Ch. 121..125: Rebirth_ Dancing In My Destiny Chapter 121-125

Chapter 121: Making Deal (2)

"Evan!" Anthony Collins stood up from his president’s chair and walked to join Evan on the sofa. "What do you want to drink?"

Evan placed his cellphone in his suit pocket and looked at the old man. Whenever he looked at his father, he felt annoyed because this man resembled him too much. Well, maybe the other way around. His ocean blue eyes were very similar to his father’s. Even their sturdy jaws were the same. What distinguishes them now is hair. His father’s hair was starting to look gray, and his father also wore glasses with gold frames.

Not many memories were left between them when Evan was a child. His father was too busy taking care of the Collins Group rather than spending time with his family. Every time he met his father, he felt proud and burdened because he was prepared to be his successor. The burden of being the successor of Anthony Collins was too much for him. He didn’t know if he could do that.

As the son of Anthony Collins, he was so proud to have a father like Anthony Collins. However, his pride disappeared when his father decided to divorce his mother.

"There’s no need to bother. I won’t be here long...." His cold voice was proof that he wasn’t happy to be in this place. He knew his father was buying time to be longer with him, as his father had always been.

Evan’s cold refusal was ignored by Anthony Collins. He pressed the land phone beside his seat. He asked someone to deliver tea for them.

"You ask me to come here. What is it?"

"I can’t ask my only son to come to meet me?"

Evan had learned long ago that his father would never ask him to come to meet him if nothing significant happened. He remained silent as he looked at a female secretary serving them tea and a few snacks.

Anthony took a sip of his tea. "I see your company is getting more and more successful. You guys won the tender for an oil refinery in Vale city. As your father, I am very proud of you...."

Evan exhaled deeply. He restrained himself from standing up and left the room. His father was stalling his time. "No need to beat around the bush. Tell me, what is your purpose for calling me here...."

"Fine! Let’s not talk about business." Anthony places his teacup. And sat comfortably, looking at his impatient son. He really misses him, but this child really hates him so much. He took a silent sigh before continuing his words, "I hear you bring a beautiful lady to Platinum. Who is she?"

"I’m sure you already know her identity. Why are you asking me again?" Evan patted the sofa arm with his index fingers.

A gentle smile frames Anthony’s face, "When are you planning to introduce me to Miss Wilson? I heard from someone you already introduced him to your mother...."

Evan’s heart tightened. What was bothering him turned out to be true. His father had already investigated Rose’s identity. His hands clenched into fists tightly till his knuckles turned white.

"Don’t even think about hurting her! Or you will suffer the consequences...." Evan was never afraid of his father, even though he knew his father’s power was not to be taken lightly. This old man has a vast influence to support him behind.

Anthony was taken aback by his son’s reaction. It was the first time his son had shown such exaggerated emotions in front of him. This young man had always been calm even though he had provoked him many times. But now!? He only said Miss Wilson’s name, and he became angry. Interesting! Miss Wilson is so attractive that she can make his son show his weakness.

"I’m your father, Evan! How could I harm the woman you love?" Anthony smiled as he took another sip of his tea. "But__."

"There are no buts! She is the only woman I will spend my life with...." Evan already guessed what was on his father’s mind. He couldn’t let this old man interfere with his decisions, including who he will marry later.

"Hahaha, my son... I think having a lover will change you. Turns out you’re still the same. Still impatient..."

Evan remained silent. He knew right now he was overreacting in front of his father. He shouldn’t have shown his anger.

"I just wanted to say, think again before you decide to marry her. Check her family background. What family does she come from? Never marry someone with a dark background, like her last name didn’t carry his father’s name...."

"I will never need your blessing if I marry her someday. So, stop asking me or telling me what I should do...."

"Think about your future, Evan. Come back to Collins Group. Help me to take care of this company. Though your company is big, it’s nothing compared to the Collins Group. But__."

"No!"

"God! Can you let me finish my words before you answer?" Anthony exhales again, trying to calm his anger. This young man always makes his blood boil every time they talk. He narrowed his eyes, looking at his son standing from his seat.

"I’m not done talking, Evan. Sits!" Anthony’s voice sounded more serious than before.

"Sorry! I still have a lot of work to do. Though my company is much smaller than yours, I built this company on my own blood and sweat. I’m not like you who got company from your father... makes you so relaxed to chat within office hours!" After venting his sarcasm inside his head, Evan turned and walked towards the door with his firm steps.

