"Good boy, stay home with the maid. Once we bring Hadley back, we'll cook up something delicious for you," Lilah said, gently stroking Jerrold's fluffy hair.

Lilah messaged Darian and then drove alone to the outskirts, accompanied by a few others.

She had discreetly placed a tiny tracker in her collar, which doubled as a communication device. She planned to use it to stay in touch with Gerard, coordinating their actions based on the unfolding situation.

The cold night wind blew and the neon lights outside the car window cast flickering shadows on Lilah's face, giving her an eerie sense of determination.

Deep down, she felt a pang of guilt. If it weren't for her, Hadley wouldn't have been dragged into trouble repeatedly. Last time, she nearly had to swallow pushpins, and now, Darian had taken her away.

Lilah drove with urgency, pushing the speed limit. She wanted to reach the manor as quickly as possible. Even if she couldn't rescue Hadley immediately, seeing her would bring some comfort.

Meanwhile, at Starry Manor in the suburbs, Hadley was jolted awake by the sting of strong wine splashing into her eyes. Instantly, pain shot through her. She screamed, struggling to open her eyes.

It was then she realized she was bound. Her body was rigid, and her legs felt numb.

What happened?

She recalled telling the director she'd change in the dressing room after the show recording, and then... everything had gone black.

She realized she had been kidnapped.

But who had taken her? What did they want with her?

Hadley felt tears welling up as she thought of Lilah. If Lilah were here, everything would be okay.

“Are you awake?"

Suddenly, a cold male voice broke the silence.

Startled, Hadley turned to the source of the voice. She saw a man with silver hair lounging on a nearby sofa, holding a goblet in his hand. He leisurely sipped the crimson liquid from the glass.

This man was incredibly handsome. He looked like a movie star.

But she couldn't recall ever crossing paths with someone like him before.

Had she been sold to make porn videos?

Instantly, Hadley's face drained of color.