In the vastness of the Sahara, Cressida and Dalia had been wandering in circles for what felt like an eternity.
"This place is a nightmare. We thought we'd find our way out multiple times, only to realize we were walking in circles!"
"That's what happens when rookies like you dare to come treasure hunting in the desert."
Stirling, with a swift motion, dismounted his camel, patting its back affectionately. The large animal obediently bowed down.
Turning to Dalia and the other women in the group, Stirling said, "There are a few more camels following us. Ladies, please ride the camels; the rest can walk with me."
Seeing the men hesitating to speak, Stirling raised an eyebrow.
"Any objections?"
The men quickly shook their heads.
"None at all! We've got the physical advantage; it wouldn't be fair to make the ladies suffer. Besides, Mr. Schnabel would have our heads if we did!"
They were all employees of Noella, and now was not the time to mess up!
Stirling bent down, scooping up a handful of sand, "We're heading east. Where's Mr. Schnabel?"
"At the edge of the desert. We have a base there!"
Stirling nodded, "Then we better hurry. It's getting dark."
The group followed Stirling without delay.
...
Meanwhile, at the edge of the Sahara.
Noella's slender hands were wrapped around a pair of military binoculars, her brows furrowed in concern.
"I'm going to find them. If we delay any further, they might die out there."
"That's too risky, Mr. Schnabel. The desert is vast, and you have no clue where they are. What if you run into danger?"
Noella insisted, "If I don't go, they'll definitely be in danger."
The group was visibly anxious, but none would let Noella venture into the Sahara.
"Step aside. They're my employees; I can't abandon them!"
"Mr. Schnabel, the rescue team is already on it. Let's wait a bit longer, shall we?"
As dusk approached, the desert became an even more perilous place.
The distant sound of camel bells echoed, and slowly, a group emerged from the heart of the Sahara.
The man leading the group was imposing, dressed in military attire that barely concealed his powerful build.
A dangerous man, indeed!
Noella squinted her eyes, her gaze shifting until it landed on a familiar face.
The sun-kissed face, still handsome and bright, was smiling in a way that tugged at her heartstrings. Those eyes, even brighter than years before, radiated confidence and charm.
Stirling let go of the camel's reins and opened his arms wide.
"Didn't expect a greeting from your brother?"
"Stirling!"
After a hearty hug and twirl, Stirling gestured towards the group behind him, "Your kids, I've brought them back. Some are close to dehydration; they need medical attention."
"Right away!"
The Schnabel family had a professional medical team on standby. The missing employees were quickly taken care of, with a long list of check-ups arranged.
Among them, Dalia was in relatively good shape. Seeing Stirling embracing Noella, she exclaimed, "Oh my, you're Stirling!"
Years ago, when Stirling announced his temporary departure from the entertainment industry after his last TV show, it caused quite a stir.
Rumors had been swirling that Stirling had left to take over the family business.
Fans were nearly heartbroken, and as time passed with no sight of Stirling, wild theories emerged, including one that he had fallen seriously ill or worse...
The rumors were outrageous!
With such a stark difference from the heartthrob of years past, Dalia could hardly believe this was the same Stirling!
"It's me. I happened to be coming from a military assignment when I stumbled upon you all."
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