Howe firmly gripped her hair and cursed, “You shameless piece of trash! You should feel honored!"

He dragged her up the stairs by her hair and opened a door. To Nicole, it felt like entering hell.

Howe then proceeded to tie Nicole to a chair. The ropes were specially designed. The more she struggled, the tighter they became.

Trembling with rage, Nicole shouted, "If you touch me, I won't let you get away with it! I'll press charges and make sure you pay!"

"I'm curious. How do you plan on making me pay? You know, I don't care even if you don't consent. Give it a try with me and you'll like me," Howe taunted.

"Bullshit!" Nicole bellowed at the top of her lungs. "Don't even think that you are above the law!"

With a terrifying smile, Howe approached Nicole and remarked, "Miss Lawrence, you're quite stubborn. Let's see if you can remain so!"

As he spoke, he raised his hand and slapped her across the face.

Smack! The sound of the slap was crisp and harsh.

Nicole's head jerked to the side, and her ears buzzed because of the impact.

Howe then grabbed her by the hair yet again and repeatedly slapped her face.

A mouthful of blood escaped Nicole's lips. Her scalp felt like it was being torn apart, and pain radiated through her entire body.

Howe let out a maniacal laugh, seemingly pleased with himself. “Let's see how stubborn you are now!"

Tears blurred Nicole's vision, but she could still make out the figure of a despicable figure approaching her.

With a malicious look on his face, Howe mumbled to himself, "This isn't enough..."

That was just the appetizer. The main course hadn't even been served yet.

Meanwhile, Nicole felt that the pain she was enduring was building up.

Tears cascaded down her face as she faced the grim reality.

As moments went by, her mind drifted away and the world seemed to have quieted down. She couldn't even utter a word nor move her arms.

It was as though she had lost control of her entire body.