap. If I hadn't pushed her away, she'd probably be dead now."

His wards brought an uncomfortable sllence. Rachel clearly had no response.

A familiar voice suddenly broke through, making my blood run cold.

"Mr.Parker still can't help saving women who aren't his partner."

The voice continued, dripping with sarcasm. "Actually, I'm wrong. He's evolved. With Audrey, he was helping single women like Laurel. Now he's engaged to Rachel but rushing to save a married woman."

A cold laugh followed. "Is that progress or regression, Mr. Parker?"

Hearing Astrid's voice, my body went rigid.

*Why is she here? I'm not ready for this.*

"Are you okay?" Adrian noticed my reaction immediately.

I shook my head, watching the rescue team carefully position themselves around Blake. His face was paper-white as he endured their movements.The trap's teeth had pierced clean through his calf, blood still flowing freely.

Adrian leaned close. "The bone's probably intact. With quick treatment, he should recover fine. This isn't your fault."

I bit my lip and nodded, knowing without Blake's sacrifice, I might have been the one severely injured- or worse.

As they began lifting Blake toward the surface, I turned to Adrian.

"Why is Astrid here?"

He glanced up before answering quietly. "Not just her. Ethan Davies came too. I asked him to stay at the party with Emma. I chatted briefly with them. They came rushing here after learning Snow had changed owners

onLong lel 111111

My heart dropped.

This morning I'd seen Astrid was scheduled for a charity auction in New York. She'd been in the city just hours ago, and now she and Ethan had suddenly appeared on Long Island looking for Snow?

*This is Blake's move.*

He must have leaked Snow's location to Astrid, using her to test me. His goal wasn't the cat -he wanted Astrid to help expose who I really am.

The thought made my chest tighten.

I'd been wrong about Blake not knowing me after our three years together.That man understood exactly who mattered to me and where my weak spots were.

"Mr. and Mrs. Knox." Michael's voice cut through my thoughts. He leaned over the edge of the pit, looking impatient. "We need to get you up now."

"We're coming!" Adrian called back before turning to me. "Need me to carry you?"

I hesitated, then nodded.

The drugs had worn off completely. I could climb the rope myself, but with Blake, Rachel, and Astrid all waiting up there...

"Thanks," I said. "I'd appreciate the help."