Chapter 479

“Captain Nie, what brings you here to help me all of a sudden?” Angela perched herself on a rock, cradling the crystal in her hands as if it were a priceless treasure. “I promised your parents I’d keep you safe,” Richard replied coolly, his tone matter-of-fact. A flicker of disappointment crossed Angela’s eyes. So he wasn’t here for her after all! Everything he did was just part of his duty. “I’m not some fragile flower that needs your protection at every turn,” Angela shot back like a stubborn child. She suddenly stood and pointed toward the mountain trail above. “I’m going hiking. Don’t follow me.” “Stop fooling around. We’re heading back,” Richard ordered as he rose to his feet, his voice firm with authority. “I’m not one of your subordinates—I don’t take orders from you,” Angela retorted, determined to climb the mountain regardless. Richard’s patience snapped—he couldn’t tolerate defiance. In just a few long strides, he caught up to her, seized her wrist, and yanked her back down t