Chapter 152

Vivian's face drained of all color as the two thugs loomed over her.

What unspeakable things did they have planned?

In that paralyzing moment, only one name surfaced through her terror: Adrian.

He was her only lifeline in this nightmare.

Would Adrian notice her disappearance? Could he reach her before it was too late?

The thought of him was the sole anchor keeping her from drowning in fear.

"Stupid girl!" The men's tempers flared.

One brute yanked open the van door, his filthy hands tearing at her silk blouse.

CRASH!

A whiskey bottle exploded against the attacker's skull, spraying blood and glass across the vehicle's interior.

"Miss, are you hurt?" A calm voice cut through the storm, its composed tone surreal amidst the violence.

The wounded assailant was dragged away, revealing a face that made Vivian's breath catch.

Maxwell adjusted his designer glasses, his immaculate appearance contrasting sharply with the gruesome scene. "Vivian? My God, is that you?" His aristocratic features twisted in genuine alarm.

In one fluid motion, he shrugged off his cashmere overcoat and wrapped it around her trembling shoulders.

His gaze flickered downward for half a heartbeat - just long enough to register the way her soaked blouse clung to her curves - before snapping back up with practiced decorum.

"Let's get you up," he murmured, offering a steady hand.

The instant she was upright, Vivian recoiled from his touch, clutching the coat like a shield.

Maxwell remained unflappable, his smile radiating nothing but concern - a stark contrast to the scandalous rumors that dogged his reputation.

"Why are you here?" Vivian demanded, her voice raw.

"Pure coincidence," Maxwell replied smoothly. "I spotted these brutes lurking about and suspected foul play. Never imagined I'd find you of all people."

The explanation rang hollow. Meeting in this remote corner of Emberglow County, miles from their usual haunts in Crestwood, stretched believability.

Suspicion coiled in Vivian's gut.

Was this a staged rescue? Had Maxwell's carefully laid plans gone awry?

One thing was certain - her peril had been all too real.