Back at the Russell residence, Johanna tightened the belt around her neck and, using the weight of her body, desperately pulled in the opposite direction. Soon, the feeling of suffocation came. Her face tomed red<b>, </b>and the veins on her forehead bulged.
20
Su only needed to release some of the pressure or, by instinct, choose to give up, and she would <b>be </b><b>able </b>to breathe fresh air and save herself. But she didn’t want to.
Whenever her <b>resolve </b>wavered because of the pain, all she had to do was nce at Archie on the ground and remember their past. Her heart would feel like it was being tom apart, <b>causing </b>her unbearable pain..
She had <b>lost </b><b>all </b>courage and <b>hope </b>to live on. Life or death, she would go with him.
The feeling of oxygen deprivation grew stronger. Johanna could no longer make a sound, her limbs began to spasm, her vision blurred<b>, </b>and everything around her became a haze. It was almost over. She was about to die.
But just then, the tightly shut window was smashed open. A shining dagger flew out and instantly severed the belt from her hands.
Her body, propelled by inertia, fell to the ground.
Johanna, yanked back from the brink of life and death, gasped for air. She opened her mouth wide, desperately inhaling. Her throat was making wheezing sounds as though it was an old bellows. The long–awaited <b>air </b>flooded her lungs, and her body began to revitalize in that instant.
Johanna clutched her <b>neck</b><b>, </b>ring at the person who had saved her. She was irritated. What business did they have interfering? Why had they saved her?
The person was <b>tall</b>, bracing himself against the window ledge. He easily jumped inside. Under the light of the room, Johanna saw the face clearly.
He was handsome and refined, the picture <b>of </b>a gentleman with an air of nobility–except for the bloodstains and dirt on his <b>crisp </b>suit, which made him appear somewhat disheveled<b>. </b>
Johanna recognized him. He was none other than Pete Camell, head of the Carrell family.
She knew a part of the <b>deal </b>between Pete and Archie. If anything, they were allies. They both <b>saw </b>the <b>Russell </b>family <b>as </b>an obstacle they wanted to eliminate and rece.
This time, Archie returned to the Russell family after faking his <b>death </b>because of Pete’smand. Pete was also one of the culprits who had led to Archie’s death!
Johanna’s face twisted with hatred as she coldly said, “Mr. Canell, what perfect timing! What does my life or death have to do with you? Did you save me out of the kindness of your heart?”
Hes
Pete wasn’t offended by her words. He smiled<b>, </b>still maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor despite his disheveled appearance. He remained unflustered.
People were easily deceived by his outward appearance the first time they met, assuming he was of <b>good </b>character. In reality, after getting to know him better, one would <b>realize </b>he <b>was </b>an enigmatic person. His smile might be gentle and charming, but it was always without sincerity.
Pete surveyed the room, and his gaze finally settled on Archie. He spoke in a casual tone as if he were discussing the weather, “Is he <b>dead</b>? Looks like I really bet on the wrong horse this time.”
He shook his head and continued muttering to himself, “Well, he’s just an ambitious underling with no real ability. <b>It’s </b>already a miracle he made it this far. He would’ve never amounted to anything.”
“Shut up! Stop talking!” Johanna couldn’t bear to hear any more of <b>his </b>criticism of Archie. She wanted to rush forward <b>and </b>strangle him on the <b>spot</b>.
Pete made a gesture to surrender. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. Ms. Rosario, please calm down. I took <b>a </b>great risk toe here because <b>I </b>couldn’t bear to see you die like this. How <b>about </b>youe with me?”
Johanna’s expression remained cold <b>and </b>unmoved<b>. </b>
Pete because only th
Archie’sst words were for her to escape and seek refuge with Pete
only then would she be able to <b>survive </b>and avoid the Russell family’s clutches However, she had a terrible impression of Pete, especially considering that this man <b>was </b>involved in Archie’s death.
<b>Now</b>, he was here mocking her, and her hatred for him only deepened.
Pete seemed unbothered <b>as </b>he offered <b>once </b>more, “Here’s the deal. Come with me<b>, </b><b>and </b>I guarantee you’ll have the chance for revenge.”