Queen of Wild Cards novel Chapter 497

After dismissing Celine, Stella called Serena into her bedroom.

"Serena, we need to move. I laid out some sneakers and practical clothes for you. Do not wear a skirt or heels, or you won't be able to run."

After speaking, Stella changed into the durable outfit and boots she had originally worn when she infiltrated North Myanor, throwing her tactical backpack over her shoulder.

"Got it. I understand."

Seeing Stella move with such ruthless efficiency, Serena didn't dare waste a second. She grabbed the practical clothes from the closet and laced up a pair of white sneakers so she could sprint.

She knew perfectly well that listening to Stella was her only shot at survival. Whatever she ordered, Serena would execute flawlessly.

Besides, everything she was wearing belonged to Stella anyway; aside from the bloodied clothes she had been trafficked in, she had absolutely nothing.

Once she was dressed, Stella tossed her a messenger bag. "Take this. Keep it strapped to you. Do not open it under any circumstances until we are safely back in Veridia and entirely alone. Understand?"

"I understand, Ms. Todd."

Serena slipped the strap over her shoulder. It was heavy, and she had no idea what was inside, but if Stella told her not to look, she wouldn't look.

Stella gave her one last instruction. "No matter what happens in the next few minutes, don't ask questions. Just stay right behind me. Do not wander off on your own."

Serena nodded frantically. "Okay." She swore to herself she wouldn't drag her savior down.

The moment the two women reached the ground floor, a battered and frantic Tiger burst through the front door.

Breathless and covered in dirt, he yelled, "Star! We have to go, now! The compound is surrounded!"

"Surrounded? By who? Where are we going?" Stella asked, feigning utter confusion.

"A massive joint task force. The compound is finished. We have to move, I'm taking you somewhere safe."

There had to be a mole in the syndicate. There was no other explanation for the ambush.

His first instinct had been to rush back and save her. She was carrying his child; he could never abandon her.

"Think so? Let's see who's faster," Fenton challenged, not giving an inch.

A tense standoff.

Stella wasn't remotely bothered. Serena, on the other hand, was terrified out of her mind, cowering behind Stella.

She had never seen a real gunfight in her life.

Tiger desperately wanted to avoid drawing attention.

Fenton, on the other hand, actively wanted to avoid killing him.

A monster like this needed to be dragged in front of a judge and left to rot in prison for the rest of his life. A quick bullet to the head was entirely too merciful.

As the standoff dragged on, two more figures suddenly appeared at the entrance.