A gunshot shattered the silence.

Sophia's pupils contracted sharply as Ethan appeared at the alley's entrance like an avenging angel.

His slender fingers pulled the trigger with precision, the bullet striking the kidnapper's wrist.

"Ethan!" Her voice trembled.

Staggering forward, she clutched desperately at his coat sleeve.

He caught her with one arm while deftly disarming her with the other.

"It's over now." His voice remained steady.

Sophia looked up to see his jaw clenched tight, fear swirling in his eyes.

"How did you—"

"Company transfer." His explanation was brief. "Got the alert as soon as I arrived."

Suddenly he bent down, fingers brushing her knee.

"It's fake!" She grabbed his hand. "Just acting."

Only then did the tension leave his shoulders.

Police sirens wailed in the distance.

"Let's get out of here." He guided her toward the car.

Sophia watched him holster his weapon. "You're an excellent shot."

"Started training at fourteen." His tone was matter-of-fact. "Required skill for Sullivans."

Her heart clenched.

Before she could respond, a glint of metal flashed from a black sedan.

"Look out!"

Ethan moved faster.

Shielding her with his body, he took the bullet's graze across his arm.

The metallic scent of blood filled the air.

"You're hurt!" Her voice shook.

Ethan returned fire without hesitation.

His shot shattered the attacker's window, sending the car speeding away.

"Hospital. Now." He ordered the driver.

As blood dripped down his arm, Sophia tore fabric from her shirt to bandage the wound.

"Does it hurt?" Her fingers trembled.

He shook his head, jaw tightening when she couldn't see.

"Track that car." He dialed a number. "Focus on Sullivan competitors."

Gently, she wiped sweat from his forehead with a tissue.

"Like last time—"

"Paid off merchants." His laugh was bitter. "Same people, most likely."

Suddenly she clung to him.

Feeling her tremble, his expression softened.

"Scared?"

"Yes." The word muffled against his chest.

He kissed her hair. "My fault."

She shook her head, fingers tracing his pale lips.

"Don't talk." Guiding his head to her shoulder, she whispered, "Rest."

Only their breathing filled the car.

Ethan's closed eyelids cast shadows beneath them.

Watching his furrowed brow, Sophia's heart ached.

She tightened her embrace.

Not until hospital lights flooded the interior did their intertwined hands finally part.