Chapter 57

Manuel's question left Zoey a bit puzzled. "Why do you ask that?"

Manuel pointed at her lips. "Your lips look a bit swollen. Didn't you know you got bitten by a mosquito?"

Zoey quickly pulled out a compact from her bag and checked herself in the mirror. Sure enough, her lips were a bit swollen.

She knew exactly why her lips were swollen, but she couldn't tell Manuel. "I had no idea, but it's no big deal. The swelling will go down by tomorrow."

"Why is your face flushed? Could it be that the mosquito had a virus? Should I take you to the hospital for a check-up?" Manuel was genuinely worried.

Zoey's patience was wearing thin, and she glared at him. "I said it's nothing, so it's nothing. You're really getting old and naggy. No wonder no girl wants to date you. Who would want such a naggy boyfriend?"

Manuel looked hurt. "You're too cruel."

"Alright, I'm done talking to you. I'm leaving," Zoey said, putting the contract into her bag and getting ready to go.

Manuel couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Who exactly are you going to see?"

Thinking that Manuel might need to draft some contracts later, Zoey told him she was meeting the CEO of Apex Group.

Manuel was skeptical. "Miguel? You can't go. Even though I haven't been in the country long, I've heard from other lawyers at a business banquet that Miguel isn't as refined as he seems. It's dangerous for you to go."

Zoey was silent for a moment. "What do you know?"

"My colleague knows someone who sued Miguel. That person is a girl's father, and he said Miguel forced his daughter. If she hadn't pretended to comply, she might not have survived."

Manuel continued, "When his daughter escaped, she was covered in injuries. The girl's father was so angry that he hired a lawyer to sue Miguel, but Miguel has powerful connections in Starlight City. In the end, the father lost the case and even had to take his daughter abroad."

Manuel looked at Zoey worriedly. "If you really have to go, take me with you."

Zoey thought for a moment, then looked up at him. "You can't even beat me. Taking you along is like bringing a burden."

Manuel was hurt again. No man liked to be seen as weak, not even Manuel, who had been hit by Zoey countless times.

He clutched his chest, looking hurt. "You're really ungrateful for my good intentions."

In the end, under Manuel's insistence, Zoey took him along. She had Manuel drive his own car and follow her, parking far from Miguel's villa to avoid being noticed by Miguel's men.

Zoey herself drove a red sports car directly to the gate of Miguel's villa.

Before Zoey could even step out of her car, the gate swung open from the inside.

A guard approached her car, and Zoey rolled down the window.

The guard smiled at her. "Ms. Spencer, you can drive straight in. A servant will take you to see Mr. Jimenez."

Zoey smiled and nodded. "Thanks."

The guard watched Zoey drive in, a hint of pity in his eyes. Even if she was a wealthy heiress, it didn't mean much here. Even the daughter of the deputy mayor of Maple City had been victimized.

"You're quite punctual," Miguel said as Zoey was led into the villa by a servant. He was lounging on the sofa in a dark blue robe, sipping red wine.

Seeing Zoey enter, his eyes roved over her, making Zoey feel disgusted. "Mr. Jimenez, I said I'd be here at eight. How could I keep you waiting?"

Miguel looked at her outfit, clearly displeased. "Why are you wearing sportswear?"

Zoey smiled faintly. "Because I have poor taste in clothes, but I'm sure Mr. Jimenez has something suitable for me to wear."

Her words seemed to please Miguel. He put down his wine glass and stood up, approaching Zoey. "You're quite clever. I hope you won't disappoint me tonight."

He was about to touch Zoey's face when she suddenly took her hands out of her pockets. "Mr. Jimenez, I'm sorry. My car had a flat tire and I changed it myself, so my hands got dirty. May I wash my hands first?"

Seeing Zoey's hands stained with gasoline and dirt, Miguel showed a look of disdain. "Go take a shower."

Seeing his displeasure, Zoey didn't get angry, just smiled and nodded. "Alright."

Miguel's anger dissipated at her bright smile.

He didn't take Zoey to his bedroom but led her to the basement of the villa.

After stepping into the basement, Zoey followed him down a long, dimly lit, and cold corridor.

After a while, Miguel stopped in front of a room and opened the door. "Go in, we'll spend the night here."

As soon as Zoey entered, she saw a large bed with various tools on it. She understood all too well what this signified.

Miguel was indeed a pervert. Because he had sexual dysfunction, he resorted to these sadistic hobbies.

"The bathroom is on the left, with clothes for you to wear. Don't keep me waiting, or I won't consider the project cooperation," Miguel said, his tone menacing.

Zoey said nothing, quickly entering the bathroom.

Turning on the shower, Zoey only washed her hands.

Picking up the red transparent dress, Zoey sneered and threw it into the trash.

"You evil people will meet a bad end!" As Zoey finished washing her hands, she suddenly heard a woman's hysterical scream from the wall.

The sound was faint, but Zoey's hearing was much sharper than others, so she caught it.

Soon, she heard the cruel laughter of several men mixed with the woman's painful cries, very tragic.

Zoey's eyes turned cold as ice.