In desperation, Serena grabbed whatever was within reach and started hurling it at him.
The drunk dodged left and right, avoiding most of it.
But his reflexes were dulled from alcohol-he couldn't move fast enough.
A ceramic ornament flew straight at him. He failed to dodge in time and took a solid hit to the forehead.
It wasn't big, but it was made of hard material. The impact sent his vision spinning, and with a heavy thud, he collapsed to the ground.
Serena didn't dare pause. Taking advantage of the moment, she dragged herself toward the door with all her might.
From the doorway to the elevator was only a few dozen meters, but it took her nearly ten minutes to crawl that far.
Leaning against the wall, she finally managed to press the elevator button. Every passing second felt like torture.
At last, the elevator arrived on the 36th floor, and Serena scrambled inside like she'd been granted a second life.
She pressed the button for the 1st floor, heart pounding wildly. Only after the doors shut completely did she feel the slightest relief.
But mere seconds later-before reaching the 1st floor-the elevator suddenly stopped.
Startled, Serena curled up in a defensive ball in the corner, watching the doors intently.
As the elevator doors opened, a pair of pristine white sneakers came into view.
The person outside seemed surprised to see her. There was a moment of hesitation before stepping forward.
Just as the doors were about to close, a large hand reached between the gap and stopped them.
The white sneakers stepped closer to Serena.
She kept her face buried in her knees the entire time, not daring to look up.
The man slowly crouched down and asked tentatively, "Are you... Miss Knowles?"
Serena shrank further into the corner, offering no response.
He hesitated, then gently placed a hand near her shoulder, his voice soft. "Don't be scared. I won't hurt you. Tell me-what happened?"
That voice-it sounded familiar.
Slowly, she looked up, and a familiar face entered her line of sight.
Tears instantly filled her eyes.
She didn't move, didn't speak-just sat there, trembling. But her eyes met his, wide and vulnerable, like a fragile animal finally recognizing something safe in the wilderness.
Christan's chest tightened.
"Serena..." he said softly.
Her lips trembled, and for a moment, all she could do was nod, unable to form words.
Though she didn't throw herself into his arms, the silent plea in her eyes said more than a thousand gestures ever could.
Almost instinctively, he reached out and gently rested a hand on her back, careful and respectful.
"It's okay now," he murmured. "You're safe. Everything's okay."
In his life, aside from occasionally comforting his younger sister Celia when they were little, he had never done this for any other woman.
He had always disliked physical closeness-but for some reason, this time felt different.
Seeing Serena's tear-streaked face and trembling frame, he just couldn't stop himself from wanting to protect and console her.
The elevator didn't stop on any other floors and went straight to the 1st floor.
Christan gave her shoulder a soft pat. "We're on the first floor now. Do you want to get out?"
Thanks to his calming presence, Serena had managed to steady herself a little. She glanced at the open doors and replied awkwardly, "I... I twisted both ankles..."
Christan's expression changed. After a brief moment of hesitation, he pursed his lips and said, "Then... sorry about this!"
With that, he scooped her up in his arms.
"It's a special situation. I had no choice-hope you don't mind!"
Serena nodded, lowering her gaze. "Thank you..."
Only then did Christan notice-she was clutching her torn collar tightly. Most of the buttons were gone, leaving only two barely hanging on at the bottom.
The frayed threads clearly showed signs of violent pulling.
His eyes darkened. A wave of unease washed over him.
But he didn't ask anything more. He stepped out with her in his arms-then stopped and stepped back inside.
Serena looked at him, confused. "Aren't... aren't we going out?"
"I think, given your current state, it's better if you don't," he replied.
Because the elevator had gone unused for a while, the doors automatically closed. Christan softly said, "Please press the button for the 32nd floor."
"32?"
"Yeah."
"But..." Subconsciously tightening her collar, Serena didn't follow his instructions.
The man gave a helpless smile. "What are you thinking?! Do I look like someone who would take advantage of a vulnerable woman?"
Seeing the fear and hurt in her eyes, he sighed silently. His tone softened as he explained, "I was heading out for a run, so I didn't bring my phone and can't contact Xavier right away. Judging by your condition, you probably can't go back to your room for now, right?"
Serena lowered her head and didn't respond.
Just thinking of the drunk man's filthy hand reaching into her shirt made her feel nauseated. She wanted nothing more than to tear that scumbag to pieces.
Christan continued, "You should change into some fresh clothes. I'll... take you to Vega's room first."
Oh, right! Vega also stayed on the 32nd floor!
Serena silently cursed herself-how could she have forgotten about Vega in the panic?
She quickly pressed the button for the 32nd floor as he had asked.
As the elevator began to ascend slowly, Serena said softly, a little embarrassed, "You can put me down now."
"Didn't you sprain both ankles?" Christan asked mildly.
"I... I can sit on the floor..."
"You're not that heavy, and the elevator is fast. Just bear with it a little longer-we'll be there soon."
With that, his eyes stayed locked on the rising floor numbers, showing no sign of putting her down.
Serena didn't say anything more, embarrassed. She let him carry her all the way to the 32nd floor.
When the door opened, Vega was so shocked by the scene in front of her that her jaw dropped.
She stammered, "You... you two... what's going on?!"
Christan calmly replied, "She's injured, and her clothes are torn. Please find something for her to change into."
"What?!" Vega quickly stepped aside to let them in, then followed behind, asking anxiously, "Serena, what happened?! Where's Xavier?!"
Christan gently placed Serena down on the sofa. She took the glass of water Vega handed her, finally starting to relax.
After taking a sip, she softly said, "Just now, a drunk pervert broke into my room... he tried to..."
"Oh my god!" Vega gasped, covering her mouth. "A drunk pervert?! This hotel has top-notch security-how could something like that happen?!"
"That man didn't show up by accident," Serena said firmly. "He came prepared."
Upon hearing that, Christan abruptly looked up. "You're sure?!"
"Yes. The surveillance cameras in the hallway outside my room had already been tampered with. Also, the 36th floor is all presidential suites-no one goes up there except the cleaning staff. Out of all the floors, why did that drunk man just happen to pick the 36th?!"
***