Celine fought with every ounce of strength she possessed, trying to tear her hand away from a touch she considered sacrilege. However, Richard's strength far eclipsed her own, and her wrist began to flush a deep red under his crushing grip.
Maria stood nearby, her body rigid and her face a mask of deathly pallor. Panic flared within her as she realized the grave danger threatening Celine's safety. With a hidden movement behind her apron, Maria's trembling fingers fumbled for the phone in her pocket, trying to dial Leo's number as fast as she could.
"Let me go! Don't touch me, you bastard!" Celine screamed while thrashing against him, tears welling in her eyes from a volatile mix of frustration and terror.
"Don't scream, sweetheart. Come now, show me where your room is!" Richard demanded. He began to drag Celine roughly toward the second-floor staircase, utterly indifferent to her struggles.
