chapter155
Oriana looked at Elysia for a long moment, a sinister flicker in her eyes as she finally declared, “Deal!”
But Elysia felt no surge of relief. Instead, a cold knot tightened in her stomach. She watched Oriana’s shifting demeanor, sensing that she had underestimated the sheer ruthlessness of the woman standing before her.
Turning to the bald man, Oriana’s voice took on a chillingly casual tone. “I’ve reached an agreement with Ms. Thorne, so you needn't worry about the previous interrogation. However, I want you to take very good care of her tonight. After all, a lady of her standing deserves a memorable evening.”
Elysia’s heart skipped a beat as the underlying meaning hit her.
The bald man understood the subtext instantly. He let out a low, gravelly chuckle. “We appreciate your generosity, Ms. Sutton. My boys have been waiting for your word. We were worried you’d tell us to just let her walk away.”
“I wouldn't dream of it,” Oriana replied coolly. “We have an agreement, and I intend to ensure Ms. Thorne stays true to her word. Be sure to document everything. I want clear evidence of her... cooperation.”
“Understood, Ms. Sutton. We’ll make sure the footage is high-quality.”
“Oriana!” Elysia’s voice was sharp with alarm. “What is this? This wasn't the deal!”
Oriana squinted at her, her face a mask of faux innocence. “The terms you offered are tempting, Elysia, but I don’t trust your words. I trust leverage. Once I have evidence of you in a compromising position with these men, you’ll have no choice but to follow through on your promise to help me with Keaton. If you ever think of betraying me, the whole world will see exactly how you spent your night.”
She turned back to the bald man, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Focus on the details. I want her humiliation to be undeniable.”
“Oriana, you monster...” Elysia’s breathing was heavy, her mind racing. Beneath that polished exterior, Oriana possessed a heart of pure malice.
“Don’t look at me like that,” Oriana countered, her eyes dripping with disdain. “I know you’ve been alone for years since your husband passed. Consider this a favor. Just try to enjoy yourself.” She cast a final, mocking glance at the bald man. “Be ‘gentle’ with her.”
“Hehe, don’t worry, Ms. Sutton. We’ll make sure she has an unforgettable night. Between the seven or eight of us, she’ll be quite occupied.”
A smirk curled on Oriana’s lips as she turned toward the exit, her heels clicking rhythmically on the concrete floor.
“Oriana, stop!” Elysia attempted to follow, but two of the men blocked her path, their gazes hungry and predatory.
“Stay back!” she yelled, her hand flying up to deliver a stinging slap to the first man who tried to grab her.
“Damn it!” the man cursed, clutching his cheek.
The bald man stepped in, shoving his subordinate aside. “Patience. I told you to treat her with care. Don’t get rough until it’s time.” He then turned to Elysia with a sickeningly sweet grin. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. I’ll make sure you’re well-attended to.”
Elysia backed away, her eyes darting around the ruins for anything she could use as a weapon. “Stay away from me! Don't you dare touch me!”
“Heh heh, playing hard to get?” the bald man mocked, stepping closer into her personal space. “There’s no need for games anymore, Elysia. We’re all adults here. Why don't you just accept your fate? It’ll be much easier that way.”
As the circle of men closed in, Elysia felt a surge of adrenaline. Her hands were free, and her resolve was hardening into a cold, lethal point. They expected a victim—but they were about to find out just how dangerous a cornered mother could be.