Chapter 223 I’ll Try Not to
Let You Down
“Where are we heading?” Renee asked, glancing out the window, confusion flickering across her face. William had said they were going to Rose Villa to pick up Felix. But they’d already blown past several exits. Instead of getting off at the last one, he stayed on the highway, guaranteeing a long detour.
“There’s something I need to take care of,” he said briskly. “We’ll stop at Swenia Mine first.”
Renee hesitated, curiosity bubbling up, but she kept her questions to herself. If it was important, he’d tell her.
The air inside the car thickened with unease. William’s usual calm had been replaced by a brooding silence, wrapping the ride in an uncomfortable tension.
Renee’s mind raced. Had she said something wrong?
She replayed their conversation but came up empty.
“Nene,” William said suddenly, his voice quieter than usual.
“Yes?” She turned to him, her eyes narrowing as she noticed the sheen of sweat on his forehead. The air conditioning hummed steadily, and it wasn’t hot outside.
Her chest tightened. “William, are you okay?” Worry crept into her voice.
“I’m fine.” He drew a slow, deliberate breath, though it sounded anything ‘but convincing.
Renee’s concern sharpened. She reached out to feel his forehead, but William pulled back, tension flickering across his face.
Her chest tightened. “William, talk to me. What’s wrong?”
He offered a steady, practiced smile. “I’m really fine,” he said gently. “Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
She blinked, thrown by his sudden composure. “What is it?”
“How far along are you in your training with Ryder?”
The question was so unexpected it caught her off guard. Still, she answered truthfully. “Just… usual special forces training.”
William’s eyes flickered with something raw–heartache, followed by a strange, fragile relief.
Without warning, he gripped Renee’s hand tightly, as though anchoring himself. His voice wavered, low but urgent. “Nene, please listen to me.”
Renee’s pulse quickened, but she stayed quiet, waiting.
“The car’s been tampered with,” he said grimly. “The brakes are failing, and there’s a problem with the gas tank. I’m heading for the steepest hill at Swenia Mine. When the car slows down at the top, I need you to open the door and jump out of car. Got it?”
Renee’s brow knitted, disbelief flashing across her face. “What?” she whispered, her heart racing.
“What about you?” she asked, her voice tight as her heart clenched.
In the past, fear might have paralyzed her. But now, she knew she could save herself. The problem was William. If she jumped, what would happen to him?
“I’ll keep driving until the gas runs out,” he said calmly.
Her chest constricted. “It’ll explode,” she warned, her voice firm.
She knew from experience that a car in this state wouldn’t just stop—it would certainly blow up.
But William only gave her a gentle smile. “It won’t. Trust me.”
Before she could protest, he squeezed her hand firmly, and then let go. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel, making a sharp, calculated turn.
The road ahead stretched empty, mercifully clear of traffic.
Renee’s gaze sharpened, her voice resolute. “If you’re so confident, why do you want me to jump? I’ll stay with you until the end.”
“It’s just… in case there’s the slightest chance something goes wrong.”
“Then I’ll take that chance with you.”
“Nene, don’t be stubborn.”
“William, don’t flatter yourself. And don’t forget–I have a son. I’m not leaving Felix behind for you. But if you’re sure we’ll make it, I’ll choose to believe you.” Her jaw clenched.
William blinked, and then let out an unexpected laugh, warm and genuine despite the chaos.
“Alright,” he said, a smile tugging at his lips. “I promise I’ll do my best not to let you down.”
