Chapter 3 Terror Alert

Without hesitating for even a moment, Serena's movements remained swift. By the time Damien's long legs crossed the room, she had already flung the door open and dashed out. "Goodbye, handsome! See you never!" she called back over her shoulder just as the door shut behind her. She even waved her hand in an exaggerated gesture. Her tone was carefree, her actions cocky—full of that infuriating boldness and smugness. He said I wouldn't escape? Well, how would I know if I didn't try? What was I supposed to do, sit around and wait for him to deal with me? Not a chance! I wasn't that foolish! By the time Damien reached the door, he only caught the faint glimpse of her retreating silhouette, illuminated briefly by the hallway light as the door clicked shut. She had taken his clothes, and grabbed his robe—there was no way he could chase after her without any of them. His jaw clenched, his eyes gleaming with cold fury. Well. Very well. This woman had broken into my room in the middle of the night, "taken advantage" of me, and then had the audacity to flee! That d*mned woman! She even took my robe and clothes! And, to top it off, she gave me a single-dollar coin! Insulting his skills, no less! He was used to toying with others, but no one had ever dared to try him. He had spent his life as a predator, but tonight, he found himself the prey, marked with the scars of his own pursuit. That woman had some nerve. Fine, very fine! His anger gave way to a dangerous smile. Elegantly, he turned, grabbed the lighter from the bedside table, and flicked it on. In the flickering glow of the flame, he reached for the hotel phone and pressed the redial button. "Mr. Ashford?" A voice answered almost immediately. "Guard the hotel entrance. Don't let anyone leave," he ordered, his eyes narrowing with lethal precision, exuding a dangerous aura that could devour anyone in his path. In his hotel, he'd like to see how she thought she could escape. "Alright." Though the specifics were unclear, Tad Terry, the dutiful secretary, immediately obeyed the order. Whenever Damien stayed at a hotel, Tad would always stay on the first floor, ready to act at a moment's notice. Judging by Damien's tone, things were serious this time. Damien's robe and clothes landed in a heap outside the room as she fled. She had taken them to hinder him, to buy herself time and silence his communication. She thought her plan was airtight. But Serena had clearly underestimated Damien's speed and capabilities. By the time Serena stepped out of the elevator and into the hotel lobby, Tad was already standing at the hotel entrance, blocking the way of a young couple who was trying to leave. "We just received an alert. There's been a terrorist attack near the hotel. For your own safety, we can't allow anyone to leave right now," Tad said gravely, his expression serious and stern. "What? Oh no, Sweetheart, let's not go. Missing the flight is nothing compared to risking our lives!" The girl's face went pale as she clung tightly to the guy's arm. "Fine, let's head back to our room," the guy nodded frantically as if afraid terrorists would burst in at any second. The couple quickly turned around and hurried back into the hotel. Tad couldn't help but mentally pat himself on the back. I was so clever, wasn't I? Serena's lips twitched. Really? That was the excuse? A terrorist attack? This had to be the handiwork of the man in the room upstairs. Clearly, he had ordered it to capture me. She had never expected him to pull something like this so quickly. And to make matters worse, taking his phone hadn't helped at all. Given the situation, it was going to be nearly impossible for her to leave the hotel. But if she waited for that man to come down, things would get much worse. It wasn't just about "taking advantage" of him anymore—this was something far more serious. So, she had to leave. Now! Just then, a taxi pulled up at the hotel entrance, clearly dropping off a guest. Serena's eyes lit up. There really was a way out after all. Meanwhile, upstairs in the room, Damien had already pulled on a spare set of clothes and stepped out into the hallway. Seeing his discarded clothes and phone piled outside the door, his eyes narrowed with a calculating glint. He picked up his phone and strode quickly toward the elevator. In the lobby, Serena took a deep breath, ducking around a corner as she hurried toward the hotel entrance. Her left hand pressed against her ear, pretending she was on the phone—even though she didn't have one with her at all. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, conveniently covering her hand and most of her face. With her left hand deliberately shielding her features, Tad, standing on her left, couldn't see her face at all. "Sweetheart, are you there? I've been waiting for you all night," Serena's voice rang out as she pretended to talk into the phone. As she neared the hotel entrance, she raised her voice slightly—just enough to make sure the man guarding the door could hear. Every second mattered now. Her voice dripped with playful sweetness, with a hint of teasing affection. "I'm coming out to meet you. I missed you so much! I just have to see you right away, and I can't wait another minute." Tad glanced at her, momentarily dazed. Her red dress was a bit disheveled, and she looked like she had just climbed out of bed.