Chapter 100
All of the men turned their heads when they saw Myra, and she immediately realized her mistake. The look in their eyes made her heart drop. Running away was no longer an option. As soon as her footsteps faltered, four or five large men rushed toward her, crowding around and forcing her to move forward.
She spotted Tilly a little farther away. The young girl was being shoved toward her by another man.
The moment Tilly saw Myra, she cried out, “Miss Stark… I’m so afraid…” Her voice trembled, the fear in her eyes clear. Tilly was still so young, not even finished with university. She never imagined she’d find herself in such a dangerous situation. Myra, just as terrified, tried to mask it with a calm front, walking toward Tilly and gripping her hand.
Turning to the leader of the group of men, Myra asked, “Where’s David? Why haven’t I seen him anywhere?” David was another foreman she’d worked with frequently—easier to talk to, someone she trusted, and never a problem.
Before Chris could respond, Tilly’s voice broke through, sobbing. “David’s in the hospital, Miss Stark. He got injured. Chris has been leading the workers since then.”
Chris shot a side-eye at Myra, his expression turning into a sneer. “So, you’re the one in charge of this project, huh? Miss Stark?” His tone was harsh and mocking, making him sound more like a thug than a construction worker.
Myra kept her composure. “I’m just in charge of the design. Other people handle the overall project. I’ve already made some calls—”
Smack!
A sudden slap across her cheek sent her head spinning. Tilly screamed in alarm and rushed to help, but one of the men grabbed her, pulling her away from Myra.
Chris lowered his hand, casually turning to the man holding Tilly. “Now that we’ve got Miss Stark here, we can let the other one go. I heard she has a close relationship with Director Chase from the Chase Group. With her here, we won’t have to worry about our pay anymore.”
The sting from the slap still lingered as Myra wiped at her split lip, feeling the blood trickle down. She gasped, biting back the pain. Trying to regain some control, she lifted her head and glared at Chris. “The Chase Group will definitely pay you. There’s been some mistake in the department, but I’ll call them right now.”
Meanwhile, Tilly continued to cry and struggle, being dragged away by the men. Myra couldn’t waste time on her now—if Tilly managed to escape, she could warn someone, get help. Myra realized that the situation was more dangerous than she’d first thought. This wasn’t just about a protest anymore—these men were trying to kidnap her.
Her hand trembled as she reached for her phone, but just then, it rang. Tony’s name flashed on the screen.
Myra’s breath caught as she answered. “Hello?” She barely managed to speak before Chris grabbed her by the hair, pulling her head down. Pain exploded in her skull as her forehead slammed against a rock. She could feel herself slipping away into unconsciousness, her phone falling from her grasp, still connected to Tony’s frantic voice.
Tony’s calls were loud, but all Myra could do was groan weakly.
Chris, without hesitation, stomped on her phone, crushing it underfoot. He gave a cold laugh, then kicked Myra a few times, his voice dark and taunting. “Miss Stark, most of the men here have been abstinent for a long time. I’d suggest you don’t put up much of a fight. I’m not cruel—I’ll let you go eventually if you just do as I say.”
He looked at the two men beside him. “Greg, Eric—lock her up in the hut. We’ll only let her out once we’re done sorting things with the Chase Group.”
They dragged Myra toward a tiny, dark wooden hut with no windows, no light. Inside, she felt the darkness close in on her like a suffocating beast. As the door slammed shut and the lock clicked, anxiety surged through her. How long will they keep me here? What will they do to me?
Every noise from outside the hut made her flinch. Her body shook uncontrollably, as she buried her face in her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt utterly powerless, like she was back in the days when her mother left her—lost, helpless, and abandoned.
Myra had no idea how long she’d been locked away. Time had no meaning in that cold, pitch-black space. Her legs were numb from sitting too long, and the dried tears on her face made her skin feel tight and uncomfortable. But then, a faint sound reached her ears—police sirens.
Her blurry vision couldn’t quite process what was happening outside, but the sirens grew louder. Myra could only huddle tighter, shaking with fear. Every second felt like an eternity as she curled into herself, waiting for whatever would happen next.
And then, the door slammed open with a loud bang, sending dust swirling into the air. The sunlight flooded the room, and Myra squinted against the brightness. As her eyes adjusted, she saw a tall, muscular figure standing in the doorway, his back framed by the bright sunlight. Her heart leaped in recognition.
When you’re trapped in the dark, desperate for a lifeline, who do you wish to see the most? In that moment, she realized it was Tony. The only person who had ever crossed her mind when she thought of being saved.
Myra parted her lips to speak his name, but her throat was too dry. “To—” Her voice was barely a whisper, but she couldn’t finish the word.
Tony’s steps were heavy and purposeful as he approached her. His face was as dark as a thunderstorm, but it wasn’t anger that he exuded—it was a deep, burning resolve. Outside, the SWAT team moved in, men with rifles, but none of them rushed forward, waiting for orders.
With no words exchanged, Tony reached her and scooped her into his arms. His grip was firm, steady, as if he would never let go. Myra was a mess—her work clothes covered in dust, her face swollen, blood trickling from the corner of her lips, a cut still fresh on her forehead, and scratches all over her arms and legs from the fall.
Tony’s jaw clenched at the sight of her injuries, and instinctively, he tightened his arms around her. He lowered his head, his voice soft yet commanding. “Close your eyes now, Myra. Please.” His words felt like a spell, calming her despite the chaos.
Tears streamed down her face as she nodded, wrapping her arms around his chest, gripping his shirt tightly. “I’m scared, Tony…” For the first time, she allowed herself to show her vulnerability, her fear, something she had always tried to hide.
Tony’s eyes softened as he met her gaze. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here now,” he whispered, his voice soothing her. His presence was like a shield, and for the first time in a long while, Myra felt safe.