Chapter 294

Susan's fingers clenched her collar so tightly her nails nearly drew blood from her palms.

"Those are all lies online!" Her voice trembled. "I've never done those things!"

The man's alcohol-laced breath burned against her face, making her stomach churn.

"Call the police?" He sneered, loosening his tie. "Even they'd think you're filthy!"

When the crumpled bill struck her cheek, the sting felt like fire.

"Playing innocent?" He grabbed her chin. "You'd sleep with a garbage collector but act coy with me?"

Susan's hand flew out, her palm cracking against his greasy face.

"Bitch!" Enraged, he struck back.

The blow left her ears ringing, stars exploding in her vision. Staggering back, she stomped her heel into his foot.

"Ah!" He doubled over in pain. Seizing the chance, she drove her knee upward.

As he collapsed, clutching himself, Susan turned to flee. The apartment door was within reach—her fingertips brushed the cold metal handle.

"You're dead!"

Agony ripped through her scalp as he yanked her backward by her hair. Coarse rope bit into her wrists. The more she struggled, the tighter it became.

"Mrs. King was right," he panted, unbuckling his belt. "You're just a slut who needs to be taught a lesson."

Susan's pupils shrank.

Candy.

The name slithered into her heart like a venomous snake. So this was all that woman's doing.

The musty minivan reeked of mildew as he shoved her inside. Her knees scraped raw against the ground, but his brute strength overpowered her.

A phone rang abruptly.

"Got her?" The man simpered into the receiver. "Don't worry, you'll get the video tonight."

Ice flooded Susan's veins. The van's dark interior yawned before her—an abyss with no return.

Once inside, her life would be over.