Chapter 966

Bruce gripped Thalassa’s shoulders, dragging her to the door of the hotel room. With a flick of his card, the door beeped open, and he pushed her inside, maintaining a firm hold.

Callum had turned his head just in time to see the coat draped over Thalassa’s arms fall as she crossed the threshold, revealing her bound wrists.

A shadow passed over Callum’s eyes.

Bruce, noticing the coat on the ground, had a moment of panic. He swiftly picked it up and, turning back, met Callum’s gaze. With practiced ease, he nodded and flashed a casual smile. “My wife’s in such a hurry that she didn’t even notice she dropped my coat,” he said.

Without waiting for a response, Bruce turned and stepped back into the room. Thalassa tried to bolt out, but with a shove, he pushed her back and slammed the door shut.

His eyes cold, he advanced on her. “I’d advise you to cooperate; it’ll save you some pain.”

Thalassa’s heart raced with fear as she backed away, with Bruce’s sinister and merciless gaze following her. Her retreat was halted by the edge of the bed.

“Ah, Thalassa, let’s just enjoy this, shall we? No more fighting,” Bruce chuckled, a predatory grin on his face as he lunged at her. Thalassa screamed, trying to dodge, but Bruce was faster. He pinned her down on the bed.

She struggled with every ounce of strength, shaking her head and kicking at him.

Bruce caught her foot, his hand sliding her dress upward.

She let out a muffled cry of resistance, filled with despair and disgust. His touch sent shivers of revulsion through her, making her stomach churn with the urge to vomit.

Bruce, repulsed by her defiance, was undeterred. But as he pushed up her dress, something felt off.

Looking down, he noticed a piece of the black fabric torn away, with jagged edges where it had been ripped.

He stopped abruptly, his gaze turning fierce as he stared at Thalassa on the bed. “Did you rip your dress to send a signal?” Thalassa’s eyes blazed with defiance and loathing. Though she couldn’t speak, her stare conveyed the message: Yes, I signaled for help. Lysander will be here soon, and when he finds you, you’re as good as dead.

Bruce read the unspoken words in her fiery eyes.

“You dared to signal for help!” he raised his hand, ready to strike her.

Thalassa squeezed her eyes shut, bracing for the blow.

The sound of Bruce’s incoming call cut through the tension like a knife. The ringtone blared loudly, seeming to fill the room.

Bruce froze, his hand hovering inches from Thalassa’s face. He withdrew his hand and pulled out the phone.

Daniel’s name flashed on the screen.

Why would Daniel be calling now?

Bruce stared at the dancing name, not rushing to answer.

His expression turned dark and suspicious. The timing was too coincidental. He’d just discovered Thalassa’s torn dress, and now Daniel was calling?

He couldn’t answer this call.

Holding the phone, Bruce watched the screen as it rang and rang until it finally stopped on its own.