Chapter 167: Allison scanned the grimy room, noting the cobwebs clinging to every corner as if time itself had abandoned the place. The windows were sealed shut, blocking any escape. The only exit was a narrow door, guarded by armed men; fleeing would be folly. But her gaze fell upon scattered shards of glass—clearly untouched.

With painstaking effort, Allison edged forward, her movements slow and deliberate. Her bound fingers barely closed around a shard; the simple act was Herculean. Just as she pressed the sharp edge against the rope binding her wrists, the door burst open. She quickly concealed the shard in her sleeve.

Rugal shoved another figure into the room. "You think you can be the hero? Rescue this woman? You're dreaming, boy!" Allison squinted against the harsh light, barely making out the newcomer's solid build. Then she heard his voice: "Don't touch me!" Kellan.

What was he doing here? He didn't resist as they roughly bound him. Rugal sneered, unimpressed by Kellan's passive demeanor. "Look at you, thinking you can save anyone with your pathetic skills! What a joke!" Their eyes met, and Allison understood—he was playing weak.

Feigning casualness, she said, "This guy's well-known in Ontdale. His health's a mess—coughs up blood half the time. Handle him right, and his family might pay a hefty ransom."

Rugal paused, suspicion flickering in his eyes as he sized Kellan up. Spotting the expensive Patek Philippe watch, he greedily snatched it. "Lucky for you, rich boy. If your family coughs up enough cash, maybe I'll let you live," Rugal muttered, tying Kellan to a chair opposite Allison. "Try anything funny, and you'll regret it!" He swaggered off, the watch in hand, the room plunged back into darkness.

Once Rugal was gone, Allison frowned at Kellan. "What's the game, Mr. Lloyd? Why here, alone?" His sickly demeanor vanished, replaced by the cold calculation she knew so well.

"I'm the decoy. The police are tracking us, but they need more time." The explanation was brief, clear. The tracker on him was their lifeline.

"Well," she said, understanding, "guess we're on our own until then." She locked eyes with him. "But with all the people at your disposal, you could have sent anyone. Why risk yourself?"

"Because you're worth the risk." Something in his tone made her heart stumble. She saw her reflection in his gaze. "You saved me… and Lorna. And maybe… maybe you can cure my grandmother," he added softly, breaking eye contact. "And we are friends." His calm demeanor masked the truth: he was here because he cared.

Allison held his gaze, considering his words. Of course, it was his grandmother. That explained everything. She exhaled slowly. "These guys? Just small-time thugs. The big boss isn't due for another three days. If nothing goes sideways, we should be okay until the police arrive."

Fate, however, had other plans. Muffled voices filtered from outside. "Damon, let's talk. You know Mr. Navarro's got no love for this woman. Instead of letting her rot here, we could at least… enjoy ourselves. Seems like a waste otherwise."

Kellan and Allison's blood froze. They recognized Rugal's voice. Kellan's anger was palpable. They weren't just talking about killing her; they had something far worse in mind. The thought of them touching Allison made his blood boil.

"Fine," Damon agreed reluctantly. "But don't go too far. If she dies, you know the boss will have our heads. After all, it's not the first time…" These men had trouble controlling their desires, and a beautiful woman was irresistible.