?<strong>Chapter 501:</strong>


    “Based on the previous victims’ statements, the attacker would cover their mouths and noses with a towel soaked in a knockout drug that had a distinct jasmine scent. He would then use a thin cord to strangle them until they werepletely unconscious before dragging them into an alley to assault them,” Luka exined to Belinda.


    Upon hearing this, Belinda realized that the method described perfectly matched the one used by the man when she encountered him. She also recalled the unmistakable jasmine scent of the knockout drug.


    Luka added, “Ms. Wright, you’re the only one who escaped unharmed—and the only one who has seen his face.” He paused for a moment, his expression earnest. “I understand that recalling the details might be distressing, but your help is crucial to preventing him from hurting anyone else.”


    Belinda responded promptly, “I understand. It’s my responsibility to assist you as a citizen, and I truly hope we can catch this criminal quickly. I still remember his face. You can call in the sketch artist now.”


    Her voice, likely strained from the attack, was hoarse.


    “Thank you, Ms. Wright,” Luka said, nodding in gratitude.


    Over an hour passed as Belinda gave her statement again and worked with the sketch artist to create a portrait of her attacker.


    “Ms. Wright, you can get some rest now. We won’t take up more of your time. Rest assured, we’ll assign discreet protection for you in theing days,” Luka said gently. Since Belinda was the only one who had escaped unharmed, the possibility of the assant targeting her again required extra precautions.


    Belinda nodded slightly. “Alright. Thank you.”


    “Take good care of yourself,” Luka replied before heading out.


    Lying on the hospital bed, Belinda gazed nkly at the ceiling. The events of the night reyed in her mind, the fear still lingering within her as her heart thudded erratically.


    Consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts, Belinda’s guard had slipped. She hadn’t noticed when the man had approached her. Thatpse in awareness had left her vulnerable to the attack, with a drug-soaked towel being pressed to her face.


    This was something that would never have happened in the past. The drug had slowed her movements, and though she hadn’t inhaled much, she realized how close she hade to being caught.


    The thought of the man, now revealed as a serial offender, sent a chill down her spine.


    This was all Lucas’ fault! If it weren’t for him, none of this would have happened. But she med herself, too. Why had she been so naive and reckless? Just one simple invitation from Lucas, and she had wavered. How foolish she had been.


    Belinda clutched the nket tightly, shutting her eyes and pushing away the urge to drown in those troubling thoughts.


    Meanwhile, in a VIP ward at the Grand ins General Hospital, Verena had been stabilized. The doctors had said her wrist wound was severe, and there were traces of sleeping pills in her system. Had she arrived anyter, she might not have survived.


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