Evan knew very well what his father meant, asking him to break up with Rose just because her last name didn’t carry her father’s name? What a rubbish excuse!

He will not talk to his Father about Rose anymore. He didn’t need his blessing anyway. Now, he will go upstairs to meet his grandpa.

His grandpa will like Rose so much. Because his grandpa is very wise. He never forced him to do something he didn’t like. So, all this time, he could set up his company safely because his grandfather protected him from his father’s wrath. If it weren’t for his grandfather, Starlight’s investment would have been ruined by his father’s ego.

So Starlight Investment’s successful ventures in Astington are partly because of Evan’s grandpa’s protection.

But now... It’s different. Evan was ready to face his father all on his own.

He has Dream Inc. If he combined Starlight Investment with Dream Inc, then Collins Group would not dare to bother his businesses.

Chapter 122: Deathly Virus

After three hours of flying, the plane carrying Rose and her team finally landed smoothly at Vale city airport. It was Rose’s first time setting foot in this industrial city, the second-largest city after Fort City.

Rose was so excited to explore this city, especially to see the beautiful beaches. She already has plans to go with Evan when he arrives. But now, her focus is to settle Rapid Realty.

Their plane landed just in time for lunch. Sam had already arranged for them to eat at Dream Hotel and stay at the same hotel for a week.

After a 40 minutes drive, they arrive at the Dream Hotel. The hotel is at the seaside, with a beautiful white sandy beach. Only a 10 minutes drive to the city center.

"Wah... Sam, this is a nice hotel. I like it...." Rose raises her thumbs to praise Sam.

"Lady Boss, I’m happy that you like it." Sam could only smile. He wishes he could tell that it’s not him who arranged this hotel, but Boss Evan. Sam led them to the restaurant inside the hotel with a view of the white sandy beach.

While waiting for their lunch to arrive, Rose opened her cellphone. Instantly her face paled when she read the news on the internet and on social media. Discussions about the identity behind her Instagram account are being discussed.

Too shocked by the news made her hands slightly tremble when opening her Instagram account. Another blow hit her when she saw almost all of her friends send direct messages asking about the gossip.

In a hurry, she replies to them one by one. She asks them not to tell about her identity as a student at B University. Because if the die-hard fans of Willard Harper know about it, then automatically what she’s worried about will happen.

After finishing replying to her friends’ direct messages, a slight relief filled her anxious heart. However, it didn’t last long because some people managed to connect her with B University after they saw her friends.

"Gosh! This is too late...." Rose’s soft murmurs could tell how worried she was now. It’s just time before her real name circulates in cyberspace.

Like someone pouring hot lava into her heart, her anger towards Willar Harper erupted. Rose hated Willard so much for causing her such trouble. Is this what he wants? Making her a topic of gossip for everyone in this country?

A chill runs all over her body when she imagines dealing with gossip reporters or paparazzi in this country. She is worried that this exposure will negatively impact her company.

Rose threw her cellphone on the table, annoyed by the increasingly heated situation. She looked intently at Oliver, who seemed so relaxed, enjoying the white sandy beach before his eyes.

How could this man still have time to enjoy the scenery when her identity is soon exposed?

"Oliver! Please do something. This is getting crazy! They already located my college... What should we do now? I think I should delete this account!?"

"What’s Lady Boss? What happened? What account?" Sam sat beside Oliver, who had just returned from ordering their meal. He was shocked, looking at how anxious Lady Boss’ face was.

Rose did not respond to Sam’s question. Likewise, with Oliver, he looks at Rose calmly.

"No need to worry. I will ensure everyone can’t type your ID or name on the internet...." Oliver takes out his laptop, and types fast. His face was calm.

This is not a big problem for Oliver. This kind of thing was like child play to him, nothing special. He has set it so that when people search the internet for Rose IG or type her full name on their internet browser, they will receive a computer virus. The virus will automatically shut down their device. No one in this world can handle his newfound virus, and they will never be able to use their gadget.

While Oliver was serious in front of his laptop, Sam asked Rose again. He is worried because earlier, he had overheard the conversation between Rose and Oliver.

"Lady Boss, can you tell me what happened? Maybe I can help...."

If his Lady Boss is in trouble. He couldn’t stay still. As much as possible, he will help solve the problem.

