Hannah screamed as the guards dragged her into the dark chamber, her fists pounding against their backs to no avail.“Let me go! Please—!” she shrieked.“Stop being stubborn if you don’t wanna get hurt,” one of the men muttered coldly, hoisting her higher over his shoulder.They stepped into a dimly lit, cavernous room. The air was thick with cigar smoke and the scent of expensive cologne. Armed guards stood like statues at every corner. Spotlights illuminated the grand stage at the center of the hall, fitted with a tall silver pole gleaming under the lights.This was no ordinary room—it was the auction chamber.They threw her down at the foot of the stage like a sack. Her wrists were yanked and tied tightly behind the pole, forcing her to stand upright. She struggled, eyes wild with terror, her red silk dress clinging to her trembling frame.“Let me go!” she cried, the sound of her voice cracking.One of the guards grinned wickedly. “Easy, little beauty. You’re about to make us milli

“How dare you interrupt this auction?! Do you have a death wish?” the host bellowed from the stage, veins bulging at his temple as he stared down the lone man who had just stepped into their underground nightmare.Jaden didn’t even glance at him. His boots echoed across the cold marble floor as he walked straight toward Hannah, her wrists bound and her eyes wide with disbelief.“Jaden…” Her voice cracked as the ropes fell away from her bruised skin. The moment she was free, she threw herself into his arms. “Jaden, you really came…” Her body trembled against his chest, tears slipping down her cheeks.He wrapped an arm around her, steady and warm. “It’s okay. You’re safe now.”“But… Julie… they have Julie,” she gasped, pulling back, panicked.“She’s safe,” Jaden said calmly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Already taken care of.”She breathed out in relief, eyes closing as tears continued to fall.“You bastard! I’m talking to you!” the host growled again. “How dare you interru

The Winston Mansion – NightfallThe sleek black Range Rover glided to a halt before the grand gates of the Winston mansion. The metal doors hissed open as if they recognized who had come. Jaden stepped out first, tall and sharp-eyed, the fading sunlight catching the lines of his jaw like a blade. Hannah followed closely behind, still shaken but walking straighter now—like she felt safe beside him.The double doors of the mansion slammed open.“Hannah!”Donald Winston in his tailored vest—stormed down the steps of his estate. His eyes were wild, breath short, like a man who hadn’t slept since she vanished.He reached her, arms wrapping around her shoulders, gripping her like he never wanted to let go. “My God, you’re okay… I thought I’d lost you.”“I’m fine, Dad,” Hannah breathed, clinging back. “Jaden saved me.”Donald slowly turned—and froze.“…Jaden?”The man in black stood still, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.“It’s been a long time, Mr. Winston,” Jaden said calmly.D

“Ah! Found it!” Julie squealed, lifting a sleek, shimmering emerald dress off the rack. “This is the one I saw last week. She’ll love it!”She picked out a few accessories and clutch bags, her eyes dancing with excitement. “Alright, all set. Let’s go pay.”Just as they were turning toward the front counter, the man in a black vest stepped out from between the aisles, smiling a little too widely.“Customers, right this way please. Payment is handled over here,” he said, gesturing towards a narrow hallway near the side of the boutique.Julie squinted at him. “Wait… that’s not where the cashier is.” Her tone turned cautious. “I’ve been coming here for years. The counter’s up front.”The man chuckled, his grin not reaching his eyes. “Ah, yes. But this is a special checkout area—for premium customers like yourselves.”Jaden narrowed his eyes slightly, his body instinctively shifting between Julie and the man. Julie frowned but followed cautiously, still clutching the neatly wrapped package

"Please… please don’t!"The manager’s knees buckled, hitting the cold tiled floor with a loud thud. His hands clasped together, trembling. Sweat rolled down the side of his bloated face as he lowered his head in shame."Alright then," the female officer said coolly, eyes narrowed like a hawk. She crossed her arms as her boots echoed with each step toward him. "You’ve got ten seconds to confess, or we’ll check the security footage ourselves."The manager’s mouth quivered. His voice came out cracked, almost choked. He's been caught and there's no escaping this time."I-I lied! I made a false police report! Please, forgive me—I was wrong!"A murmur swept through the onlookers and officers around them. Cameras clicked in the distance—someone had pulled out their phone.Jaden slowly stepped forward, hands in his coat pockets, a calm smile dancing across his face. His presence alone made the manager flinch."So now you want forgiveness?" Jaden asked, tilting his head. "After dragging my nam