The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Lauren stepped out, her heels clicking against the marble floor, a designer bag dangling from her arm. She swayed her hips, every inch of her radiating confidence.


    She''d just parted ways with Gavin, and her bag was now heavier-carrying a card loaded with half a million dors and a dazzling gemstone ne. Lauren was in high spirits, humming a cheerful tune as she strolled toward her car.


    But just as her fingers brushed the door handle, a shadow lunged at her from behind.


    Startled, Lauren opened her mouth to scream, only for a rough hand to mp down over her lips.


    "Mmmph-!"


    Panic surged through her. She struggled desperately, eyes wide with terror.


    "Hey, don''t be scared-it''s me, Lauren," a familiar voice whispered urgently in her


    ear.


    Lauren froze. Neal? What was he doing here?


    "Don''t scream," Neal said, releasing her atst. "We just need to talk."


    Her heart pounded in her chest. Of all people, she never expected Neal to show up in Northborough-especially now. He was a wanted man; being seen with him could spell disaster.


    She nced around anxiously, voice low and tense. "Get in the car. Let''s find somewhere safe to talk."


    Neal nodded, and together they slipped into the car. Lauren drove out of the underground garage, her mind racing as she navigated the city streets.


    She broke the silence first. "When did you get back?"


    "Two days ago," Neal replied, his face obscured by a baseball cap and mask. But she could feel his stare, sharp and unyielding. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air as he reached out, his hand sliding across her waist.


    Revulsion twisted in her gut, but she forced a coyugh. "Not now, Neal. I''m driving."


    His voice dropped, dark and cold. "Are you enjoying yourself with Gavin? You used to say Saul couldn''t give you what you needed, but at least he offered stability. That''s why I let you go. So why Gavin now?"


    A chill ran down Lauren''s spine. So that''s why Neal hade because of Gavin. But how did he find out?


    "Don''t get the wrong idea, Neal..." She took a steadying breath. "I had no choice. Life with the Lockwoods has been unbearable. I only went to Gavin for help, not to betray you."


    Neal let out a bitterugh. "I''m not in a hurry, Lauren. I came back for answers. Find us somewhere quiet, then we''ll talk."


    She could feel his anger simmering beneath the surface. Now more than ever, she had to keep herposure.


    Lauren steered the car toward the outskirts of town, where abandoned warehouses dotted thendscape-ces more private, away from prying eyes and security cameras.


    She pulled up outside one of the derelict buildings. After shutting off the engine, Lauren turned on the interior light and, without a word, began taking off her shirt, turning her back to Neal.


    His eyes widened in horror as he saw the scars crisscrossing her back-some fresh, others faded, all brutal.


    "What happened to you?"


    Lauren hung her head, her voice trembling with tears. “me me if you want, Neal... I know I''ve hurt you. But Saul-he beats me nearly every day. I can''t take it anymore. I went to Gavin because I needed help..."


    Neal pulled her into his arms, voice thick with emotion. "Why didn''t you tell me?"


    "You''re already on the run, Neal. I couldn''t stand the thought of you risking yourself for me again."


    "For you? I''d risk everything-again and again." Neal''s anger melted away as he hugged her tighter. "Lauren, listen to me. I''ll take care of Saul. I won''t let anyone hurt you ever again. Just wait for me, all right? Once I''m done with him,e away with me."


    She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I will."


    "Really? You mean it?" His voice was shaky with hope.


    She smiled weakly. "After all these years, I finally realized you''re the only one who''s ever truly cared for me. I trust you, Neal. I know you''d never let me suffer."


    Joy flickered across Neal''s face. He kissed her, hands roaming greedily. "I love you, Lauren. God, I love you so much..."


    Lauren closed her eyes, suppressing her disgust. "I love you too, Neal..."


    Outside the abandoned factory, the Mercedes rocked gently in the darkness, headlights cutting through the night.


    Before dawn, the car finally stilled. Neal slipped out of the passenger seat, his dark silhouette vanishing into the shadows. Lauren started the engine and drove toward Lunar Heights Estate.


    Half an hourter, she parked in the garage, took the elevator to the second floor, and went straight to her room.


    In the bathroom, Lauren scrubbed herself raw, her eyes zing with hatred.


    Saul. Neal. Soon, you''ll both be on your way to hell-together.


    After her shower, Lauren poured herself a ss of red wine and forced herself to sleep.


    She had no idea how long she''d been out when a sudden knock jolted her awake. She staggered to the door, opening it to find Rosita staring at her, eyes sharp and assessing.


    "There was a fire at the Lockwood house early this morning. Saul and several staff members died in the ze. The police are already there."


    Lauren gasped, covering her mouth as tears welled up instantly. "How... how could this happen?"


    Rosita watched her performance with a touch of admiration. With acting skills like that, Lauren could win an Oscar.


    Her eyes lingered on the faint marks on Lauren''s neck before she continued. "The Lockwoods want us back at the house."


    "I''ll get changed," Lauren replied, closing the door.


    Rosita smirked at the shut door. Thank you, Lauren, for using your charms to get rid of Saul for me.


    But your turn ising soon. You''ll get exactly what you deserve.