Chapter 4 Unfortunate Date

Matthews? Dayna's mind raced, connecting the dots-this couldn't be Jon since he always stayed out of her family matters. Recalling Rhonda's implications, her thoughts turned sharply towards Helena.

Just as she reached this conclusion, her phone erupted into a ring. Glancing down, the screen glaring back confirmed her suspicions: Helena Matthews.

"Where is my mother?" Dayna's tone was cold and full of accusation.

"Dear, I've relocated her to a more suitable facility. The public hospital simply wasn't up to par for her recovery." Helena's voice dripped with faux concern, as if she were performing a charitable act instead of holding Dayna's mother hostage.

"And you think I won't involve the police?" Dayna's voice hardened.

"Your mother consented and signed the necessary documents. I'm merely assisting her," Helena responded smoothly, unthreatened by the prospect of legal action.

Devil!

Dayna clenched her teeth in frustration. Debating with Helena was useless; she always cloaked her scheming in benevolence.

"What do you want from me then?"

"Careful, don't want to bite off more than you can chew."

"I'll hand in my resignation," Dyna promised.

Helena's tone was straightforward. "That's hardly enough. I want Jon to lose all regard for you, to scorn you so profoundly he can't bear the sight of you."

"So, you're threatened by me?" Dayna challenged, though she knew well that Jon's affections were beyond her reach.

Helena ignored the jab. "There's someone I want you to meet tonight. Dress appropriately. I'll text you the details."

Dayna stayed silent as Helena continued, "Trust me, I'm well aware of your situation. This will be the last thing you do for me. Don't worry about your mother's expenses in the future; I'll handle it."

The line went dead before Dayna could protest.

She felt trapped, her rage simmering as she waited for the inevitable message with the address. Resignation heavy in her heart, Dayna held back the urge to hurl her phone against the wall.

As the evening shadows grew longer, Dayna made a quiet exit. Caroline was deeply immersed in her work, oblivious to Dayna's plan. Dayna chose not to mention the meeting Helena had orchestrated; it felt too risky.

In the solitude of her room, she carefully applied makeup, altering her appearance layer by layer. Amidst this transformation, her phone buzzed-Jon's name flashed on the screen. She hesitated, but then decided not to answer.

Helena desperately wanted Dayna out of her son's life. Dayna was certain that Helena would reveal her location to Jon later that evening, effectively determining her path forward. This was a sacrifice Dayna felt compelled to make for her mother's well-being.

Dressed far more elegantly than her usual subdued secretary attire, Dayna's stunning appearance turned heads as she entered the venue.

"You must be Miss Allen?" The man waiting for her seemed taken aback by her elegance, his surprise evident. He was clearly thrilled, considering himself lucky to be paired with someone of her striking appearance.

Dayna gave a small, polite nod, which only seemed to increase his enthusiasm.

"Everything was explained to you, correct? Tonight, just ensure my satisfaction, and you'll find it well worth your while," he stated, stepping uncomfortably close, his intentions clear in his encroaching demeanor.

"No need to rush." Dayna sidestepped the man's advances.

"The night is no longer young, and I want to savor every moment."

"You go ahead. I'll be right there," she suggested, her voice a soft lure.

"Let's head in together," the man insisted, not taking no for an answer. His grip was firm, pulling her along with unexpected force that caught Dayna off guard.

Once they were inside the room, the man wasted no time starting to undress.

Seizing the moment, Dayna excused herself to the bathroom, quickly locking the door behind her. "I'll just freshen up first," she called out over the sound of running water.

From outside, the man's voice carried a hint of amusement. "No need to be shy, baby. I promise you'll enjoy tonight," he said with a leer.

"I won't be long." In the bathroom, Dayna's fingers trembled as she texted the private investigator she'd hired to locate her mother. Her connections from her time at Matthews Group were useful, but penetrating the Matthews family's tight security was another matter.

Her phone vibrated with an incoming message from an unknown number which read, "Behave yourself, Miss Allen."

Dayna's heart sank-Helena's eyes were everywhere, it seemed.

The man's impatience filtered through the door, his tone edging towards annoyance. Dayna knew she couldn't stall any longer without risking her mother's health. Missing even a single dose of her medication could have dire consequences, a threat Helena wielded with chilling casualness.

Understanding the grim reality outside, Dayna knew she had no choice but to face it head-on. With a deep breath, she quickly dampened her hair and donned a bathrobe, her movements mechanical. In her bag, her fingers found the small knife she had packed-her last resort for escape the situation.

The plan was drastic but necessary. If pushed to defend herself, the encounter could be misconstrued as a transactional dispute between an escort and her patron, a scenario she had painstakingly considered. Such an event would certainly taint her in Jon's eyes, ensuring he would never want her back. Moreover, it would lead to her dismissal from the Matthews Group, as they would shun an employee with a criminal record.

At this moment, even the prospect of prison seemed inconsequential. The savings she had meticulously gathered over the years would suffice to cover her mother's medical expenses. Steeled by this thought, Dayna opened the bathroom door.