Chapter 32

A loud smack echoed through the room. Dakota was slapped so hard she nearly fainted, a bright red handprint instantly appearing on her face.

“You bitch! How dare you hit me!” Caspian cursed, spitting fiercely on the ground, his eyes blazing with fury. The other girls trembled, huddling together in fear. Madison’s heart pounded, praying Caspian wouldn’t turn his anger on her.

The slap sobered Dakota. She touched her burning cheek, her eyes wide with shock and fear, replacing the earlier drowsiness. “Lord… Lord Caspian?” she whispered, her voice trembling.

“Bitch, do you recognize me now?” Caspian sneered. “You hit me on the head with a wine bottle. How do you propose we settle this?”

Dakota was startled. Only then did she vaguely remember someone touching her inappropriately; in her intoxicated state, she’d instinctively grabbed something from the table and thrown it. Unexpectedly, it was Caspian.

“I—I’m sorry, Lord Caspian. I’d had too much to drink. I… I can compensate you for your medical expenses,” Dakota stammered, apologizing profusely.

Caspian chuckled, his gaze sinister. “Compensate me? Do you think I’m short of money?”

Dakota trembled. “N-no… I was very drunk. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m so sorry.”

Caspian laughed coldly, his eyes fixed on her face, his desire evident. “If you really want to apologize, I can give you a chance.”

“Really, Lord Caspian?” Dakota asked, fear evident in her trembling voice and eyes. She knew his motives were not honorable.

“Of course,” Caspian grinned wickedly. “I’ve always appreciated beauty. Spend the night with me, satisfy my desires, and we can forget this ever happened.”

“No… Please, Lord Caspian!” Dakota pleaded, her voice shaking. She knew this wouldn't end well.

“No? I’m interested in you; you should feel honored! Don’t be ungrateful!” Caspian’s demeanor hardened.

“Lord Caspian, please spare me! I didn’t mean to do it. I can compensate you with money, as much as you want!” Dakota begged desperately, terrified of what might happen if she didn't comply. She couldn't understand how the evening, which had begun as a happy birthday celebration for Madison, had taken such a dark turn, especially with Caspian's sudden arrival with his men.

Seeing the escalating tension, Madison intervened. “Lord Caspian, my friend was wrong to hit you. However, she was intoxicated, and your sudden intrusion—”

“What? Are you saying I’m in the wrong?” Caspian interrupted angrily, frowning.

However, their exchange was a carefully planned act. Madison quickly replied, “No, Lord Caspian, I wouldn’t dare.” Turning to Dakota, she said, “Dakota, you’ve offended Lord Caspian. Cameron likes you, right? Given this mess, why not call him for help?”

“Cameron?” Dakota hesitated, then shook her head. “No, I can’t involve him.” She didn’t want him hurt.

“Still worried about him? He’s full of himself! If he cares, he’ll help!” Madison pressed, trying to goad Dakota into calling Cameron.

“Forget it, Madison. This has nothing to do with him.”

“Forget it? How can you give up? If you won’t call him, I will!” Ignoring Dakota’s protests, Madison dialed Cameron’s number.