Ivy's eyes widened in horror, the realization of Zack's calculated plan sending chills down her spine. At that moment, she clung to the desperate hope that the cops might still save her from this nightmare. She scrambled to her feet, ignoring the searing pain in her leg, and took off running.
This time, Zack didn't chase after her. Instead, he calmly pulled out his phone and dialed the police station. When the call connected, he spoke with feigned urgency. "I just saw Ivy Hill in the deserted lane near downtown. You need to hurry."
A smug smile crossed his face as he ended the call, satisfied with his deception. He walked back to his car, started the engine, and began following Ivy at a slow, menacing pace, savoring the fear he knew was coursing through her.
