"Seize her! She's a suspicious individual," the lead guard commanded.

Just as they were on the verge of apprehending the woman, there was a sudden "Bang!"

The deafening noise echoed through the air. A black SUV crashed through the barrier.

All present were momentarily paralyzed by the unexpected chaos, leaving them unable to react in time as the vehicle surged forward.

The trained bodyguards swiftly evaded, rolling aside to avoid the oncoming SUV, yet the woman remained immobile, her gaze locked on the advancing vehicle in sheer disbelief.

Within the SUV, the man's gaze bore into the woman with an icy intensity.

A profound sense of mortal dread enveloped the woman. Just as she braced for the worst, the SUV swerved dramatically, executing a precise drift, and then the door flung open. The man inside urgently commanded, "Get in!"

Feeling as though she had narrowly escaped certain demise, the woman sat dazed on the ground, unable to fully grasp the reprieve, until the man's voice pierced through her stupor once more. "Get in now!"

Snapping back to reality, the woman scrambled into the waiting SUV.

By the time the bodyguards regained their bearings, the vehicle had already sped beyond the gate. Swiftly informing their superiors, the guards initiated a pursuit.

Three black sedans gave chase, forming a formidable three-to-one pursuit.

With the adversaries closing in, the woman's terror mounted, her words tinged with desperation as she repeated, “What do we do... What do we do... I can't afford to be caught..."

Turning to the man beside her, the woman placed her trust in him, asking, “What's our plan now?"

The man snapped impatiently, “You know you can't afford to get caught, yet here you are. Of all the foolish things to do!"

"How could I have known these guards would be this sharp? The guards in other areas were always clueless, but these guys are practically elite bodyguards," the woman retorted.

The man beside her scoffed. “Jamie, you really are the most foolish person I've ever known.”

Jamie was taken aback, speechless. Shock washed over her. How did he know her name? "Who are you?" she demanded cautiously.

The man stayed quiet, his nose hidden behind a bandana, his eyes radiating intense impatience.

As Jamie studied his gaze, recognition dawned on her, and she gasped, "You. You're Mr. Bates, aren't you?"

The man didn't reply, but his silence was confirmation enough.