Chapter 2

He closed the door and locked it. "Let's eat first. We'll chat while we eat."

The living room table was set with dinner and an open bottle of red wine.

He poured me a glass, then poured one for himself.

"Come on, cheers."

I clinked glasses but didn't drink. He took a big gulp.

"Juliet, you're so pretty. You could've married a rich guy back home. Why come to New York to suffer?"

"Mr. Caldwell, about the rent increase..."

"What's the rush?"

He sat down on the sofa and patted the seat next to him.

"Come, sit here. Uncle will have a good talk with you."

I didn't move. His expression darkened.

"What? Not giving me face?"

"Mr. Caldwell, I have a boyfriend."

"A boyfriend?"

He laughed, stood up, and walked toward me.

"How much does your boyfriend make a month? Can he buy you a house? Can he get you a green card?"

He reached me and lifted my chin with his finger.

"I'm different. If you're with me, you can live in this house however you want, rent-free. I'll give you five thousand a month for spending money."

I took a step back. He followed.

"Don't run away. You came all the way to my place just for this, didn't you? Stop pretending."

I reached into my pocket and pressed the record button on my phone.

"Mr. Caldwell, you've had too much to drink."

"I haven't had too much."

He suddenly grabbed me, his mouth coming toward mine.

I couldn't hold back. I slapped him across the face.

"Smack..."

He froze, then flew into a rage.

"How dare you hit me?!"

He grabbed my hair and slammed me against the wall.

"Ungrateful bitch! You should be honored that I want you!"

The back of my head hit the wall. Everything went dark.

"Caldwell, let me go."

"No! You're not leaving this place tonight unless you sleep with me!"

He tore at my clothes. Buttons scattered everywhere.

Just then, the door was pounded.

"Open up! Police!"

Caldwell froze. I pushed him away and ran to the door, unlocking it.

Two police officers stood outside, along with Mary and the other girls.

They held up their phones, recording everything.

The officer saw the bruises on my neck and my torn clothes. His expression changed.

"What happened here?"

I took a deep breath. Finally, tears fell.

"He tried to rape me."

Caldwell panicked. "No! She seduced me! She came to my place on her own!"

I pulled out my phone and played the recording.

After listening, the officer looked at Caldwell.

"Come with us."

"No! Let me explain!"

"You can explain at the station."

As Caldwell was being taken away, he looked back at me with pure hatred in his eyes.

"Juliet, just you wait. When I get out, I'll kill you."

I leaned against the wall, trembling all over.

Mary hugged me. "It's okay now. It's okay."

I shook my head. "No. This is just the beginning."

My phone buzzed. It was the "Victims of Caldwell Alliance" group.

Someone with the name "Niles" sent a message.

"I just saw Caldwell being taken away downstairs. Do you know? This building of his is illegal."

"Every room's fire safety doesn't meet code at all. I took photos before."

She sent over a dozen photos. Partition walls, illegally wired electricity, sealed fire exits.

Looking at these photos, a thought flashed through my mind.

It wasn't about sending him to jail. It was about bankrupting him.