Scales nced back at Roseanne, who gave him a subtle shake of her head. With that cue, Scales offered little resistance and allowed himself to be captured.


    Carlson still wanted to fight, but Scales held him back, signaling him to stand down for now. Carlson was confused. "Trust me," Scales mouthed, his voice a mere whisper.


    Soon, Mr. Smith was also seized. Gail shielded Ms. Smith as they huddled in a corner, mother and daughter trembling. Mamie was also restrained, her hands pinned behind her back and her face pressed against the dirt wall, getting a noseful of dust.


    Fabian sneered as he advanced on Roseanne, holding out his hand. "Hand it over." Roseanne backed away. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    “The phone. Don''t make me say it again!”


    She gave a coldugh. "With all the time that''s passed, do you really think I''d be stupid enough to film something and then just wait for you toe and take it? You think I haven''t sent it already?"


    "You damn bitch! You sent it?!"


    "I did."


    To her surprise, Fabian grinned. "Go ahead, send it. It''s just a video. Who do you think you can threaten with that?” His gaze roamed over her from head to toe. “Tsk, you''re Carlson''s ssmate? From Lumina? His girlfriend?"


    The slimy, lecherous look in his eyes made Roseanne''s stomach turn.


    Mamie, forgetting her own predicament, immediately red up, terrified Roseanne would be harmed. "You creep! Get away from her!"


    Fabian chuckled and turned his head. "Can''t even save yourself, and you''re still running that mouth of yours," he sneered. "Or are you just jealous that I''ve taken an interest in her? Please, my tastes are refined. I don''t go for sows."


    Mamie looked like she was about to explode with rage. She nced down the path leading to the vige entrance, her heart pounding with anxiety. Where are they?


    By now, Roseanne had been backed up against the eaves of the house. A couple more steps and her back would be against the wall.


    "You know," Fabian said, closing the distance, "for someone so beautiful, why would you choose a broke loser like Carlson? Can he afford to buy you clothes and bags, or take shopping and out to nice restaurants You women are so naive. A weakling like him... can he


    even satisfy you?"


    Roseanne tried to bolt, but Fabian grabbed her before she could move.


    "Why are you running? I''m not going to do anything to you..." He let out a sinisterugh, his eyes shamelessly tracing her body. "Damn, what a figure. He slowly started to pu down his zipper just don''t know if you like it rough or gentle. But don''t worry, I''m always nice to pretty women. As long as you cooperate, I promise I''ll make you-"


    He never finished his sentence. Before he could even get his zipper halfway down, someone grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, hoisted him up, and threw him violently aside.


    Roseanne looked at the neer and let out a long breath of relief. Finally.


    Owen Reynolds emotionlessly hauled the man off the ground and pinned his arms, while Corleynded a series of brutal punches to his gut. Each punch was punctuated with a question.


    "She''s beautiful?"


    "Great body?"


    "Cooperate nicely?"


    "What kind of trash are you?"


    "Who do you think you are?"


    "Satisfied now?!"


    Each blow was heavier than thest, each word more vicious. Fabian was beater until he was barely


    conscious, his body instinctivel curling up, but Owen held him fast and motionless, like a rigid punching bag for Corley to work on


    Corley wasn''t finished. Seeing that man advance on Roseanne from a distance had filled him with a murderous rage. He only stopped when Fabian started coughing up mouthfuls of blood. Despite the cold, Corley was drenched in sweat.


    "Who are you?! Let my brother go!" Jay screamed from the ground, his face pale.


    Owen released his grip, and Fabian crumpled to the ground like a rag doll.