Dens team didnt stand a chancethey were swiftly overpowered and taken down.


    Surveying the aftermath, Sanford said in a steady voice, Get rid of these bodies.


    Make sure theres no trace left behind.


    Afterward, he had Ste and Be carefully moved to another room.


    Once they were settled, he brought his hypnotist to where Kinseyy.


    With an unreadable expression, Sanford gave a short order.


    Get started.


    Stick to the n.


    At the audience area of the venue, Bet sat, fidgeting with growing unease. Finally unable to wait any longer, he stood and moved toward the area where the staff member had led Ste and Be.


    He needed to find them.


    Before he could take more than a few steps, he ran into Matthew.


    Wheres Ste? Matthew demanded, his face tense.


    Bet quickly exined what had happened, and then added, I was just on my way to check the backstage area.


    d youre here.


    Matthew didnt waste time.


    He jumped in to help, eager to track Ste down.


    He grabbed a passing staff member and asked urgently, Which way to the backstage area? The staff member hesitated, his eyes flickering nervously before pointing in the opposite direction.


    Matthew started moving in the direction they were told but stopped when he saw Bet standing still. Puzzled, he asked, Whats the matter? Bet frowned, his voice filled with doubt.


    Ste didnt go that way.


    They shared a tense look, a cold feeling creeping over them both.


    Without another word, they turned and rushed toward what they believed was the real backstage area.


    From her hidden spot in the shadows, Lindsay watched the scene with excitement bubbling inside her.


    The secret shed uncovered was more thrilling than she ever imagined, and the knowledge gave her a twisted sense of satisfaction.


    She waited quietly until everyone was gone, and then carefully pushed open the door.


    Inside, Ste and Be were still unconscious, lying motionless on the floor.


    Lindsays eyes narrowed as she looked at Ste.


    Her heart burned with jealousy. Without hesitation, she pped Ste across the face.


    So, Sanfords been helping you this whole time.


    You really are Lucky.


    Her bitterness deepened into something darker.


    Her hands moved toward Ste, nning to strip her as a way to humiliate her even further.


    But before she could act, Matthews voice rang out from outside the room.


    Ste stirred, her lips parting as she mumbled softly, starting to wake.


    Lindsays heart raced in panic.


    She muttered a curse under her breath and, without Looking back, slipped through the window to make her escape.