CHAPTER 291

Sophia’s POV

I stood there, trembling, as the resuscitation efforts seemed to drag on forever. Daniel lay motionless on the ground, and every second felt like an eternity. My heart pounded in my chest, and the uproar around me faded into a dull hum.

“Daniel... no, please,” I whispered, barely able to breathe.

Elijah was beside me, his hand gripping mine tightly. “Sophia, stay with me. We need to be strong,” he said, his voice steady but strained.

Joe's voice suddenly broke through. “Elijah, Henry and Julia still haven't been caught. My men are pursuing them in the forested area.”

Elijah nodded, looking grim. “Keep me updated, Joe.”

Just then, the sound of rotor blades grew louder. A helicopter ambulance descended, sending gusts of wind that whipped my hair around my face. Paramedics rushed out, providing me with a glimmer of hope.

“Make way!” one of them shouted, pushing through the small crowd that had gathered.

I watched as they attended to Daniel, my hands shaking uncontrollably. O