Whitney kicked at Bryce, whose eyes blazed with fury. In a violent gesture, he ripped open her blouse and slapped her hard across the face. "Hand over the video, Whitney. I wouldn't mind having a few of my guys join in the fun."
"What?" Whitney stared back in disbelief.
She knew Bryce was twisted, but she hadn't expected him to be this vile.
"How exciting would it be to have it all on tape? You're damaged goods anyway," Bryce sneered, his hand sliding from her face to her chin.
Whitney felt as though she'd been touched by a venomous snake, her skin crawling with revulsion.
But her anger reached a boiling point. She wouldn't be intimidated. With a cold laugh and a defiant glare, she said, "In your dreams. Even if it kills me, I won't give you the satisfaction.
I'll make sure the world sees your true face, you sick freak.
Go ahead, call your goons. Do you think I'm afraid of dying? Worst case, I'll end it myself. But this place will become a crime scene, and I'll drag you to hell with me. Your precious empire will crumble, Bryce, and you'll be ruined!"
"You're asking for it, Whitney," Bryce snapped, losing his composure and punching her hard in the head.
Whitney took the blow head-on, coughing up blood. "Go on then! Make this house a crime scene. Let's see you try to get away with it!"
Bryce paused, his gaze darkening as he stared at her bruised and bleeding face. She was struggling to breathe, her whole body shaking slightly as if fighting off something within.
Suddenly, his lips twisted into a smirk, and he caressed her chin gently. "You're so resistant, Whitney. I know you're skilled in natural remedies, trying to fight it off. But don't worry, I won't beat you to death. You'll come crawling to me eventually. Let's see how you handle a stronger dose!"
He forced her mouth open as she, barely conscious, could only watch in horror as he poured a liquid down her throat.
She knew what it was and the dangers of overdosing.
Her screams of despair filled the room as her body involuntarily writhed.
"Try to resist now. I'll make sure you beg for it, you wretch!" Bryce taunted, tearing open her blouse further, reveling in her helpless state.
"No, please no…" Whitney struggled futilely towards the edge of the bed, craving the chill of cold water, something, anything icy.
Suddenly, the villa's front door was kicked open. Bryce, startled, got up.
In seconds, Ludwik stormed up the stairs, his long legs kicking the door open as he entered.
"Ludwik?" Bryce's face soured at the sight.
Ludwik's gaze fixed on Whitney, bound and disheveled on the bed, her cheeks flushed with fever, her swollen jaw, her dark hair matted with blood.
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