But before they could move, Preston stepped in front of them, blocking the doorway.


    If you dont give me the money, he snarled his tone dripping with venom, dont think about leaving this house.


    Amidst the heated argument, Prestons hand Landed hard against Doreens cheek, leaving a sharp sting.


    Phillis lunged to intervene, but she was no match for Prestons iron grip.


    Before long, Doreen was bound, followed swiftly by Phillis, her hands tied cruelly beside Doreens.


    Preston pulled out Doreens phone from her bag, his voice as cold as steel.


    Give me the password, he ordered, or Ill slice off Phillis hand. With no choice but toply, Doreen whispered the password, the weight of her helplessness sinking in as Preston drained two thousand dors from her ount.


    Once he confirmed the funds were gone, he mmed the phone down.


    Youd bettere up with enough money, or Ill make sure she suffers for it, he threatened, his finger pointing at Phillis bruised form.


    Tears blurred Doreens vision as she cursed him under her breath.


    Youre nothing but a monster.


    How can you do this? Her voice quivered with fury and grief.


    Preston, his heart as cold as stone, untied Doreen and released her with a sneer.


    If I dont see five million by tomorrow night, Ill sell your mother. With a final shove, he forced her out the door.


    As it mmed behind her, Doreen glimpsed Phillis tear-streaked face, a sight that tore at her soul.


    Her heart felt as though it was being twisted into knots.


    She swore she would rescue Phillis, but the cruel weight of reality pressed down on her.


    How could she possibly gather such a vast sum of money? The next day, Doreen sat at her desk, her mind a whirlwind, consumed by the impossible task of raising five million.


    The hours dragged on, each one a painful reminder of her desperation.


    She briefly considered asking Ste for a loan, but the words lodged in her throat, heavy and unwilling toe out.


    She didnt want to burden Ste, especially not with such a staggering amount. But the thought of her mothers life hanging in the bnce made her heart race.


    When Doreen delivered documents to Ste, thetter noticed her uneasy demeanor and asked with a concerned frown, Is something wrong? Doreen hesitated, her heart thumping wildly in her chest, before she lied, Im just not feeling well.


    She didnt want to risk Stes worry or reveal the depths of her crisis.


    Ste, ever the considerate friend, insisted Doreen take the rest of the afternoon off to rest.


    Doreen nodded, but she didnt leave immediately, lingering until Stes voice called out once more, pulling her back to reality.


    Only then did she hurry out of the office.


    Leaving the studio, she scrolled through her contacts, hoping for a lifeline, but her familys struggles had left her isted, friendless throughout her school years.