Chapter 180

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The door lock violently rattled. Someone was trying to break in. Goosebumps erupted on Thea's skin. Her hand went limp, dropping her phone to the ground with a clang. The commotion outside paused. Then, the door was forced open with even greater violence.

No longer concerned about alerting the intruder, Thea frantically texted the police, then screamed for help: "Anyone there!! Help! Someone's breaking in! Help!" The thunder and rain drowned out her cries.

She spun around, smashed a glass on the floor, grabbed the largest shard, and clutched it tightly. With icy eyes, she stared at the shuddering wooden door.

Finally, the rickety door burst open with a loud bang. A man in a raincoat stood panting heavily. He was shorter than Thea—half a head shorter, in fact. A flash of lightning illuminated his face, horrifying Thea. It was the factory security guard. Earlier, he had seemed perfectly harmless.

Thea tried to compose herself. "Whatwhat are you doing? Do you want to talk? Are you unhappy with your pay? We can discuss it. I'm from a prominent Key Biscayne family. My husband is the renowned entrepreneur, Nicolas Hendrix. I can help you with any problems."

"Pfft," the security guard spat, breaking into a sinister laugh. "You think I'll believe that? If you were really rich, the wife of a CEO, would you be here? Good girl, you're so beautiful. Why don't we get together? You're taking over this factory, right? I'll help you, guard the door. Look how strong I am—a perfect match for you!" He advanced, grinning menacingly, a fruit knife in his hand.

Thea's body went numb. Her stomach churned. "You're committing a crime! If you do anything, I'll call the police, even if it costs me my life. They're already on their way. Leave now, and I'll pretend this never happened."

He ignored her, muttering, "My wife ran away. The women here have kids, aren't good-looking… they're nothing like you. You're like a fairy. You probably don't have kids. Only a woman like you is worthy of me. You better be clean, or I'll kill you. I definitely will."

09:39 Mon, Nov 4

Chapter 180

Thea realized the man was mentally ill. Reasoning was futile. She backed away slowly, luring him to the back of the room. She grabbed a water bottle, splashing the contents in his face. Seizing the opportunity, she dashed for the door. He grabbed her hair.

Reeking of alcohol, he pressed against her, dragging her onto the bed. His grin was terrifying in the darkness. Thea screamed, jabbing wildly with the glass shard. His hand bled, but he wouldn't let go. Enraged, he slapped her.

Dizzy, Thea found herself thrown onto the bed. She spotted an ashtray. As he unbuttoned her clothes, she smashed it on his head. He slumped to the floor. Blood spread. She trembled. She thought she'd killed him.

Footsteps sounded at the door. Terrified, Thea saw Nicolas. He was disheveled, his suit muddy, his hair wet.

"Nicolas," she whispered, wondering if she was dreaming.

He watched in disbelief, filled with regret. Finding Thea had been difficult; he'd rushed over immediately. The location was remote, with too many trees and few open areas, even for a helicopter. Darwin had suggested waiting, but he couldn't. He needed to clear things up with Thea. His car had broken down; he'd walked the rest of the way, arriving at midnight. He saw the lit, empty security booth and the noise from the nearby building. He knew something was wrong.

In Nicolas's arms, Thea wept. "What should I do? I'm so scared. I think I killed someone."

Nicolas held her close. "Don't be afraid. It was self-defense. You're not dreaming. This is real. I'm real."

A clap of thunder jolted Thea. She stared blankly, tears falling. He'd actually come. For her?

Unnoticed, the man stirred, slowly getting up. Nicolas saw him too late. The man raised his knife. Thea felt a chill.

Nicolas shielded Thea, kicking the man's hand away.

"Help! Help!" Thea screamed, waking Eric. Her earlier police message had been received. Officers rushed in, subduing the man.

Eric, filled with guilt, slapped himself. "It's my fault! I'm an idiot! Miss Rowland, are you okay?" His eyes were red with guilt and nervousness.

Thea stopped him. "It's not your fault. No one could have predicted this. Let's figure out how to handle this."

The police presence would spread like wildfire, leading to speculation and troublemakers. The thought gave her a headache.

Eric looked curiously at Nicolas, then stepped forward gratefully. "Sir, thank you for the rescue. How should I address you?"

09:39 Mon, Nov 4