Sarah''s voice sounded sincere over the phone.


    "I just want to help my mom. Please, Serena, just give me a chance! I''m all over the ce right now. I don''t even know where to begin over the phone. Let''s meet up and talk over dinner, okay? Please, give me just one chance!"


    Serena looked up, the glow of herputer screen illuminating her face. She really needed that six million dors.


    If this meeting could resolve the issue, it would solve her immediate problems. After some thought, she agreed to Sarah''s proposal for the sake of Amber Group''s future.


    "Where and when?"


    "I get off work at 7:00 pm. Let''s meet at Scenic Bistro."


    Sarah spoke politely before hurriedly hanging up. She seemed to have been called away to handle some work.


    Scenic Bistro was a private dining restaurant known for its discretion. Many elites chose it for business meetings.


    But its entrance was tucked away in a maze of narrow alleyways. The ce had a certain charm, but getting there wasn''t the most convenient.


    Serena wasn''t particrly fond of dining in hidden spots. But she didn''t object since she needed to sort out the funds. She left at 6:00 pm to make it on time.


    Upon arriving, an attendant approached her.


    "Ms. Jansen? Ms. Sarah has already reserved a private room for you. Please follow me."


    Serena nodded. The main dining hall was empty, with only a series of private rooms. The smaller onescked doors, giving the ce a unique ambiance.


    She took a seat in a small private room.


    An attendant respectfully ced a cup of warm water in front of her.


    "Your dishes are scheduled to be served in 20 minutes. Please enjoy some warm water while you wait."


    Serena didn''t expect the serving time to have already been arranged. She couldn''t help but think, "Funny how efficient people get when they need something from me."


    She was indeed thirsty from the trip, so she finished the water in a few sips. But soon, she started feeling unusually warm. Even after taking off her coat, she still felt hot.


    Maybe she''d caught a cold from the wind outside. She frowned, thinking she''d pick up some medicine on the way home.


    Just then, Sarah called again.


    "I''m so sorry. I have to work overtime today and can''t make it. I''ve already paid for the meal, so please enjoy it. I''ll definitely make time tomorrow!"


    Serena was annoyed but not surprised.


    Sarah and Rachel were trying to raise money behind Howard''s back. Naturally, they''d keep things under wraps.


    But she had no appetite anymore. She quickly got up and left.


    As she stepped outside, the alley was lit only by a few flickering streetlights. The night breeze was cool. She shook her head to clear the dizziness and headed toward the parking lot.


    As she stepped into the shadows, a hand suddenly yanked her into the alley.


    Her eyes widened. She kicked the person away and tried to escape the narrow alley.


    But before she could run, another hand grabbed her.


    A man dressed like a thug sneered. "Nice moves, but too bad there are two of us!"


    "Let go of..." Serena tried to struggle, but her arms suddenly went weak.


    The two thugs worked together, dragging her deeper into the alley. They pinned her against the wall, her body growing warmer by the second.


    Something was wrong.


    She tried to fight back, but she heard rustling behind her. The thugs pulled out straps and ropes out of nowhere. They tied her up tightly, lifting her onto their shoulders.


    One of them patted her burning cheek andughed. "Once we get you home, we''ll have a good time! Save your strength forter."


    Terrified, Serena watched the light at the alley''s entrance grow distant. Her


    strength was draining away, and so was thest shred of hope in her heart.