Chapter 391



“Let me tell you, the entire restaurant is under Ms. Martel’s thumb. You can scream all you want, but no one will come to your aid. I have to say, you look even more stunning in tears, surpassing those celebrities. Why would Ms. Martel waste her efforts finding a wealthy suitor for you? I’m fit enough to take exceptional care of you.”

After saying that, the man giggled.

Kallie, trying to maintain her composure, turned her gaze toward the window. It was rather small, yet her slender figure could just fit through. Kallie had surveyed the surroundings right after Joanna took her here.

Nestled in the suburbs, the restaurant sat quite a distance from the nearest town, with a busy road running behind it. Positioned on the second floor, Kallie realized her only choice was a risky escape.

With a strategic blink and a disarmingly charming smile, Kallie responded, “I think you are right, I would indeed prefer you over anyone else.”

Raising an eyebrow, the man’s smirk grew wider and sleazier. “Really? You… Wait. Setting a trap for me, are you? Planning to make a break for it the moment I let down my guard?”

“Not at all,” Kallie shook her head and placed her hand on the man’s solid arm, suppressing her revulsion as she continued to praise him.

“You’re strong and in good health. Who knows who Ms. Martel might pair me with? Do you really think a wealthy young man would be short on suitors? If he agrees to marry me, he’s likely either of poor character or suffering from some health issue.”

The man still appeared skeptical.

Kallie feigned resignation and sighed deeply. “I’m not naive. I know there’s no escaping this situation. Ms. Martel is determined to settle me for someone. She doesn’t want me around her husband indefinitely, I could tell. She doesn’t care who I end up with. Besides, my having a daughter complicates things further. No wealthy man would willingly marry me.”

The man nodded in agreement. “Right, you do seem quite appealing. You’re beautiful. Even though you have a child and aren’t untouched, that doesn’t bother me. Just promise to look after me once we’re married, and I’ll let you stay with me. I’ve heard about your wealth. You’d better give everything to me in the future.”

Kallie’s smile nearly cracked. It was almost too much to bear.

Having already reveled in his imaginary life with wealth snatched from Kallie, the man wore a smug smile, his gaze now filled with more disdain. He started to feel Kallie was beneath him.

Catching the shift in his expression, Kallie realized her ruse had almost succeeded. Blushing, she feigned shyness. “I need to freshen up. Wait for me, I’ll be back shortly.”

With that, Kallie turned and headed toward the bathroom. Before she could reach her destination, the man intercepted her. His grin was grotesque. “Why the rush for a shower?” he taunted, his voice dripping with suspicion. “You’re not fooling anyone. You just want a chance to slip away, right? Take off your clothes.”

Kallie’s heart raced with fear. She managed a weak smile and replied, “It’s not like that. I’m just feeling uncomfortable and sweaty. Surely you don’t want to do it this way, right?”

The man’s laughter grew wild, his gaze intensifying. He articulated each word with chilling clarity. “I told you to take off your clothes! Didn’t you hear?”

Kallie stood frozen, prompting the man to seize her chin forcefully, almost as if he intended to wrench it off. Pain shot through Kallie, forcing her mouth open.

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