Lorenzo's expression shifted violently as he struggled between protecting his family's core technique and saving Mikayla. He had considered threatening Andrew or using other tricks to free her, yet he quickly realized none of his usual tactics would work on this man.

Andrew was the kind of hard target you could only defeat by killing head-on, but right now, Lorenzo could not afford to make a move.

The standoff dragged on until a calm laugh broke the tension.

"Andrew, let Ms. Owens go first. E