The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 435

Chapter 435 The Fortress of Smoke

Chapter 435 The Fortress of Smoke

“Dr. Rivers… what did you just do?” Hart swallowed hard, unable to hide the unease in his voice.

Sloane smiled faintly. “Just a little trick to make him obedient for a while.”

Lucas placed a hand on the captive’s shoulder, speaking calmly. “Go. Tell your boss everything’s fine here.”

The man nodded and turned toward the canyon, his movements stiff but purposeful.

Shawn watched him leave, brow furrowed. “You think he can fool them?”

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“For a short time, yes,” Sloane explained. “The illusion will make him follow my commands, but if too much time passes, they’ll notice something’s off.”

“Then we move fast.” Lucas began giving orders. “Marcus, take a team and follow him. Once they let their guard down–strike.”

Marcus grinned, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. “Don’t worry. None of them are walking out alive.”

“Shawn, Hart–you’re with me,” Lucas said, looking north. “We’re heading straight for the fortress to get Beth and Tony out.”

Shawn’s fists clenched tight, rage flaring in his eyes. “Charlie… I’ll gut him myself this time.”

Sloane placed a steady hand on his shoulder. “Focus. Saving them comes first.”

Shawn took a deep breath and nodded.

The team split quickly into two groups. Marcus and his squad trailed the entranced scout from afar, moving silently toward the canyon. Meanwhile, Lucas, Shawn, Sloane, and Hart circled around the dunes, heading straight for the abandoned fortress.

At the canyon entrance.

The controlled scout stumbled forward into the shadows. Armed men emerged from both sides, weapons at the ready.

“Well?” growled a scar–faced brute. “Did you bring them?”

The scout nodded slowly. “They took the bait. They’re right behind me.”

Scarface let out a cruel laugh. “Good! Everyone, get ready! The moment they step in–open fire!”

The bandits checked their rifles and melted back into their hiding spots, completely oblivious to the emptiness in the scout’s eyes and the unnatural stiffness of his movements.

Meanwhile, Lucas’s group approached the fortress. The ancient stone structure loomed out of the dunes, eroded by centuries of wind and sand. Despite its decay, armed guards patrolled the perimeter.

Sloane’s voice was barely a whisper. “A frontal assault would be suicide. I’ve got another idea.”

She took a small porcelain vial from her belt and shook it gently. “Sleeping smoke. It’ll paralyze them for a while.”

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5:18 pm M

Chapter 435 The Fortress of Smoke

8:00

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Shawn frowned. “And how do we get it in there?”

Sloane glanced at Hart. “Your crossbow still good?”

Hart smirked. “Always.”

She tied the vial to an arrowhead and handed it to him. “Shoot it into the upper vent. The wind will carry the smoke inside.”

Hart nodded, moved back a few steps, and took aim from behind a dune.

A soft whizz cut through the air.

The arrow struck the stone wall with perfect precision. The vial shattered, and a faint purple haze began to seep into the fortress.

Within minutes, the guards started collapsing one by one. A few tried to shout but managed only strangled gasps before hitting the ground.

“The effect lasts thirty minutes,” Sloane said briskly. “Move!”

The four slipped inside like shadows. Every guard they passed was unconscious, bodies slumped against walls and pillars.

Shawn kicked open a heavy wooden door at the end of the corridor–and froze. The room was empty.

“What the hell?” he muttered, sweeping his flashlight across the walls. “Where are they? Weren’t they supposed to be here?”

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5:18 pm M