Turning Back to Emptiness

Chapter 7

Coming to her senses, Hailey struck harder at the man pinning her down, but he didn't budge.

When a disgusting touch grazed her neck, she grabbed a nearby glass shard and thrust it at him.

"Ah!" With a shriek of pain, he was kicked aside by Hailey.

Pressing the glass shard against her own neck, she trembled and warned, "Get out, or I'll die right here in front of you."

When they hesitated, she pressed harder. A sharp sting burned her neck. Judging by their horrified expressions, she knew blood was trickling down.

These men had only come to film a video and ride the wave of online attention. Now that things had escalated to the threat of death, they wanted no part of it.

After driving them away, Hailey limped over and helped James to his feet. "Dad, I'm sorry… I didn't even get to taste the meal you worked so hard to cook…"

"I'm the one who should apologize. If it weren't for me…"

Hailey shook her head. "You did nothing wrong. Why would I blame you? It's not your fault…"

She cleared the broken glass and debris from the floor, then booked a hotel room for James on her phone, arranging for him to stay there temporarily.

As she supported him toward the door, her gaze suddenly fell on something. Her pupils dilated in shock, and at that instant, her blood ran cold.

After seeing James off, Hailey returned by car to what was technically Kevin's villa.

All she could think about was the car she'd just seen. It looked like Kevin's…

The answer became clear when she saw the car parked in the courtyard.

At that moment, she was startled, yet it didn't surprise her.

When Kevin saw the wound on her neck as she entered the living room, he frowned but grabbed the first-aid kit anyway.

"What happened? Come here, let me take a look."

In the past, Hailey would have gladly run into his embrace, but now she stood frozen.

"Did you just watch, or did you plan this?"

Kevin stiffened for a heartbeat before slipping back into his usual calm.

"They wouldn't have gotten far."

With those few words, Hailey realized Kevin had known everything that happened inside, yet he hadn't intervened immediately.

She nodded, lips twisting into a bitter smile. "So tell me, Kevin. If I hadn't fought back, how far would you have let them go before helping us?"

"Until my clothes were ripped off? Or until my father was nearly dead?"

Hailey held his stare. "Or when he was about to—"

"Enough!" Kevin barked, silencing her.