Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance

Chapter 423

Chapter 423

Exhausted, Josiah stumbled as he stepped out of the narrow wooden hut, nearly tripping over the threshold.

"Mr. Evans." A bodyguard swiftly reached out to steady Josiah, eyes scanning his pallid, grim face with concern. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine..." Josiah shook his head, then suddenly turned to the bodyguards

flanking him. "Why are you all standing here? Go find him."

"Mr. Evans, we have to protect you," one bodyguard said.

"Do I need it?" Josiah asked angrily, his gaze filled with sarcasm.

"Get out there and find Conner."

"Mr. Evans..." The bodyguards were hesitant.

"Go now," Josiah instructed.

"Yes, sir." The bodyguards exchanged glances but ultimately obeyed Josiah's orders, swiftly scattering in all directions.

After shouting himself hoarse, Josiah felt a sharp pain throbbing in his temples. He raised a hand to rub his temple, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

The mountain had no streetlights, and the recent rain had left the paths muddy and treacherous. The longer they delayed, the worse things would get.

One more person searching meant one more ray of hope. Josiah gripped his flashlight tightly and plunged into the search himself.

The sounds of voices faded into the distance, and only the steady beam of his flashlight illuminated the path ahead. Josiah glanced at his phone from time to time, afraid of missing any incoming calls or messages.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Josiah's feet gave way! He thought, 'Damn it!' By the time he realized what was happening, it was already too late. His center of gravity plummeted, and his entire body plunged downward in free fall.

"Ethan, help," Josiah's pupils shrank as he shouted.

However, the descent was too rapid. Josiah's cry was swallowed by the abyss along with him.

"Ugh." As his body tumbled down, scraping against jagged rocks, Josiah gritted his teeth and let out a muffled groan. His flashlight had long been lost. He was now engulfed in an endless void.

for me?' "Ah," Josiah screamed. Before terror could fully

make him momentarily shut his eyes, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He reached

something warm and wet-blood.

to rid himself of the sticky dampness. He then reached into his pocket,

he clicked his tongue in frustration. He thought, 'It must have been flung away when I fell. Perhaps it's nearby?' All that remained

but no cliff

this? Wait!' Just as Josiah's hand had withdrawn, he moved back again. That dark shadow earlier resembled a person. Josiah directed its glow toward

His throat tightened. A wave

up from the wound on his left leg, a sharp, blinding agony shot through

his teeth, Josiah forced himself to endure it, shoving the pain aside as he rushed

reached out

eyes were tightly shut. He was still wearing a hospital gown under

Josiah called, his voice hoarse with urgency. As the realization hit him, a surge of emotion welled up in his eyes, threatening to spill over. "Thank God!" He had found Conner. That meant Joyce

to help Conner up and patted his face. "Wake up. Can you hear

was no response. It wasn't looking good. Conner had been given

any better. I could stay here and wait for Ethan to bring reinforcements, but what about Conner? Can

can't sit

put Conner's arm around his shoulder, and helped him to his feet. He wondered, 'But what next?' Josiah struck the lighter and continued to survey his surroundings. The tunnel stretched endlessly ahead, an eerie Wind rushing toward them. He had his suspicions-this must be some kind of

Conner in tow, turning back was impossible. Their only option

fallen earlier. If Ethan and his men arrived and saw it, they would

Conner onto his back. "Ugh." Josiah winced, a muffled groan escaping his lips as his knee nearly buckled beneath him. He barely

been a problem for

the flesh of Josiah's left leg now. Every step sent a sharp

regulating his breathing until he finally steadied

walked, he talked to

Tania tied you up here to stop you from giving Joyce your bone

back to save Joyce, weren't

with Josiah, Joyce was his daughter.

However, Conner remained unresponsive.

Panic crept into

voice. "Conner, show some

something. Where are you

for you to save her

picking up force. And