The car pulled up in front of a sleek mall. Hazel stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking against the pavement. Arthur, the bodyguard assigned by Francisco, followed close behind.
Hazel took a slow look around. Her mind raced with silent resolve.
I need to run away from here.
But I don't have my passport or anything. Francisco took it all.
As they walked through the entrance, Hazel suddenly stopped in front of a glittering diamond store. The display sparkled under the lights, and a mischievous gleam lit up her eyes.
"I want to buy diamonds," she announced.
Arthur didn't flinch. "No problem, ma'am. Boss gave a card for you."
Hazel raised an eyebrow, "I see."
She tilted her head slightly, her tone playful. "What's your name?"
"You can call me Arthur."
A soft smile tugged at Hazel's lips. "Arthur, you should be a model."
The unexpected compliment caught him off guard. His ears flushed slightly as he looked down, clearly not used to such attention.
Trying to steer the conversation back on track, Arthur said, "Ms., please buy what you want. We need to get to the hotel before evening."
Hazel smirked, sensing his discomfort. "Of course."
They stepped into the shop. Hazel moved with calculated ease while Arthur kept a close watch. She picked out a diamond ring... her movements casual, but her mind was focused, alert for any chance to escape or seek help. But Arthur stuck close, giving her no space.
As they later stepped onto the escalator, Hazel saw a small window of opportunity to fish for information.
"Do you know Liam?" she asked, her tone light, eyes locking with Arthur's.
The atmosphere changed immediately. Arthur's face stiffened.
"Ms., I'm not allowed to say anything inappropriate," he replied, his voice firm and guarded.
Hazel sighed inwardly. So, that's a dead end too.
Rolling her eyes, she sauntered toward a nearby women's boutique. She stopped at the entrance and turned to Arthur with a teasing smile.
"Are you coming with me?" she asked.
Arthur hesitated, glancing inside.
"Ms., I have no option left."
Hazel chuckled, stepping into the store. "You'll end up knowing my size. I don't mind… but if your boss finds out later, I guess he won't spare you."
Arthur sighed, realizing the awkward position he was stuck in.
"Then… then I'll wait here. Please be quick," he said, lowering his gaze to avoid further discomfort.
Hazel held out her hand, palm open. "Card!"
With no other choice, Arthur handed over the card. Hazel took it with a soft, reassuring smile and walked into the store. Arthur stayed outside, watching her through the glass with unease settling in his chest.
Hazel moved swiftly. She grabbed two bras and panties from the rack, her mind racing with possibilities. Spotting a store assistant, she approached confidently.
"Excuse me, where is the trial room?"
The assistant perked up, eager to help.
"Oh yes, ma'am, this way."
She gestured politely toward the fitting area.
Hazel followed, then paused at the door to one of the rooms. "I want to try, please wait here," she added with a polite but firm tone.
"Of course, ma'am," the assistant said, standing patiently just outside.
Hazel stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She let out a slow breath, heart thudding in her chest. She needed to act... quickly and carefully.
After a moment, she opened the door just a crack and whispered, motioning the assistant inside. The girl entered, expecting to help with a fit. But Hazel had something else in mind.
As soon as the girl stepped in, Hazel gently shut the door and twisted the lock. The assistant turned, confused.
"Ma'am, you didn't wear it…" she said, noticing Hazel still had on her original clothes.
"Actually, I need help," Hazel said quietly.
The assistant's face grew concerned. "What happened?"
"Would you please give me a phone? I need to call someone," Hazel asked, her tone desperate, her eyes searching the girl's face for empathy.
The assistant blinked, now fully alert. "Has something happened to you?"
Hazel glanced nervously toward the door, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I can't tell you everything in this short time because at any moment he will come to look for me."
The assistant's expression changed with understanding. Without hesitation, she handed Hazel her phone. Hazel's fingers trembled as she dialed. Every ring made her chest tighten.
'Sir, please pick up the phone,' she silently begged, biting her thumbnail as anxiety built.
"Hello," came Alex's voice at last.
Relief washed over Hazel's face... just for a second.
A sudden, heavy knock thundered against the door.
"Ms., please come out."
"Ms., the boss wants to talk to you."
"Ms.," Arthur's voice rang with urgency.
Hazel stiffened. "Yes, I am done," she called out, quickly ending the call.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she unlocked the door and stepped out.
Arthur stood there, eyes sharp and voice firm. "Ms., we need to go now." His gaze immediately moved to the assistant behind Hazel, suspicion flashing in his eyes.
"What is she doing here?" he demanded.
Hazel replied quickly, brushing past the question.
"She was helping me with my dress."
"We need to go."
Without another word, Hazel strode past Arthur, not giving him time to question further.
The assistant stood frozen for a beat, confusion and unease written across her face.
As the two disappeared from sight, the girl's phone suddenly rang. She picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Someone called me from this number," Alex's voice came through, sharp and expectant.
"Yes, a girl called but...."
The line cut off before she could finish. Her eyes widened as the screen went dark.
Elsewhere, Alex stared down at the phone, jaw tightening.
He turned to Adam, who stood nearby. "Adam, we need to find where this call happened."
Concern crept into Adam's voice. "What happened, sir?"
"I don't know… but I think it's Hazel," Alex said.