The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 447

2/2

Chapter 447 The Coup in the Dunes

Silence fell over the tent; everyone waited for Urdu’s decision.

His face shifted between anger and calculation before he slammed his hand on the table. “Let them go. But remember,” he pointed at Sloane, “if you fail to deliver the medicine on time, I’ll drag the whole Oliver family down with me–even if I die for it!”

Outside the tent, Beth’s hand trembled slightly. Sloane asked softly, “Are you all right?”

Beth spun and hugged her fiercely. “You silly child, do you know how dangerous that was just now?”

Sloane froze for a moment, then relaxed into the embrace. Warmth flooded her eyes. She whispered, “I was confident. Besides…” she looked into Beth’s eyes, “I can’t just let him bully you like that.”

That look melted something inside Beth. She prayed silently that Sloane truly was her child.

Lucas, having heard the news from Shawn, came straight over despite his injuries.

He looked at Sloane with concern. “Are you okay? They didn’t hurt you, did they?”

Sloane lifted her chin with a touch of pride. “I promised to treat Urdu. He agreed to let us go. Charlie’s coming with us.”

Lucas finally let out a breath and smiled at Sloane’s proud expression. “Is that so? You’re incredible.”

Sloane’s grin widened.

Beth watched the pair and couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her mouth. She cleared her throat. “We need to leave as soon as possible. Urdu can change his mind at any moment.”

Shawn ran over. “The convoy’s ready. Charlie’s been loaded into a vehicle.”

The convoy tore across the Black Desert, sand plumes blotting out half the sky.

They hadn’t gone far when a noise came from behind.

Beth looked back. Dozens of modified off–roaders burst from behind the dunes, heavy machine guns glinting in the sun.

“Urdu the treacherous dog!” Shawn stomped the accelerator and the lead vehicle carved an arc through the sand. “He double-

crossed us!”

Tires spun uselessly in the soft dunes as the pursuers closed in. At a narrow canyon entrance they were surrounded.

A masked man leapt from the lead vehicle and pulled his facecloth aside–revealing a face full of scars. It was Urdu’s second–in- command.

“Doctor,” he said darkly, showing yellowed teeth, “let’s make a deal.”

Sloane pushed open the car door; the desert heat hit her in the face. She assessed the armed men without betraying her pulse. “What kind of deal?”

“Simple.” The lieutenant rubbed his hands together. “You don’t deliver the medicine to Urdu. When he dies…” He dropped his voice, “I become the new leader. Then the diamond split you negotiated with him–I’ll only take thirty percent.”

1/2

Shawn scoffed. “You want to usurp him?”

The lieutenant laughed, arrogant. “Leadership goes to the capable.”

“He won’t live three months anyway! Smart girl…” He stared greedily at Sloane. “Work with me and I’ll make you rich and

powerful.”

Sloane lifted her chin; her gaze was a blade. “And if I say no?”

The lieutenant’s grin froze. A vicious light crossed his eyes. “Then don’t blame me for being ruthless!” He raised his hand, and the surrounding gunmen all chambered rounds in unison.

Chapter