Sarah glided over, a playful smile on her lips. "Mr. Turner,your clothes are in such a state! Ethan happened to bring a spare suit, and it looks like you and he are about the same size. Why not change into his?"

She thought if she could get Chris to wear Ethan's tux, itf might help her build a connection with him. This could boost her status in Aurora City's high society.

Chris, however, shook his head without hesitation. "No need, I have a spare suit in my room."

He then turned to Wendy and said, "Wendy,come with me?"

He didn't want to leave Wendy alone, vulnerable to others' bullying.

Besides, he had promised Alexander he would take care of her.

Wendy smiled and replied, "I'm not a child, I'll be fine."

Just then, a waiter hurried over, bowing slightly and saying politely, "Ms.

Knight, Mr. Alexander Turner has asked for you."

Chris felt relieved upon hearing this. "Wendy, go find Alexander. I'll change and be right back. Don't let anyone bother you."

With that, he quickly headed upstairs with the help of his caregiver.

Wendy gave a gentle smile and said softly to the waiter, "Please lead the way."

Without another glance at Lydia and Sarah, she followed the waiter.

As Wendy left. Sarah stomped her foot in frustration, her teeth'grinding in

anger. "I don't get it! Why does Mr. Turner always protect her? The moment she has trouble, he calls her away!"

"It's not Mr. Turner," Lydia said calmly, though a cold glint flashed in her eyes.

Sarah looked at her, puzzled. "Not Mr. Turner? Then who? You?"

Seeing Lydia nod slightly, Sarah's face lit up with joy. "Lydia, what are you planning? If you can embarrass her in public, my mom will definitely like you even more."

"Just wait and see," Lydia said with a sly smile, taking a sip of her drink. "I'll make her suffer."

Wendy followed the waiter through the bustling banquet hall and finally arrived at the back garden.

It was eerily quiet, with not a soul in sight. She asked, puzzled, "Where is Mr.Turner?"

The waiter replied, "Ms. Knight, Mr. Turner asked me to bring you here.He didn't say anything else. You can wait here."

With that, he hurried away, closing the door to the hall behind him.

The garden was freezing, and Wendy, dressed in a thin gown,shivered as she stepped from the warm hall into the cold.

Just as she was about to push the door open and return to the hall,a rough hand suddenly grabbed her wrist from behind. "Where do you think you're going?"

Wendy was startled by the sudden appearance of a middle-aged man.

The man, dressed in a suit, had a lecherous look on his face, his eyes roaming over her.

Her heart tightened, and she shouted angrily."Let go!"

But the man was strong, and her struggles were in vain.

"Miss, I know who you are. Ethan dumped you, and now you're trying to latch onto Mr. Turner. But don't kid yourself. Come with me instead.You're just after money, right? I've got plenty of that!"

The man's voice was rough and sleazy, making Wendy feel sick.

Her face turned pale with anger, her eyes cold as ice. "You better think twice. If you know who I am, you should know whose date I am tonight.If you dare harm someone Mr. Turner brought, do you think he'll let you off?"

The man laughed, revealing his yellowed, decaying teeth. "Who do you think you are? I just closed a big deal with the Turner family. Messing with you is nothing. Mr. Turner won't give up a deal for a woman."

He continued, "You're too naive. In these wealthy families,how much true affection do you think there is? Even if there is, it won't be for you! If you weren't somewhat pretty, I wouldn't even bother with you."

As he spoke, he moved closer to Wendy.

Wendy had nowhere to retreat. She gritted her teeth and warned."Don't touch me! Or else..."

The man laughed heartily, as if hearing a great joke. "Or else what? Are you going to kill me?"

Wendy's eyes blazed with intense hatred.

"If you don't let go, T'll call the police right now!" Wendy threatened coldly.

The man scoffed, "Call the police? Go ahead! I'd love for everyone to know about this. Let's see who gets the short end of the stick!"

Wendy's heart pounded violently. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, drawing blood. "I'm warning you! If you dare hurt me,I won't let you off!"

"Be smnart! It's just the two of us here in the garden, and I've locked the door tight. Where do you think you can run?" The man yanked Wendy's hand,pulling her towards him.

His greasy face flushed red with excitement, his other hand reaching for her chest.

Wendy seized the moment,lifting her leg and kicking the man with all her strength in his most vulnerable spot.

A scream shattered the garden's silence.

The man doubled over, clutching his groin, his face draining of color."You bitch! I'll make you pay!"

Despite the pain, his grip on Wendy's wrist remained ironclad.

He gritted his teeth, struggling to stand.

Wendy twisted her body desperately, trying to break free, but the mnan was too strong.

Her slender wrist ached from his grip, the delicate skin now marked with red welts.

"Let go of me! Let go!" she screamed,her voice hoarse.

The man, enraged, raised his hand to slap her.

"Help!" Wendy shouted, her nails scratching wildly,leaving bloody marks on the man's face.

Her gown was too cumbersome, and if she struggled too much,it might expose her, hindering her ability to fight back effectively.

"Bitch, how dare you scratch me! I'll kill you..." The man, completely infuriated, was about to strike again when he suddenly saw someone behind Wendy.

His face turned pale with fear, and the curse died in his throat.

Wendy looked up and saw Alexander. Her eyes instantly welled up with tears, her nose stinging with suppressed emotions. Fear and relief washed over her.

"Let her go!" 'Alexander's voice was as cold as ice, making the man instinctively release Wendy's wrist.

Wendy ran to Alexander, her voice trembling."Call the police."

Alexander looked at her, his eyes filled with concern, and replied softly,"Okay."

Seeing her swollen, red wrist, his heart ached as if it had been squeezed tightly.