Zayden approached the helicopter, turning back with a bloodied yet victorious grin, taunting Holden, "You're still no match for me, Holden."

He theatrically spread his arms in a mock bow, then ascended the helicopter's steps.

Suddenly, gunshots rang out behind Holden-it was Adrian.

Adrian's shots aimed at Zayden had missed.

Observing this, Holden dashed to Adrian, snatched the gun, and fired multiple shots at Zayden.

Bullets thundered, and Zayden crumpled on the helicopter steps, blood saturating his suit, appearing lifeless.

Adrian yelled to Holden, "Keep firing! Hit him again!"

However, the helicopter had flown out of range.

As Zayden's helicopter vanished into the sky, his team started to retreat, marking the end of the immediate threat. The intense events had worn Holden down, who, now utterly drained, leaned against a shipping container and slid to the ground.

Adrian, after watching the helicopter disappear from his view, turned to see Holden collapsed on the ground. In a state of alarm, he hurried over, shouting, "Holden!"

He shook Holden a few times before he noticed the severe bleeding of Holden. Adrian was shocked and screamed for help to get Holden to a hospital.

Meanwhile, Sadie was cautiously peering through the slightly ajar back door of a quaint building. Clad in sunglasses and a hat and carrying a bag, she scanned the area stealthily before stepping outside.

She had been hiding out at her agent Chloe's place ever since the news of Ariana's accident broke. The conflicting emotions of joy, fear, and anxiety had prevented her from returning to her own home.

Initially, Sadie had intended to stay under the radar until the situation calmed down, but the disturbing call from Holden that morning had unsettled her deeply.

Indeed, she was the one who had sabotaged Ariana's car, thinking that if Ariana and her kids were out of the picture, nothing would stand in the way of her and Holden. She had hoped that once Holden came to terms with the loss, he would turn to her, and they could be a family.

Consumed by jealousy upon seeing Holden with Ariana and their kids, Sadie had hit her breaking point. She had sabotaged Ariana's car to make Ariana disappear.

But fear had crept in after her act.

She had realized that if Holden ever discovered her deed, whether Ariana was injured or not, he would never forgive her.

Too frightened to go home, Sadie had taken refuge at her agent's place. However, the disturbing phone call had made her feel even more scared, and she had attempted to contact Zayden for help, but he hadn't picked up.

Her anxiety intensified. Knowing what Holden was capable of, she dreaded the thought of being caught by him.