Chapter 4

I barely managed to make a sound before Victor and Agatha clamped their hands over my mouth, holding me firmly in place.

Billy immediately dropped his arrogant attitude and stood at attention, respectful and alert. The Chapmans shrank back, holding their breaths, and lowered their heads in fear.

All of a sudden, the room seemed to be swallowed by an oppressive weight. Dad donned a deep blue coat, his gaze sharp, his presence cold and commanding.

He frowned slightly, as if catching the stench of blood in the air. "Why was I brought here? Haven't I made it clear that I have no interest in these shady dealings?"

Everyone in the room stood firmly in front of me, blocking my view.

Billy hurried forward, lowering his head respectfully. "Mr. Greven, they came to offer you a woman."

"Ridiculous."

Dad's voice was cold, completely devoid of warmth. He didn't even spare them an extra glance. "Next time, don't bother calling me for these matters. It's a waste of time."

With that, he turned to leave.

Norris panicked, rushing forward with an ingratiating smile plastered across his face. "Mr. Greven, don't go just yet! I promise, this woman is exactly like the mistress you've been looking for!"

Dad stopped. The air around him seemed to drop in pressure. He barked, "I've never sought a mistress, so you'd better stop insulting me here! In all my life, I've been faithful only to my late wife!"

Norris staggered back, clearly intimidated.

Seeing his last hope slipping away, he turned his venomous gaze toward me. "Billy, what do you think of this woman? Since Mr. Greven isn't interested, maybe you can take her for… fun?"

Billy licked his lips, eyes glinting with lewdness. "Not a bad idea. Make me an offer."

I watched Dad's figure grow smaller as he walked away, my heart clenching as if gripped by an icy hand.

Despair surged over me like a tidal wave. I knew this was my final chance. If I missed it and fell back into the hands of these monsters, I had no doubts that things would be even worse.

I couldn't let it happen—not until I fought till the end.

I looked at the pair of scissors buried deep in my hand and knew it was the only reachable item available. Enduring the excruciating pain, I clenched my jaw and pulled out the scissors with my left hand, blood squirting incessantly.

Then, with all my remaining strength, I tossed the scissors into the air. They landed on the floor, the clang quickly gathering everyone's attention.

At last, Dad noticed me. The moment I looked up, I met his eyes.

Billy reacted swiftly. Fuming, he was ready to land another kick on me. "Bitch, I told you to stop moving!"

Before he could do so, Dad bellowed, "Hold it!"