Chapter 27
<Chapter>Chapter 27 - A Race Against Time </Chapter>
A glint of frost flashes in Gianna's eyes as several imposing men swiftly encircle her.
One of them extends their hand to seize her, grinning with a predatory look. "Come on, beautiful, come back with me."
Just as his hand is about to touch her, Gianna swiftly grabs his wrist and flips him over her shoulder. He crashes to the ground, screaming.
The other three, realizing their plan has gone awry, lunge at her together.
Within a minute, her attackers are writhing in pain on the floor. Despite feeling her strength wane and her vision blur, Gianna presses forward, hastening her steps. In the elevator, she gasps for air, pressing the button for the first floor, only to step out and find herself not on the ground floor. Frowning, she hesitates, aware that going back might lead her into the hands of her pursuers. The corridor ahead seems endless, but she pushes herself to proceed, determined to escape.
She can't tell how long she’s been walking when her consciousness starts to fade, and her body gives in. Just as she's about to collapse to the floor, she tumbles into a set of warm arms.
In the grandiose private room on the eighth floor of Grandeur.
Felix sat in silence, nursing his drink, with two empty bottles of Hennessy XO before him.
Mitchell frowned at him, feeling discontented. "Fel, you've been guzzling since you got here without uttering a word. Got a case of the blues?"
Felix gave him a cold stare. "If your mouth isn’t helping, maybe donate it to someone who can actually make use of it."
Mitchell couldn't speak, stunned.
Raymond pats Mitchell on the shoulder in a sympathetic gesture. "Can't you see Felix has been off lately? Why poke the bear?"
The comment lingers, and just then, the door to the private room swings open. Uriah enters, accompanied by Jasmine Astor.
"Let me introduce my girlfriend, Jasmine Astor," he announces to the room.
In the private room, all three of them were aware of Uriah and Jasmine Astor's previous relationship. Yet, they were surprised when the couple reignited their romance shortly after Jasmine's return to the States.
Mitchell, in particular, couldn't help but frown. Not long ago, he had seen Uriah shopping with Faith. Faith used to be a part of their social circle until her family faced financial difficulties, causing her to disappear for a while. She made a surprising comeback as the CEO of MY FASHION, which left everyone impressed.
But MY FASHION had been on the decline for the last two years, a situation that didn't inspire much confidence from anyone. Mitchell had been concerned that if the company went under, the Uriah family would certainly shut their door on Faith, putting her and Uriah's relationship on rocky grounds.
But before they knew it, Uriah was already back with Jasmine Astor.
As a silence fell over the group, Uriah's eyes flickered with irritation. "What's with the quiet act?" he challenged. "Got an issue with my girlfriend?"
Raymond cracked a smile, reassuring Uriah, "We wouldn't want to scare her off.”
After speaking, he turned to Jasmine Astor and greeted her warmly, introducing himself. "Miss White, it's a pleasure. I'm Raymond, Uriah's close friend."
Jasmine Astor returned the greeting with a gentle smile, "Hello, everyone."
After exchanging pleasantries, Uriah led Jasmine to a seat and made a suggestion. "If you get bored, you could invite Bella to join. Aren't you two besties?"
Jasmine hesitated, briefly looking at Felix. "That okay? I don’t want to intrude."
"It's all good,” Uriah dismissed any concern. “We all know each other here."
Just as Jasmine was about to make the call, Felix suddenly stood up. "Got some business to attend to. You guys enjoy."
Jasmine's face paled a touch, a hint of hurt in her eyes as she looked at Uriah. "Does Felix not like me much?"
Seeing Jasmine's discomfort, Mitchell decided to lighten the mood with a playful remark. "If Felix had a crush on you, I bet someone would get jealous."
Uriah gave Mitchell a stern look and then affectionately tousled Jasmine's hair, attempting to relieve the tension. "Nah, Felix is always like that. You'll understand him better once you get to know him."
As Felix left the Private Room, he checked his phone only to find no missed calls or messages awaiting him.
In the past, when he went out drinking or networking, Gianna always had a hangover cure ready for him. She would gently remind him to go easy on the alcohol. But now, he could stay out all night, and she wouldn't even inquire about his whereabouts.
A chill swept through him as he pocketed his phone, preparing to depart. Then, his gaze fell upon someone holding a silver cell phone, and his expression hardened. It was the exact phone he had specially crafted for Gianna's birthday last year—a unique piece that couldn't possibly have a duplicate in Dawnridge!
He approached the person, his voice sharp and piercing. "Where did you get this phone?!"
...
Jonah was surprised to encounter Gianna at the Grandeur. When he noticed the flush on her face, he couldn't help but frown.
It was evident that Gianna had been set up! Jonah quickly escorted her to his room and dialed his agent.
"Get a doctor here, a woman, and fast!"
After hanging up, he still felt uneasy, so he opened the bedroom door, only to be struck immovable at sight unfolding before him. He tensed up as tight as could be.
The bedsheets were in disarray from Gianna's struggles. Her face was flushed, brows furrowed, and although her eyes were slightly open and unfocused, they were more captivating than ever, holding a different kind of allure.
Her collar had come undone in the struggle, revealing swathes of her pale, jade-like skin as she unknowingly pulled at the neckline.
"It's so hot..." she murmured.
Jonah clenched his fists, forcing his gaze away, "Gianna, hold on just a little longer. The doctor is on her way."
He avoided looking at Gianna again. After ensuring there was nothing in the room that could harm her, he turned and left.
Time had never felt so agonizing for Jonah. After what felt like an eternity, with the doctor still nowhere to be seen, he stood to check on Gianna.
Suddenly, there was a loud "bang" at the door, which burst open, revealing a towering figure shrouded in a chilling aura.
When Felix saw Jonah, his eyes turned ice-cold. "Where is Gianna?!"
Jonah's frown deepened, his voice frosty, "Felix, this is my room. Please leave."
Felix's attention was fixed on the bedroom door behind Jonah. Ignoring his words, he headed straight for it.
Jonah attempted to stop him, only to be held back by the bodyguards Felix had brought along. Felix forcefully pushed open the bedroom door, and his pupils constricted in shock.
He slammed the door shut, and when he re-emerged, Gianna was wrapped up securely.
As Felix passed by Jonah, his eyes bore into him with a venomous glare, "If I find out this has anything to do with you, you won't get off easy!"
Felix marched straight for the penthouse suite, dragging Gianna along despite her struggles with every step. His expression remained stern, completely disregarding her protests.
A coil of rage tightened in his chest as he considered how close he had been to never uncovering the truth if he hadn't noticed her phone earlier. The thought of what might have happened tormented him incessantly.
Once inside the luxurious suite, Felix unceremoniously dumped Gianna onto the bed.
Briefly, the pain brought Gianna back to her senses, only to be engulfed by a searing discomfort that coursed through her body as if a multitude of ants were devouring her flesh.
"I'm so hot... Please, help me..." She pleaded, her hands fumbling frantically at her clothes. Her skin was flushed, emitting a peachy hue, tantalizing and ripe for the taking.
Felix stepped closer and grabbed her flailing hands, locking eyes with her. "Gianna, how exactly do you want me to help you?"
