Chapter 55: Risky confrontation

Chelsea stood outside her culinary school, a light breeze tugging at her hair. The morning classes had gone smoothly, and for once, she felt like she belonged. The encouraging words from her chef instructor about her pastry skills kept echoing in her head. She adjusted the strap of her bag and began walking to the parking lot.

Just as she reached the edge of the lot, three men stepped out from behind a parked car. Their sudden appearance startled her, and she instinctively stopped. They were dressed casually, but their intimidating demeanor made her uneasy.

“You’re Chelsea, right?” one of them asked, his voice rough.

She...