Chapter 188

Vincent and the bodyguards split up to search every corner, but Hannah was still nowhere in sight.

Vincent's gaze grew darker as he ran through every scenario he could think of. Was there something he'd missed? Then, a detail surfaced in his mind-the layout of Building 9 he'd glimpsed before. If he remembered right, the eleventh floor was now empty after the previous tenants moved out.

Without wasting a second, he gave a new order, "Search the eleventh floor. Now!"

···

Meanwhile, Hannah slowly regained consciousness, only to find her wrists and ankles lashed tightly to a chair, unable to budge an inch.

"Look who's finally awake. I've been waiting for this moment." The man grinned as he reached out to touch her face.

She jerked her head away from his hand. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"You really don't remember me? That's a little dlisappointing, but it's fine. I'm going to sleep with you anyway." A nasty sneer curled his lips. "Let's see what Vincent's ex-wife is really like, shall we?"

The man's face twisted with cruel excitement as he pulled down his pants, leaving only his underwear.

Disgust churned in Hannah's gut. She could guess his intentions, and as he stalked toward her with a predatory grin, she shouted, "Wait! Aren't you worried Vincent will come after you?"

The man laughed, utterly unbothered. "Him? What's there to be afraid of? The only reason anyone listens to him is because of his father. I've never understood why people act scared around him."

Hannah didn't interrupt him, working her wrists against a jagged nail she'd felt behind the chair, hoping she could somehow cut herself free.

"I could've had you that night when the lights went out," the man continued, rage simmering in his eyes.

"But Vincent barged in and ruined everything.I've had to wait all this time because of him-damn him to hell!"

He leaned in so close that Hannah could feel his breath on her skin. "You owe me for that little setback.Make it worth my while."

"So you're the one behind the roses? You also killed the power?" Hannah kept stalling for time.

A wicked grin split his face. "That's right. Every single rose was from me. Red suits you best, don't you think?" He stripped off his shirt, his gaze hungry.

Out of nowhere, he produced a bouquet of. crimson roses. "Today, with these as our witnesses, we'll have our fun. No one's coming to stop us. I can't wait anymore," he said, lunging toward her with dangerous intent.

"Wait!" Hannah cried out.

He paused, scowling. "You're stalling, aren't you?"

"No." She shook her head, dropping her gaze. "I know there's no getting out of this. But... It's daylight.I'm embarrassed. Would you close the curtains first? Please, just... Don't hurt me. I'll do whatever you want."

He let out a coarse laugh. "That's more likeit. Be good and I'll treat you well. I guarantee I'll be better than Vincent-in bed and out of it."

He trailed a hand down her cheek before finally turning away, half undressed, to draw the curtains.

Revulsion nearly overwhelmed Hannah, but she held on to her composure. If she was going to escape, this was the only chance she'd get. Her fingers worked furiously at the rope, and just as he tugged the last curtain closed, the knot around her wrists finally gave way.

Wasting no time, she freed her legs and made a break for what she thought was the door.

A furious shout erupted behind her. "You tricked me!"

Hannah continued to bolt, desperate, only to discover the wall of glass offered no escape. With nowhere else to turn, she snatched a glass tumbler from the table and raised it, her voice shaking bout defiant. "Don't

A twisted smile flickered across the man's face as he lunged. Hannah hurled the tumbler as hard as she could.

The glass exploded against his head, a jagged piece cutting across his temple. Blood streamed down, but the hit only seemed to excite him further. "Interesting... This is more fun than tying you up."

Hannah tried to dodge him, but he moved faster. He kicked her in the knee, forcing her down onto the floor.

He stood over her, stripping away his underwear. Grabbing a fistful of her hair, he dragged her closer."Do it.Lick it."

A wave of disgust and rage surged through Hannah. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a gleaming shard of broken glass. Her hand closed around it, every muscle trembling.

The moment the man forced Hannah's head toward his groin, she drove the shard into his penis with all her might.

A scream tore from his throat as he crumpled, writhing in agony. Blood poured from his wound, and her own hand dripped red, but she didn't stop to check. All that mattered was getting away.

She scrambled to her feet, adrenaline and fear pushing her forward.

Suddenly, glass shattered behind her, and a rush of air swept through as someone kicked the door open.The next instant, she was wrapped in strong, familiar arms.

Vincent's voice came from above, calm and commanding. "Don't look. It's filthy. Just keep your eyes on me."