Under the Heiress' Facade novel Chapter 253

Joseph noticed Hera's captivating smile, and his grin took on a more sinister edge.

It had been a while since he'd been with a woman, and now that he had this innocent young woman in his grasp, he intended to make his move while Eric and the others were occupied with dinner.

Joseph swallowed hard and casually pushed the plate aside. As he edged closer to Hera, his hands fidgeted nervously.

"My babe, let me help you with those ropes..."

As he unsuspectingly crouched down, Hera seized the moment. Her gaze turned icy, and in one swift motion, she grabbed his neck.

Joseph was caught off guard. He wondered when she had freed herself.

"Y-you..."

Before he could utter another word, Hera's grip tightened around his neck. Her fingers pressed into his acupuncture points, sending a sharp pain through his throat that silenced him.

In the next instant, Hera's other hand reached for a wooden stick hidden behind her. She struck him hard on the back of his head as retribution for the previous night's attack.

Joseph's eyes widened in disbelief. Within seconds, his struggling hands fell limp, and his eyes closed.

After putting him down, Hera checked his pulse, confirming he was still alive. She quickly took the rope to bind his hands and feet, then quietly cracked open the door to survey outside.

Hera was held captive in an old mountain cabin. It was deserted, with faint sounds of conversation and clinking dishes drifting from the main house where everyone was gathered for dinner.

Across from the woodshed, an old SUV was parked under a tree. Hera would have to walk past the main house to reach it and risk being spotted.

Glancing up at the overcast sky, she struggled to determine her bearings. Deciding to leave the area first, she slipped out and closed the woodshed door behind her.

Hera slowly circled around to the back of the woodshed. Suddenly, she froze.