New beginning: Billionaire love story novel Chapter 450

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?”

“Oh, I’m fine and no I don't have carsick.” Adrian replied with 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 on the road.

Suddenly, Claire’s gaze snapped forward. “Matthew, watch out!”

A dark SUV appeared out of nowhere, blocking their path as it skidded to a stop in the middle of the road.

“Hang on!” Matthew shouted, yanking 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 yelp.

“Warn me next time you decide to go off-road!” Adrian complained, clutching his side.

“No time for warnings,” Matthew said, his voice tight with concentration. He glanced at Claire. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said through clenched teeth, though she pressed her hand against her injured arm.

“We need a new plan,” Adrian said, twisting around to look out the back window. “Because if this keeps up, we’re either going to crash or run out of gas.”

In the lead SUV, Eligos sat in the passenger seat, his sharp eyes scanning the dark road ahead. His jaw was set, his expression a mix of irritation and determination.

“Didn’t think she’d be this slippery,” he muttered, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of menace.

One of his men, driving the vehicle, glanced at him nervously. “Should we block off the other exits, sir?”

“Already done,” Eligos replied, his lips curling into a smirk. “They’re running out of places to go.”