Zoe watched the flush creeping up Bob's neck. In that moment, she felt certain he had never been with other women.

"That's moving a bit fast. I'm having trouble...processing," he stammered.

Zoe was momentarily speechless. Who was supposed to be the experienced one here? "Just take me home for now," she said, deciding not to press the issue.

She was anxious that Denzel might have returned already.

"Alright."

Bob quickly drove her back to the housing projects where she was staying.

When they arrived, his face darkened. "You've been living here?" he asked, unable to hide his dismay.

"Yes." Zoe nodded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize your situation was this difficult," Bob said, his voice filled with genuine remorse.

"I shouldn't have judged you earlier...I wouldn't last a day in a place like this."

Zoe smiled faintly. This was what she appreciated about Bob.

He was transparent and honest.

Unlike that other man...

Zoe thought perhaps she could finally put him behind her now.

As she stepped out of the car, she said, "Drive safely. I'm going in."

"Should I walk you up? The stairwell looks pitch black. I'm worried you might trip."

"No," Zoe insisted. "You should leave."

"Text me when you get inside," Bob said, his concern evident.

Zoe climbed the dark staircase, clutching the bag containing forty thousand dollars in cash.

She wasn't accustomed to this environment, but necessity had taught her to adapt quickly.

Before she even reached Clara's apartment door, she heard the sound of shattering objects.

The projects were filled with all sorts of troubled individuals. Domestic violence was common here, and broken possessions even more so.

Most residents had grown so accustomed to it that no one bothered to intervene.

Zoe rushed inside to find Denzel holding a wooden stool high above his head, ready to bring it down on Clara's skull! "Stop!"

Zoe's sharp voice cut through the tension.

Denzel spun around, surprised to see Zoe. But his shock quickly twisted into a vile grin.

"I thought you'd run away, you little slut! I was just about to finish off your mother!"

Zoe's eyes fell on Clara lying battered on the floor. Rage ignited within her.

Clara looked too injured to move, but when she saw Zoe, she struggled to her feet. "Why did you come back? I told you to run! Get out of here!" she cried.

She pushed Zoe toward the door with all her remaining strength, but Denzel's foul mouth continued unabated.

"Go?! You're not going anywhere! I need you to earn money as a prostitute!"

"Just go!" Clara kept pushing Zoe, desperation written across her face.

She would rather die at Denzel's hands than see her daughter suffer.

Zoe's eyes stung with tears, but before she could speak, Denzel shoved Clara aside. Her body slammed against the nearby wall with a sickening thud.

Even as she collapsed to the floor and lay motionless, she kept whispering, "Run...You have to run..."

Zoe turned her furious glare on Denzel! But he showed no fear of either woman, immediately grabbing her wrist.

"Come here! You're going to make me money, whether you like it or not!"

"Let me go!" Zoe snapped. "I have the money—"

"Release her!"

Bob's enraged voice thundered from the doorway.

Zoe turned, stunned to see Bob standing there—she thought he had left! "Who the hell are you?!" Denzel yelled.

"Stay out of my family business—"

Pow! Bob's foot connected hard with Denzel's stomach, sending him stumbling backward several steps! Simultaneously, he pulled Zoe into his protective embrace, his eyes blazing with fury!