chapter449

Dorothy instinctively shrank back as the men approached her, their faces twisted into menacing sneers. The atmosphere in the room was suffocating, thick with a malice that made her blood run cold.

“Ms. Garcia, are you sure about this?” one of the hired thugs asked, his voice rough and devoid of any empathy. “Once we start, there’s no turning back.”

“Cut the crap!” Heather snapped, her eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. “You’re here to do a job, not to hesitate. Make her understand what happens when she crosses me!”

The man stepped forward, his shadow looming over Dorothy. “Back off! Don’t touch me!” Dorothy cried out. Despite the searing pain in her legs, she desperately tried to scramble backward, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Heather, losing her patience, marched forward in her stilettos. She grabbed Dorothy by the hair, forcing her to look up. “What’s the matter, Dorothy? Still trying to play the hero? I’m feeling generous today. If you don't cooperate, my men here will ensure you never walk out of this room.”

She signaled to the other two guards by the door. “You two, get over here. If she won’t talk, give her a reason to regret it.”

While Heather was focused on her threats, Dorothy saw a momentary opening. With a burst of desperate energy, she lunged forward and bit into Heather’s leg with everything she had.

At this point, Dorothy didn’t care about the consequences. She clamped down hard, refusing to let go. If this was the end, she wasn't going to let Heather walk away unscathed.

“Ahh!” Heather screamed, the sound echoing off the cold walls. “You bitch! Let go of me!”

Infuriated, Heather began to strike Dorothy, trying to force her to release her grip. The other men hesitated to intervene, afraid of accidentally hurting Heather in the scuffle.

“Get this crazy woman off me!” Heather yelled, her voice distorted with pain and rage.

Heather, through gritted teeth, barked at her men, “Enough! Bring the girl we caught today! You want to act tough, Dorothy? I’ll make sure your daughter pays for your mistakes!”

Dorothy’s heart froze. The buzzing in her head and the blood dripping from a cut on her forehead didn't matter anymore. The moment she heard Heather threaten her daughter, her resolve wavered. She could endure pain, but she couldn't risk her child’s life.

Reluctantly, Dorothy released her grip. Heather immediately stepped back and delivered a stinging slap across Dorothy’s face.

“I’m giving you one last chance for the sake of the past!” Heather hissed. “If you try any more tricks, I’ll make sure Karen and the little one suffer right alongside you. I'll make you regret the day you ever met me!”

In the next moment, the terrified cries of Abigail and Karen echoed from a nearby room.

“Mommy!”

“Dorothy!”

Struggling to her feet, Dorothy looked toward the voices. Her vision was blurred, but she knew it was them. The sound of her daughter’s voice broke the last of her defiance.

“Heather, stop... let them go,” Dorothy whispered, her voice trembling. “I’ll take the deal... I agree to everything!”