Chapter 185

Isabella Montgomery suspected the manager required monetary incentive. She made her offer clear.

“I’ll compensate you generously for any useful information.”

Lawrence Chamberlain remained unmoved. His demeanor showed no trace of the greed she expected.

“That won’t be necessary,” he declined politely. “I’m simply attempting to reconstruct the events accurately.”

He paused thoughtfully before studying her intently. “Ms. Montgomery, are you feeling unwell?”

Isabella frowned. Why would he ask that?

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over her. Her body temperature spiked alarmingly. Coherent thought became increasingly difficult.

Damn it! He had drugged her!

“Are you insane?!”

Summoning her fading strength, Isabella grabbed a nearby vase. She attempted to hurl it at him with force.

But her limbs betrayed her. They turned to lead. She collapsed onto the floor, utterly limp. The vase crashed beside her, shattering loudly.

The drug was potent. Fast-acting.

Lawrence Chamberlain stood up. He adjusted his bow tie meticulously. All warmth vanished from his face, replaced by a sinister, predatory smirk.

“You’re so eager to dig up the past, Ms. Montgomery. Was that man five years ago really that good? Don’t worry. I’m quite skilled myself. I’ll ensure you enjoy tonight thoroughly.”

He began unbuttoning his shirt deliberately. He moved toward her and knelt on the floor beside her prone form.

Isabella’s voice was a weak whisper. “You…you’ll regret this…This is a crime…I will destroy you…”

“A crime?” He chuckled darkly. “You checked into this hotel. You inquired about our…special services from Beatrice. You specifically requested me after hearing about my…talents. The security footage will show you inviting me into your suite yourself!”

He leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “Wealthy women like you always crave young men like me. The narrative will be easily believed. No one will question my story.”

His evil smile widened. His hands grabbed the fabric of her blouse.

Isabella’s mind raced. It was all a trap! Even Beatrice Holloway was in on it!

She had asked for him. She had opened the door for him. The realization filled her with cold, paralyzing dread.

A sharp tearing sound filled the room. Her buttons popped, scattering across the floor.

Her jeans and button-down top were violated. Her flawless figure was exposed to his lecherous gaze.

Isabella clenched her fists. She willed her body to fight, to move. But her muscles refused to obey. She was completely conscious yet utterly powerless. Nausea churned in her stomach.

Lawrence Chamberlain pressed his weight onto her. He devoured her with a ravenous look. “I’ve had many women. But never one as wealthy and exquisite as you. You are utterly intoxicating, Isabella.”

He lowered his head. His lips sought the sensitive skin of her neck.

Revulsion surged through her. She tried to push him away. Her efforts were pathetically weak. Her feeble struggles only seemed to amuse him.

The drug held her captive. It twisted her resistance into something playful. Something inviting.

No. This couldn’t happen. Not again. She had to fight it. She had to…

Her consciousness blurred further. Unwanted, chaotic thoughts invaded her mind. Was history repeating itself? Was she doomed to relive the nightmare of five years ago?

Lawrence Chamberlain unbuckled his belt. His focus was singular. He stared at her irresistible beauty. He was consumed by the desire to claim her.

As he moved to remove his trousers, the door exploded inward.

A tall, formidable figure filled the doorway.

Isabella’s vision swam. She couldn’t identify the man. But a profound sense of relief flooded her. A hero. Her savior had arrived.

The feeling was irrational yet undeniable. Hope ignited within her.

Nathaniel Blackwood burst into the room. His eyes immediately found Isabella pinned beneath another man. She looked up at him, dazed and helpless.

A violent tremor of rage shook him. How dare anyone assault a woman in such a vulnerable state?!

He charged forward without hesitation. His fist connected with Lawrence Chamberlain’s face with brutal force.