Chapter 102- A Rescue Without a Fight

As Zack and Kieran stepped out of the villa, the night air was thick with the sound of approaching helicopters. The rhythmic thump of the blades sent gusts of wind whipping through the courtyard, rustling the palm trees and kicking up loose dust.

Floodlights from multiple SUVs cut through the darkness, bathing the villa's entrance in an almost theatrical glow. Doors slammed as figures emerged—Jason, Zain, Francesco, and Ace, their postures relaxed, not a single sign of urgency.

Ace clicked his tongue in exaggerated disappointment. "Well, this is boring." He swung his rifle onto his back, glancing at Zain. "Not a single bullet fired. Not even a scuffle. What kind of rescue mission is this?"

Zain smirked, patting the younger man on the back. "Not every mission needs to be an action movie, Ace."

Ace crossed his arms. "Yeah, but where's the fun in that? I barely got my gear on!"