Chapter 246

Soon, Reynaldo and Kimberly emerged from the president’s office. Kimberly shouted, “Ms. Duffy, we’re leaving. Where are you going? We’ll accompany you.”

“No need!” I replied expressionlessly.

Kimberly started to speak again, but Reynaldo smoothly said, “Let’s go.”

Watching them leave, I waited before gathering my bag and heading to the cafeteria. Many people hurried home and didn’t eat much after work. When I arrived, the cafeteria was nearly empty.

After eating, I returned to the rental house; it was already dark. The weather was growing colder and darker. I leaned wearily against the door, my gaze settling on the makeshift sofa. The memory of Reynaldo's actions on that sofa last night was vivid; I hated it. What else could I do? I had no room for resistance.

Chapter 246

However, he had a business trip early tomorrow morning, so he probably wouldn’t bother me tonight. This trip would take at least two or three days. Could I escape in that time?

At that thought, my heart raced. He hadn’t sent anyone to watch me, and my colleagues wouldn’t notice my absence. If I ran away, no one would know. By the time Reynaldo returned and discovered it, I would be far away—how could he find me? And he'd transferred 100,000 to me last night. With that money, what did I have to fear?

The more I considered it, the more excited I became. I couldn’t wait to leave. No, no, what if Reynaldo went looking for me tonight? That would be alerting the enemy.

Calm down. It would be over after tonight.

I restrained my excitement and retrieved the new bedsheets and duvet cover from the balcony. Even after making the bed, my excitement remained.

Chapter 246

Freedom seemed to beckon. Ah, I wished time would pass faster.

To kill time, I showered and tried to sleep. I woke, confirmed Reynaldo’s departure, and quietly left. I even searched my phone for remote, livable cities. Afraid of the cold, I temporarily chose a small southern city. With a longing for freedom, I drifted off to sleep.

Click! Click!

In the middle of the night, I awoke to the faint sound of a lock being opened. I listened intently. Patter! Click…

Startled, I heard the unmistakable sound of unlocking; the door was open, and someone had entered! My scalp tingled with fear. Who was it? A thief? A pervert?

I grabbed my phone, ready to call the police.

Chapter 246

Suddenly, with a “pop,” the living room lights flickered on. Because the living room and bedroom were connected, separated only by a large glass panel (with curtains and a door, though the door was open and the curtains weren't fully drawn), the lights illuminated my bedroom as well. I peeked through the curtain gap and saw, with terror, a person walking toward my bedroom. The room was small; the person quickly reached the bedroom door.

Goosebumps erupted, and I scrambled from the bed, hiding in the small wardrobe. As I opened it, a playful voice said from behind, “Hiding in the wardrobe? You think I won't find you?”

My heart pounded. That voice… Reynaldo?!

I turned and saw him leaning against the door, smiling. A surge of anger flooded me.