Just then, a luxury vehicle sped down the alley, only to make a sudden U-turn.

The woman who stepped out was poised and striking, clearly a high- society figure. Much like Tessa once was.

She removed her coat and draped it over Tessa, holding her close and inquiring with a mix of disbelief and caution, "Tessa, what on earth happened to you?"

Regaining her senses, Tessa weakly muttered, "Lauren..."

And then she lost consciousness.

Lauren promptly let go of Tessa and looked down at her crumpled form with disgust. Tessa was miserable.

Lauren had only ordered them to be harsh. But these two men had taken it to an extreme. Tessa was almost gone.

But it served a purpose. This would make Tessa her most effective assistant.

Tessa later awoke in a hospital bed, feeling as though she had been trampled by a vehicle. The pain was unbearable.

Especially in her lower body, which felt as if it had been ripped open.

The door swung open and upon seeing Tessa stir, Lauren rushed in and gently cautioned, “Tessa, you're badly hurt. Stay still."

Upon hearing Lauren's unsettling words, Tessa's eyes filled with tears, making it impossible for her to form a coherent sentence.

Lauren observed Tessa and said, "Tessa, try to stay calm. You've got stitches down there, and your body is covered in bruises. I fear these marks will leave scars."

Rather than offering solace, Lauren's words only intensified Tessa's agony, underscoring her current pitiable state.

"No!" Tessa screamed, overcome by emotion.

Her fantasies of a wealthy matrimonial life were now in ruins.

Even if she settled for an older man, who would willingly take her in this condition?

Gripping Lauren's hand tightly, Tessa's voice broke as she said, “Lauren, I don't know how to go on. I've been raped like this. How can I live.

Tessa's despair pleased Lauren. It was precisely the reaction she had hoped for.

"Tessa, have you crossed someone recently? This wasn't just an assault. They aimed to break you. They must really have it out for you."