Chapter 167: Allison scanned the room, taking in the grimy details.


    Cobwebs clung to every corner, as if time had abandoned the ce long ago.


    Even the windows were sealed shut, blocking out any hint of escape.


    The only way out was through a narrow door, currently guarded by armed men fleeing unarmed would be pure folly.


    But her eyes caught something a few shards of ss scattered across the floor.


    Clearly, no one had bothered to clean them up.


    With painstaking effort, Allison edged forward, her movements slow and calcted.


    Her fingers, tightly bound, barely managed to close around a shard.


    The simple act of reaching for it was Herculean.


    Just as she pressed the sharp edge against the rope binding her wrists, the door flew open with a bang.


    She quickly tucked the shard into her sleeve, concealing it from view.


    Rugal shoved another figure into the room.


    You think you can be the hero? Rescue this woman in distress? Youre dreaming, boy! Allison squinted against the harsh light streaming in from outside, barely able to make out the new arrival.


    All she could discern was his solid build.


    Then she heard his voice.


    Dont touch me! Ken.


    What was he doing here? Surely he knew better than to walk straight into this death trap! He didnt resist as they roughly tied him up.


    Rugal sneered, unimpressed by Kens passive demeanor.


    Look at you thinking you can save anyone with your pathetic skills.


    What a joke! Their eyes met, and Allison instantly understood.


    He was ying weak to throw them off.


    Feigning a casual tone, she chimed in, This guys well-known in Ontdale.


    His healths a mess coughs up blood half the time.


    You handle him right, and his family might just pay a hefty ransom.


    Rugal paused mid-swing, his fist hovering in the air.


    Suspicion flickered in his eyes as he sized Ken up.


    Then, spotting the expensive Patek Philippe watch on Kens wrist, he greedily tore it off.


    Lucky for you, rich boy.


    If your family coughs up enough cash, maybe Ill let you live, Rugal muttered, tying Ken to a chair and cing him directly across from Allison.


    Try anything funny, and youll regret it! With onest re, Rugal swaggered off, the watch in hand, no doubt fantasizing about the payday awaiting him on the ck market.


    The door mmed shut, and darkness swallowed the room once again.


    Allison frowned at Ken once Rugal was gone.


    Whats the game here, Mr.


    Lloyd? Why would you show up here, of all ces, and alone? His sickly demeanor melted away, reced by the cold, calcting man she knew all too well.


    Im the decoy.


    The police are already tracking us, but they need more time to set up a full-scale operation.


    The exnation was brief but clear.


    The tracker on him was their lifeline, the only thing keeping them tethered to hope.


    Well, she said, understanding.


    Guess were on our own until then.


    She locked eyes with him.


    But with all the people at your disposal, you couldve sent anyone.


    Why risk yourself? Because youre worth the risk.


    Something in the way he said it made her heart stumble for just a moment.


    She could see her own reflection in his gaze.


    You saved me… and Lorna.


    And maybe just maybe you can cure my grandmother, he added softly, breaking eye contact.


    And we are friends.


    His demeanor was calm, masking the truth behind his words.


    He was here because he cared.


    Allison held his gaze a beat longer, mulling over his words.


    Of course, it was about his grandmother.


    That would exin everything.


    She exhaled slowly and said, These guys? Just small-time thugs.


    The big boss isnt due to show up for another three days.


    If nothing goes sideways, we should be okay until the police arrive.


    Fate, however, had a way of turning things upside down when least expected.


    From outside the door, muffled voices filtered through.


    Damon, lets talk.


    You know Mr.


    Navarros got no love for this woman.


    Instead of letting her rot here, we could at least enjoy ourselves.


    Seems like a waste otherwise.


    Kens and Allisons blood froze.


    They recognized the voice Rugal.


    Kens face darkened, his anger palpable as the conversation sank in.


    They werent just talking about killing her; they had something far worse in mind.


    The thought of themying a hand on Allison made his blood boil.


    Fine, Damon agreed reluctantly.


    But dont go too far.


    If she dies, you know the boss will have our heads.


    After all, it wasnt the first time something like this had happened.


    These men had a hard time controlling their desires, and now that there was a beautiful woman here, who could resist the temptation? .


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