“Baby, you finally made it,” Jason called out warmly to his childhood sweetheart.

Chloe Adams threw herself into his arms. “Ugh, if it weren’t for your fiancée, my mood wouldn’t have been ruined today.”

Jason shot me a glance and sneered.

“I’ve already spoken with your family about the engagement. They know Chloe’s carrying my child and are considering canceling it.”

“Emily Carter, let me make this clear: my heart belongs only to Chloe. Even if my family disapproves, I will never marry you.”

I coughed up blood, my mind spinning.

The helicopter was out of fuel. One of my hands was already useless.

Did this mean I truly couldn’t complete the rescue mission?

Would so many innocent lives just be lost like this?

Just then, the military radio on the helicopter crackled with urgent calls:

“Calling U.S. National Rescue Team Aircraft 001—Captain Emily Carter!”

“Captain Emily Carter, do you read me?!”

“The storm over the Atlantic Ocean is too strong. Other rescue pilots can’t penetrate the storm zone. We need your assistance immediately—please respond!”

“If you’ve encountered difficulties, notify us at once. We can send another aircraft to pick you up!”

Even though the helicopter had no fuel and one of my hands was ruined, if the team sent another aircraft, with a co-pilot’s help I might still manage to fly.

If I could just get to them… there was still hope for those stranded at sea.

I staggered to my feet, struggling toward the cabin.

But Chloe snatched up her stiletto heel and smashed the communicator to pieces.

“Answer what? Done playing pretend yet?!”

Jason lit a cigarette, smirking as he piled on.

“She only served two years in the Air Force, but acts like she’s some decorated veteran.”

“She probably doesn’t even know how to fly—she was likely just ground crew, sweeping hangars.”

“She bought a private helicopter with her family’s money, then pretends she’s a national rescue ace. What a joke.”

“What rich girl would ever volunteer for such grueling work anyway?”

I watched helplessly as my one chance to save those lives was destroyed.

The strength drained from me, and I collapsed to my knees.

Chloe drove her heel into my other hand.

Blood spattered the ground.

Now both hands were useless. Even if the rescue team arrived, I could never pilot again.

This disaster at sea was destined to claim countless lives.

Three years in the National Rescue Team, and this would be my first failed mission.

I closed my eyes, letting the pain drag me into darkness.

Jason held Chloe proudly, ready to take her out for French cuisine.

Then his phone rang. It was his assistant, panic lacing his voice.

“Mr. Miller, something’s happened—the cruise ship carrying Mrs. Miller and Miss Lily has been struck by disaster!”

Jason yawned lazily.

“I already know. With so many rescue teams, this minor issue should be resolved soon.”

“I’ll be home late tonight. Have the chefs prepare a feast. My mother and sister will be shaken when they return, so tell Linda Johnson to comfort them.”

“Also, arrange for a doctor. My mother’s heart isn’t strong; she’ll need a checkup after the fright.”

The assistant nearly shouted, voice breaking with urgency.

“No, sir—you don’t understand! They haven’t been rescued yet!”

“The storm is too violent—the rescue teams can’t penetrate the zone!”

“The waves are growing higher by the minute. If this continues, in just a few moments… Mrs. Miller and Miss Lily will be…”