Walking through the dimly lit, winding hallway, Vespera felt her nerves tighten. She glanced over her shoulder repeatedly, her paranoia escalating with each silent step. The hotel was eerily quiet; she hadn’t seen a single staff member. The silence was unsettling. After walking some distance unfollowed, she exhaled slowly. Perhaps she was overthinking. If Felicia wanted to resort to underhanded tactics, she would have done so long ago. There was no reason to act now, as Vespera was leaving Luke alone. Felicia was undoubtedly bitter about the settlement money, but for the Munoz family, the amount was insignificant. She wouldn't risk such a reckless gamble over it. The main lobby, where she had entered earlier, was just ahead.
Vespera checked her phone: 7:40 pm. Time to text Raymond. She unlocked her screen and began typing, “I’m here, at…” She didn’t finish. At the next turn, a female staff member in a black uniform suddenly appeared, colliding with her. “Oh! I’m so sorry, miss!” the woman apologized quickly, steadying Vespera. “It’s fine, I’m okay, you don’t—” Before she could finish, an icy sting pierced her neck. Her heart leaped. She tried to push the woman away, but her vision blurred, dizziness overwhelming her. The staff member’s lips curled into a sinister smile. Feigning concern, she held Vespera tighter. “Miss, are you alright? Which suite are you staying in? Oh, that one? Alright, I’ll take you back.” Muttering to herself, the woman forcibly “helped” Vespera toward a more secluded hallway. “Help…” Vespera’s panic surged. Her limbs weakened, her voice trapped. She couldn’t make a sound. The world blurred, fading as if she were falling into a deep, dark void. “Someone… Someone help…”
She had instinctively slipped her phone into her pocket when bumped. The unfinished message remained on the screen. Mustering her remaining strength, she forced her limp hand into her pocket. Her fingers moved slowly, cautiously, typing blindly. Then—she hit send.
Elsewhere in the hotel, Dominic, having just finished a client meeting, rested in a quiet courtyard, eyes closed. He’d had a few drinks, a warm buzz settling over him. The night breeze swept through his hair. “Ding—” A text notification broke the silence. Raymond, standing nearby, pulled out his phone. He’d been waiting for Vespera's message; seeing her name, he smiled. The smile faded quickly. His brows furrowed as he read. “Mr. Reid,” Dominic murmured, opening his eyes. “What is it?” Raymond hesitated, then stepped forward, holding out the phone. “Ms. Gildon was to meet me at 8:00 pm. She just texted, saying she’s here, but… look at the last two words. They seem…off. Mr. Reid, what do you think she meant?”
Dominic was speechless. He cast an exasperated glance at Raymond, silently blaming him for acting without permission, then looked at the message: “I’m here, at hlep.” “Hlep?” His brows furrowed. Then, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Without hesitation, he initiated a video call. Raymond looked surprised. “Mr. Reid, you—” Dominic silenced him with a raised hand. Puzzled, Raymond watched the call connect. The screen showed only a blurry haze of dim light. Faint footsteps were audible, shoes scraping against the floor, accompanied by rapid, uneven breathing. “Help… h-help…” The desperate plea faded into whimpers. Something was wrong. Dominic ended the call, his expression grim. “Find out if Vespera checked into this hotel.”
Raymond immediately called the front desk; the response was swift. “They said a beautiful woman arrived around 7:00 pm. She mentioned an appointment and left a suit with them. Based on the description, it was likely Ms. Gildon. But after that, no one saw where she went.” Dominic stood, his phone already dialing another number. His steps were firm and fast.
Inside the room, dim lighting cast eerie shadows. Vespera lay on a large bed. Several men, dressed only in towels, stood around, their eyes lecherous, their expressions depraved. At the bed's foot lay disturbing items, including a drug-filled syringe. “N-No… don’t… come…” Terror racked her body. She tried to sit up, but collapsed back onto the bed. As the men approached, she could only push herself backward, her legs too weak to escape. “Damn, she’s a real beauty.” “That face, that body… she’s top-tier.” “Her man must really hate her. Paid us not just to ruin her but to destroy her completely. What kind of bastard would waste a woman like this?”
The woman, disguised as a hotel staff member, rummaged through Vespera’s bag, pulling out a contract. With an ink pad, she approached the bed, grabbed Vespera’s hand, and pressed her fingerprint onto the paper. “He doesn’t want to give her a divorce settlement. So, he gave the green light. Not only does he want you all to do whatever you please, but he also wants every second recorded.”
Vespera’s mind went blank. Luke? No! Impossible! She refused to believe it. Her trembling hands fumbled for her phone, finally grasping it. With her last strength, she dialed his number. She had to ask. She had to hear it from him. As she pulled out her phone, someone lunged to snatch it. But the woman with the contract stopped them. “Let her call.”
The call went through. Luke hung up the first time, ignored the second. The third attempt connected, but it wasn't his voice. Tina's light, mocking voice answered. “Luke doesn’t want to take your calls.” She chuckled. “By the way, do you like the men we arranged for you? Let me give you a little secret—not only are they into some pretty twisted stuff, but one of them has HIV. And in a little while, we’ll give you a special shot. Just to spice things up. Tomorrow, your grand performance will be all over the internet. Your parents, your relatives, and your friends—everyone you know will see what a filthy whore you are. Oh, and one more thing. To celebrate, Luke and I will be announcing our engagement tomorrow night. Not only will you get nothing, but you’ll be ruined. And even if you’re unwilling, even if you try to report it, it’s useless. In Halewick, our families could crush you like an ant. You never stood a chance. How does it feel? I stole your man, your position, and now I’m about to destroy you completely. And the best part? I’ll still live a beautiful, happy life with Luke. As for you? There’s nothing you can do. You’ll rot in misery while I laugh.” She laughed loudly.
The phone slipped from Vespera’s fingers. Overwhelming hatred and despair tore through her, like ice-cold blades. But she felt no pain. She didn’t want to cry. She just wanted to get up. Even if she died, even if she became a ghost, she would drag them all down with her. “Let’s get started. Have fun! No need to hold back,” the woman at the bed’s foot said, switching on a camera. Eight depraved men swarmed her. “Get… away…” Vespera trembled, reaching for a pillow, but she was too weak to lift it. Hands clamped down on her wrists, tying them to the bed frame. Her legs were pinned. Dozens of hands reached for her, tearing at her clothes… An obese man climbed onto the bed, a syringe clutched in his fist. His face twisted in excitement as he aimed it at her thigh. Vespera squeezed her eyes shut. With her last strength, she bit her tongue. Then, a lock clicked from the door.