Kaia's breath hitched, but she couldn't afford to show weakness now. She lifted her chin defiantly. "Don't believe me? Fine! Get a DNA test! See for yourself if it's yours or not!" Ines' eyes narrowed dangerously, a vicious glint flashing within. The pressure of his fingers on her jaw intensified. Kaia felt her airway constricting. She struggled desperately. "L-Let go! H-Help! Someone help!" "Ines!" Wendy's cry jolted him back to reality. "Let her go! You'll kill her!" Ines released his grip immediately. Freed, Kaia stumbled behind Wendy, gasping for air like a fish washed ashore. "Ines, let me handle this," Wendy said, her voice pleading yet firm. "Go. I'll deal with it. I know what I'm doing." Ines scowled. "Are you actually planning to give her 20 million? Over my dead body! I won't acknowledge that bastard!"He pulled out a cigarette and lit it, his voice dropping to an icy tone. "The pregnancy ends. Now. Take her to a clinic." Wendy's eyes widened in horror. "She's over five months along! A termination at this stage could kill her!" Ines glanced sideways at Kaia, who was now trembling, her face deathly pale. "Her life's worthless. If she dies, she dies." Despite the warm, sunny day outside, a cold sweat broke out all over Kaia's body. It was only in this moment that she realized the true depth of Ines' cruelty. How had she ever thought he was just a spoiled playboy? She'd been so terribly wrong! I can't let him take me. I won't come back alive. Her deep eyes fixed unblinkingly on the doorway. "Son, don't be rash!" Wendy was equally terrified by her son's words. "Her life may be worthless, but yours isn't! It's not worth ruining your life over trash like her!""Don't worry, Mom," Ines said, his tone chillingly casual. "I'll make sure it's done cleanly. No evidence." "Are you listening to yourself? This is a human life, not some stray cat! No one can guarantee 'clean'! Just don't do anything stupid." "Mom, stay out of this." "You're my son! My flesh and blood! How can I stay out of it?!" Ines was infuriated by his mother's nagging. Seeing he couldn't convince her, he lit another cigarette. By the time he finished it and looked up again, he realized the woman who had been cowering behind his mother was gone. His expression turned to ice. He pulled out his phone and called his men. "The bitch ran. Watch all the exits. Find her." He turned and strode towards the stairs. Wendy rushed after him, her words tumbling out in a frantic stream.Exasperated, Ines barked at the driver, "Take my mom home. Now. "Mom, trust me. I know what I'm doing. Don't worry." He waved the driver off, and the car sped away. He hadn't expected trouble today. Dealing with one woman shouldn't have been difficult, so he'd only brought two bodyguards. But the upscale complex was a maze, with multiple exits. The three of them searched fruitlessly for what felt like an eternity. Furious, Ines kicked the car tire hard. "You little bitch! Just you wait!" He took a deep drag of his cigarette and called his assistant. "Kaia got away. Put the word out on the street. A hundred thousand dollars in cash to whoever finds her first." His cold eyes scanned the distant skyline. Run all you want, Kaia. But if I catch you, I'll make you wish you were dead. Meanwhile, Kaia, trembling with fear, had hidden in the bushes of a nearby park. She didn't dare move until dusk had fully settled into night. She rubbed her aching feet, eyes going hazy with confusion. The penthouse was out of the question. Where could she go now? Suddenly, her eyes lit up. She thought of someone she hadn't contacted in a long time. With less than ten days until the engagement, Zora was meticulously reviewing every detail of the upcoming event with her planner. That day, she would be the undisputed star. Not a single flaw could be allowed. Her phone vibrated on the table. Zora answered casually. "Yes?" "Hey, Dr. Moss? It's Kaia. Is... is this a bad time?" Zora paused for a split second, then a mocking smile touched her lips. "You've already called, and now you ask? What if I said it was?" "I-I'm sorry, Dr. Moss. I wouldn't have called if I had anyone else. I heard about your engagement to Mr. Vance. Congratulations, I—" "Get to the point. My time is valuable." "Dr. Moss, I have nowhere to go. Could I stay at your place for a few days? I remember you have that condo you never use..." Zora almost laughed out loud. What an idiot. She actually wants to stay with me? The moment Kaia had her final falling-out with Darcy, her usefulness as a pawn had ended. Zora felt talking to her now was a waste of breath. But that didn't mean she couldn't give her one last, helpful little push.