Chapter 664



Kallie ducked into the shadows, hoping to disappear, but the small room offered no refuge.

The man’s eyes quickly adjusted to the dim lighting spilling in from outside, and his gaze locked onto Kallie. With a chilling smile, he began removing his clothes as he walked toward her. Panic surged through Kallie as his intentions became dreadfully clear. Her mind froze, terror rooting her to the spot. She tried to speak, to scream, but her voice refused to break free. Now shirtless, the man exuded a vile menace that twisted Kallie’s stomach into knots. He stooped before her, his hand cruelly tilting her chin upward.

“I almost died because of you!” he hissed. “You owe me for that. Behave, and maybe I’ll be merciful later. You chose the wrong man to mess with.”

Kallie’s mind raced. Who had she messed with? Memories of turning away unwanted attention flashed through her mind. Could he be referring to Clayton? But that seemed impossible. Her relationship with Clayton had been nothing but cordial and respectful.

Kallie’s mind swirled with panic as the man pinned her down. He fumbled at her clothes, desperate to undress her.

Fortunately, Kallie had chosen to wear an ornate gown, its complex layers giving her a slight advantage.

The man, sweating heavily from his exertions, struggled with the fabric, ultimately failing to remove it. Visibly agitated, he withdrew a small knife, slicing through the ropes that bound Kallie before pressing the cold steel against her throat.

“Take off your clothes now, or I swear I’ll cut you,” he said menacingly.

With the sharp blade chilling her neck, Kallie knew better than to make any sudden movements. She began to undress slowly, the multiple layers of her dress delaying the inevitable.

As Kallie shed each layer, the man watched her, his eyes betraying a vile mix of lust and disgust. He sneered, his words dripping with condescension. “Despite being over thirty and a mother, your figure and skin are quite remarkable. Why not stick by my side from this moment forward? Choose me, and both your children’s and your lives will be safe. Sounds like a fair deal, doesn’t it?”

A spark of strategy ignited in Kallie’s eyes. She stopped, lifting her gaze to meet his, her eyes brimming with tears. In a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, “Do you truly mean that?” Her vulnerable act effectively lowered his guard.

Kallie, who was typically distant and composed, had effortlessly broken through his defenses with a mere performance.

The knife at her throat loosened slightly as he stammered in surprise, “You… You would consider being with me?”

Masking her determination with a facade of surrender, Kallie responded, “What choice do I have at this moment? I’ve been on my own for so long, and frankly, I’m exhausted. That night at the bar, I was drunk and upset. That’s why I was rude to you. I promise, I won’t run away or fight back. Just tell me, whom have I upset?”

The man nearly let the secret slip. Yet, the butler’s earlier caution remained fresh in his mind. He regarded Kallie with suspicion. “You’re not trying to coax me into revealing secrets, are you? I’m not telling you anything. You might as well stop trying.”

Kallie clenched her teeth discreetly. She was fully aware she couldn’t rush things.

With a subtle beckoning gesture, she drew him in.

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