Raegan, focusing ahead, tried to maintain her composure. "Mitchel, if there's truly no way out, you have to jump out of the car!"

"I won't leave," Mitchel responded in a simple and direct manner.

Tears streamed down Raegan's face as she pleaded, “Mitchel, I'm serious. You don't have to die with me..."

"I won't let that happen. I'll ensure you survive," he reassured her.

Raegan fell silent. Her eyes fixed on the screen, showing only twelve remaining minutes.

Aware of the slim chances, Raegan felt an urgency to speak but struggled to find the right words. “If... If..."

Her voice strained, she managed, “Janey... Take care of Janey... Let her know I love her dearly..."

Raegan's composure began to slip. Despite the recent ordeal, she'd kept control of the steering wheel, but now her limbs felt rigid with anxiety. "Mitchel, get out of this car. Jump out!" she urged.

The car was headed toward a deserted area on what seemed like a predetermined path.

ALL Raegan needed was to tilt the steering wheel slightly for Mitchel to leap onto the nearby muddy ground. Injury was a risk, but it beat certain death.

“Raegan!" Mitchel gripped the steering wheel with determination, his voice resolute. "You need to tell Janey yourself that you love her.”

His deep, somber eyes were soothing as he added, "I promise."

Raegan's turbulent emotions began to settle.

Just then, the Bluetooth connection sprang back to life.

Mitchel, composed in his manner, listened attentively before calmly stating, “Deactivate the screen countdown.”

Raegan's heart skipped a beat. "Mitchel!"

“There's a way now," Mitchel reported urgently. “Matteo has successfully hacked the bomb's timer, but the vehicle cannot be halted. You must adhere to my guidance and jump out."

Raegan felt a surge of hope so sudden that tears threatened to spill.

Disbelief colored her voice as she asked, “Really?”

Mitchel met her gaze, his voice soft. "Trust me."