Rose turned to Sam, looking warry. She wanted to tell Sam but was afraid that Sam would tell Evan. And if Evan finds out this, that man must be overreacting.

"Nothing happened." Rose smiled awkwardly at Sam.

"Sam, can you arrange my room? After lunch, I will rest in my room. I feel exhausted after a long flight...." Rose wanted to be alone to call Brother Noah. She suspected that Brother Noah had revealed her identity to Willard Harper.

"Don’t worry, Lady Boss, I’ve arranged everything." Sam smiled. Feel relieved after knowing nothing happened to Lady Boss. While waiting for their lunch, Sam opened his cellphone to check the trending news on the internet.

Sam was surprised to read so much news about Willard Harper. He reads one piece of information that catches his attention; Willard Harper follows the Instagram account of @twilight_east. Sam was shocked. As one of Willard’s fans, he knows Willard doesn’t follow anyone’s IG account. Not even his agency.

"Who is twilight_east? Why suddenly did Willard follow that account?" He talks to himself while typing on the search engine twilight_east. After he pressed ’SEARCH,’ his phone turned dark.

"HUH! What happened?" He murmurs in confusion.

Sam tried to turn on his phone, but nothing happened. He remembers very well that his cell phone battery was still full at this time. He had been charging while on the plane. But why does his phone screen turn dark now?

"What happened, Sam?" Asked Rose, after seeing Sam flipping through this cell phone in his hand while muttering something.

"I think... My phone is broken!" Sam lifts his head, looking cluelessly at Lady Boss. He can’t believe the cellphone he’s only been using for a month is already broken.

Chapter 123: Did You Do This?

"Broken!? Isn’t that a new cell phone?" Rose is confused when Sam’s cell phone suddenly breaks.

"I know, right! I bought this phone last month... but it suddenly went out of order. I couldn’t turn it on anymore."

"Maybe the battery ran out?"

"Impossible! I have fully charged my battery on the plane..." Sam put his phone in his pocket. He glanced at Oliver. Then his eyes looked at Oliver’s laptop.

Should he borrow Oliver’s laptop? Sam thought.

This is a critical time. He really needed the information about Willard Harper news out there, but it was really annoying that his cell phone couldn’t be used. He can’t wait until his cellphone can be repaired. At this moment, he needs to search the twilight_east Instagram account. Who is that person? Is he a girl or a man?

"Oliver, can I borrow your laptop?"

"Sure!" Oliver shifted his laptop in front of Sam.

"Thank you, Oliver, you are very kind. I really need the information about Twilight_East, the only person Willard Harper follows on instagram___."

"WHAT! You want to search for who?"

"Twilight_East... Do you also know about the trending news out there? About Willard Harper following Instagram Twilight_east? Well, just now, I typed that name in the search engine, but suddenly my cell phone was broken. Damn! At times like this, my cell phone can’t be compromised!" Sam shook his head as he started typing on Oliver’s laptop. But before he can tap ENTER, the portable device in front of him suddenly disappears. Like someone just does magic before his eyes.

"Huh!? Where..." Sam was looking at Oliver beside him with a frown. "Oliver, why did you take your laptop back? I’m not done yet...."

"Sorry, Sam. Suddenly I have something important to check..." Oliver turns his gaze toward his laptop screen and pretends to read a document he’s already memorized by heart.

Sam exhaled deeply. "Can I borrow your phone?"

"My phone battery ran out...!"

"Ah, then... Can I borrow your iPad..." Sam’s eyes caught Oliver’s iPad lying on the table.

"The same with my cell phone. The battery has run out!"

Oliver’s body immediately felt frozen, imagining that all his gadgets would break after Sam used them to search for Rose’s identity. Even though he could take care of the Virus he created, he still didn’t want to spend his time doing that. He just needed to avoid Sam borrowing his gadget.

Sam was speechless. A few minutes ago, he saw Oliver could still use his iPad. Why did his iPad battery suddenly run out?

Sitting in front of the two men, Rose couldn’t help but silently chuckle in her mind. She could guess why Sam’s cell phone suddenly broke. She narrowed her eyes, looking at Oliver.

"Did You Do It?"

"Yup!"

Rose is speechless when she realizes that this man is not bragging. He genuinely wanted to protect her privacy. But is it not too extreme? How many thousand people out there suddenly lost their gadgets? Like Sam?

