Chapter 3

3.

Once the blood test was over, they hurried away with the vials.

I took advantage of the fact that no one was watching and quietly stood up. I followed them, hugging the wall as I neared the back corridor.

"Boss, the buyers confirmed the location. It's the ruined pier. We're moving the cargo tonight."

"Good. Get everything ready. Make sure the higher-ups don't find out."

Hearing that, I felt a slight sense of relief.

The trade location and time were set.

As long as I found a chance, I could get this info out and contact my father's people.

Just as I was leaning against the wall, a large hand grabbed my arm and yanked me into the light.

I stumbled, nearly falling, and looked up to see Gavin's face, full of mockery and rage.

"Trying to run？ Where exactly do you think you're going？"

He grabbed me by the hair and dragged me back into the main hall, throwing me violently onto the floor.

My elbow scraped against the rough concrete, and a searing pain made me gasp.

I propped myself up, nursing the pain, and glared at him.

"Gavin, aren't you afraid？ What goes around comes around. You'll pay for this."

He blinked, then erupted into a hysterical laugh, as if I'd told the funniest joke in the world.

"Afraid？ This is Boss Sterling's territory. No one will ever know you were here, and no one is coming to save you！"

The thugs around us joined in the laughter, and one of them let out a long whistle.

"This girl has some spirit. Let's see how long that lasts."

Gavin's eyes turned darker as he loomed over me, his voice dripping with venom.

"I'm telling you now！ As long as I'm here, you can forget about escaping."

He leaned down, reaching for my shoulder again.

I scrambled back, my nails digging into the peeling wall, forcing myself to stay calm.

"Gavin, if you do this, you'll regret it."

"Regret it？" Gavin scoffed.

"You think you're in a position to threaten me？"

I looked at the men surrounding us, scanning their faces, and suddenly raised my voice.

"I am Boss Sterling's daughter. I suggest you think very carefully before doing this under his nose！"

Gavin froze for a second, then burst out laughing again, his voice full of contempt.

"If you're going to lie, at least pick a believable identity. You expect them to fall for that？"

The laughter around us died down slightly as several men exchanged looks.

"Boss Sterling does have a daughter. I think she's about her age…"

Gavin noticed their hesitation and his face twisted. He raised a metal bar toward me.

"Shut your mouth！"

Right at that moment, the door was kicked open with a thunderous bang.

"Young Miss, the Boss sent me to pick you up."

%%%