Chapter 1474

Two men occupied the car. One drove; the other, a shooter. Lily couldn't clearly see their faces—sunglasses obscured them—but she knew the gun was real. As the cars paralleled, the passenger aimed at her. Lily gripped the steering wheel, ready to swerve. "I've got to protect my son, no matter what!" The man's expression was cold, emotionless, as his finger crept toward the trigger. Lily gritted her teeth. "Hang tight, son!"

She sharply turned the wheel, momentarily lifting off the gas before flooring it again. The car violently swung toward the other vehicle, colliding with a loud bang. Three gunshots rang out. Lily's car propelled the pursuers' vehicle a considerable distance off the road, across the muddy terrain. The impact’s force caused the driver to lose control, while the shooter struggled to maintain his balance.

Dominic's men were in close pursuit and quickly caught up. They saw both cars come to a standstill, but as they approached, the black car sped away. "Let's go after them!" one of Dominic's men exclaimed, gesturing for the others to follow.

"There's no need!" Lily leaned out her window, catching her breath. "Let them go." She explained, "These men are armed, and we don't know who they are. Even if Dominic's men can fight, they're unarmed. Since the pursuers retreated and my son and I are safe, there's no need to risk their lives. Besides, the attack might have been a diversion. If Dominic's men chase them and others come after Galen and me, they'll be vulnerable."

"Yes, ma'am!" Dominic's men, responsible for her safety, readily obeyed.

"What's happening? Are you alright?" Dominic's anxious voice crackled through the speakerphone. The ear-piercing bang, without visual context, had sent his heart racing. Who the hell did this woman offend? he wondered.

"We're fine," Lily reassured him, calming her own breathing. Before she could elaborate, her son's cheerful voice piped up, "Bad guys gone! We won!" Lily was surprised by his composure, even a hint of excitement, which amused her. As long as he's okay, she thought, I can relax.

"That's great. Hurry over here, and we'll talk later!" Dominic, relieved, urged them to come to his place immediately.

Without further incident, mother and son safely reached Dominic's estate. Uncharacteristically, Dominic wasn't waiting inside; he stood at the gate, anxiously scanning for their arrival. He eagerly ran toward Lily's car as soon as he spotted it.