Alicia struggled to walk and avoid limping to prevent disgrace. Each step sent a jolt of pain through her body, Her new internship, her life all felt tainted by the stain of that night.
The memories, fragmented and hazy, haunted her. The taste of the juice… the sudden dizziness… the blurring faces. It all pointed to one horrifying conclusion: she was drugged. But by whom, and why? Her thoughts immediately latched onto Emily. Her stepsister had always resented her achievements, her looks, everything. Could she be responsible?No I don't think so she didn't know I got the job she didn't even follow me to the club I don't think she's the one maybe am just over thinking the juice might be mixed without me knowing
Reaching her tiny apartment, Alicia locked the door and collapsed onto the threadbare sofa. A sob escaped her lips, quickly escalating into a torrent of tears. She had to get it together. She couldn't let this night define her. But how could she face her first day at Mexico Empire?
Meanwhile, across town in his penthouse overlooking the city, Ryan stared at the bloodstain on his crisp white sheets. A wave of nausea washed over him. He prided himself on his control, his impeccable reputation. How could he have let this happen? More importantly, how could he have unknowingly taken advantage of a woman in such a vulnerable state?
He'd called in his head of security, Leo, a man known for his discretion and effectiveness. "Find her," Ryan commanded, his voice clipped and cold. "Find the woman who was here last night. Use whatever resources you need, but keep it quiet. I don't want a whisper of this getting out."
Leo, unfazed by his boss's intensity, simply nodded. "Of course, Mr. Thorne. But you have nothing to go on. No name, no description...?"
Ryan hesitated, his gut clenching. He couldn't bring himself to describe her disheveled state, the fragile vulnerability he'd glimpsed in her eyes. "She was wearing a gold bracelet," he finally said, his voice barely a whisper. "A unique one… with a heart-shaped lock. I'm sure she has the key."
Leo raised an eyebrow but didn't comment. He knew better than to question Ryan Thorne. He would find this woman, no matter how difficult the task.
Back in her apartment, Alicia scrubbed her skin raw in the shower, trying to wash away the memory of Ryan's touch. But the hickeys on her neck remained, a painful reminder of her humiliation. With a sigh, she pulled out her makeup kit and began the impossible task of concealing them. She had to go to work. She had to show Emily that she wouldn't be broken.
As she reached for her favorite gold bracelet, her fingers froze. It was gone. The unique bracelet her grandmother had given her, the one with the heart-shaped lock… it was missing. Panic welled up inside her. Had she lost it at the club? Or… had she lost it in his bed?
The thought sent a shiver down her spine. If he had her bracelet, then he had a piece of her, a piece of that night. And she had a sinking feeling that their paths were about to cross again, in a way she never could have imagined.