The Bridgefields' Stevens family members were staying at the Veridian Hotel.

"Zephyr, didn't you say Aspen was coming over? Why isn't she here yet?" asked the elegantly dressed woman with concern.

She was Aspen's mother, Esther Bowles.

Zephyr appeared tense, but he still replied, "Let's wait a bit longer. Perhaps Aspen is busy right now. Don't worry, Andrew probably isn't being too harsh with her."

Esther sighed, feeling heartbroken. Her precious had fallen into someone else's hands and was at their mercy—how could that end well? Moreover, she knew Aspen's personality and beauty all too well. She feared Aspen was already battered and bruised.

Esther did not want to think further, but she could already imagine that she had lost her once pure and obedient daughter.

The well-dressed man beside her let out a cold snort, his polished exterior belying the menace in his voice. "If Aspen has suffered any harm, even a scratch, I'll make sure Andrew pays with his life."

Zephyr wa