Admiration and awe danced in her gaze when she gazed at Lance. He was so cool when he beat those kidnappers up. He was so handsome!

Bettie was enthusiastic as if she was not affected by the recent ordeal, but Lance could detect the hint of fear beneath her wide smile.

“Silly girl," Lance murmured as he hugged her once again.

“Stop talking nonsense. Untie the rope for me."

Lance retrieved the knife from the ground and used it to cut the rope on her wrists and ankles. He helped her up and asked, “How are you? Do you feel uncomfortable?"

"No, they haven't done anything to me. You came here so quickly.”

Bettie gathered up her torn clothes.

Despite her efforts to be lighthearted, her eyes turned red with lingering fear and filled with tears. She hugged Lance and cried.

“Thank goodness you have come promptly! I was so scared, you know?" They dragged me into the car as soon as you left. I was hoping you would find something wrong, but you never showed up until recently. I got so desperate.."

“It's okay now." Still holding her tightly, Lance patted her back and comforted, "I'm here now. The bad guys have been defeated."

"Thank God you are here! You have no idea how happy I was to see you!" Bettie's tear left stains on Lance's shirt. She felt grateful for being rescued by Lance in time.

Lance wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. "Don't cry."

Bettie's reply was lost in the sound of several car engines that came from outside. A moment later, two police cars drove into the flour factory.

“The policemen are here. Let's go out." As Lance spoke, he intertwined their fingers.

“Okay." Bettie sniffed, only too happy to hold Lance's hand.

The two walked out of the factory hand in hand, surprising the policemen who had just emerged from their cars.

Lance explained what had happened to them without mincing words.

The policeman who had spoken to Lance on the phone earlier was also here. He hadn't expected Lance to come here alone and even found the place before them. "How did you find this place?"

Lance glanced at Bettie before replying, “It's a long story. Let's talk about it in the police station."

“Okay.”