**Chapter 275: Hug Me**
As dawn broke, the first light of day spilled into the room, illuminating Dawn’s startled expression. Her eyes widened, and for a moment, she felt as if the world had come to a standstill, the shock of the moment freezing her in place.
“See? Fun, isn’t it?” Roxanne’s voice sliced through the silence like a sharp blade.
With a few confident strides, Roxanne approached, her gaze locking onto Dawn’s. “I love seeing you like this. Much prettier than usual,” she remarked, her tone dripping with a mix of mockery and delight.
A loud laugh erupted from Roxanne as she waved her hand dismissively and turned to walk away, her heels clicking against the floor in a rhythmic taunt.
“Darren, once you’re done, escort our esteemed Ms. Porter back. Make sure she gets home safe,” she called over her shoulder, her voice echoing with authority.
Darren Turner, standing with an air of professionalism, didn’t flinch at the command. “Yes, Miss,” he replied, his voice steady and formal.
Dawn’s hands balled into fists at her sides, a creeping chill crawling over her skin as if she were being enveloped in ice. The events of the evening swirled in her mind like a storm; she couldn’t fully grasp what had just transpired. The thought of Ivan’s death—if there truly was footage of it—haunted her. Destroying it seemed the only logical step, the safest move to make.
But why did Roxanne have to let her see it? Was it merely an act of cruelty, a reflection of her deep-seated hatred?
Psycho.
As the corrosive liquid in Darren’s bucket finally ran out, he rubbed his fingers together and waved to the passing workers. “Corrosive liquid spilled. Clean this up,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.
He retrieved his ID from his pocket, and the workers immediately sprang into action, eager to comply.
“Ms. Porter, I’ll escort you back,” he said, his demeanor shifting to one of concern.
Dawn cast a sidelong glance at him and began to walk towards the exit. But just two steps in, she halted, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer. “Does your boss have a screw loose? Does she get some thrill out of doing things like this?”
Darren hesitated for a brief moment, weighing his words carefully before responding with a seriousness that surprised her. “Ms. West is indeed mischievous.”
Dawn inhaled sharply, her breath shaky as she turned to continue her path out, her steps quick and purposeful, each one echoing her frustration.
Once in the car, Darren’s gaze flicked to the rearview mirror. He caught a glimpse of her face, shadowed and dark, a clear indication that she was still reeling from the evening’s antics.
He turned his gaze back to the road, adopting a casual demeanor. “The young lady just enjoys mischief. Don’t take it personally, Ms. Porter,” he said, his tone light, but there was an underlying sincerity.
For a few moments, Dawn remained silent, contemplating his words. Finally, she lifted her gaze, her expression a mix of skepticism and curiosity. “You mean she was just trying to gross me out today?”
Darren appeared slightly embarrassed but nodded, his cheeks tinged with a hint of color. “You could put it that way.”
“I can understand her messing with me, but what about you?” Dawn pressed, narrowing her eyes at him through the rearview mirror. “Why are you explaining all this to me?”
Logically, Darren was Roxanne’s right-hand man. Even if he didn’t fully align with her, he had no obligation to offer her this insight. Yet, something in his tone hinted at… respect?
It was strange.
Darren’s eyes flickered momentarily, but he kept his focus on the road ahead, a smile gracing his lips. “Ms. Porter, you’re overthinking. I just didn’t want you to misunderstand Ms. West, that’s all.”
Dawn chose not to reveal whether she believed him or not. Instead, she offered a faint, knowing smile and lapsed back into silence.



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