12

That evening, Isabella walked out of her office after another long day at work. The sun was dipping below the horizon, and it was well past the end of office hours. She walked toward the main road, hoping to catch a taxi.

The distance from her workplace to her house was much farther than to her mother’s, so walking home wasn’t an option—especially not in heels.

Step by step, she scanned both sides of the street, her eyes darting left and right, hoping a taxi would appear soon. But after nearly twenty-five minutes, there was still no sign of one.

Just as she decided to cross the street, a motorcycle suddenly came speeding from the side road.

Startled, Isabella jumped back to avoid it—but lost her balance and fell hard onto the pavement.

“Ah—ow!” she hissed in pain, clutching her ankle. The sharp ache shot up her leg as she tried to get up, but her ankle was badly twisted, and standing was nearly impossible.

A sleek black car screeched to a halt in front of her.

The door opened, and a t