Chapter 143

I instinctively took two steps forward, and the man immediately pointed the knife at Jonas. "Cole, don't come any closer!" Lorraine shouted at me, her eyes fixed on mine as she walked toward the car. "Let her go. She has nothing to do with this child. I'll go instead." My fists were clenched tightly by my sides, rage burning through me like wildfire. "You think I’m stupid? If I let you come over, do you think I'd still have a way out?" The man pointed the knife at Lorraine but gradually lowered his guard. He stepped closer to her, the blade now less than an inch from her nose. My chest tightened, and I felt a surge of air catch in my throat. "Don't be reckless." My voice slowly turned cold. "Mr. Joplin, I don't want this either, but I'm just trying to protect myself." He knew me and also called my name out so easily. Was he really my enemy? Lorraine looked at me, and I shook my head. She shouldn't have to be involved in this. The man kept urging, "Didn't you hear me? I