Unmasking Mrs. Newton's Secret Identities novel Chapter 1730

"Listen closely. You need to ensure Chandler loses in the upcoming fashion designer selection. If you don't follow my orders, every punch and kick you've taken today will pale in comparison to what will happen to your woman."

The leader patted Adrian's bloodied face, his tone casual and dismissive. "What just happened was a warning. Remember this feeling. If you try to be clever, I'll show you what true despair means."

With that, he signaled to his men and left Adrian and Ursula behind. They climbed into their car and drove off, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake.

Ursula crawled over to Adrian, helping him sit up against her chest. She slapped his face repeatedly, trying to bring him back to consciousness.

"Adrian, can you hear me? Don't sleep. Open your eyes. Please, look at me! I'm begging you—just give me a sign that you're okay. Someone help us!"

The surroundings were pitch black, with only the broken car lights casting a faint glow. Adrian lay motionless in her arms, his warm breath the only sign of life.

Calming herself, Ursula remembered the clinic they had passed just minutes before. She resolved to get Adrian there for medical help.

When the car wouldn't start, she quickly fashioned a stretcher from the spare tire and some climbing ropes, determined to carry him to safety.

As she tried to lift Adrian onto the stretcher, he suddenly regained consciousness. Grabbing her hand, he stubbornly resisted, unwilling to budge.

Ursula was filled with both frustration and anxiety. "Can you just stop being difficult at a time like this?" she pleaded.

Adrian lifted his heavy eyelids, gazing at her with exhaustion. After a long pause, he weakly replied, "How about we just start over?"

Ursula felt a wave of emotion welling up, almost bringing her to tears. Nevertheless, she pushed herself to stay composed and scolded him, "You're always so self-righteous. Is this really the time for that? Get up!"

"I'm sorry! I won't fight you anymore. I promise we can start over. Just wake up, and I'll do anything you want!

"Adrian, I lied! I think about you every day. I've never forgotten you! Please, just wake up!"

She held him tightly, terrified that his life might slip away in her arms.

In that instant, Adrian coughed sharply a few times. He then opened his eyes and flashed a grin. "I nearly lost my breath there."

Ursula was momentarily stunned, but her surprise quickly turned to anger. "Were you toying with me?"