Chapter 311

"Get lost!"

Evelyn Roland paused mid-step. That voice sounded familiar.

It was Cassandra Valentine.

She had no intention of interfering, but the thought of Cassandra's usual sharp demeanor gave her pause.

Shadows flickered in the dimly lit alley.

A black cat darted out from behind a trash bin.

Neon lights cast fragmented reflections on the damp pavement.

The distant clamor of the bar district hummed in the background.

"I'll call the police if you don't back off!"

Cassandra's voice trembled—uncharacteristically unsteady.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. That didn't sound right. Almost like she'd been drugged.

Five intoxicated men had Cassandra cornered.

Evelyn remembered how this sister-in-law had made her life difficult after she married into the Valentine family. But compared to Sophia Valentine's venomous schemes, Cassandra's antics were child's play.

"Lonely? Let me take you somewhere fun," slurred the blond ringleader, reeking of alcohol as he leaned in.

Cassandra forced herself to retreat two steps. "Stay away—you stink!"

The blond's face darkened.

"Such sharp words from the great Miss Valentine?"

Beads of sweat formed on Cassandra's forehead. A realization struck her—this wasn't random.

"Who sent you?"

The blond shook a water bottle in her face. The acrid scent made her pupils constrict instantly.

Acid!

"Not just having our way with you—we're ruining that pretty face too." He unscrewed the cap with a vicious grin.

Cassandra bit her tongue hard, using the pain to stay alert. For the first time, fear gripped her.

"Take her!"

Two burly men seized her arms.

Just as despair set in, a scream pierced the night.

A slender but iron-strong hand yanked her out of danger.