Chapter 3

I found a hotel to shower in and finally got that disgusting outfit off, changing into clean clothes.

But just as I was about to leave the hotel, I was suddenly grabbed by a group of men in black who covered my mouth and dragged me into a van.

When I woke up, everything was spinning.

Once my vision finally focused, I saw Liam and Yvette standing over me.

"You're awake?" Liam stood with one hand in his pocket. "The celebration banquet is about to start. I can't have you going there to cause trouble."

That's when I realized I was tied to a chair, my wrists bound with rough rope that had already left bloody marks.

Yvette was holding my phone, waving it tauntingly: "Liam was worried you'd make a scene at the banquet~"

"This is illegal detention!" I struggled violently, the chair legs scraping against the floor with a harsh screech. "Liam, have you lost your mind? Kidnapping your fiancée over a banquet?"

Liam suddenly leaned down and grabbed my chin, his grip so tight it felt like he might crush the bone: "Fiancée?"

He sneered. "Didn't you just say you wanted to break off the engagement?"

Yvette covered her mouth and laughed. "Too late for regrets now, Miss Laurel~"

I jerked my head to the side and bit down hard on her finger. She screamed and yanked her hand back, throwing herself against Liam.

"Liam, look what she did!"

Liam slapped me across the face. The burning pain made my vision go black.

"Bitch!" He grabbed my hair, forcing me to look up. "After the banquet's over, I'll deal with you."

Yvette rubbed her reddened finger, suddenly putting on a troubled expression.

"Liam, if we leave her tied up here, what if she escapes?"

Liam's brow furrowed, then he suddenly sneered.

"Then we'll make sure she doesn't dare run!"

"Strip her!"

I looked at them in horror as they approached: "What are you doing?"

Yvette smiled knowingly and ripped open my collar. "Taking some 'artistic photos' of you, of course~"

"No!" I struggled desperately, the chair crashing to the floor.

Liam planted his foot on my waist. The pain made me arch my back.

"Stay still." He crouched down, holding his phone camera almost against my face. "Smile, Miss Laurel."

The camera flash went off repeatedly. I squeezed my eyes shut in despair.

Yvette directed him from the side: "Liam, get a few close-ups. Yes, that angle..."

Just then, urgent knocking came from outside the door.

"Mr. Rivers? The banquet's about to start. The chairman is looking for you."

Liam responded impatiently and pocketed his phone: "You're lucky."

He dragged Yvette toward the door, but not before issuing a final threat: "If you dare show up tonight and cause trouble, these photos will be all over the internet immediately."