Big Beard towered over me, letting out a cold laugh.

"Mess with her, you mess with me!"

He pressed the knife against my cheek.

My eyes went wide with fear, my heart racing, breathing heavy and fast.

"Let's talk this out, please don't..."

Seeing Big Beard about to act, Sophie burst into tears and screamed, begging desperately.

"I have money! Please don't hurt us! Would a million dollars be enough?"

Big Beard's eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't like it rough? I have a hundred other ways to make you disappear."

"But you've been too nosy. How about I start by cutting off those chatty lips of yours?"

His cold eyes locked with mine, like a demon who wouldn't think twice about killing. Every hair on my body stood on end.

I silently prayed for the detective to hurry with the police, trying to keep my courage up.

The cold blade touched my face. Large tears welled up in my eyes, spilling uncontrollably down my pale cheeks.

"Such a shame..." he muttered.

I felt a sharp sting on my lip and squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the final judgment.

BANG! The door was kicked open from outside. Police officers flooded in from all directions, guns drawn.

They quickly subdued Big Beard and Huang Rong, slapping handcuffs on them before they could fight back.

"Drop the knives! Now!"

Hearing those reassuring footsteps around me, my racing heart finally began to settle.

I collapsed on the floor, watching them all get arrested.

Big Beard's face showed bitter resentment, while Huang Rong let out terrified screams.

They brought this on themselves.

If it weren't for the detective's backup plan, who knows how long these criminals would have stayed free.

They would face justice now, and all the suffering I went through was worth it.