Chapter 461

Robert trembled as he followed Isabella closely. He had never felt such bone-chilling fear before.

They were fortunate to have Takashi Yamamoto with them. They made it out of the basement and onto the outdoor walkway. The path was dangerously narrow, and accidents could happen at any moment. Isabella knew Takashi Yamamoto wouldn't let them escape so easily. He definitely had backup plans.

Her priority was ensuring Robert's safe exit from Takashi Yamamoto's stronghold. She pressed a hidden button. It was an emergency signal for Maxwell.

Beep!

Maxwell responded immediately. With the infrared deactivated and the walkway visible, he should arrive quickly.

"Go first," Isabella commanded Robert. "Just keep moving forward. Someone will be waiting for you at the bottom."

"I can't..." Robert instinctively protested. How could he abandon Isabella in such danger?

Isabella shot him an icy glare. "What good are you staying? You'll just be a liability. Go!"

Robert froze. She was right. He was useless here. He couldn't even protect himself.

Self-loathing washed over him. He hated his own weakness. Swallowing his pride, he turned toward the passage. He had to leave without causing more trouble for Isabella.

As Robert stepped onto the walkway, a bodyguard moved to intercept him. Isabella instantly dragged Takashi Yamamoto to block the entrance. She pressed her dagger against his throat.

"If even one hair on his head is harmed," she threatened coldly, "Takashi Yamamoto dies right here."

The terrified man screamed at his guards, "Don't move! Listen to her! Back off now!"

The bodyguards reluctantly retreated. No one dared touch Robert. His footsteps grew fainter until they disappeared into the night.

Takashi Yamamoto's eyes narrowed. He hadn't seen anyone at the mountain's base earlier. His alarm system hadn't been triggered either. Yet someone was waiting for Robert down there!

How many people had Isabella brought? He didn't know she only came with two men. More would have been detected. A small team was easier to conceal.

Isabella maintained her vigilant watch. Her eyes never left the bodyguards or Takashi Yamamoto's movements. Nothing could go wrong now.

Time passed slowly. Takashi Yamamoto's back ached from the tense position. He spoke with forced condescension, "Isabella, this is all a misunderstanding. Your brother is safe now. Why not let me go? I promise you'll leave unharmed."

"Shut up," Isabella snapped coldly. She was still calculating how long Robert needed to reach safety.

Takashi Yamamoto flinched at her tone. No one had ever spoken to him like that since childhood. Yet with Isabella, he didn't dare fight back. He could only roll his eyes in frustration.

How dare she treat him this way? She would pay for this!

After twenty minutes, Isabella finally narrowed her eyes. "You're right about one thing," she told Takashi Yamamoto. "Do exactly as I say, and I might let you live. Try anything funny, and you're dead."

She released her hold on his neck and delivered a powerful kick to his backside.

Thud!

Takashi Yamamoto went flying toward his hundred bodyguards. Isabella immediately sprinted down the walkway.

Pain shot through Takashi Yamamoto's buttocks as he roared, "After her! Now!"