Ready to Rule: The Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 259

Lydia snatched the bottle and nodded. “Thanks.”

In the next instant, to Garrett’s surprise, she sprinted forward, wound up, and threw the water bottle straight at Leroy, who was trying to get away.

He stared, not sure whether to be impressed or laugh. Was that really going to work?

Before he could decide, the half-full bottle sailed over the crowd and smacked Leroy right in the forehead with a solid thunk.

The force of it must have caught Leroy off guard. He toppled forward and crashed onto the floor.

His black briefcase flew from his hand and slid away, popping open as it hit the ground. Bundles of bills spilled everywhere, spreading out like a carpet.

“Now! Grab him!” Byron shouted over the noise.

Leroy was stunned, his vision swimming, but the sound of people rushing toward him snapped him back to reality. He gritted his teeth, scrambled up, and—without thinking—grabbed the nearest person, yanking her in front of him. He pressed a hidden dagger to her pale neck.

“Come any closer and I’ll kill her!” he roared, eyes wild.

The hostage was a young lady in her twenties. Her hair was long and loose around her shoulders, her skin soft. She had that graceful, unmistakable air of someone from a wealthy family.

“Let her go!” a middle-aged man shouted, his voice trembling with fear.

Violette was in shock. She’d heard shouting behind her, but before she could even turn around, someone had grabbed her from behind. A blade was suddenly at her throat.

Leroy’s grip was so tight that the sharp edge had already left a red line on her delicate skin.

Byron stepped forward, his voice serious. “Leroy, you can’t get away. Don’t hurt her. We can work something out.”

Leroy’s eyes burned. “Don’t try to trick me! Everybody back off, or she dies!”

“Please, officer, please! You have to save her!” the middle-aged man begged, voice cracking.

Leroy shoved Violette forward, but didn’t let go of the knife.

Violette felt the blade slice into her neck. A second later, hot blood poured out, running down her skin in a gush.

“Leroy!” Byron yelled.

“Miss!” her driver screamed in panic.

Leroy had done it on purpose, just to buy himself a little more time.

He ducked into the car, slamming the door, but before he could hit the gas, two sharp cracks rang out. The tires exploded. Byron had shot them out.

Leroy cursed, jumping out of the car, desperate to run. But then, out of nowhere, a rush of wind swept past. Before he could react, someone kicked him so hard he went flying.

Lydia glanced up, heart pounding. It was Connor.