Some time later, muffled voices stirred her awake.

“We've got her. It's the woman."

“Present her."

Tossed from the bag, Xenia fell to the hard ground, grimacing in pain. She looked up, and the stern visage of a man made her heart race. With each step she took backward, the weight of her predicament intensified.

"Mr. Harris? Why-?" Recognizing Gerard, a well-known figure from her homeland, the realization hit her like a tidal wave. This was the man she'd wronged.

Gerard signaled silently to his bodyguards.

A bodyguard swiftly restrained Xenia against a pillar, ropes binding her tightly. With Gerard's nod, the guard brandished a whip, raising it threateningly.

"No, please!"

Every crack in the air sent shivers down Xenia's spine, each strike leaving its mark on her psyche more than her skin. She Let out cries of fear and pain, her voice strained with each passing moment.

The bodyguard's stern face showed no sign of relenting, and her vision blurred from the anguish.

Gerard finally gestured, and Xenia, thinking the worst was behind her, felt a new wave of fear as she was escorted toward a nearby table.

On it lay an assortment of chilling items, but what caught her eye was a branding iron, still glowing red-hot from the furnace nearby.

Memories of TV shows depicting medieval punishments flashed before her eyes. Tears welled up as she looked at Gerard, her voice trembling. "Mr. Harris, what are you doing?"

But before she could react, the bodyguard pressed the branding iron against her cheek. When he removed it, the word "Bitch" was evident on her skin.

Xenia felt agonizing pain, the weight of her deeds bearing heavily on her.

When she realized that Gerard had connected her to the harm inflicted on Lilah, desperation set in.

"Mr. Harris, please, listen! I made a mistake. Let me explain!" she begged.

His cold gaze met hers. “You still have the strength to try to justify your actions? Seems like the punishment isn't enough."

Before she could respond, the bodyguard pressed the iron tool closer, its heat searing her, pushing her to the brink of consciousness.

Just when she thought she'd escape into the solace of unconsciousness, a splash of cold water snapped her back to the torturous reality.

She felt trapped in an unending nightmare, with Gerard appearing as the relentless tormentor.

Exhausted, battered, and broken, Xenia finally disclosed the identity of the true instigator behind the malicious plan.

Back at the hospital, Lilah lay motionless, still lost to the world.

Gerard, having cleaned himself up, returned to her side. He looked at the fragile form on the bed, anger and guilt swirling within him. He mused that no punishment would ever be enough for what Xenia did, but he took solace in knowing she would face consequences in prison.