Adam’s expression was cold and razor-sharp. “Elijah’s car plates are untouchable in Merrity. Locking down the roads won’t work in time.”

“Then what’s the plan, Mr. Alvarez?” Leo asked.

Without a word, Adam pulled out his phone and dialed a number—Elijah’s father, Henry. Their families shared long-standing ties, and by custom, Adam was expected to address Henry as “Uncle Henry.”

He connected almost instantly, and Henry’s voice came through. “Adam? What an unexpected call. What’s the occasion?”

Adam’s grip on the phone tightened; his tone cut like steel. “Your son just kidnapped someone who belongs to me. Does he have any private villas in the suburbs?”

Meanwhile, in a private villa on the outskirts of the city, Celine’s eyelids fluttered open. She quickly became aware of her luxurious surroundings—an oversized bed and ornate décor. Where was she?

Her pulse quickened as she shot upright, her body taut with alarm.

“Celine, you’re awake?” A man’s voice pierced the silence. Her head snapped toward the voice; her eyes locked onto Elijah.

Her pupils narrowed instinctively. “Elijah? What are you trying to do?” Moments ago, she had been preparing to step back into the spotlight as Dr. C, but now Elijah had dragged her here.

Elijah smirked. “What do you think I’m trying to do? The other day, you humiliated me and beat me badly in front of everyone. Don’t you think it’s time to even the score?”

Elijah was a man unaccustomed to disgrace. The humiliation she’d dealt him still burned, and he wasn’t the type to forgive. He had been waiting for an opportunity to make her pay.

Celine’s hand inched subtly toward her waist, her instincts kicking in. But as her fingers brushed the fabric of her dress, her expression faltered. Earlier, while changing backstage, she had chosen a sleeveless white dress. She hadn’t thought to bring her silver needles or medicinal powders.

Elijah eased himself down onto the edge of the bed beside her. “Celine, I’ll give you two options. First, you kneel and apologize to me. Second…” His gaze lingered on her face, taking in her delicate features. With makeup, Celine looked radiant and breathtaking, enough to stir his heart.

Celine instinctively shifted back, putting as much distance as the bed allowed between them. “And the second option?” she asked.

Elijah’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Second, you become my girlfriend. If you agree, I’ll forget what happened that day. Your little ‘win’ can just be chalked up to lovers’ spats.” He dared to ask her to be his girlfriend again.

“I will never be your girlfriend,” she declared firmly.

Elijah’s expression hardened instantly. “Celine, don’t act like you don’t know what’s good for you. Do you have any idea how many women would kill for the chance to be my girlfriend?”

Celine didn’t bother answering. Without another word, she climbed off the bed and darted toward the door, but she didn’t make it far.

Elijah grabbed her arm in one swift motion and shoved her down onto the bed. “Celine, if I can’t have your heart… then I’ll just take your body instead.” Pinning her down beneath him, Elijah began tearing at her clothes.

“No! Let me go!” Celine screamed, struggling with all her might. Her nails raked across his neck, leaving a deep, bloody scratch.

Her defiance seemed to further enrage him, his blood boiling with exhilaration. With a sharp glare, he raised his hand and struck her hard across the face. Celine’s vision blurred as the slap rattled her senses. The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth, a thin trail dripping from the corner of her lips.

Elijah tore his shirt over his head and unbuckled his belt with the same urgency. The pale glow of her flawless skin, the delicate curve of her bare arms, and the long, slender lines of her legs set his pulse hammering.

“Damn it,” he thought. He’d been with plenty of women, but something about Celine was different. She was exquisite and irresistible.

Without hesitation, he grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it upward. “Celine, I really like you; just be mine already,” he murmured. Celine’s scream tore through the room, sharp and unrelenting.