Chapter 55: Ambushed

"Katherine, can you really let Qi Dong go?" Ursula asked.

The question caught Katherine off guard. Letting go of the man who'd broken her heart wasn't in her playbook. "I'd rather feed him to the dogs," she snapped.

Ursula's thoughts flickered to Scott Fisher with concern.

"Enough of that upsetting talk," Katherine shifted gears, her smile returning as if the dark cloud from moments ago had never been. "It's getting late. I'll give you a lift."

Ursula, feeling a pang of guilt, agreed without further protest. "I can get back on my own, Katherine."

"Don't be silly. I'm headed your way, and my place is near yours. It'll make visiting Adam easy." Katherine boasted, fishing for compliments.

"Right, you've got it all figured out." Ursula laughed.

Mentioning Scott Fisher around Katherine was like walking on eggshells; it could make her face change in an instant.

Ursula sympathized with her friend's romantic turmoil but knew some wounds needed more than time to heal.

After dropping Ursula off, Katherine zoomed away, leaving Ursula lost in thought. She didn't notice the sound of someone following her until she reached the quiet stairwell and heard the echo of leather shoes.

Her heart pounded, recalling the neighborhood security's warning about a stalker. She regretted not asking Katherine to stay, especially now, as the footsteps behind her quickened.

The stench of alcohol and sweat grew stronger, and Ursula's fear spiked. She was just steps from her door when a man's hand landed on her shoulder.

"Slow down, where's the fire?" he slurred.

Ursula recoiled, her back against her door. "Back off! My boyfriend's inside," she bluffed.

The man laughed off her threat. "Nice try. But I know you're alone."

He stepped closer, and Ursula threatened to call the cops, her hand shaking as she reached for her phone.

But he was quick, snatching her phone and smashing it. Ursula's scream pierced the air as she fought back fiercely, surprising her assailant with her strength.

He slapped her hard, tearing at her clothes, but Ursula fought like a cornered animal, her mind was set on escape.

Then, out of nowhere, a tall figure appeared, dispatching the attacker with ease and pulling Ursula to safety. It was Matthew.

Ursula, despite everything, was grateful for his timely rescue.

"Are you okay?" Matthew's voice was a mix of concern and fury.

"I'm fine." Ursula managed, her fear subsiding in his presence.

In that moment, she knew that without Matthew's intervention, her fate could have been much worse. His coat was on her, she watched as he turned back to deal with the man who had attacked her.