Chapter 7

In the chaos, Julia, just freed from her restraints, rubbed her red wrists. She asked in confusion, "What money?"

"It's nothing." Brandon sneered. "This gentleman said if we abducted you and he came to the rescue, he could force you to marry him. What's wrong? Now you want to back out?"

Julia's anger exploded as soon as she heard that. "Lawrence Hale! You actually had someone abduct me? Are you out of your mind?"

Lawrence looked at Julia and put on a mocking smile. "Can't you tell? I don't even know these people. Besides, do you think I'm that kind of person?"

Just then, Patrick appeared at the perfect moment. Julia rushed into his arms, almost on the verge of tears. "I was so scared, Patrick. I never thought Lawrence would be like this!"

"It's okay. It's fine now. You're too much, Lawrence. Are you even a man?"

Although Patrick was scolding him, Lawrence saw a flash of amusement and provocation in Patrick's eyes.

Suddenly, he understood.

These people were hired by Patrick.

"Why are you framing me? Patrick? You hired them, didn't you? I don't know these people!" Lawrence shouted.

"Enough!" Julia snapped. "You're really pathetic, Lawrence!"

"Let's get you out of here, Jules." Patrick took Julia's hand, ready to leave.

Before they walked out, Julia looked back at Lawrence. "You've really disappointed me. Since you hired these people, we shouldn't let them come for nothing. You guys, beat him up. I'll pay you."

With that, she left decisively.

As Lawrence watched her walk away, his heart broke completely.

"Guys, we're in for some fun today! We get to make money from both sides and beat someone up! We should work with Mr. Harrison again," Brandon said excitedly.

Mr. Harrison?

Lawrence almost laughed. He had guessed right. This was all part of Patrick's elaborate scheme. His acting was so poor, yet Julia couldn't see through it.

A few men blocked Lawrence's path and dragged him into a private room.

Lawrence struggled for a moment, but it was futile. He couldn't win against four people. In his struggle, he hopelessly called out to Julia's retreating figure. His last hope shattered as he saw her remain indifferent.

"Turn on the music! Don't let anyone outside hear. Guys, beat him hard!" Brandon ordered.

They charged at Lawrence, throwing punches and kicks.

The lights blurred before his eyes. He glanced around and spotted a beer bottle on the table. A hint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.

…

Later, when Julia was asleep, she had nightmares. "No!" she screamed in fear.

Seeing her terrified, Patrick held her tightly. "It's okay, Jules. It's all over now."

"Why did Lawrence do this to me?" Julia's face hardened.

"Yeah, I never expected him to do that. Is he mad that I returned? Is he afraid I'll take you from him, so he staged all this?"

"He has no right to blame you. Don't worry. I'll make him apologize," Julia said.

After calming Patrick down, she angrily headed to Lawrence's apartment. But when she arrived, the place was empty. She called her secretary, Lena Noble.

"Find out where Lawrence is."

As she waited, her anger grew wilder. How dare he stay out all night?

"Ms. Ware, Mr. Hale…" Lena hesitated.

"What? You'd better have him come back right now. I want an explanation for what happened yesterday!"

"We found Mr. Hale's personal belongings at Echo Chamber, but he's missing. There was a violent altercation there last night. The police have sealed off the area. There's blood everywhere. They say... someone died."

"What?" Julia trembled violently. "Say that again?"

"The police said the person who died was likely Mr. Hale."