Chapter 169

Paige pointed at the surveillance camera."See that?Behind it are eyes-so many eyes-watching you."

She leaned in close to Hannah's ear and murmured,"And those people? They're not just anyone. You have caught the attention of a highly influential figure."

That was when Hannah realized-this wasn't a rescue. It was just another trap. "What you're doing is illegal!" she said, voice trembling as she jerked her hand free and stepped back.

Paige stayed composed. "Well, I always respect a lady's choice. It's a shame, really. But if you're unwilling, I won't force you."

She snapped her fingers, and the door to the private room creaked open. "I'll let you leave. Go ahead."

Hannah stood frozen. On the other side of the doorway were several men, their gazes sharp,watching her like hunters sizing up prey.

Paige examined her manicured nails, her tone casual."I'll count to three. If you're still here by then,I'll take it as a yes-you're staying."

"Three."

'Hannah's heart pounded.

"Two."

Hannah knew the moment she stepped through that door, she'd be subdued by those men, probably facing a far more grim fate.

"One."

Hannah realized she couldn't leave just yet. Playing along with Paige was the only way to survive.

Hannah drew a breath and steadied herself. "About what you've said... Is there any payment? I really need the money." She strategically portrayed herself as hungry for money and easily bought. Paige's smile returned. "Of course. You'll get what you're worth. Handle things well, and you won't just have wealth-you'll have power."

Hannah fidgeted with her fingers. "Alright... I'll do it.I just...I don't know how."

"I knew I wasn't mnistaken about you. You're wise.Don't worry-we'll train you." Paige tapped her nose."You'll be our star."

Hannah smiled faintly, all while quietly planning her escape.

Felix had not seen Hannah at work all day after he returned from Elaria. When she still didn't show up the next day, he sensed something was wrong.Even if she were avoiding him, she wouldn't ignore work.

He called her, but her phone was off. Concerned, he called her parents-only to learn she hadn't returned home.Panic took hold. If Hannah had returned from overseas, she would've gone straight to her family. Felix immediately reported it to the police and confirmed that Hannah hadn't crossed the border.She was still in Elaria. His chest tightened. There was no time for self-reproach for not double-checking her supposed departure. He immediately began reaching out to contacts for help.

Despite everything, Felix acknowledged that with Vincent's power, locating Hannah might prove easier.

Felix found Vincent's contact and called several times, only to be sent straight to voicemail. Left with no other option, he sent a message. "Hannah is missing."

Meanwhile, Vincent was on a private jet, mid-flight back home, when he saw the message. He called instantly. His voice was sharp. "What do you mean,Hannah's missing?"

Felix explained clearly, "She's still in Elaria. No one can reach her. You need to start looking."

Vincent didn't hesitate. "I'll find her."He ended the call and gave a cold order to the pilot."Turn the plane around. Head back to Elaria."

An hour later, Andres stood stunned at the airstrip.Hadn't he just seen Vincent off? Yet, there Vincent was again, striding down the steps of the jet.

Vincent didn't waste a second. He organized a search immediately and moved out with his security team. He couldn't sit still. Every moment counted.

For two days, Hannah remained locked inside a private room. Even bathroom breaks required an escort.

Paige's "training" was simply making Hannah watch disturbing videos on how to cater to powerful men,mentally draining and demoralizing.

On the third day, Hannah finally saw Paige again.

Paige entered the room with a flick of her wrist, and someone promptly switched off the surveillance camera. Paige pinched Hannah's cheek, smiling sweetly."Darling, today's lesson is the most important one-and I'm teaching it myself. So listen carefully."

、"Yes, I will," Hannah replied with a forced smile.

Paige's lesson was nothing more than a manipulative monologue, meant to wear down resistance and plant seeds of obedience.

After Paige finished, Hannah asked cautiously,"What's planned for tomorrow?"

Paige waved her hand, and someone stepped forward with a small pill. "This is a beauty supplement," she said.

Hannah took the pill without hesitation.

Paige grinned. "Oh, and it comes with a side effect.You'll need a monthly antidote, or you'll be in unbearable pain. And that antidote? Only I have it."

Hannah lowered her gaze. That was the weapon-how Paige controlled those wealthy women so completely. She poisoned them. "Tomorrow, I won't be the one escorting you.Someone else will deliver you to the gentleman."Then, Paige leaned in and whispered, "The bed there is very comfortable, I've tried it myself."