Chapter 325

Flames licked hungrily at the wooden cabin walls, crackling with violent intensity.

Thick smoke billowed into the confined space, blurring Evelyn Carter's vision. She coughed violently, her throat raw as if scraped by sandpaper.

The ropes binding her wrists dug deeper, breaking skin.

"Evelyn—"

Vivian Dempsey's voice pierced through the suffocating haze.

"Terry! Answer me!"

Anthony Taylor's cry trembled with desperation.

Evelyn dragged herself to the cabin door, slamming her shoulder against it. The entire ship shuddered from the impact.

"How do we search all these boats?" Anthony's voice cracked. "Terry..."

Vivian's tone turned razor-sharp. "Alexander Hamilton, was the wire transfer completed?"

"It was."

Alexander's reply could have frozen hell itself.

"Then why did Simon— damn it! He blocked my number!"

Anthony's sobs came in broken gasps. "Alexander, think of something—"

"Dad, don't panic." A soft female voice suddenly interjected. "The fire department is almost here."

Evelyn froze.

That voice... Annabelle?

Wasn't she supposed to be hospitalized?

"Too slow." Alexander's voice held finality. "I'm going in."

"I'll come with you!"

"Unnecessary."

"I know you hate me." Annabelle's voice quivered. "But extra hands mean better odds. If Dr. Carter is hurt—"

"..."

Vivian cut in sharply. "I'll take the left side, Alexander the right. Miss Taylor, cover the central area."

"Understood." Annabelle responded without hesitation. "I won't hold back."

Anthony's anguished wails echoed in the distance.

Evelyn threw her weight against the door again, her hoarse cries barely audible.

Then—footsteps halted outside.

"Dr. Carter?"

Evelyn mustered a guttural response.

The door creaked open a sliver.

Annabelle's face appeared in the gap. Clad in a dark trench coat, her expression was unreadable.