Chapter 6 A Fragile Little Thing

Still, the two mysterious vehicles kept pace, refusing to fall back. Their persistence left no doubt-they were trailing Walter's car on purpose.

"Walter, why are those cars getting so close? Are they following us?" Avery's brow furrowed as she glanced out the window. In truth, she had noticed the vehicles tailing them since moments ago, and was sure about their ill intentions.

He squeezed her hand, forcing a calm smile. "Don't give them a second thought. Some people drive like maniacs these days. For all we know, they're hoping for a fender bender and a quick payout."

He shot a pointed look at the driver. "Lose them. Now."

"Right away, sir." The driver hit the accelerator, sending their car surging ahead.

Walter's fingers tightened around Avery's, concern etched across his face. He didn't want his brother to feel afraid.

Out of nowhere, Avery leaned closer and whispered, "Walter, I really need to use the restroom."

"Now?" He stared at her, caught off guard. "Are you sure you can't wait?"

Avery nodded, throwing in an exaggerated leg-cross for good measure.

Walter scanned the road ahead, spotting a mall just up the street. "Pull in at the next shopping center," he instructed the driver.

"Yes," the driver answered without hesitation.

The Rolls-Royce slipped into the underground parking lot, tires gliding over the polished concrete.

As soon as the car came to a stop, Avery hopped out and hurried toward the mall's restrooms, weaving through the crowd.

Now that she was out of the car, Walter could focus on the situation with the suspicious vehicles without worrying about her safety, or so she hoped.

She barely registered her surroundings as she sped straight for the ground-floor restroom, feeling the urgent call of nature-this time, for real.

Just as she stepped inside, a shrill scream rang out. "Ah! There's a pervert!"

Avery stopped in her tracks, eyes wide, and stared at the startled woman in front of her. "A pervert? Where?"

She spun around, searching the restroom for another person, but it was just the two of them. The woman let out another frantic cry. "You creep!"

"Whoa, calm down! What's with all the yelling?" Avery started to move closer, confused-until the woman's hand flew up and struck her across the face.

In that instant, embarrassment washed over Avery. She glanced around, mortified, as the truth hit her-she'd just barged into the ladies' room by mistake.

Avery let out a sigh, her lips twitching with embarrassment. She had completely forgotten she was still disguised as a man, barging right into the ladies' room and setting off a panic.

Rubbing her stinging cheek, she slipped out of the restroom, feeling the heat of humiliation on her face.

She paused in the hallway, torn. Should she risk the men's room this time?

Peeking toward the door, she caught sight of a guy leaving-tall, dark, and striking. A second man followed, broad-shouldered and just as easy on the eyes. Avery swallowed, trying to play it cool. She was dressed as a guy, so technically, she belonged in there. Even if she accidentally caught a glimpse of something she shouldn't, it was all for the greater good-keeping her disguise intact before finding the truth.

Steeling herself, she moved forward. Suddenly, two men appeared on either side of her, grabbing her arms and steering her right into the men's restroom.

"Maintenance! Clear out, now!" one of the men yelled, sending everyone else scrambling out the door.

Avery stumbled as they shoved her forward, barely keeping her balance.

When she turned to face them, she realized there were even more men coming in, each one more intimidating than the last. One of them stepped forward, sizing her up. "So, you're Avery Hudson?"

She blinked, taking in the situation. There was no point in denying it now.

"That's right. I'm Avery Hudson." A slow, defiant smile curled on her lips.

She dropped her gaze, tightening her fists, and stomped her foot against the floor. After being patient for so long, could she finally let loose and show what she was made of?

"Man, would you look at that. Turns out the Hudsons' youngest is just a fragile little thing," said Palmer Cruz, who led the group. He smirked and added, "Seems like Mr. Hardy just likes to hype things up."

"Come on, Palmer, let's just grab the kid and get out of here. My girlfriend's waiting for me at the movies," replied one of the men, grinning. The others burst out laughing, not bothering to hide their amusement.

Their attitude said it all-they didn't see Avery as any kind of threat.

To them, Avery was nothing more than an easy mark, someone they could haul off without any trouble.

"Alright then, I'll take care of it," Palmer responded, flashing a cruel grin as he stepped toward Avery. "Make this easy on yourself and come quietly, unless you want things to get rough."

"Please, don't come any closer," said Avery, her voice shaking as she backed away. "As long as you don't hurt me, I'll do whatever you want."

"What a coward," scoffed Palmer, thinking this job would be a walk in the park, clearly unimpressed.

But before anyone could react, someone darted forward, faster than anyone expected. Palmer blinked, suddenly face-to-face with Avery, who now had a sharp glint in her eyes.

A sly grin lit up her face as she teased, "Just messing with you!"

Palmer's eyes widened in shock, a cold shiver running down his spine as it hit him-he was in real trouble now.