Chapter 585

Chapter 585:

Shepard ignored Weldon’s words and swung open the cabin door.

A rush of dense smoke poured in, triggering harsh coughs from both men.

After catching their breath, Shepard threw the rope ladder out from the doorway. “Stay here and keep lookout. I’m heading down to find Amelia!” he said to Weldon.

As he placed a foot on the ladder to descend, Weldon grabbed his arm to stop him.

𝗔𝖽𝗱іс𝗍i𝗏𝗲 n𝗈v𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗈ո

“Shepard, let me go in your place p>

“No way, you’re too clumsy. I’ll go myself!” Shepard insisted, brushing off Weldon’s hand.

The rope ladder dangled in the air, surrounded by billowing smoke. Shepard couldn’t see anything, so he clung tightly to the ladder as he descended.

Halfway down, the ladder suddenly steadied.

Wyatt’s voice called from below, “Grip tight and stay careful p>

Hearing his voice, Shepard felt his anxiety ease slightly.

Between coughs, he shouted, “Is Amelia okay p>

“Shepard, I’m fine!” Amelia shouted.

She had always felt a deep connection with the Chadwick family, drawn to their kindness, but at this moment, she truly embraced them as her family.

When Shepard reached the ground, drenched in sweat and disarrayed, Amelia rushed to hug him tightly. Shepard froze briefly before breaking into a warm smile.

“Thank you, Shepard!” Amelia said earnestly.

“No need for thanks—we’re family,” he replied, gently tousling her hair with a grin. “You should get up there now p>

As he spoke, he tried to secure the safety rope around her, but she dodged it.

Noticing his confusion, she said in a low voice, “Let Karin and the others go up first p>

Only then did Shepard spot the eight elderly people nearby, surrounded by trees now ablaze. Though he wanted Amelia to leave this dangerous place first, her resolute look convinced him.

“Alright, as you say,” he agreed, passing her the rope. With a grateful glance, Amelia took the gear and approached Karin.

The rope ladder could only bear so much weight, so Amelia planned for the elders to climb in pairs for safety.

But their fear kept them rooted to the ground, guilt etched on their faces, heightening Amelia’s urgency.

Wyatt turned to Shepard. “I’ll carry Karin up first. You can follow me p>

Recognizing it as their only option, Shepard nodded. “Okay.” From the cabin, Weldon watched Wyatt and Shepard, each carrying an elderly woman, ascend slowly. He called to the pilot, “Drop ten more meters p>

“Mr. Chadwick, we can’t—it’s too risky if the smoke blinds us!” The plane hovered fifty meters up, and with their loads, Wyatt and Shepard climbed very slowly.

They wanted to hurry, but it was impossible.

Weldon leaned out from the cabin door, ready to pull Karin inside as Wyatt neared.

After delivering the elderly women, Wyatt and Shepard descended again.

After three exhausting trips, Shepard called out to Weldon, “Get down here! The fire is out of control; we can’t leave Amelia down here any longer p>

Weldon, already itching to help, quickly scrambled down the ladder when Shepard gave the word. Amelia crouched amidst the raging flames, clutching a towel to her face, flanked by two elderly men.

Spotting Wyatt and the others descending, the men leapt up and hurried toward them.

As Amelia tried to rise, a wave of dizziness overtook her, and she staggered toward the fire.

Wyatt, seeing her falter, leapt from the ladder and rushed to catch her.

Embers sparked on their clothing, prompting Shepard to shout, “Get Amelia up now, Wyatt p>

With the safety rope fastened around Amelia, Wyatt swiftly climbed the ladder, carrying her on his back.

Shepard and Weldon followed. They were still climbing the ladder when a blast echoed from Karin’s house.

Amelia, remembering the gas tank and stove in the kitchen, went pale and yelled to Shepard, “Signal the pilot to take off immediately p>

Shepard immediately thrust his right hand up, gesturing for ascent.

The pilot, anxious to ascend after hearing the explosion but reluctant while Shepard and the others remained below, saw the signal and hit the lift-off button.

As the plane ascended, a second, louder explosion roared from Karin’s house.

“That was too damn close!” Weldon blurted, relief washing over him as he watched the inferno below.