?Chapter 865:


    Just as she was about to leave, she caught a faint cry from the alley nearby. She froze, listening closely. It wasn’t a human cry—higher pitched, thinner. A kitten. Her eyes shifted toward the alley entrance.


    The sound echoed from the shadows. The alley was long and cramped, piled with broken furniture and discarded boxes. The cries tugged at her, and after a moment of hesitation, she sighed and walked toward the alley.


    She couldn’t just drive away if an injured kitten was lying there.


    Even if she wouldn’t keep it, she couldn’t let it die out there.


    She pulled out her phone, turned on the shlight, and cautiously entered the alley.


    The air inside was damp and musty. Ste followed the pitiful mews deeper, scanning every corner.


    She crouched near a sagging cardboard box when sudden footsteps thundered behind her.


    Her heart jolted as she whipped around.


    Two tall men blocked the entrance. Their hats and masks hid most of their faces, but their eyes gleamed with intent. Something glinted in their hands.


    Her stomach sank. The kitten was bait.


    Heart hammering, Ste spun and sprinted toward the far end—only to find a high wall cutting her off. A dead end.


    The men didn’t rush. They moved at a leisurely pace, as if savoring her panic.


    “What do you want?” Ste demanded, her voice more confident than she felt. She fumbled for her pepper spray and phone, but one of them lunged, knocking both from her grip.


    The other seized her arm and mmed her against the wall.


    “Ah!” Ste cried out as her back mmed against the cold brick, pain shooting up her spine and leaving her lightheaded.


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    “Don’t move,” one of the men growled, his voice low and edged with threat. He yanked out a roll of duct tape, clearly ready to shut her up.


    Before she could react, the other lifted a short club, his gaze fixed on her left hand—the hand she relied on in theb.


    Their orders had been clear—if they couldn’t take her out, they should at least destroy her hands.


    The man clicked his tongue, almost mocking.


    Ste’s pulse thundered.


    She forced her eyes up to meet his, fear wing at her chest. “Wait—whatever they’re paying you, I’ll give you double. No, triple. Just let me go. I won’t tell anyone.”


    Her words fell t. Neither man showed any reaction.


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