The Real Heiress Rules the World (Sloane Rivers) novel Chapter 448

448 The Ambush and the R

Chapter 448 The Ambush and the Return

nsion crackled in the air, ready to explode. Then, in the split second before gunfire, Sloane raised her voice. “Are you all planning to stay hidden forever?”

Dozens of armed men suddenly appeared atop the canyon cliffs. Urdu stepped out from the shadows, his shotgun aimed directly at his lieutenant. “So,” he growled, “the capable should rule, huh?”

The second–in–command’s face drained of color. His knees gave out, and he collapsed to the ground. “Boss… I–this was all Charlie’s idea! He said once you were dead-”

Bang‘

Urdu kicked him hard across the ground, then stomped his boot down on the man’s head. “I treated you like a brother, and you repay me by plotting my death?”

The lieutenant spat blood and sand, crying out, “Boss, please! I’ll never do it again–I swear I won’t!”

Urdu’s voice was cold and final. “Don’t worry. You won’t get another chance.”

He waved his arm. “Take these traitors away.”

His men seized the lieutenant and his followers and dragged them off.

Urdu turned toward the convoy, where Charlie was cowering in the backseat. One of Urdu’s men, catching his leader’s intent, strode over, yanked Charlie out by the collar, and threw him to the ground.

“Chief, he’s lying!” Charlie stammered, trembling violently. “He’s trying to frame me–please, he’s lying!”

Urdu didn’t bother listening.

A gunshot cut through the desert.

Charlie screamed, clutching his leg as blood soaked the sand. Urdu blew the smoke from his barrel and smiled. “A little parting gift. This way the rat won’t be running off anytime soon.”

Beth raised an eyebrow. “Much appreciated.”

Urdu gave Sloane a curt nod. “Dr. Rivers, my thanks. Without your warning, I’d never have known I was sleeping beside a traitor.”

Sloane inclined her head. “We’re partners, aren’t we? It’s only right we look out for each other.”

“Ha! Well said!” Urdu laughed heartily. “Then I won’t delay your departure any longer. Just remember our agreement, Doctor.”

“I will,” Sloane replied.

When the Bloodhounds finally withdrew, she exhaled deeply and turned to Lucas. “That was quick thinking, noticing the lieutenant’s strange behavior first.”

Lucas brushed a hand gently over her hair. “He was acting too suspiciously. When I saw him sneaking off to meet Charlie last night, I knew something was wrong.”

Shawn’s eyes widened in realization. “So you two knew they’d follow us–and you told Urdu to set the ambush here ahead of

time

oane and Lucas exchanged a grin.

Unbelit vable,” Shawn muttered, throwing his hands up. “You could’ve at least told me! I thought I was about to die back there. I mean, look at me–young, handsome, unmarried–what a waste that would’ve been!”

Beth couldn’t help but laugh. “So you do want to get married. When we’re back, I’ll have your father arrange a few introductions.”

“Aunt Beth, no!” Shawn yelped, waving his hands in panic. “I’m not ready for that kind of torture yet!”

The convoy moved out once more, leaving a winding trail across the vast desert. The setting sun bathed the dunes in gold, the long road home wrapped in a warm, fading light.

Inside one of the vehicles, Sloane knelt beside Charlie, wrapping his wounded leg with quick, efficient hands–just enough to keep him alive, but not enough to ease his suffering.