Chapter 233

"Move," Thea said. The bar was crowded, and her striking looks made her a target for harassment. Usually, a cold expression was enough to deter most men; they'd realize she wasn't someone to trifle with and leave embarrassed. This man, however, lacked such observational skills. He grinned, revealing yellow teeth. "So you have a strong temper? I love that. Someone paid me to sleep with you. A good deal, right?" Thea radiated icy coldness.

The man ignored her. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her toward the restroom.

Frustrated, Thea struggled. "Who sent you? How much did they pay you? I'll double it. Let go of me!" She mentally reviewed her options.

While arguing with the blond man, she reached into her bag, searching for her pepper spray.

He saw her move. He forced her into a corner. "What are you reaching for?"

The bar's restroom was a scene of passionate embraces. The loud music drowned out Thea's cries for help. Passersby, at most, muttered that it was a shame she was with such a man.

He said, "Let's have some fun. My client wants me to 'torture' you. But I can't bear to hurt such a beautiful woman. Don't worry, I'll take care of you." He opened his mouth, reeking of smoke, and lunged at her. The smell nearly suffocated her.

She wondered why she never resisted Nicolas, a smoker himself. Whenever she faced danger, his name involuntarily sprang to mind. She knew he wouldn't help this time; he was busy with Oliver. She was alone.

Gritting her teeth, she slapped the blond man across the face. While he was stunned, she ran toward the center of the crowd. He pursued her.

The sound of his heavy footsteps behind her sent her heart racing. She cursed herself for choosing such a secluded booth; escape was difficult.

Upstairs, Teri watched Thea flee, laughing in Duncan's arms. "Duncan, look… Thea's in a sorry state." This was the first time Duncan had allowed her such intimacy. It solidified her belief: defeat Thea, and she'd gain Duncan's favor.

Under the light, the corners of Duncan's lips curved into a smile that Teri found captivating. "Duncan, are you satisfied with the show? If not, I can send more… Thea could handle several men at once. She's known for her promiscuity."

Duncan's silence was his answer.

Teri pulled out her phone, oblivious to a tall figure rising from their table.

Ollie, his usual cynical expression unchanged, watched Teri’s eagerness to please Duncan. "Does your mother know you stoop this low? Why torture a woman to please a man?"

The Windrow family held significant influence in Silvercreek, but Ollie’s presence commanded even more respect.

Teri, unafraid, confronted him. "Mr. Windrow, I know you're working with Thea, but you're just her business partner. Mind your own business. Or are you also captivated by her beauty?"

Ollie sneered. "I'm simply disgusted by your underhanded tactics. I'll protect Thea."

He went downstairs.

Teri, gritting her teeth, felt the warmth she craved slipping away. Duncan's dark expression panicked her. "Duncan, don't worry. Ollie's useless. My men are gangsters. Even if he tries to protect Thea, he can't stop them. It wasn't easy for you to come to Silvercreek for me. I won't let the woman you hate get away easily!"

Duncan remained silent. He hadn't come to Silvercreek solely for Teri; Emmalie was also a factor. Emmalie had been crying, admitting it was because of Thea. Duncan felt Thea's mere existence was a sin.

Unaware of Duncan's arrival, Thea focused solely on escaping. If the blond man assaulted her, she'd kill herself.

Several men blocked her escape, their identical smiles mirroring the blond man's. Coldness spread through her.

"Running's over," the blond man sneered.

In the crowded bar, Thea felt helpless for the first time. No one would help a stranger, and Joyce was too far away. Is this it? she thought.

She refused to believe it. "You came for money. I offered double. Name your price… anything."

The blond pointed to the imprint of her slap. "You should have negotiated before hitting me. You struck my pride."

Thea retreated; he advanced, his men surrounding her. "I'll sleep with you tonight, and you'll pay for that slap!"

His hand rose to strike her; she closed her eyes. The anticipated pain never came.

Ollie's typically androgynous face seemed more masculine in the light. "Mrs. Hendrix, you're usually so articulate. Why the resignation?"

"I'm not resigned," Thea said, her hand clutching a shard of glass.

As he approached, Ollie smelled blood—from Thea's palm. She’d picked up the glass during her escape, hiding it in her hand. The sharp edges cut her, but her expression remained unchanged. Had the blond man dared approach, she would have plunged it into his heart. Bloodshed would attract security; even arrest was preferable to assault.