Lilian couldn't bear to imagine Elsie being auctioned off—useless, degraded by those filthy old men, or worse, handed over to animals. The thought sent chills down her spine. At least, she told herself bitterly, if I save Elsie, I'll only be Perry Jerome's toy.
Her heart ached as she looked at him, pleading through sobs. "Perry, please don't hurt Elsie."
Perry smiled triumphantly, shaking his head. "You have my word, love. I'll send her back as soon as you willingly come to me."
While he gloated, Lilian secretly scribbled something on a piece of paper, hiding it in the side of her chair.
She looked at Perry coldly, nodding. "Let her go, and I will come."
Perry shook his head. "No, my love. You have no right to negotiate with me. Just be obedient and follow my instructions. And be careful not to be seen—there are four of Derek Russell's men watching you from a distance. Don't raise suspicion. Follow the private door in your office to the underground parking lot. Go left to the last pillar. There's a dark blue Porsche parked there. Get in the car."
His voice hardened. "Remember, your success in this game is your friend's freedom. Don't play tricks, or your friend will pay for the slightest mistake."
---
Lilian was stunned. How does Perry know everything about my company? she wondered. Suspicion gnawed at her—there must be a mole inside.
As she thought, Perry's voice rang again. "And don't hang up."
Obediently, Lilian walked through the office's secret door, following his instructions. As soon as she entered the dark blue Porsche, Perry ordered her to dump her phone. She did, and the car sped away.
The driver took her straight to the airport. When Lilian saw the awaiting private jet, her body trembled. She wished desperately for a miracle, for an angel to appear and save her—just like Derek had that night. But remembering Elsie's fate depended on her, she braced herself and boarded the plane.
Through the window, she watched the ground sink away, buildings and trees shrinking into tiny dots before disappearing into the clouds.
---
Meanwhile, Perry was ecstatic. He had prepared for her arrival, clad in a black tailcoat embroidered with gold, black leather shoes polished to perfection. His villa was decorated with colorful balloons and flowers. Workers and bodyguards stood stationed, waiting for Lilian.
Soon, the sound of an airplane hovering above the rooftop filled the air. The jet landed, its door opening slowly. The pilot and four others stepped out, but Lilian remained seated inside for more than five minutes, frozen in thought.
Then she heard Perry's baritone voice. "My love, won't you come down and meet your friend?"
His words jolted her from her daze. Slowly, she walked out of the plane, standing on the steps. Rage boiled inside her—she wanted to scream, to disfigure that disgusting face.
Perry stood with mixed emotions, staring at her without blinking as she descended step by step.
---
He rushed forward, arms outstretched to hug her. But Lilian quickly evaded him, her voice cold. "Where's Elsie?"
Perry didn't seem bothered by her attitude. He smiled. "Come on, honey. You've had a long journey. Let's go to our room so you can rest." He reached out to place his hand on her shoulder, as he always did.
But Lilian moved away again, walking past him toward the room. The words our room sent goosebumps rushing over her body.
Perry smiled, unfazed, quietly following behind. His eyes drooled over her perfect figure—her moisturized ivory skin, her straight legs, her curves, her shoulder‑length black hair. Lilian regretted wearing this dress today. She had chosen it to look hot in Derek's sight. Though she couldn't admit her feelings for him, she wanted his attention.
She had turned him down when he asked her to be his girlfriend—not because she lacked feelings, but because she doubted why such an excellent man would want her, already broken. Yet she longed for his gaze, his presence. Living with him had deepened her infatuation. Many times, she had to summon her last ounce of willpower to resist temptation. Already, she missed Derek and Noel.
---
Lilian entered the parlor and froze. Elsie sat alone, her back turned, radiating pain and regret. Lilian stared, her heart heavy.
Sensing someone's presence, Elsie instinctively turned. Her eyes widened, and she sprang to her feet. The two rushed toward each other, embracing tightly.
Perry and Fred stood quietly, watching as the women poured out their emotions.
But they didn't notice Lilian's subtle move. As she wrapped her arms around Elsie, she secretly slipped something into her friend's blouse. Thank goodness Elsie wore a skirt and blouse, the hem tucked neatly in. She felt the paper and understood instantly—Lilian had passed her a note.
Guilt overwhelmed Elsie. She had become a bargaining chip, forcing her friend into Perry's trap. Now she realized how devoted Lilian was to her.
She knew how much Lilian despised Perry's name. She had sworn she would kill herself if she ever fell into his hands again. Thinking of it, Elsie's heart ached. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Lilian…" but no words followed.
Lilian forced a smile that looked worse than a cry. She gently tapped Elsie's hand. "I will be fine."
---
Suddenly, strong hands encircled Lilian's slender figure.
She jolted in fright and disgust. Perry felt her repulsion clearly. His heart broke, but he buried his face in the crook of her neck, whispering, "Lee, I love you very much. Please give me a chance."
But Lilian's repulsion ran deep. She could no longer hide it. Before, she had forced smiles, tried to please him, all to avoid provoking his wrath—ever since Fred advised her how to keep him from auctioning her.
Now, her voice was cold. "I'm here. So stick to your word. Take her back to Atherton."