Nathan was seething with rage.

He couldn't bear the thought of Elizabeth climbing those shadowy stairs alone.

So he followed her.

And witnessed a scene that made his blood boil.

How dare that lowlife Matthew lay hands on her?

Forcing her into such degradation?

"You bastard!" Nathan saw red.

He charged forward, his fist connecting hard with Matthew's skull.

Matthew was a weak addict, only strong enough to bully women.

Against a real man? He was pathetic.

Soon Matthew was on the floor, clutching his head and begging.

"Please! Stop! I'm begging you!"

Elizabeth wanted Nathan to finish him right there.

But that would be murder.

The consequences would be too severe.

She placed a hand on Nathan's arm. "Enough."

Nathan was breathing heavily, but he stopped.

He desperately wanted to kill the scum.

Matthew lay moaning on the floor for a long time.

Finally, he struggled up, leaning against the wall for support.

Elizabeth threw the bag of cash at him.

"Here's your forty thousand. If you bother us again, I'm calling the police."

Matthew looked shocked, surprised he was actually getting money.

Clara became agitated and stood up quickly.

"Where did you get that money? Don't give it to him! Keep it for yourself! How could you be so foolish..."

She burst into tears as she spoke.

Meanwhile, Matthew opened the bag and saw the cash inside.

He forgot about his injuries and started limping toward the door.

"No, no, I won't come back anymore..." he muttered, afraid Elizabeth might change her mind.

Silence filled the room after Matthew left.

Elizabeth turned to Nathan. "You should go now."

But Nathan was still furious. "You got that money for him? Who is he to you?"

She'd almost lost her innocence because of that despicable man!

The thought made him even angrier.

Elizabeth didn't hide the truth from Nathan.

She told him everything.

"I should have killed him when I had the chance. Ended this permanently," Nathan growled.

"And then what? Do you think you'd be fine after that?" Elizabeth retorted.

Nathan pressed his lips together but said seriously, "Men like him always come back when they run out of money. Addicts are never satisfied. And if I wasn't here..."

The thought terrified him.

"Let me handle this. I'll find you a house by tomorrow. You can move in immediately."

Elizabeth stared at him intently, making him slightly uncomfortable.

"I mean, not for us! For you two. Look around—does this place seem livable to you? Actually, forget waiting. Pack your things right now. We're leaving tonight. I'll check if I have a suitable place for you."

"Nathan..."

"Don't refuse me," Nathan said with determination. "I just want to take care of you, that's all."

Elizabeth snorted. "I was just going to say—make sure it's somewhere plain and quiet. Nothing too flashy."

"Okay." Nathan grinned and hurried away.

Elizabeth turned to Clara, looking at her bruised body. "Do you need to go to the hospital?"

"No. They're just surface wounds," Clara refused quickly.

Elizabeth didn't push—she still hadn't fully accepted Clara yet.

Clara asked tentatively, "Elizabeth, that man just now..."

"He's a friend," Elizabeth replied hastily, clearly not wanting to discuss it.

"Now pack your things," she added flatly.