She stood her ground and defiantly replied, Beat me to death if you dare.


    Although Preston was furious, Phillis managed to slightly calm him down.


    He came to understand Doreens resilience and finally gave in.


    Doreen then took Phillis to a nearby clinic to get her injuries treated.


    As Phillis looked at her daughter, her heart ached.


    Once the wounds were treated, they left the clinic.


    Phillis asked about the origin of the money, to which Doreen lied.


    My boss lent it to me. Phillis believed her without question and expressed regrets for dragging Doreen into this mess.


    Im earning some money too, and as soon as Im paid, Ill help you repay them.


    Mother and daughterforted each other and made their way back to Doreens rented t.


    The following day, Doreen resumed her work, kept a close watch on Stes activities, and reported them as needed.


    After several uneventful days, Doreen began to feel relieved.


    She picked up some side jobs, aiming to pay back the borrowed money as soon as possible and settle her obligations.


    On a typical workday, Doreen received a text from that mysterious woman, asking her to coax Ste into going to the car dealership to get her car.


    As Doreen contemted her next move, she noticed Ste preparing to leave and casually asked about her ns. Im going to see the renovation at the physical store and then visit my mom.


    Ste told Doreen to reach out if needed, after exining her ns.


    After a brief pause, Doreen caught up to her and said, Ste, your car is fixed and ready for pickup, but the staff of the dealership are concerned about potential issues and would prefer if you could go in person.


    After listening to Doreens words, Ste agreed.


    Its actually on the way to my moms ce, so Ill stop by the dealership first.


    A wave of unease washed over Doreen as she sensed something bad Looming.


    She quickly offered to join Ste.


    Let me go with you. Ste, however, declined with a warm smile, saying, No need, I can manage on my own.


    You stay back at the studio.


    Dexter will being overter.


    Could you help me wee him? Doreen nodded in a daze.


    Her usual excitement at the mention of Dexter was absent and was reced by a deep sense of worry.


    Once Ste left, Doreen confirmed thepletion of her task via a message but got no reply.


    Meanwhile, Lindsay saw the message and gave a knowing smile.


    Without a second thought, she removed her SIM card and disposed of it in the toilet.


    Just then, a knock came at the door, and Robin urged her to be quick.v