Michael reached the shore just in time to find the shawl.
The sight of it hit him like a blow.
His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, his body trembling with grief and terror.
Then, the screech of tires broke through the chaos.
Several black cars skidded to a stop nearby.
A group of men in black suits rushed out, heading straight for Michael.
“Michael, what happened?” Wyatt asked, startled to see him on the ground.
Michael pointed toward the sea, his voice shaking. “Hurry, save them.”
Wyatt’s eyes followed his gesture and locked onto Bianca, struggling against the waves. His heart pounded.
Earlier, Dave had called him, suspecting Sophia might be in this area. He had sent Wyatt with a team to search.
But he hadn’t expected Bianca and Michael to get here first.
As the leader of the secret guards, Wyatt knew how important Bianca was to Dave.
The moment he saw her in danger, he didn’t hesitate.
He tossed off his jacket, gave quick instructions to his men, and dove into the sea.
The waves hit Bianca relentlessly. Gasping for air, she kept pushing forward, refusing to give up.
She was sure Sophia was ahead. She had to find her.
But when she reached the floating shawl, her heart sank.
Sophia was nowhere in sight.
It was as if the sea had swallowed her whole.
Refusing to accept the worst, Bianca shouted Sophia’s name into the endless waves.
The harsh sea winds swallowed Bianca’s voice, leaving only silence in return.
Meanwhile, Wyatt’s men searched every inch of the lighthouse.
Inside, Sophia sat curled up in a dark corner. Her tears had long dried.
Before Bianca and Michael arrived, she had stood at the edge of the sea, considering ending it all. But before she could act, the wind had torn her shawl away.
Hearing their voices in the distance, she chose to hide instead-avoiding Michael at all costs.
The lighthouse had been abandoned for years. Its structure was worn and fragile.
Sophia carefully pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside.
Once in, she grabbed a wooden stick and wedged it against the door.
From the outside, it looked locked and impossible to push open.
Sophia had planned to leave once Bianca and Michael gave up searching.
But just as she was about to move, she heard voices outside the door.
“Will Wyatt be okay?”
“Don’t worry. He’s a strong swimmer, and he has a safety rope. He’ll be fine.”
“This is the first time I’ve seen such courage! She’s risking her life in those waves.”
“Bianca, right? I heard the boss values her a lot. If anything happens to her, we’re all in trouble.”
At the mention of Bianca’s name, Sophia’s head snapped up.
Bianca had gone into the sea? Why?
Then it hit her-her shawl had been blown away by the wind. Bianca must have thought she was in the water.
Realizing the misunderstanding, Sophia sprang to her feet.
She yanked the wooden stick away, threw open the door, and ran outside.
A guard spotted her immediately and shouted, “She’s here!”
At his call, everyone turned and rushed toward her.
Reaching the shore, Sophia frantically searched the waves.
She spotted Bianca struggling in the water and shouted, “Bianc! I’m here! Come back!”
Her voice jolted Michael. He sprang up and rushed to her side.
Sophia’s cries grew more desperate as she inched closer to the water.
Fearing she might do something reckless, Michael pulled her into his arms.
“Sophia, it’s all my fault,” he pleaded. “If you’re angry, blame me-but don’t put yourself in danger!”
Sophia looked up at him, feeling the icy chill of his body.
A faint smirk crossed her lips. “Why didn’t you jump in to save me?”
Michael stared at Sophia’s pale face, her sneer cutting deep.
Her words hit him like a dagger.
Why hadn’t he been the one to jump in? Was it fear? Is he afraid to save her?
His mind went blank. He couldn’t find an answer.
“Michael, you’re a coward,” Sophia said coldly, disappointment clear in her eyes.
Sophia’s words hit Michael like a sharp blow.
Her piercing eyes cut through him, leaving behind nothing but a sharp pain.
After a long, tense silence, Michael slowly let go of Sophia. His expression was conflicted, a storm of emotions brewing inside him.
Out in the water, Bianca faintly heard Sophia’s voice.
She turned and saw a slender figure in white standing on the shore, looking at her.
Relief flooded her, and she prepared to swim back.
But before she could move, a massive wave crashed over her, dragging her under.
The current pulled at her relentlessly as she struggled to swim.
Her limbs grew heavy and her strength was fading…
Just in time, Wyatt reached Bianca, pulling her from the waves and carrying her safely to shore.
“Bianc!” Sophia cried out, rushing toward her the moment she saw her rescued.
Bianca coughed violently, choking on the seawater she had swallowed.
Tears filled Sophia’s eyes as she gently patted Bianca’s back. “I’m sorry, Bianc. I’m so sorry…” she whispered.
When Bianca finally stopped coughing, she grabbed Sophia’s hand tightly, her eyes still filled with fear.
“Sophia, you scared me so much,” she gasped. “Thank goodness you’re okay!”
Despite her soaked and disheveled state, Bianca’s first concern was still for Sophia. The selflessness of it brought tears to Sophia’s eyes.
“Why would you be so reckless?” Sophia sobbed, burying her face in her hands. “The waves were terrifying! Do you not care about your life?”
Bianca gave her a reassuring smile and gently held her trembling shoulder.
“Remember, I am your light in the darkest nights,” she said softly. “I’m meant to save you, always.”
Sophia lifted her head, her eyes wide with shock and gratitude.
Bianca had always been her savior.
Without thinking, she threw her arms around Bianca and hugged her tightly.
As Bianca held her, she said gently.
“Don’t feel lost, Sophia. Things will get better. Elaine still needs you. She doesn’t have a father, and she can’t afford to lose you too.”
The mention of Elaine made Sophia’s chest tighten.
In her darkest moment, she had been ready to let go. But thinking of Elaine made her pause-made her hold on. And thankfully, Bianca had been there in time.
“I won’t give up,” Sophia said firmly. “No matter what happens, I’ll keep going. You won’t have to worry about me anymore.”
Bianca let out a deep sigh of relief.