A Swift Lesson and a Sudden Storm

"Really? And who are you?" Melissa’s sneer deepened as her friends tightened their circle, trapping Margot against the tiled wall. "Does Caspian even know your name? You actually think you deserve him? We’re going to teach you a physical lesson you will never forget."

Down the echoing corridor, Caspian trudged toward the women's washroom. If not for his father's strict orders, he would have ignored her. He knew Melissa Kirk’s reputation well. She was a notorious bully and a trained boxer. He braced himself, expecting to find Margot battered and crying on the floor.

Before he reached the handle, the heavy door flew open.

Melissa and her friends scrambled out into the hallway, screaming in sheer terror. Bright red slap marks covered their flushed cheeks. Their expensive hair was soaked with dirty sink water, dripping onto their designer clothes as they ran.

Margot strolled out right behind them. She rolled her shoulders back, looking pristine and untouched. Her black T-shirt lacked a single wrinkle, and her high ponytail swayed in place.

Caspian stopped in his tracks. He stared at the fleeing girls, then back at Margot, his jaw dropping.

"Those girls..." Caspian pointed a trembling finger down the hall.

Margot met his bewildered gaze. "They wanted to beat me up. So, I just beat them up first." She looked him up and down. "I never imagined an average, annoying guy like you could have so many brainless admirers."

Caspian’s mouth hung open. He stood tongue-tied, unable to form a single argument.

The rest of the afternoon passed quietly without another incident until the final physical education class of the day. Margot sat on the wooden bleachers, resting her chin in her hands as she watched the university basketball game play out on the court.

Suddenly, a sharp, agonizing cramp ripped through her lower abdomen. She winced, hunching forward as a wave of deep pain washed over her. She realized with a heavy sigh that her menstrual period had arrived. She could face down armed thugs without blinking, but these excruciating, debilitating cramps were her one true physical weakness.

Clutching her stomach, she slowly stood up. Her face grew pale as she slipped away from the crowded court. She headed quickly toward a small convenience store located outside the university's back entrance to buy supplies.

Sweat beaded on her forehead. The intense physical discomfort clouded her senses. Because of her weakened state, she failed to notice the dark, suspicious figure quietly tailing her from behind as she left the campus grounds.

Miles away, inside a grand corporate office, Bennett’s assistant rushed through the doors to deliver some unexpected news.

"Sir," the assistant breathed. "Our private investigation into the Shadow Valley racing track yielded a result. The helmeted driver who shattered your year-long record last night... it was Margot."

Bennett looked up from his paperwork. His usual cold indifference vanished, replaced by stunned amazement. A soft, genuine smile touched his lips. He marveled at how many incredible secrets this country girl kept hiding behind her quiet exterior.

Suddenly, his phone rang loudly. He answered it.

"Ben!" Caspian screamed, panic lacing his voice. "Margot vanished from the campus! She isn't answering her phone, and the family helpers confirmed she never returned to the villa!"

Bennett’s smile instantly evaporated. His grip on the phone tightened, his handsome face turning dangerously cold as he processed the news.