No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

I took just one step before stopping, Deborah's words echoing in my ears. She had discovered someone's secret. Could it be the figure I saw? If so, was he involved in the Clark family's shady dealings? Considering my parents' deaths were a result of a joint effort between them, I shouldn't be surprised anymore. Anger surged within me, so much so that I didn't notice someone approaching until Allen's voice broke through, "Lost looking for the restroom?"

Snapping back to reality, I muttered, "It's that time of the month, need to grab some essentials." His laughter wasn't exactly respectful, "What a coincidence, I'll have someone send them over." True to his word, a waitress brought me sanitary pads, leaving me no choice but to play along and head to the restroom.

Returning to the room, the male models Allen had arranged were waiting. Each one was a perfect six feet tall, with broad shoulders, narrow waists, and long legs, all impeccably groomed and exceedingly polite. They all bowed in unison upon seeing me.

"These guys are professionally trained. They're sure to meet your standards." Allen boasted. Nodding, I responded, "I see, Sapphire Lounge truly is full of surprises." It was a double entendre, a test to gauge his reaction.

Allen looked at me with a playful gaze, "So, you're satisfied?" "Absolutely. I'll give you a call a day in advance when I need them, just ensure they show up," I said convincingly. "Ms. Hudson, you can count on it," Allen assured.

My mind, however, was still on that shadowy figure from earlier. So, I decided to use the night to dig deeper, "Mr. Clark, if there's nothing else, I'd like to spend some time alone with a drink." Allen got the hint, leaving with, "Ms. Hudson, tonight's expenses are on me." He left me with a young man to pour my drinks.

I started drinking for real, but not without taking an antidote James had given me, claiming it would keep me sober through a bottle of vodka. The imported liquor Allen provided went down smoothly, a substantial quantity for any regular woman. Feigning drunkenness, I flirted with the young bartender before pushing him away, "Stay back, I'm not into you. I like a man named Ernest. I... I should call him... ask him to pick me up..."

Picking up my phone, I dialed

Dustin's number instead. After all, the figure I'd seen was him. Though him patronizing the place was normal, the thought of him colluding with Henrik and Brown made it plausible he was involved in illegal

activities with the Clark family.

The phone rang three times before connecting. Without letting the other side speak, I blurted, "Ernest, I miss you, where are you? Can you come get me?" Dustin remained silent.

I pressed on, "Ernest, talk to me. Why are you ignoring me? Do you know how hard it's been... Please, come get me..." The call ended, Dustin not uttering a word.

He must have been upset but wouldn't leave me hanging. So, I dialed him again, yet he didn't

answer Timing Dustin's arrival, et

flirted with the bartender, ensuring Dustin would find me calling him Ernest.

Dustin grabbed my hand, shooting the bartender a glare that sent shivers down his spine, "I'm sorry, Mr. Wagner, I..."

"Get lost!" Dustin cut him off coldly. The bartender scurried off, visibly shaken, nearly tripping over his feet in his haste.

Observing this, I knew if Dustin was merely a regular client, there was no reason for such fear. My suspicions were confirmed; Dustin had secrets.