Chapter 2 The Same Old Tactics

Selena felt a cold dread seep into her as her face lost its color.

The kidnapper's determined approach was unnerving, and with each step he took toward her, her heart raced faster.

Suddenly, the room's atmosphere shifted. Windows shattered, allowing a flood of bodyguards in black uniforms to pour in. They efficiently tackled and subdued the kidnappers in mere moments.

The leader of the bodyguards, exuding authority, walked up to Selena and spoke with a tone of regret. "Mrs. Powell, our apologies for the delay in our arrival. Mr. Powell is waiting for you at Halfhill Villa."

Within the luxurious confines of Halfhill Villa, Joshua stood tall and imposing, the weight of his years doing nothing to diminish his aura. Upon laying eyes on Selena, his stern demeanor shifted, replaced by a look of deep concern.

"Selena, please tell me they didn't harm you. I've summoned a doctor to ensure your well-being. This oversight weighs heavily on me."

Selena, gathering herself, replied with a hint of weariness, "There are just some minor injuries, nothing more."

"Rest assured; those responsible will be found and punished for what they did to you!" Joshua said.

Recognizing the ripple effect this incident could have on the reputation of the Powell Group, Selena nodded in agreement. "Very well."

After a thorough examination, the doctor confirmed Selena's injuries were superficial. This news eased some of Joshua's tension.

Having received treatment, fatigue overtook Selena, pulling her into a deep sleep.

She didn't wake up until it was already evening.

The distant sound of a car horn reached her ears, soon followed by the soft creak of her bedroom door opening.

The room filled with the comforting aroma of polished wood, offset slightly by a gentle perfume.

Selena's eyes briefly betrayed a depth of emotion, a sentiment quickly hidden behind her usual poise.

Before, she would have promptly switched on the light, greeting him with a flattering tone and saying, "Mr. Powell, welcome home."

However, tonight was different. She remained still, feigning sleep with eyes tightly shut.

Shortly after, she felt the mattress dip behind her, followed by a large hand encircling her waist.

The sudden touch was icy cold, causing Selena to involuntarily furrow her brow. Instinctively, she edged away to create distance.

To her surprise, the man paused only briefly before yanking her back with force.

In the process, her existing injury throbbed sharply, whitening her face from the intense pain.

All the pent-up frustration and resentment she'd been harboring threatened to erupt.

In defiance, she thrust out her arm, shoving him away.

Kenneth's expression grew stormier. He seized her by the shoulder, drew her close, and pinned her beneath him.

"No more games," he snapped. "You had Grandfather summon me home to see you. Are we playing this game of cat and mouse yet again?"

His emphasis on "again" wasn't lost on her.

There was a clear impatience in his voice, a disdain for what he perceived as her past antics.

In his eyes, she had manipulated Joshua into forcing this confrontation.

And he was convinced she was employing the same tactics this time around.

Beneath the night's shade, both Selena's bruises and her heartache were hidden. She clenched her fingers, showing her inner turmoil.

She stared deep into his eyes and put on a smile. "If my tactics bring you back to my side, isn't it worth the effort?"

He wore a smirk devoid of warmth. "Interesting. It seems you've got enough guts this time to admit that you're scheming. But what about the business partnership you compromised?"

Selena found herself at a loss for words.

The playful curve of her lips faded, replaced by a look of surprise and hurt. The trap, the scheme, it all stemmed from the botched deal. She bore the brunt of the kidnapping. Why was the blame now on her again?

His words revealed his ignorance of the fact that she had been abducted.

Yet, she recalled reaching out to him, only to be met with silence.

Was he actually wishing for her to be gone so as to make room for another as Mrs. Powell?

Chilled by the thought, Selena responded with a restrained tone, "I'll address the matter with the board myself."

"Is that so? Perhaps you should be considering how to make amends in other ways." All the while, his intentions became unmistakably clear as he began to undress her.