And in that moment , it truly felt like the world had buried her alive . Chapter 5 When Allison was five , she was kidnapped and locked inside a pitch - black storage crate for three days and nights . No windows . No air . No sound - just darkness and silence that nearly drove her insane . By the time police found her , she was barely clinging to life . Diagnosed with the dark , and even of falling asleep . Vere PTSD , she developed a deep fear of being alone , of Her parents dropped everything for five years just to get her through therapy . Slowly , she got better . But now - all of it was coming back The cold , suffocating darkness of the basement wrapped around her like a giant invisible hand , tightening , choking , pressing against , her lungs . " Let me out ! " she screamed , pounding on the metal door with everything she had . " Alexander , please - I'm scared ! " Her voice cracked . " Please , I'll die down here ! " She clawed at the door until her nails tore . Blood smeared across the steel in angry red streaks . Her chest tightened , every breath a struggle as pain throbbed through her skull . Desperate for relief , she started banging her head . against the door . One hit . Then another . And another - until the world tilted and finally went black The next morning , Alexander arrived at the launch event with Sarah on his arm , both dressed to impress . The Infinity algorithm was now officially on the market , ready for high - stakes bidding . Sarah , introduced as the program's lead developer , stood proudly in front of flashing cameras , holding Allison's research journal in her manicured hands . With Alexander right beside her , she smoothly fielded questions from reporters and industry insiders , She had gone from a nobody to the overnight darling of the clean energy world . After the conference , Alekander threw her a lavish celebration . " This moment is so special , " Sarah cooed , twirling a champagne flute in her hand . " Shouldn't Miss Winters be here to witness it all ? " She couldn't wait to gloat . Alexander looked at her with dating eyes . " You're right He personally drove back to the estate to fetch Allison . He needed her to see it - to understand that everything was already decided . No more games , The moment he opened the basement door , the stench of blood hit him in the face . He recolled , frowning deeply . In the far corner , Allison was curled up on the cold floor , her head buried in her arms , shivering . She flinched at the sudden light , then slowly looked up - her face caked in blood and dirt . Ali … " Alexander's heart skipped a beat . He hadn't expected this .. Hadn't expected … her like this . Shestaggered toward him , threw herself into his arms , and whispered in a trembling voice , " I don't want Infinity anymore . Just let me out . Please … I don't care about anything else . I'm scared . " He stiffened but stayed silent , simply scooping her up and walking out of the basement . Sarah called him while he was laying Allison down upstairs . " Where are you ? Everyone's waiting . " He looked at Allison - bruised , pale , still trembling - and hesitated , but only for a second . Then he answered , " I'm on my on my way . He ordered the staff to clean her up . They dressed her in a pristine Ivory gown , used makeup to cover the bruises on her forehead , and did her hair like she hadn't just spent the night locked underground . Allison didn't resist . She didn't move at all - just followed orders like a doll . But just as they were about to leave , she paused at the doorway . " Can you sign over the Winters Group shares now ? " she asked , her voice low , almost shy . " If not … It's fine . Just please don't ever lock me in that place again . " Her whole body trembled . The words slipped out like muscle memory - conditioned by fear . Alexander narrowed his eyes , but surprisingly , he didn't say no - Instead , he instructed his legal team to start drafting the documents . While they waited , he glanced around the living room and frowned . " It's emptier than I remember . Did you throw things out ? " Allison gave a small nod . " Yeah . " The silence that followed felt strangely heavy . He looked like he wanted to say something - but didn't The legal documents arrived moments later . They both signed . The transfer became effective immediately . Allison finally let out a breath The celebration was in full swing The ballroom shimmered under crystal chandeliers . Laughter and champagne flowed freely , and the crowd buzzed with admiration for Sarah Mayfield . To everyone there , she was now the rising star of the clean energy world She didn't stop smiling all night . When Alexander and Allison entered , Sarah practically skipped over in her heels . " Miss Winters , " she chirped , voice saccharine - sweet , " you're here to congratulate me , I assume ? " She leaned in , pulling Allison Into a faux hug . Then she whispered into her ear , her tone venomous and triumphant- ' Look around . Everything that once was yours , it's mine now . You were never competition . Ask Al 25.00 % Allison stood frozen , her voice soft and hollow as she said , " Congratulations . You won . " " Does this mean you'll finally get that wedding you've been dreaming of ? "