Chapter 498

The abandoned apartment building loomed ominously, its peeling walls and musty stairwell reeking of decay.

Legend had it that every year during college entrance exams, heartbroken students would leap to their deaths from its heights. Over time, it became infamous as a cursed place.

Ethan Roscente carried Sophia Lowell effortlessly up five flights of stairs, his steps unnervingly steady.

"Are you insane? This is illegal!" Sophia struggled violently against him.

A cold smirk twisted his lips, his eyes dark with fury. "Illegal? Let me show you what real lawlessness looks like."

Her stomach clenched. She dug her nails into her palms.

The howling wind on the rooftop made her realize his intentions. With no surveillance cameras, a fatal push would leave no evidence—

"Ethan!" Her voice trembled. "You can't—"

He abruptly turned into the hallway, producing a key to unlock a rusted iron door.

"You... own an apartment here?" Her eyes widened in disbelief.

Ethan flung her onto the bedroom mattress. The bedframe groaned under their combined weight as he pinned her down.

"Figured it out now?" His scorching breath seared her ear.

Tears spilled as Sophia cradled her swollen belly. "I was wrong... Please don't—"

"Spare me the act." He shackled her wrists with one hand. "Where was this fear when you pulled a knife on me?"

The metallic clink of his belt buckle echoed through the silent room.

"Did you enjoy bringing that man into our home?" He bit her earlobe. "Let's make this even more memorable."

Suddenly, the steel door shuddered under violent pounding.

"Get lost!" Ethan roared.

Sebastian Valdemar's voice cut through. "Sophia! Are you in there?"

Seizing the distraction, Sophia staggered into the bathroom. The mirror reflected her ghostly pallor. The bloodstains on her skirt made her entire body shake.

"Sophia!" Sebastian kicked open the locked door, his temple bleeding. "Police are coming. I'm getting you out."

Her legs gave way. A knife-like pain twisted through her abdomen. "The baby... Save the baby—"

He scooped her up, brushing past arriving officers in the stairwell. Amidst the wailing sirens, her last glimpse was of Ethan pressed against the wall by police—his crimson eyes still burning into her.