A repulsive smell in the warehouse welcomed her. It was so dark that she could barely see her own hands.

She stood by the door, her head tilted to one side as if she was pondering. She didn't go in straight away.

​​

"Welcome. Come on in." the voice said coldly. It echoed in the spacious darkness.

Nathalia smiled and went in.

All of a sudden, blinding lights shone on her and exposed her slim figure. With the collar of the jacket up, she looked decisive and fearless. Her pretty face said confidence and calmness.

She frowned slightly at the sudden lights and held her arm up above her forehead.

The man sneered and said mockingly, "Ha. Nathalia Davidson, you did come alone. Good. I'm impressed."

Nathalia put her arm down, and following the voice, she saw a stout man with a ferocious scar across his right cheek. It looked like it was from a deep cut of a knife. A golden thick chain necklace, exaggerating earrings, and tattoos adorned him.

Nathalia threw the case forwards, elegantly, and confidently. "Here's the money. Where is she?"

Her voice was so calm that it took the man by surprise. She didn't seem to fit in the grim abandoned warehouse. The man waved his arm, and a body dropped from the ceiling, tied by a thick rope.

It was Sophie. Her limbs tied up, her face swollen and bruised, her clothes torn, she looked terrified.

At the sight of Nathalia, she cried. "Oh, Nathalia, you shouldn't have come."

She didn't think that Nathalia would actually obey and come alone. She even hoped that she would not come.

Why? Isn't she scared? And I was mad at her earlier. But she has come for me. Oh, silly Nathalia. Now I've put her in danger, too.

Nathalia said plainly, "You are my friend. I don't leave my friends."

There were only a few people that she truly cared about, and she would do whatever she could to protect them.

Tears were streaming down Sophie's cheeks. "You shouldn't have come. I've put you in danger, Nathalia." It's my fault. I shouldn't have been mad at her. She's my best friend. She's one who takes the risk of her life to save me. I'm so sorry.

Gently and comfortingly, Nathalia assured her, "Don't be silly. Sophie, you are like a younger sister to me. I will take you home safe, and your mum's waiting for you at home."

Sophie sobbed even harder. She shook her head and cried, "Nathalia, run, run, please. Don't worry about me. Run." Her body swayed slightly in the air. It looked frighteningly unsafe.

The man counted the money excitedly. He confirmed the amount and was very pleased. "Hahaha, run? It's too late. Nathalia Davidson, you will join your friend soon." He said with a grin, then shouted, "Get her!"

Two men ran out from the sides and marched towards Nathalia.

Nathalia stepped backward, terrified. "Wait! I've given you the money. You should stick to your word." Her voice quivered slightly.

The man stared at Nathalia with a dirty look. "You are too, naïve! You think just the money will satisfy me, huh?" He sneered.

"Guys, it's our lucky night! We have two young beauties here at our service! Hahaha." The stout man shouted to the other two. What a stupid bitch! Well, she came here alone. She asked for it. Hahaha. He thought with excitement.

The other two men grinned. Great! Money and women, we get both!

"Let's see how good the Great Mrs. Nathalia Davidson is, what is it about her that charms Spencer Davidson!"

"She seems to have a great figure. Her skin looks very smooth too. Hahaha." They yelled as they approached her.

Terrified, Sophie screamed, "No! No! Leave her alone! Nathalia, run!"

The door had been locked. There was nowhere to run. Nathalia thought fast and questioned aloud, "Tell me, who are you working for? Huh? How much is he paying you?!"

The two men paused, a bit startled.

The stout man sneered, "Ha. You will never find out." Then, he turned around and shouted to the back, "You got everything ready?"

Another man jumped out from the back and answered, "Yes, all good. All three cameras are set up."

Great. Everything's going as planned. We will just enjoy ourselves now and have it all recorded! He thought victoriously.

Nathalia glanced around and saw the red lights flickering. She cursed silently. These people are crossing the line!

The stout man who was in charge announced, "My turn first."He approached Nathalia with a perverted grin, rubbing his hands with excitement. I've never tried a rich girl. I wonder how different it is from the street hookers. Hahaha.

Nathalia kept stepping backward as he came closer. "How much is he paying you? I can pay you to double, triple, ten times the money! Even more!" She tried to negotiate.

The cameraman was tempted and suggested to the stout man. "Boss, that's actually a good offer, don't you think? I mean, when we have money, we can have any woman we want."

The stout man hesitated. He was thinking.

Nathalia seized the chance and went on, "I'm sure you know the Davidsons very well and understand the consequence of angering them when you get caught. Are you sure you want to lose your life for this?" She was trying to prolong it.

Now the other guys were also tempted. "Yeah, boss. We don't want to mess up with the Davidsons." I just want money, really. I don't want to die.

The stout man thought for a while, then his face turned stern, and he shouted, "Shut up! Huh, nice try! But you can't persuade me. As long as we have the photos and videos, your husband will have to listen to us! I warn you. You'd better just give in. If you are smart enough to do what I say, I might let you live."

He grinned evilly and marched forward, fantasizing excitedly. Look at that pretty face and smooth skin!

"Stop!" Nathalia shouted. She stopped retreating. Swiftly, she took off her black jacket to reveal her secret weapon.