Chapter 550

Frederick soon heard hurried footsteps in the pitch-black night, cutting through the silence. As he walked past, Abigail stirred and barely managed to whisper, "I'm here..." Holding his flashlight, Frederick noticed the reeds rustling. As he stepped closer, he found Abigail, huddled in the ditch like a stray cat. She was clutching at the grass while peering up at him. The flashlight's beam was too bright, and she raised her muddy hands to shield her eyes. Frederick couldn't help but recall the first time he had met her when she was 19 and at her most vulnerable. Back then, she had been working at a club. Her clothes were torn, her hair was disheveled, and her cheek was swollen as she hid behind him. She kept muttering curses at the man who had tried to take advantage of her. But now, as a famous actress, she was somehow in an even more desperate state. Mud-splattered and drenched, she looked entirely unlike the elegant woman he had seen earlier that afternoon. Frederick carefully