Going against his own dad? Lance let out a relieved chuckle. "Got it."

Despite being cautious, next day, Bettie found herself in hot water.

As Bettie headed to the studio, her assistant pinged her on Facebook.

They were waiting upstairs with the makeup stuff.

Recalling her past ordeal in the parking lot, Bettie had her assistant meet her downstairs.

It raised eyebrows but the assistant agreed.

Upstairs, Bettie relaxed, unaware. She told herself that maybe Keilani's father had a bit of decency, realizing his daughter's wrongs, and wouldn't touch her.

After prepping the model, Bettie sent her to the studio ahead, popping to the restroom herself.

Just as Bettie entered, a flicker of movement caught her eye. Before she could yell, it was too late.

Hands clamped over her mouth, a blow to her neck, and Bettie blacked out.

When Bettie came to, darkness engulfed her.

Soon, she realized it wasn't the room but her own blindfolded eyes.

Her hands were tied behind, tightly bound.

Bettie had no clue where they'd taken her, just the wind howling, messing her hair, and brushing her cheeks.

October in Mathias warmed up, but now, the autumn breeze chilled her to the bone. Such gusts were rare downtown. Probably, they were in the outskirts.

Bettie kicked herself for letting her guard down and letting someone exploit her.

This time, could she still count on Lance to rescue her?

Despair filled her heart. Sure, Keilani's dad wouldn't kill her but everything else was up in the air. She might lose a limb. The thought made her go pale, swallowing hard.

"You're up, huh?" A male voice shattered the silence, with a heavy accent.

Bettie tensed up. “Who are you?"