No Escape from Love novel Chapter 54

I nodded.

"Serena, why don't you stay with us? It's such a big place, and it feels a little lonely with just your mom and me here," Mr. Hastings Senior said after a short pause.

I felt touched by his offer but shook my head. "Thanks, Mr. Hastings Senior, but it's okay. I'm about to graduate and start working soon. Moving back wouldn't be convenient."

After hanging up, I slumped forward, feeling a wave of helplessness. The incident had happened so long ago, and finding evidence now felt impossible. Worse yet, I had no idea who was behind the video.

Just then, my phone rang again. I frowned, wondering who would call me this late at night.

"Hello?"

"I have the original surveillance footage from outside the coffee shop," a distorted voice said on the other end. The words jolted me upright.

"What do you want?"

"Give me 500 thousand dollars and I'll sell you the video."

I fell into deep thought when I heard the number.

"This must be a scam! How could a video be worth 500 thousand dollars? If you're trying to scam someone, do your homework first. I'm just a broke student. I don't have that kind of money to spend!"

I moved to hang up, but the voice quickly interrupted, sounding panicked.

"The price is negotiable. Make me an offer."

Something about their tone made me pause. I frowned at the phone, sensing there was more to this than met the eye.

After hanging up, I stayed in bed, lost in thought.

Just then, Lila came out of the bathroom while towel-drying her hair. She glanced at me. "What's up, Serena? You still feeling down?"