Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 48

After Effie's restraints were cut loose, she gingerly flexed her aching wrists, scanning the abandoned factory for anything she could use a tool, a way out, anything.

But her hopes were abruptly dashed by the bald man's harsh snarl. "Listen, sweetheart, you'd better play nice, or things are gonna get a whole lot worse for you."

Effie feigned meekness, her voice trembling just enough to sound convincing. "Please, sir, I don't understand what's going on. This is my first time..."

The two kidnappers exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with anticipation. Suddenly, the scarred man pulled out his phone and started recording, setting Effie's nerves on edge. An icy jolt of dread shot through her.

Her eyes widened in panic. "What are you doing? What do you want from me?"

"Don't take it personal," the scarred man said with a twisted grin. "We're just doing a job. Someone paid us, and they want... pictures. Plus, we need some insurance. If you try going to the cops, we've got evidence to make your life hell."

Effie's heart pounded. "No, please-you don't have to worry, I swear I won't tell anyone. I won't go to the police..." Damn it, this had to be Suzan's doing.

How vicious could she get? Was she trying to ruin her completely?

bad, honey. It's not up to you," the bald man

to fight to the bitter end. She would die before letting these monsters get

her collar. Effie retreated desperately, but with a quick, savage yank, he tore her blouse open. The pink strap

ragged. This was his lucky day— she

he thought, can't

fumbled forward,

of rage, but cornered and outnumbered, she was powerless. She glared at them, a trapped lioness ready to go down

wanted nothing more than to kill them

Effie spotted a metal rod lying in the shadows. She edged backward,

the rod away, then lunged for her,

that exact moment, a thunderous

door crashed to the ground with a cloud of dust, and a tall man stormed in. He wore a sharp black suit, moving

Effie saw Lyman, her composure finally broke. Tears she'd been fighting spilled down her cheeks. At last, he was

in her eyes-and his

brutal kick that sent