She looks at Sam, who just lost his cellphone. She suddenly felt sorry for him.

"Sam, do you know or ever heard about Willard Harper?" Rose remembers Sam was so enthusiastic about that news.

"Is there anyone who doesn’t know him?" Sam looked at Rose with strange-looking eyes, then looked at Oliver. He nearly choked when he saw Oliver raise his hand. "Y-You don’t know him? For real?"

Oliver nodes. He didn’t know Willard Harper until Rose asked him about him last night. He only likes domestic musicians, but not local actors. Because he prefers to watch foreign movies rather than domestic movies, which seem amateurish in his eyes.

"Wow! This is the first time I’ve met someone who doesn’t know Willard Harper. Well, let me tell you... he is the number one movie star in this country. His movies have always hit the box office in this country." Sam’s eyes light up when he talks about his idol. "When Willard was in the accident, we were all saddened by it... He was in a coma for a few days, but thankfully he finally came to his senses and is recovering now."

Rose was stunned to hear about that.

"And after Willard regained his senses, he stirred up his fans again by following an unknown Instagram account... damn it! I’m so jealous of that person. If I have a chance, I want to know that person. He was so lucky because his Instagram account is followed by this country’s number one movie star." Sam was very jealous of Twilight_East.

"What a shame my phone was broken when I needed it. I can’t see the account my idol is following..." Sam continues his words with his sad-hearing tone.

Rose and Oliver exchanged glances while holding back laughter. If only Sam realized Twilight_east was Rose, this dumb Sam might collapse by now.

Soon their lunch was served.

Rose gobbled her lunch. She didn’t have time to enjoy her food because her mind was filled with many things. She did not want to linger in the restaurant and wanted to go to her bedroom immediately.

There were two things she wanted to do now. First, she needs to call her boyfriend. And the second is called Brother Noah. She wanted to confirm her doubt; Willard Harper found her identity from Brother Noah.

When Rose arrived at her bedroom, which was on the top floor of the Dream Hotel. She was shocked when she saw that her bedroom was not a standard suite room but a presidential suite. The most expensive room in this hotel, she believed.

"Sam! Why did you book this luxury room for me?" She doesn’t need a hotel room with two bedrooms, a kitchen, or a study room. Even in the room, there is a theater room and a fitness room. This room was too big for her, too big, maybe more spacious than her house in East City.

"Hahaha, Lady Boss, even though this room is a Presidential Suite, I got a special price. We only paid 10% of the normal price." Sam answered Lady Boss’ concern quickly. Before she asked any further. Worried, she would find out that this hotel belonged to Boss Evan.

"Really!?"

"Yes, Lady boss... you can check the front desk if you don’t believe me." Sam put her suitcase near the main bedroom door before he continued saying, "Lady Boss, I’m in the next room. If you need me, call my landline. My cell phone is still broken. I already ordered a new cell phone, but I’ll just receive it in an hour."

"Alright! No need to worry, Sam. I’m not going anywhere... I will wait in my room until our meeting tonight."

Chapter 124: Sorry, Rose!

After Sam left her room, Rose immediately closed the door. She takes her cell phone and calls her boyfriend.

"Evan! Sorry I just called you now... I’m in my room now...." Rose felt sorry. Because when she arrives at the hotel, she receives a message from Evan, but her mind is so distracted by Willard Harper that she forgets to inform him of her arrival.

"It’s ok, Rose." Evan felt relieved. He thought Rose had a problem at Vale city and that she didn’t have time to call him back. His worry arose the moment he couldn’t reach Sam either. "Rose, please tell Sam to call me. I tried calling him a few times, but his phone could not reach him."

"Sam’s cell phone suddenly broke. He told me he would get his new phone within an hour."

Rose felt sorry that Sam had to suffer bad luck because of her. And there are probably hundreds or thousands of people out there who would have experienced the same thing as Sam. Thinking of this, she suddenly felt indecisive. Does she need to tell Oliver to stop spreading his deadly Virus?

"No wonder I can’t reach him."

"Evan, where are you now?" Rose asks while dragging her suitcase into the bedroom. She arranged her clothes in the wardrobe.

"Today, I met my father...." Evan pauses for a second to try to calm his anger remembering his failed deal with his father. "Sorry, Rose! I didn’t get his blessing...." He took a deep sigh.

