Chapter 9
1101 Words
My first instinct was to refuse. But then I thought, Why refuse? That would only show weakness. Better to meet him head-on.
Despite my bravado, my heart was a tangled mess as I got ready. I agonized over what to wear for ages. Finally, I gritted my teeth and picked the most expensive dress from my closet, paired it with my priciest handbag, and put on the new diamond necklace Alex had given me. I armed myself with countless dollars, from head to toe, before leaving.
The local upscale restaurants were few and familiar. I was worried about running into acquaintances and having rumors spread, so I felt guilty, like a thief, all the way there. Only when I entered the private room did I finally feel at ease.
Lucas wasn’t alone. Quentin Black and a few other friends were there. The moment I walked in, they started hooting. "Ha! You lost!"
"Pay up!"
"Lucas is clever! He guessed Zoey would bring her alligator Birkin!"
Lucas, smiling, collected a thick stack of pink bills. He then handed half of it to me. "Here, your share."
Only then did I realize they’d been gambling. They’d bet on which handbag I’d carry. Quentin had been certain I’d carry my usual black Dior, but Lucas had insisted I’d choose an Hermès, and a rare leather Birkin at that.
I played along, graciously accepting the money, kissing the bills, and blowing kisses to everyone in the room, bowing repeatedly. "Thank you, gentlemen!"
"Is that all the thanks we get?"
"You're all big shots! How could you demand more from a humble woman like me?" I put on a pitiful expression. "How about this: Tonight, at The Lotus Club, I'll join you again, no holds barred."
"Forget it. If you keep going 'no holds barred,' you'll lose your life." Quentin sounded a bit annoyed. "Last time you ended up in the hospital, David chewed me out for it! Why does David defend you like a sister? It's not right! If anyone should chew me out, it should be Alex Thorne!"
My face was stiff from smiling. "Mr. Miller is just a good person, Mr. Black. See? You're thinking too much again!"
"No drinking tonight!" Quentin declared. "You suffered enough last time. So tonight, it's just a welcome back for you. Come, take your seat!"
I adamantly refused, but after much pushing and pulling, I ended up in the secondary guest seat, with Lucas, of course, as the main guest.
"Lucas is getting engaged tomorrow, so after dinner, we’re all heading to The Lotus Club to celebrate! Ms. Vance, it's his bachelor party! You absolutely must send your best girls to entertain our dear Lucas!"
I quickly patted my chest in assurance. "Mr. Black, rest assured! Tonight, three thousand beauties will be at Mr. Reed's disposal! He can pick anyone he fancies!"
After a few rounds of drinks, I finally learned that Lucas's fiancée was Faith Chen, the daughter of the wealthy Chen family. A perfect match, a golden couple. During the dinner, Quentin casually asked about the wedding date. Lucas replied just as casually, "Sometime this year, I suppose."
I focused on a plate of steamed edamame. These high-rollers, these titans of industry, had long grown tired of gourmet abalone and shark fin. Their top priority when choosing a restaurant was authentic, natural flavors. That's why they came here often. Besides the low-oil, low-salt, exorbitantly priced dishes, there wasn't much else to note.
Then again, wasn't The Lotus Club making money from the same kind of clientele?
The group, now sated, began to shift locations to The Lotus Club. I’d dismissed my driver after arriving, so Quentin arranged for me to ride in his car. Lucas was also in his car. I couldn’t find a good excuse to refuse, so I tried to take the front passenger seat. But Quentin, ever the playboy, insisted on dragging me to the back. "I bought this car because the back seat comfortably fits three! If you're going to complain, I'll sit up front!"
I didn't dare offend Mr. Black, so the three of us squeezed into the back.
Quentin chattered excitedly with me the entire ride, and I returned his enthusiasm, though my mind was elsewhere. Lucas was sitting right next to me.
There was a time when I listened to Buddhist scriptures daily, like the Sixth Patriarch Huineng's anecdote: the wind blew the banner, one monk said the wind moved, another said the banner moved, and the Sixth Patriarch said, "Neither the wind moves, nor the banner moves, but your mind moves."
I admit, my heart was not still. Sitting beside Lucas, my heart pounded. I tried my best to ignore him.
When we arrived, Lucas didn't wait for the driver to open his door. He got out first, then held the car roof for me, and extended his hand to help me out. These gentlemen all possessed such "chivalry." Quentin's car was high, and I was wearing heels, so I had no choice but to take his hand. Honestly, my mind went blank when he held my hand. I didn't think about anything as he helped me out. I even managed to react, smiling and thanking him.
I felt I was on the verge of losing my composure, so after getting out, I quickly arranged for my girls to entertain them, and then I slipped away.
I returned to my office and brewed a pot of coffee. Mike came in to discuss business and show me some reports. Even though I hadn't had a drink, my head ached. I sighed and said, "Leave them for now."
Mike’s lips twitched, as if he wanted to say something but held back. Finally, he left without a word. But Felix was back moments later, whispering that Quentin and his friends were getting rowdy again. They’d called for over twenty escorts to play some silly game. He wasn't going to deliver wine this time; he’d send a young beauty instead, so he wouldn’t get drunk again.
I told him we couldn’t afford to offend clients in this business. Felix scoffed. "Have some backbone, Zoey! We won't die if we earn a little less!"
No backbone, no self-respect. That was my current reality.
I was too tired to argue further. I called the kitchen to make me some fried rice. Though I’d eaten a lot earlier, I still felt hungry. Felix, ever the opportunist, eagerly mooched off my private meal. We were sitting head-to-head, savoring the fragrant fried rice, when suddenly someone at the door said, "Ms. Vance, enjoying yourself, are we?"
- Writer
