Chapter 271

The Lowell family hastily packed their belongings under cover of darkness and fled Capital City in disgrace.

No sooner had they crossed the city limits than three black SUVs surrounded them.

"Well, if it isn't Mr. Lowell," sneered a thickset man stepping from a vehicle, his leather shoes sinking into the muddy road. "Running away like a whipped dog?"

Vincent Lowell trembled so violently his wheelchair nearly overturned.

He recognized the man—loan shark Hugo Maddox.

"M-Mr. Maddox..." Vincent forced a grimace worse than a sob. "What brings you here—"

Hugo kicked the wheelchair, sending it lurching. "Six months I've hunted you! Five million plus interest—settle up today!"

Sophia Lowell cowered behind her mother, only to be yanked forward by two brutes.

"Not bad," Hugo gripped Sophia's chin, forcing her swollen face upward. "Punched-up face but a killer body."

Margaret Hill lunged to protect her daughter—a backhand sent her sprawling.

"Mr. Maddox!" Vincent toppled from his chair. "I'll repay everything! Don't hurt my family!"

Hugo crouched, his cigarette nearly scorching Vincent's cheek. "Begging now?" His grin turned feral. "But I've got a better idea."

A nod sent Sophia being dragged toward a vehicle.

"Harvard grad, right?" Hugo's voice dripped mockery. "My club needs hostesses—she'll work off the debt."

Vincent turned ashen. "No! My daughter can't—"

"Seven million." Hugo held up two fingers. "Pay now or..." His gaze slid to Sophia's struggling form.

Margaret clung to Hugo's leg. "We'll sell our house!"

He kicked her away. "That dump?" A cold laugh. "Won't cover the interest."

Sophia's screams pierced the empty countryside. Vincent collapsed in the mud, helpless as she was shoved into the SUV.

"Dad! Save me!" Her nails left bloody streaks on the door.

Hugo patted Vincent's cheek. "Don't worry—I'll take good 'care' of her." He turned, then paused. "Your wife's aged, but she'll do after a wash."

Vincent shook uncontrollably as Margaret was hauled toward another vehicle. Engines roared—the black SUVs vanished in a spray of dirt.

Only Vincent remained, his elongated shadow stretching across the mud in the dying sunset.