Chapter 5

I found Buddy's remains in the kitchen. Together with Liam Blackwood, we buried him in the backyard.

I refused his offer to drive me home, floating through the streets like a lost soul.

I knew Julian Thorne would make a move to ensure I kept his secrets, but I hadn't expected him to be so quick.

As I passed a narrow alley, I was suddenly pulled inside.

A group of thugs tore at my clothes, while someone recorded on their phone.

I heard a muffled voice say, "Don't show her face. The client specifically ordered it."

I found it strangely amusing.

Julian Thorne, Julian Thorne, even when you destroy me, you still care about this face that looks exactly like Maya's?

"Smack!"

A slap echoed, making my eardrums ring, and the taste of blood spread in my mouth.

A hand pried open my mouth. "The client said to first pull out these biting teeth, then cut out her tongue so she can't talk nonsense."

Despair washed over me like a tide. Was I still unable to escape, even after rebirth...?

I closed my eyes.

"Bang!"

A dull thud of heavy objects falling echoed.

I trembled as I opened my eyes, finding a few thugs already subdued by bodyguards.