In the instant before the trigger could be pulled, a silver blur cut through the air.
Thrown with flawless accuracy, a thin scalpel struck the gun and knocked the shot off course, forcing the group's leader to miss.
Without giving the men in black time to recover, Ashley moved ahead and placed herself squarely between the unconscious man and the weapon aimed at him.
Sharp resolve shone through her clear eyes as she delivered a firm warning. "You will not harm the patient I just saved."
Flexing his tingling hand, the leader curled his lip in contempt and replied, "Stupid girl. Get on your knees and beg right now, and I might let you entertain us for a moment before you die."
The moment he finished speaking, crude laughter rang out, and several filthy gazes dragged slowly over Ashley's curves.
One voice rose above the rest with a vulgar shout. "She has a great body. I am taking the first round!"
A cold scoff left Ashley's lips as she adjusted her sleeve, and another polished scalpel slid neatly into her grasp.
Gentle morning light washed over her youthful face, yet her eyes carried a lethal calm that made the air feel heavy.
The first man who rushed toward her never got close, as her scalpel sliced cleanly across his chest.
Agony tore through his chest without warning, and a wave of icy numbness swept over his body. When his gaze dropped, he realized his artery had been severed, and the pain forced him down onto his knees, leaving him unable to move.
Reacting at once, the man standing behind him lifted his weapon and aimed straight at Ashley's face.
Before he could even pull the trigger, his eyes locked with Ashley's. A sharp crack split the air, and an overwhelming force shattered his wrist.
"Ah… my hand!" His screams carried across the open field without restraint.
Still frozen in disbelief, the remaining men never stood a chance. One by one, their throats were cut by Ashley's scalpel, blood spraying as their bodies were sent flying with brutal kicks.
Standing tall with casual contempt, Ashley slipped the scalpel away and said, "Pathetic."
Without warning, a second wave of men dressed in black emerged, their numbers far exceeding those who had fallen moments earlier.
A shadow crossed Ashley's eyes. Just who was this man, to draw so many killers to his side?
In the next instant, a tall presence stirred behind her.
Turning around, Ashley realized the man who was supposed to remain unconscious for hours was now standing awake right before her.
A sharp and dangerous intensity settled in Elijah's eyes, and his presence alone felt oppressive. With cold restraint, he said to his bodyguards, "No one touches her."
Casually, as if the threat had nothing to do with her, Ashley slid the scalpel back into her sleeve.
Moving quickly, Maverick Clarke, the lead bodyguard, placed a cloak around Elijah's shoulders and said, "We apologize, Mr. Fletcher. We arrived too late. The Nocturne discovered our arrangement here and crossed into our territory. Their people have already been taken care of."
At that report, Elijah's brow furrowed, and his rough voice carried a clear menace. "Send their bodies back to the Nocturne's base. Make sure they understand that I will personally collect this debt."
Without hesitation, Maverick answered, "Understood, Mr. Fletcher."
Nearby, Ashley stood frozen as their exchange sank in.
The Nocturne. Mr. Fletcher.
Could this man really be Elijah Fletcher, the head of the Eclipse Syndicate and the only son of Jeff Fletcher, the richest man in Uprurg and the chairman of the Sky Group?
Stories of his brutality and merciless nature surfaced in her mind, each one darker than the last.
Instinct told her to steer clear of a man like him.
With her decision made, Ashley lifted her medical kit and prepared to walk away, only for a firm arm to cut off her exit.
Glancing over her shoulder, she met Elijah's cold stare. "Do you need something else?" she asked calmly.
Without emotion, Elijah studied her, and his voice remained flat as he spoke. "I am looking for a private physician. $5 million a year. You will come with me."
"I will pass," Ashley responded lightly before turning away again.
Increasing the stakes, Elijah added, "$15 million."
Her steps slowed, and she turned back with deliberate ease. A bright smile appeared on Ashley's face as she spoke. "Since you are being this generous, I will take the job."
Carrying her medical kit, Ashley followed Elijah and got into the waiting car with him.
Some time later, the quiet inside the vehicle was broken when Elijah's phone began to ring.
The caller was his grandmother, Rita Fletcher.
With obvious excitement, Rita spoke into the phone. "Eli, your wife has just returned after finishing three years of studies abroad. You should contact her and set up a meeting. I want to meet my granddaughter-in-law."
A slight frown appeared on Elijah's face. So she was back.
The timing could not have been better, since this gave him the perfect chance to meet her and bring up the divorce.
"Grandma, send me her contact number. I will take care of the arrangements," he replied, speaking evenly.
Almost immediately, Rita forwarded the number to him.
Acting without delay, Elijah pressed the dial.
Seconds later, a ringtone echoed right beside him from Ashley's phone.
Shock tightened Elijah's gaze, and he turned his head sharply to look straight at Ashley.