Chapter 288

His voice was ice as he rattled off the address into the phone. "The bastard's unconscious... Stop stalling. Just wire the money."

Rosalind had no clue who he was calling. Still dazed, she hastily pulled on his jacket to cover herself.

She leaned against the taxi's dented side, struggling to stand. She wanted to thank Everett, but before she could speak, a familiar voice cut through the night.

"Rosalind! Rosalind, where are you?"

Harrison had arrived.

When Rosalind turned, Everett was already gone.

How had he vanished so quickly?

She never got to thank him properly.

Nathaniel and Harrison spotted the skid marks on the asphalt. Putting two and two together, they'd jumped out of the car to search.

Harrison sprinted over when she saw Rosalind. "Are you hurt? What were you thinking coming out here alone? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

Nathaniel's sharp gaze landed on the unconscious driver. His shoulders relaxed slightly seeing Rosalind unharmed, but his voice remained razor-edged.

"Rosalind, you're not a child anymore. Running off like that was reckless and selfish!"

The fear, frustration, and lingering terror from her near-miss erupted at Nathaniel's harsh tone. Tears welled up as she spun on her heel and marched away.

Harrison chased after her. "Rosalind, wait—"

A sharp gasp made Rosalind freeze. Harrison had stumbled on a loose stone, clutching her ankle.

Rosalind rushed back, dropping to her knees. "Let me see."

Harrison waved her off with a grin. "It's nothing. Not even a scratch."

Rosalind stared.

Standing in the drizzle, Harrison's eyes sparkled as she winked. "See? Not the end of the world."

The dam broke. Tears streamed down Rosalind's face.

Harrison pulled her into a tight hug, rubbing her back. "Let it out. I've got you."

Between sobs, Rosalind's voice cracked.

"Harrison... I was born with this birthmark. My parents—everyone—acts like it's some tragedy. Especially Dad. He's a healer who can't even fix his own daughter... They love me so much..."

Her fingers twisted in Harrison's jacket. "I love them too. That's why I always smile. But when I look in the mirror... sometimes I hate what I see."

A shuddering breath. "Julian told me I was beautiful. I believed him. Then he said I was disgusting... Harrison, what did I do wrong? Is being ugly a crime?"

Harrison held her tighter. "You did nothing wrong, sweetheart."

Nathaniel stood rigid nearby. Rosalind was family—of course this cut deep.

Sirens wailed as two police cars screeched to a halt. Officers swarmed the scene, cuffing the unconscious assailant.

An older cop scanned the shadows where Everett had disappeared. "Miss, did your rescuer already leave?"