Chapter 81

FREVA

The car screeched to a halt in front of a crumbling building. Its cracked façade loomed in the moonlight, an ominous silhouette against the night sky. My stomach twisted into knots as the car door opened and rough hands yanked me out. The cold night air stung my skin, but it was nothing compared to the icy dread pooling in my chest.

A sharp push sent me toward the dilapidated building. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior that smelled of mildew and damp wood. My heart raced as I scanned the room. Noah stood there, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, speaking in hushed tones to another man. My stomach sank. Gia was nowhere to be seen.

“Noah!” I shouted, my voice shaking. “Where is Gia?”

He didn't turn, continuing his conversation as if I didn't exist. Finally, his voice cut through the air. “What do you think?”

The other man turned, his cold, calculating gaze making my skin crawl. “Yeah, she’s a sexy little thing,” he said with a smirk.

My fists clenched. “Where is my daughter?” I screamed, my voice trembling. “I did what you told me to. I came here. Now let my daughter go.”

“You are such an idiot,” Noah spat, finally acknowledging me. “Artificial intelligence can do a lot of things these days. Including mimicking voices.” His words hit me like a punch. My knees wobbled as I realized that Gia’s desperate cry for help hadn’t been real.

My breath hitched as guilt and rage swept over me. Why hadn't I called her school? Why hadn't I double-checked? I should have known something was off. Damn it!

I turned to run, but strong arms grabbed me. Their grip bruised. Panic clawed at my chest as I struggled.

“Oh, you think you can get away now?” the man with Noah sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. He stepped closer and struck me across the face. Pain exploded in my cheek; I tasted blood. “Bitch—”

“WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME?” I screamed, thrashing against their hold. Tears blurred my vision, but I couldn't stop fighting.

“Move, bitch,” one of them growled, pushing me forward. My heart pounded as they dragged me into another car. I screamed, but it was no use.

The car arrived at a fancy-looking place, its grandeur almost taunting in its silence. Neon lights flickered, reflecting off polished glass walls. The building loomed like a predator. I wasn’t in the right headspace to observe properly, but the air screamed opulence and danger. The smell of cigarettes, expensive cologne, and something bitter invaded my senses. This wasn't just any place; it reeked of power and secrets.

The car door opened, and rough hands pulled me out. I stumbled, scraping my palms on the gravel. My head spun. What was happening? Why was I here?

A woman in her early forties stood by the entrance, her posture rigid, her face set in disdain. She looked weary and impatient. Her dark hair was pulled back tightly; her fitted suit emphasized sharp lines and control. Her cold eyes landed on me with disinterest.

“Who’s this?” she asked sharply.

“This dude couldn’t pay back,” the man who’d dragged me there replied nonchalantly. “This is the payment.”

The words hit me like a freight train. Noah’s face flashed in my mind—his casual smirk from the cafe when he’d mentioned debts… debts to dangerous people. He’d tricked me. He’d sold me.

The woman raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Are we allowed to accept this… currency?” she asked, her disdain barely masked.

“Of course. You think brothels have all willing participants?” The man chuckled, as if discussing the weather.

The word brothel rang in my ears. Panic clawed at my insides as I stumbled backward. The reality of my situation dawned on me.

“What the hell are you talking about!” I shrieked, my voice cracking. My hands clenched into fists.

The woman barely responded. She shook her head, sighing. “You take care of this,” she said curtly, entering the building.

The man’s predatory grin snapped me back to him. His eyes glittered with malice. “Let me go! Let me fucking go!” I raged, my voice rising in desperation.

He said nothing. His hand shot out; the slap echoed through the silent night. Pain exploded across my cheek, sending me sprawling. His boot connected with my side. I curled up, arms wrapped around my abdomen, protecting my baby.