Chapter 144: Their Savior The night was engulfed in an eerie, surreal glow as the condo building blazed with the fury of a relentless fire.
Flames roared and licked at the dark sky, casting sinister shadows on the faces of Xin, Xiaxia, and Evelyn.
The scene before them seemed like a nightmare that refused to end, an unfolding disaster that defied belief.
They stood together, their eyes fixed on the conflagration that threatened to consume their home.
The deafening cacophony of sirens and the shrill wailing of the fire truck added to the chaos, creating a dissonant symphony of confusion and uncertainty.
Xin’s gaze was drawn to the figures of the firefighters. Their uniforms were drenched in sweat and water as they battled the inferno with all their might.
Powerful hoses unleashed torrents of water, arcing through the air and cascading down upon the raging flames. It was a desperate struggle, a fight that seemed to have no end.
As they watched, their minds still struggling to comprehend the scale of the catastrophe, a voice suddenly cut through their thoughts.
"Evelyn!"
The voice belonged to Michael Fey. He appeared amidst the chaos, emerging from the throng of onlookers.
His eyes were wide with relief and anxiety as he called out to Evelyn. His presence was unexpected, and his urgent tone made Xiaxia and Evelyn confused.
Not Xin. Though he was surprised to see him.
Evelyn’s face was pale, and her eyes were filled with disbelief as she turned towards the voice.
Xin and Xiaxia exchanged glances, their brows furrowing in confusion. They had no idea why Michael Fey was here in the midst of this disaster.
Before any of them could react, Michael closed the distance between them in swift strides. Without a word, he enveloped Evelyn in a tight hug.
It was a sudden and surprising gesture, one that left Evelyn and Xiaxia stunned and momentarily frozen.
"Thank goodness you’re alright," Michael murmured, his voice filled with genuine relief. His embrace was a mix of concern and a hint of desperation. "I was about to send the entire army to retrieve you there."
Xin had no doubt about that as he noticed the presence of several stern-looking military men behind Michael.
Their presence was undeniable, their uniforms crisp and imposing. It was a reminder of Michael’s influence and power, a reminder that he had the means to command such a formidable force with a snap of his hand and in the middle of two a.m. in the morning.
Evelyn finally found her voice, her shock gradually giving way to a mixture of emotions. "Michael . . . I mean, boss, I didn’t expect to see you here."
Michael pulled away slightly, his hands still resting on her shoulders. "I heard about the fire, and I couldn’t bear the thought of you and the kids in danger. I rushed here as soon as I could."
Xin and Xiaxia exchanged another glance. Xiaxia’s thoughts and emotions swirl in a tumultuous whirlwind.
She whispered in her mother’s ears despite the situation they were in, "Wow, mom. You must be so good at your job that your boss even came all the way here to see if you’re fine."
Xin wanted to scream no in her face.
Evelyn’s pale face suddenly had a tinge of color and pride. "Of course, I’m good with my job," she whispered back.
Xin wanted to shake his head, and he suddenly felt pity for Michael Fey.
The chaotic scene of the burning condo building continued to unfold around them, the night air filled with the acrid stench of smoke and the distant roar of flames.
Amidst the tumult, Michael’s urgent voice pierced through the turmoil.
"Come, you should get some rest," he urged and stared at Xin and Xiaxia. "All of you. You can stay in one of my condos nearby."
Xin felt that it was a command than anything else, with no room for argument.
Not that he was going to argue. They needed a place for the time being. With no money, clothes, or home, they needed all the help they could get.
Evelyn hesitated. "Boss, we appreciate your offer . . . but we can’t impose on you like this."
Michael shook his head. His tone broke no argument. "It’s the least I can do for you and the kids. You all need rest and sleep. Think about your children. Besides, those units are empty and just collecting dust anyway."
At the mention of kids, Evelyn stared at Xin and Xiaxia, their faces tired and exhausted, mirroring her own. As a mother, she didn’t want her kids to sleep in a gymnasium’s floor huddled together with the rest of the tenants.
She wanted only the best for them.
Reluctantly, Evelyn nodded, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion. "Alright. Thank you."
As they prepared to leave, Xiaxia suddenly interjected, her voice carrying a note of concern. "But what about our things? Our belongings are still inside."
Michael turned to her, a reassuring smile on his face. "Don’t worry about that. My men will retrieve your belongings for you."
Evelyn’s eyes widened in shock, and she protested, "In this fire? Sir, we can’t possibly risk their lives for our things."
Michael’s expression remained resolute as he dismissed her worries. "Evelyn, it’s their job. They know the risks, and they’re trained for situations like this. Your safety and well-being are my priority. Please, get into the car."
Reluctantly, Evelyn acquiesced, her anxiety mingling with gratitude.
As they prepared to depart in Michael’s car, Xin and his family couldn’t help but cast one last glance at the burning building.
To his astonishment, Xin saw a contingent of Michael’s military personnel storming into the building without fear. Their uniforms bore the insignia of a highly trained rescue unit, and they moved swiftly and efficiently.
Xin watched in disbelief as these dedicated individuals ventured into the fiery inferno to retrieve their belongings.
It was a testament to Michael’s influence and the lengths he was willing to go for love.
Xin had to say that he was impressed, but . . . there was a small smile on Michael’s face as he stared at his mother.
It made him have this crazy idea that maybe Michael Fey started the fire so he could get them to live with him.
Xin quickly dismissed the thought, though. His nightmare must be still haunting him.
As they pulled away from the scene, the mass condo building fading into the distance behind them, Xin couldn’t help but feel a complex mix of emotions.
The events of the night had been both harrowing and surreal, and the unexpected presence and actions of Michael Fey had added to the drama.
He was thankful at the man for his help nonetheless.