Chapter 1 Stranger in the Restroom
"Don't move."
A shadow flitted through the women's restroom at the Crown Hotel.
Before Hetty Amelia could grasp what was happening, a gun was abruptly pressed against her back.
Cursing her luck silently, she was incredulous that someone had drugged her in her own hotel.
She had only wanted to splash some cold water on her face to mitigate the drug's effects, but now she found herself held at gunpoint!
She was determined to confront whoever was audacious enough to do this.
Ignoring the threat, Hetty slowly looked up at the mirror. Droplets of water traced a path down her elegant, flawless cheeks and slender neck, dipping into her blouse, her chest heaving enticingly with each breath.
Catching sight of this alluring scene, the man found his breath growing heavier.
Through the mirror, Hetty's drug-blurred eyes met his.
His features were sharply defined, with deep-set eyes and a mysterious aura, and his neat golden hair highlighted his piercing blue eyes.
He was precisely her type.
She was about to speak when a commotion and rapid footsteps approached from outside.
Someone from outside inquired.
"Is anyone there?"
Sensing the threat of the gun and the menacing gaze, Hetty fought the rising heat within her body and moved cautiously to the door, asking, "Who's there? What do you want?"
"Excuse me, miss. Have you seen a young man?"
"A man? I've managed this hotel impeccably for years. Are you saying a man freely entered the ladies' restroom?"
'Ms. Amelia?'
Whispers ensued from outside.
Hetty felt the drug's effects intensify, and her legs weakened, but Alvar Groot supported her quickly as she faltered.
The woody scent of his cologne enveloped her.
"Sorry, Ms. Amelia, we didn't know it was you. We'll leave right away."
After a brief rustle, the outside fell silent again.
Hetty attempted to escape his embrace.
"You are safe and you can leave now."
Despite her words, he did not loosen his grip.
"I'm safe now, but what about you?" Alvar scrutinized her closely.
"It's none of your business."
Though Hetty said this, the warmth in her body irresistibly drew her closer to Alvar.
Having been single for twenty-eight years, she wasn't generally interested in men, but perhaps due to the drug or something else, she felt a crazy desire for him.
"Since you helped me, it's only fair I help you with your problem," Alvar said with a soft smile as he locked eyes with her.
Watching the lips that suddenly drew near, Hetty felt an even stronger heat envelop her, and she instinctively moved closer to him.
But just as their lips were about to touch, she snapped back to her senses and tried to pull away, only to be firmly held by the back of her head.
His lips claimed hers aggressively, leaving Hetty with wide eyes and a blank mind, momentarily forgetting to resist.
In the next moment, Alvar pressed her against the wall, his lips trailing a series of fiery hickeys down her neck. His cold hand fondled under her blouse, slowly moving upward.
"What are you doing!? Let go of me right now."
Hetty shivered all over, pushing him away forcefully and slapping him hard.
"Jerk."
Although her body intensely craved his touch, her mind sternly told her this was not right.
Alvar lightly touched his cheek with his tongue, watching Hetty as she frantically adjusted her clothes.
"Ms. Amelia, you really change your tune quickly."
Hetty glared at him furiously.
Just then, a knock sounded again.
"I've already said I haven't seen him. Can't you understand what I'm saying?" she shouted angrily at the door.
"Hetty, it's me. What's taking you so long in the restroom?" Hearing that voice, Hetty could almost picture the sleazy expression of the man outside.
She wouldn't have agreed to dine with this repulsive older man if her father hadn't insisted.
But she didn't expect that this man would actually dare to drug her. However, thinking it over, if it hadn't been with the approval of her family, he probably wouldn't have had the courage to do so.
'Did they really want to ruin me? No! I will not let their schemes succeed.'
Hetty clenched her fists so tightly that her fingernails dug into her palms without her noticing.
Alvar noticed the irritation and disgust in her eyes. "Looks like he's the one who wanted to spend the night with you?"
"Don't speak if you have nothing to say," Hetty snapped back, rolling her eyes at him.
"Ms. Amelia, despite your harsh words, considering that kiss earlier, I'm still willing to help you out of this predicament."
Alvar pulled her to the window and pointed down. "I'll jump first to catch you."
After saying that, he leaped out the window and landed steadily, and then he gestured for her to jump down.
Hetty looked down at him, puzzled. 'Why was this agile, young man here, and how did he happen to run into me in the restroom? What was his real motive?'
"Hetty, what are you still thinking about? Do you really want to spend the night with the man who drugged you?" He seemed certain she would jump, his hands remaining outstretched.
The knocking grew more insistent.
"Hetty, open up, or I'll get the keys!"
She turned to look at the door being pounded on, took a deep breath, and stepped onto the windowsill...
