Chapter 3

Selena had heard stories before that the men in this circle had no limits and did all sorts of disgusting things when it came to women. Back then, she had been grateful that Jonathan wasn't like that. Those sleazy men had nothing to do with her, and she hadn't cared.

But now, seeing them standing right in front of her and watching their faces, Selena felt a wave of nausea rise in her.

She had no intention of speaking to any of them.

Selena turned to leave, but two burly men blocked her path before she could reach the door.

Laughter echoed from behind her.

Ronald stepped closer, closing the distance with a predatory smile that left no room for doubt.

"Selena, back when Jonathan was around, I held back for his sake. But now? No one can stop me from having you. You know me. Once I set my mind on something, I never give up."

Selena's delicate face drained of color.

She remembered Ronald's obsessive behavior before Jonathan came into her life. It had terrified her, and even calling the police hadn't helped. Had Jonathan not appeared, she might have been forced into Ronald's possession.

Now that they were divorced, even Jonathan's protection wouldn't last long.

Selena's slender fingers curled tightly into fists. She forced herself to speak with a calm, detached tone.

"Mr. Lewis, you're already married. I know Mrs. Lewis as well."

Ronald sneered. "So what? I've got plenty of women. When has she ever mattered? Selena, stop resisting. If it's not me, it'll be someone else. Do you really think you can lead a quiet life in Harbor City with a face like that?"

Ronald's threat did make Selena flinch, just a little. But right now, she didn't want to think.

She just wanted to get out.

In front of her were the blocking bodyguards. Behind her, these disgusting men were circling, their eyes gleaming like predators taunting their prey. It felt like escape was impossible.

And they were laughing, taunting her even further.

"I can see that we can't beat Mr. Lewis. He's a damn freak. When he goes crazy, he's not even human."

Someone laughed. "Ronald, remember not to get carried away back there. We don't want things to get messy before it's fun for us."

Ronald chuckled and leered at Selena. "Don't worry. I'll be gentle...for now."

"Look at his face. He must be holding back real hard, huh?"

Selena couldn't stand it any longer, and snapped at the men guarding the door. "Move! This is illegal detention! I'm calling the police!"

The two men didn't budge. Ronald dragged over a chair and plopped down, crossing his legs, his gaze burning into Selena's back.

Selena gritted her teeth and called the police, but they didn't even flinch. She knew they were arrogant, brazen, and completely unafraid. Maybe they wouldn't do anything today, but what about tomorrow? The thought made her stomach churn.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open, and several sharply dressed men stepped out.

Selena's eyes immediately brightened.

"Mr. Foster!"

Her voice carried a spark of excitement, almost like the flutter of seeing someone she secretly adored.

Zachary Foster looked up. His deep, dark eyes were unreadable, revealing nothing, and beneath his stern expression, there wasn't a ripple of emotion to be seen.

Selena was flustered and desperate, and she let a hint of playfulness slip into her voice.

"Did you come for me, Mr. Foster? It's these people's fault. They've been deliberately blocking me, making it impossible to leave. You have to tell them to let me go!"

Zachary studied the woman in front of him. Her features were exquisitely sculpted, striking from every angle. Even in a simple white blouse and black skirt, she carried herself with a straight posture and graceful curves that drew the eye.

But her bright, expressive eyes now held a trace of pleading, shimmering with a touch of vulnerability that made her look both pitiful and endearing.

Ronald rose and moved toward the door, finally noticing Zachary. His eyes flicked over Selena and Zachary with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Darkness clouded his gaze, but he dared not be reckless.

When he spoke to Zachary, his tone was restrained, though tinged with a hint of probing.

"Mr. Foster, do you know Ms. Jones?"

Selena's fingers trembled slightly, and she pressed her perfectly red lips together.

Then Zachary's deep, clear voice cut through the tension.

"Selena, come here."

Selena seemed to come alive all at once. She stepped forward with courage, every move confident and proud, and the two bodyguards at the door didn't stop her.

Her steps were quick, urgent, until she reached Zachary's side. Her posture relaxed a little, and her bright eyes softened, her lips curving into a faint, reserved smile.

"We can go now, Mr. Foster."

The tall, handsome man glanced down at Selena before turning and stepping back into the elevator. Selena hurried to follow him, while the two others trailing Zachary stayed silent, wordlessly descending with them.

As the elevator doors closed, the atmosphere became awkward. Selena hesitated, unsure what to say, but the ride to the first floor passed quickly.

As they stepped out together, Selena felt a little embarrassed and quickly spoke up.

"Mr. Foster, thank you so much just now. I really had no choice and needed your help, but I promise I won't cause you trouble. I'll remember this today. If there's ever a chance, I'll repay your kindness."

Selena had met Zachary because of a visit to Juliet's school, where she got to know Juliet's close friend, Leona Foster, who happened to be Zachary's niece. They had only crossed paths once before, when Zachary picked up Leona from school.

It had been a brief encounter; they hadn't even exchanged greetings, just a quick glance from afar.

In the rush of the moment just now, Selena had been holding her breath and not daring to hope. To her surprise, Zachary remembered her and even knew her name.

Zachary's expression remained unreadable, his deep eyes betraying nothing. He replied evenly, "You're welcome, Ms. Jones."

Then he addressed the man beside him. "William, take Ms. Jones home."

William Lowell nodded, but Selena said, "No, Mr. Foster, I can…"

"The people upstairs are still watching," Zachary interrupted.

Selena froze, her eyes flicking up to the third-floor picture window. There really was someone standing there. The figure was blurry, but she knew Ronald well enough to be certain he wouldn't just let this go.

Her chest tightened with unease, and she didn't resist anymore. Under Zachary's watchful eyes, she followed William to the car.

Before the car started moving, Selena rolled down the window, leaning out just enough to show her bright, cheerful face. She smiled warmly at Zachary.

"Goodbye, Mr. Foster."