The original buyer had promised him only $50, 00, and here he had managed to get four times that amount.

If he'd known how generous this man would be, he would have aimed even higher.

Barlow entered the restaurant and quickly inquired about Donn's room number from a waiter.

Without wasting any time, he headed there and pushed open the door.

The sight that greeted him was that of a man passionately kissing a woman. His eyes narrowed instantly. He moved quickly, grabbing the man and striking him forcefully.

With a shriek, the man tumbled to the floor.

Ignoring him, Barlow turned to the woman, whose clothing was half-removed, exposing her fair skin. She hastily covered her chest and looked up at Barlow, panic filling her eyes.

She wasn't Karina!

She was just a waitress.

A wave of relief washed over Barlow upon realizing this.

Glancing back at Donn, who Lay crumpled on the floor, Barlow noted his unfocused eyes and the swelling bump on his forehead that was slowly oozing blood.

Had someone else beaten him like this before him?

With no time to ponder that now, Barlow exited the private room, swiftly pulling out his phone to dial Karina's number.

The call connected, but it took her an unsettlingly long time to answer.

“Karina, I'm at Leeway Restaurant. Where are you?" Barlow's voice trembled with worry.

A sharp intake of breath and the distant sound of a car horn came through the receiver.

Finally, she spoke.

"Barlow, I'm at a nearby hotel. Come find me."

She was at a hotel?

His eyes narrowing in suspicion, Barlow quickened his pace out of the restaurant.

As he walked, he pressed, "Karina, are you okay?"

“No, I'm not feeling well." Her breath became more rapid.