Chapter 391

The man's greasy laughter filled the dimly lit room as he leaned closer. "Let me make this clear, sweetheart. Every single person in this restaurant answers to Ms. Ellington. Scream all you want - nobody's coming to your rescue." His eyes raked over Olivia's trembling form. "Though I must say, tears make you even more breathtaking than those Hollywood starlets. Why would Ms. Ellington bother finding some rich fool for you? I'm perfectly capable of taking... good care of you."

His chuckle sent shivers down Olivia's spine.

Forcing herself to remain calm, Olivia's gaze darted to the narrow window. Situated on the second floor of this remote countryside restaurant, it was her only possible escape route. The busy highway behind the building might offer salvation - if she could reach it.

Summoning every ounce of acting skill, Olivia fluttered her lashes and offered a coy smile. "You're absolutely right. I'd much rather be with someone like you than some spoiled rich boy."

The man's smirk faltered momentarily. "Oh really? Wait-" His eyes narrowed with sudden suspicion. "You're playing me, aren't you? Planning to bolt the second I turn my back?"

"Of course not," Olivia purred, placing a delicate hand on his muscular forearm while suppressing her revulsion. "You're strong, healthy... who knows what kind of man Ms. Ellington might force on me? Do you think any wealthy bachelor would settle for someone like me?"

When he still looked doubtful, Olivia sighed dramatically. "I'm not stupid. There's no escaping this. Ms. Ellington wants me married off - she's made that perfectly clear. And with my... situation..." She let the implication hang in the air.

The man nodded eagerly. "Exactly! You're still a looker, even with a kid. Doesn't bother me none. Just promise to take care of me proper once we're hitched, and I'll let you stay." His grin turned greedy. "Heard you've got money too. That'll all be mine soon enough."

Olivia's smile nearly cracked at his blatant avarice.

As the man fantasized aloud about spending her fortune, Olivia noticed his expression shift from lust to condescension. Seizing the moment, she affected a blush. "I... I need to freshen up first. Wait here for me?"

She turned toward the bathroom, but his meaty hand shot out to grab her arm. "What's the rush, princess?" he sneered, breath hot against her neck. "Think I'm falling for that old trick? Strip. Now."

Olivia's pulse pounded in her ears as she forced a weak smile. "It's not like that... I just feel so uncomfortable. Surely you don't want our first time to be like this?"

His laughter turned cruel as he tightened his grip. "I said take your clothes off! Or do I need to help you?"

When Olivia froze, he seized her chin with brutal force, wrenching her head back until tears sprang to her eyes. Pain radiated through her jaw as his fingers dug into her flesh.