Chapter: 203

If the plan failed, she could easily disassociate herself from the mess.

Alan would never take Owen's word over hers.

A cunning smile played on Ashley's lips. “Owen, what's your take on this? You should think it over. I'll support your escape abroad. Just deal with her, and you'll be set."

"Alright," Owen conceded.

Unaware of the danger, Kaitlin stayed late at work as usual, turning down Quintin's offer for a ride home.

After sending her last email, she picked up her bag and exited the studio.

Several designers were still at work, and they cautioned Kaitlin to be careful as she prepared to leave by herself.

These comments were typical courtesies, so Kaitlin didn't pay them much mind. She waited by the roadside to catch a taxi.

Her car was being serviced, leaving her with no option but to use a taxi.

As one arrived, she stepped in. “Take me to Floral Era."

“sure thing," the driver replied.

The cab's interior was softly lit, prompting Kaitlin to tuck her phone into her purse and settle back to relax.

The journey home was lengthy, and she thought a brief nap might be a good idea.

The driver, donning a baseball cap, checked the rearview mirror and accelerated.

The rush hour had passed, and the city's streets were relatively empty.

When Kaitlin woke up, they had already left the urban area. She peered out the window with a concerned look, sensing a growing unease but trying to remain composed.

“Excuse me, did we take a wrong turn? I'm supposed to be heading to Floral Era, but this looks like the suburbs," Kaitlin said.

She attempted to grab her phone to share her location with Phoebe.

However, just as she was about to secure her phone, the driver braked sharply. Kaitlin's head jolted against the back of the front seat, and her phone slipped from her grasp.

The driver abruptly turned, grabbed the phone from the floor, swung open the window, and hurled it outside.

Kaitlin recoiled, her realization dawning that she was in trouble.

She said, “Listen, I have cash in my purse. If it's money you're after, you can have it all. Just drive me back, and I'll act as if none of this happened tonight."

She added, "I won't call the cops, I swear."

Trying to remain composed, she assumed he was after her cash and extended her purse toward him.