Rose stopped arranging her clothes as she held her cell phone tightly. She can feel Evan’s miserable tone on the other end. She knew by now Evan must be annoyed with his father. Rose wanted to be by Evan’s side and calm his restless heart.

"Evan... did I tell you I only need your mother’s blessing?" Rose walks to the huge glass window and looks at the blue beach outside. As she waits, Evan replies to her question.

After a short while, Evan said, "I know. But I still wanted to try..." He thought his father wouldn’t mention Rose’s family background. But Evan was wrong. His father always put the company above other interests, including his family and children. His father only cares about his company, and nothing else matters to him.

What his father did disgusted Evan. That’s why Evan never wanted to join the Collins Group. He would build his own company, paying professionals to run his business. Meanwhile, he will work for a relatively small company and prioritize his wife and children later.

He didn’t want his wife to be like his mother. And his son will go through the same thing with him. He will not let history repeat itself to him. Never!

"Evan..." Rose was utterly speechless. She didn’t know what to say to make Evan feel better. She just keeps silent and listens to his words.

"Don’t worry, dear. Even though I didn’t get the blessing from my father. I got it from my grandpa..." Evan’s voice slowly cheered up. "Grandpa asked me to take you to meet him. So, I told him we would visit him after you returned to the capital. I hope you agree with that."

Although Rose was surprised to hear that Evan would ask her to meet Grandpa Collins, she immediately agreed. She hoped Evan’s grandfather would like her.

Later...

After Rose finished talking to Evan, she immediately called Noah. This is her first time contacting him again after a few years of not getting in touch with one another.

Rose misses Noah so much. She longed to meet him... but she knew Noah must be so busy right now. Noah has just released his new album and is currently promoting it all over the country. She waited for the right time to call him.

But now Rose couldn’t delay. She wanted to make sure her suspicions were correct. Noah told her Instagram account to that weird movie star, Willard Harper.

"Brother Noah! It’s me, Rose. Sorry if I bothered you...." Rose greeted Noah as soon as the call was connected. She was too afraid. Noah is at work now.

"I can’t believe you only called me now after settling in the capital, Rose!" Noah Stone’s cheerful voice sounded from the other end.

A gentle smile frames Rose’s worry-looking face. She felt relieved that Brother Noah wasn’t busy right now. She could talk to him more freely.

"Brother, sorry, I was afraid to disturb you. That’s why I waited for the right moment to call you."

"Hahaha... Well, I already know your purpose in calling me."

"Huh! Are you aware I will call you?" Rose was surprised to hear Noah. "Brother, It’s you, right? The one who told Willard Harper my identity?"

"Yes! I’m..."

"Gosh! Why on earth is that man following my Instagram account? Does he realize that his actions will get me in trouble like now?"

"Relax, Rose!" Noah was also surprised to read the news currently circulating on the internet. He didn’t expect Willard to follow Rose’s Instagram after telling Willard that the singer he saw in his private video had an Instagram account, Twilight_East.

"Why did you tell him about me? Can you give me an explanation? I’m almost going crazy wondering why someone as great as Willard Harper suddenly knows me...."

"Well, a few days ago, Willard came to my place and accidentally saw a video when we duetted on your mother’s birthday. That guy immediately likes your voice and your face. He forced me to introduce you. But, of course, I refused." Noah took a deep sigh, remembering that moment.

Rose listened in silence, but she still felt weird with Willard Harper.

Noah continued, "But that guy never gave up. He terrorized me. And finally, I agreed to inform him of your Instagram. But I never thought he’d make this huge fuss by following your Instagram...."

"That’s why I’m muddled now! How dare he make a fuss like this? Even you... don’t dare to follow me with your real account. Afraid your fans will pry information about me." Rose sighed wearily. "Brothers, now I feel stressed!"

Chapter 125: Kidnapping?

Hearing Rose’s stressed tone, Noah became concerned about her condition. He felt guilty because it all started with him. None of this would have happened if he hadn’t told Willard of Rose’s Instagram account. This girl won’t be as stressed now.

He had to help Rose so that all this trouble wouldn’t drag on and she could live in peace again, without the fear of her true identity being exposed. He knew how protective Willard’s fans were, lest they hurt Rose. If that was the case, he couldn’t face Rose and Aunty Molly.

