Chapter 7 What Should She Do Now

Mr. Barrett's gaze hardened as he made his offer clear. "Miss Fletcher, I'm truly taken by your allure and capabilities. Just say the word, and I'll give you anything, even a house."

With a surge of revulsion, Ariella pushed him away forcefully and retreated. His advances repulsed her, and she made her stance clear. "Mr. Barrett, you've misunderstood. I am not the type of woman you think I am."

"And what type do you think I mean?" Mr. Barrett retorted icily. "Let's not kid ourselves. You P.R. women are all the same, aren't you? Playing hard to get to up your price?"

"Perhaps you're intoxicated, sir. We should discuss the contract another time," Ariella suggested, making for the door.

To her shock, he grabbed her, flung her towards the sofa, and accused her. "Don't act so high and mighty! I've dealt with plenty of women like you."

That was the last straw.

"Sir, please, watch your language!"

"How dare you reject me! You'll regret crossing me," he threatened, lunging at her with venom in his voice.

Despite Mr. Barrett's size and strength, Ariella managed to evade him.

She knew better than to confront him directly. Suppressing her fury, she appealed to his professional side. "Mr. Barrett, as the vice president of Opda Corporation, why stoop to this level? Our companies are meant to be partners in the future. Let's not escalate this further."

"And who are you to dictate terms? The AS Group will seek a partnership regardless of your involvement."

Upon hearing his statement, a chilling realization dawned on Ariella. She had been in the room for over twenty minutes. Where was Asher? Why hadn't he come to rescue her?

A sinking feeling took hold, leading her to a grim conclusion: Asher had decided to sacrifice her in exchange for the contract.

In a defensive stance, Ariella shielded herself with one hand while attempting to push Mr. Barrett away with the other. Her efforts to resist seemed to provoke him further. Without a moment's hesitation, he struck her across the face.

"Mr. Barrett, if you dare lay a hand on me, I'll take you to court," Ariella warned, fighting back with every ounce of strength, managing to leave a mark on his face.

The pain infuriated Mr. Barrett, who retaliated with a vicious kick to her stomach, propelling her across the room.

The intensity of the pain was like nothing Ariella had ever experienced. Immobilized, she was enveloped in a wave of cold sweat.

As Mr. Barrett advanced for another attack, Ariella frantically searched for anything within reach to defend herself. Seizing an ashtray, she hurled it at his head, causing a gash that bled profusely. Seizing the moment, she scrambled to her feet and made a dash for the door.

The corridor was eerily empty as she staggered forward. Her mind was reeling and her steps were unsteady.

The situation escalated terribly. This could get even worse!

Leaning against the wall for support, Ariella saw Mr. Barrett drawing nearer. She tried to muster the strength to flee, but her legs wouldn't cooperate, feeling as if they were made of rubber.

Mr. Barrett caught her by the hair, pulling her toward him with a savage laugh. "Go ahead, try to run! You stupid little bitch! How the fuck are you still able to walk like that after having some of the wine I gave you?"

What wine was he talking about?

Wait... the wine he gave her!

The realization hit Ariella hard. She remembered accepting a glass of wine from him, not suspecting it was laced with a drug.

His smirk deepened as he mockingly encouraged her, "Keep trying to run! Once the drug fully kicks in, you'll be pleading for men!"

Panic was starting to set in Ariella's heart.

The thought that he had drugged her was something she hadn't anticipated.

And Asher... he had decided to sacrifice her.

What should she do now?