Seeing how things stood, Ste didn''t refuse again.


    ...


    She slid into Neville''s car, murmured an address, and closed her eyes.


    Her mind was foggy, her body weak and drained.


    Leaning back in the passenger seat, Ste drifted off to sleep almost instantly.


    She had no idea how much time had passed before someone gently shook her awake.


    "Star, wake up."


    Ste forced her eyes open. For a moment, her mind was nk-she couldn''t even recall where she was.


    But soon, the memory of Abby''s predicament rushed back.


    "Are we there?" she asked, her movements sluggish as she unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.


    The moment her feet touched the ground, her legs gave out, nearly sending her tumbling.


    A slender, pale hand reached out just in time, steadying her.


    "Star, are you sure you can walk?" Neville''s usually yful eyes were suddenly serious. "Maybe you should wait here. I''ll go find her."


    She looked so fragile, Neville thought, that a breeze could knock her over.


    Ste shook her head, eyes shut as she caught her breath. "No need. I just need a moment."


    A minuteter, she reopened her eyes.


    "Let''s go."


    ...


    They found Abby in a private lounge, cornered by several bodyguards.


    Her cheeks were swollen and red, clear evidence she''d been pped more than once.


    One of the young men in the room—a spoiled rich kid by the look of him—sat with a white bandage wrapped around his head. His re at Abby was full of menace. "So, you called for backup? I''d like to see who dares take you out of here tonight!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than the door swung open.


    A pale woman and a strikingly handsome, nonchnt man walked in.


    The instant Mr. Hunter saw Ste, his eyes lit up with predatory delight. "Well, well. Even prettier than thest one."


    He smirked, giving Ste a slow, appraising look-like a wolf sizing up fresh prey.


    Mr. Hunter had always been notorious for his lechery. Whenever a beautiful woman crossed his path, he''d stop at nothing to get what he wanted.


    Earlier that evening, he''d spotted Abby in the hallway and dragged her into the lounge without hesitation.


    The Hunter family was a prominent name in New Vespera, and with his family always cleaning up his


    messes, Mr. Hunter had ar velo


    bolder over time.


    As he schemed how best to get his hands on this new beauty, a sudden, icy stare cut through his thoughts.


    He''d been so fixated on Ste that he hadn''t even noticed Neville enter the room with her.


    Annoyed at the interruption, Mr. Hunter turned to see who dared draw his


    attention away-only to lock eyes with Neville.


    He froze, then his eyes widened in shock.


    "Mr... Mr. Connolly?!"


    A visible shudder ran through Mr. Hunter.


    "M-Mr. Connolly, what brings you here?"


    Neville cast him a disinterested nce. "What, am I not wee?"


    All traces of arrogance vanished from Mr. Hunter''s face. He shot to his feet flustered and obsequious. "Of course you are! It''s an honor to have you here, sir. Please-take a seat."


    Neville''s tone was casual, almost bored. "No need. I''m just here to pick someone up."


    Everyone in the room knew what that meant, and exactly who Neville hade


    for.


    Mr. Hunter''s face stiffened, panic


    flickering in his eyes. "Mr... Mr. Connolly, I''m so sorry. I didn''t realize thisdy was a friend of yours. Please forgive me for any offense."


    He barked at his bodyguards, “What are you waiting for? Let her go, now!"


    The bodyguards didn''t dare hesitate. They immediately released Abby.


    Abby looked utterly disheveled. Clutching her red, swollen cheek, she whispered, "Sorry, Star. I''ve dragged you into this again."


    These days, men like Mr. Hunter-thugs who acted like they owned the world— were thankfully a dying breed.