As soon as Viktor and his men walked out of the house, the heavy door closing behind them, Emma collapsed into sobs. Her body shook uncontrollably as she cried on the floor, her chest heaving from the suffocating weight of the terrifying encounter. Everything about the man—his voice, his presence, the dark promise in his eyes—left her feeling trapped and powerless.

Her parents, Laura and David, rushed to her side, wrapping their arms around their trembling daughter. Laura pulled Emma into her embrace, rocking her gently as David knelt beside them, his hand resting on Emma’s shoulder, trying to provide some sense of comfort.