But, what should he do now? Noah was silent, trying to find the best way out. After a while, Noah said,

"Rose, Should I follow your Instagram account too? Let the fans not think about you and___."

"NO! Don’t you dare do it, brother! I will get angry at you. Did you know I almost deleted my Instagram account because of this matter?" Rose sullen. If it wasn’t for Oliver forbidding her to delete her account, perhaps Twilight_East would have disappeared by now. Rose doesn’t feel the need to have a social media account.

"Fine! I will talk to Willard to unfollow you then... are you satisfied now?" Noah laughs after hearing how sulky her tone is now.

"Thank you, brother Noah...."

"I don’t need your thanks, Rose. But you should promise to have dinner with me...." Noah’s sweet words could make Rose smile silently.

"Let’s do it after I return to the Capital."

Noah was surprised. According to his father, Rose had moved to the Capital last week. But now she’s not in the Capital? Did she return to East city to visit her mother?

"You not in the Capital? Where are you now?"

"I have some work to do in Vale city. So, I will stay here for a week...."

"Aah... Alright, let me know when you return to the Capital. I will bring you dinner at a nice place...." Noah said.

At this moment, Noah has already made his time to meet Rose. But it turns out she was on a business trip. Noah would arrange another time to meet her before starting his overseas tour. Hopefully, before he leaves, they can meet.

"Brothers! Make sure you tell Willard to unfollow me. Or everyone who types my name on the internet will suffer. Ah, Brother Noah, never search my name on a search engine... or social media." Rose doesn’t want Noah to be one of the victims of the Oliver Deathly virus.

"What do you mean, Rose?" Noah was confused hearing Rose’s warning. Suffer because what?

"Nothing! Just remember, never type my name or Instagram account...." Rose said and immediately disconnected her call.

After Rose hung up the phone with Noah, she suddenly felt mentally and physically exhausted. She needed a good nap before her meeting tonight, but when she lay on the soft white bed, she felt a pain in her belly below her navel. It was strange. It was rare for her to feel this pain, except when... she had her period. Rose froze. She immediately ran to the bathroom to check.

A few minutes later, her face paled. She realized that she was having her period and did not prepare sanitary pads. And after searching, there are no sanitary pads available in the hotel room. Instead, she found a condom on the nightstand in one of the drawers. What the heck?

Rose wanted to call Sam or Oliver but was embarrassed to ask them to buy her pads. After a few moments of thinking, Rose finally decided to buy it herself. Earlier, on the way to this Hotel, she had seen a mini-market not far from the Hotel. She will walk there while it’s still noon.

After changing her clothes with tight black pants and a t-shirt, she immediately put on her sneakers and walked to the mini-market.

Rose went through the path beside the Hotel, which would lead her through the street behind the Hotel. This shortcut will save her time in going to the convenience store. That noon, only her who was passing through the path. She walked at a fast pace so she could get her pad sooner. She also needs a pain killer. Because every time her menstruation comes, her stomach always feels twisted. She couldn’t let this be a hindrance to her important activities tomorrow.

Soon Rose arrived at the minimart after almost ten minutes’ walk. Not lingering in the mini market, she returned across the way she had taken earlier. With a hum, Rose tried to look at the surrounding streets. In the area behind the Hotel, many restaurants sell exceptional food from the city of Vale and franchise food from abroad. She tries to memorize it. Tonight she will ask Sam and Oliver for dinner in this area.

After crossing the street right behind the Hotel, she returned to the quiet shortcut street she had taken earlier. The road is only reserved for pedestrians, and that noon is just her. No. Not only her, when she looked back, she saw a man with a black hat walking in the same direction as her. Without suspecting anything, Rose went to her usual step.

But just a few seconds later, Rose thought the road she was on was safe because it was right next to her Hotel and also when it was still light. Suddenly the man who had been a few meters behind her was now standing a few steps behind.

Rose was a little surprised. And her instincts told her to be careful. She might be in danger because this man stepped so fast, approaching her like he wanted to hit her. Even though one person can still pass the road beside her.

Before she wanted to stop and give him a way to pass her, the man was already right behind her. He was so close that she could feel the man’s dark aura embracing her body, making her blood swish instantly. Before she could turn to look at the man, suddenly huge hands were stout, wrapped around her neck.

Rose was utterly shocked! This man wanted to kidnap her? In daylight? She was completely dumbfounded by this unfortunate situation.