New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 450 Claire Good Shot

The roar of the motorcycle's engine grew louder, the rider closing in like a predator sensing victory. The glint of his gun aimed directly at their car was enough to send a chill down Adrian's spine. "Claire, do something!" he shouted, his voice tinged with panic.

"I'm trying!" Claire snapped, frustration and pain competing for control of her voice. She steadied her grip on the pistol, took a deep breath, and squeezed the trigger.

BANG!

The shot rang out, and the front tire of the motorcycle exploded with a violent pop. The bike swerved uncontrollably before careening off the road into a ditch, the rider tumbling into the darkness. Matthew let out a triumphant whoop. "That's my girl!"

Claire slumped back into her seat, her hand shaking as the adrenaline began to wear off. Her arm throbbed painfully where the bullet had grazed her.

Adrian reached over from the back seat, grabbing her hand. "Let me see that."

"I said I'm fine," Claire muttered, but she didn't pull away as Adrian examined the wound.

"You're bleeding," he said, his voice quieter now, concern softening the edge.

"It's not that bad," Claire replied, brushing him off. "We have bigger problems right now."

Matthew nodded, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "She's right. Eligos won't stop. He'll send more men if he hasn't already. We need to put some serious distance between us and them."

Claire turned to look out the rear window. The motorcycles were gone, but in the far distance, she could see headlights-a convoy of vehicles closing in fast.

"Eligos," she muttered, her jaw tightening. "He's coming himself."

"Perfect," Adrian said sarcastically, sitting back with a groan. "Because that's what we needed a personal touch."

Matthew pressed harder on the gas pedal, the car's engine roaring as they sped down the dark, winding road. The headlights behind them grew brighter, and Claire gritted her teeth, feeling the tension in the air. "Matthew," Adrian said, gripping the handle above the door, "I know you're in a hurry, but is it possible to drive like you're not auditioning for a stunt double?"

Matthew smirked but didn't slow down. "Not a chance. If I drive like you want, we'll be caught in five minutes. Just hold on and enjoy the ride."

Adrian's head slammed back against the seat as Matthew swerved hard to avoid a pothole. "Enjoy it? This isn't a roller coaster, Matthew!" Claire, despite her pain, turned to glance at him. A look of concerned cross Claire face. "Are you okay, Adrian? Do you have car sick?"

a strained smile, gripping the seatbelt tightly. "But if I survive this, I'm driving next time." "Assuming there's a next time," Matthew quipped, his eyes fixed

Claire's gaze snapped forward.

path as it skidded to a stop in the middle of the

the wheel to the right. The car veered off the road, crashing through bushes and onto a dirt path. The impact jolted everyone inside, and Adrian let out an undignified

voice tight with concentration.

through clenched teeth, though she pressed her

window. "Because if this keeps up, we're either going to

in the passenger seat, his sharp eyes scanning the dark road ahead. His jaw

think she'd be this slippery," he muttered, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of

at him nervously. "Should we block off the other

into a smirk. "They're running

in the car, Matthew made a sudden turn, heading toward an overgrown path that led deeper into the woods. "Where are you taking us?"

safe," Matthew replied

Adrian said, his

turned to him her face softened and she

his breath then sighed. "Fine. But I should think that we should keep going instead

stop near a secluded clearing, hidden by dense trees. Matthew killed the engine and motioned for everyone to

Adrian said incredulously. "To

Matthew replied.

earth. The moonlight filtering through the trees

en novelxo

Adrian was by her side in an instant, steadying her. "You should sit

when we're safe,"

"Of

SUV skidded to a halt near the dirt path Matthew had taken.

the woods. "Then

and fanned out, their

what felt like

to

cabin nestled deep