Chapter 80

Molly hurried over, her voice preceding her. “Cameron, you’re finally here. Come on in.” Impatience quickened her steps.

Cameron glanced at Molly, a flicker of disdain in his eyes. He nodded slightly before following her into the hotel.

In a lavishly decorated guest room of the karaoke bar, Molly opened the door and ushered Cameron inside. Seeing Isabella asleep on the bed, Molly plastered a smile on her face and turned to Cameron. “She’s here, Cameron. Take your time.”

Cameron walked nonchalantly to the bedside, hands in his pockets, appearing unconcerned. He pulled back the white blanket. Isabella lay with her eyes closed, her straight nose, smooth forehead, and oval cheeks flushed against her sun-kissed skin. Her slightly pursed red lips stirred an irresistible urge in him.

Isabella was already in the enticing lingerie Molly had provided, her captivating figure fully revealed. Her slender waist, long legs, and impressive bust were stunning.

Cameron’s eyes brightened. Isabella was even more beautiful than in the photos. He mused that he could spend months with a woman like this and never tire.

Molly, observing Cameron's contented expression, felt relieved. With a knowing smile, she left, closing the door behind her. Cameron moved forward, a lecherous grin spreading across his face as he gently traced a finger across Isabella’s face.

“Damn, this face looks so fresh,” he murmured. He began eagerly unbuttoning his shirt.

At that moment, Isabella felt her head spin and her breath catch. She opened her eyes with difficulty, her vision blurred. She turned her head just in time to see him unfasten his belt.

Isabella fought against the dizziness, digging her nails into her thigh. The sharp pain momentarily cleared her mind. Cameron stood shirtless, removing his dress pants, looking every bit the greasy middle-aged man he was. She knew, Ivana had instructed Celine. The man before her was clearly Cameron.

A chill crept up her spine. She bit her lip, slowly pushing herself upright. Cameron was surprised, then his eyes gleamed as he tossed his pants to the ground. “Oh, you’re awake?” he sneered.

He looked into Isabella’s eyes, noting their vibrancy. He imagined how captivating they would be if she were panicked and struggling. With a wicked grin, he said sleazily, “I don’t like it when they’re passed out—I like them awake.”

He approached, eyes full of predatory excitement, confident of victory. Isabella’s body weakened; she couldn’t control the rising heat. She bit her lip, her gaze sharp as she said coldly, “Cameron, you realize this is illegal, right?”

She needed to buy time, to find a way to escape. Otherwise, Cameron would ruin her life. Discreetly, she scanned the room, calculating her options.

Cameron burst into laughter, sitting on the edge of the bed, gently lifting Isabella’s chin. “Hahaha… Illegal? In Draxenport, I am the law,” he boasted. He’d been with hundreds, if not thousands, of women in Draxenport; money had always been enough.

His grip tightened. The pain jolted Isabella’s mind clear for a moment, but the overwhelming drug effects quickly returned. She gritted her teeth, fearing complete loss of control if she delayed any longer. She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms, fighting to stay conscious.

She struggled against his grasp, but her resistance only intensified his hold. “Sweetheart, if you’re good, maybe I’ll be a bit more gentle. Otherwise…” His grin widened. The sight snapped Isabella back to her senses.

She glared at him. “Let go, or don’t blame me for what happens next.” She thought, Ivana! Hudson! Molly! Cameron! She felt a surge of homicidal rage.

Cameron laughed. “Oh, you look even prettier when you’re angry—are you trying to seduce me on purpose?” He leaned closer, making a loud licking sound near her ear.

Isabella fought back nausea, turning away. But her eyes fell upon something on the nightstand. She quickly looked away, pushing herself back towards the head of the bed.

Feigning worry, she said quickly, “If you let me go, we can work together. Tell me your price, and I can pay you.” Her apparent fear only excited him more. “Honey, I like it when you resist a bit more. Should I bring out the belt? Do you like that?” He retrieved the belt from the floor, snapping it against his palm.

He licked his lips, his eyes lingering on Isabella. “Money isn’t what I’m missing, sweetheart. It’s a woman I lack.” He was determined to possess her.

Isabella, pressed against the headboard, looked at him with fear, wanting to fight back but paralyzed. He lunged at her.

But Isabella grabbed the ashtray from the nightstand. A sharp pop echoed before Cameron could react. “Ah!” he cried out.

He fell back onto the bed, clutching his head. He stared at Isabella, his face contorted in pain. “Bitch, you… you dared to hit me…” His voice was weak.

Isabella clutched her heart, took a deep breath, and struggled to get out of bed despite her weakness. As her feet touched the ground, her legs gave way, her knees scraping and bleeding on the rug.

She looked around. Her phone was gone. She dragged herself to Cameron’s pants and retrieved his phone.

“You jerk! Do you really think calling will help?” Cameron struggled to stand, the pain almost overwhelming.

Isabella, her body trembling, dialed a number. As the phone rang, anxiety overwhelmed her. Will he ignore it because it’s an unknown number? she wondered. Panic threatened to consume her.

In the Howerton Group’s conference room, executives were in a meeting. Talon, the business manager, spoke passionately. A phone rang.

Everyone stiffened, acutely aware of the president’s aversion to calls during meetings. Samuel didn’t answer, but the persistent ringing silenced the room. He sat impassively, his expression stormy. Nervous swallowing filled the silence.

Samuel finally answered, his voice glacial. “Who is this?”

Everyone flinched. A hoarse voice rasped, “Samuel, help me…”