when the night f

a doubt, the most exclusive nigh

the city's elit

r, the more decaden

eavy music and the shuffle of flirtatious footsteps-a chaotic

a neat glass of brandy in hand. Her little black dress

ou a drink?" As expected,

ing. She simply waved him away

'd rejected tonight. None of them sp

nking game with one of the waitstaff, thoug

I see," he smirked. "No

nd, don't you think?"

oked a private selection for your

promptly appeared. "Shall

Let Stella have a look," Ke

ht a

his footsteps fading i

g a slow sip of her drink. He rubbed his h

p voice carried

e lounge is on the fourth

the staircase, his expression unreadable

instinct-made him turn hi

e dim, hazy light, her features were sharp and striking; those long, slender legs were im

is gaze loc

she doi

t the bar for a moment?" His assistant, J

espond. His attent

em-a group of shirtless male models parading t

at is this?" he asked, h

-and did a double-take when he

of the club's premium s

tly, sir! Our elite hosts are very popular! We hav

." Alexander's quiet sno

e, swiftly heading f

male escorts. Even with her occasional drama

le kitten-obsessed with hi

ys could possibly hold

n someone else for h

boss's cold, decisive figure disap

Mr. Sterling should hav

t surviving-she was thriving. Confid

into the company's internal system using Alexander's credentials and spammed the entire

rassing for Mr. Sterling. The offi

straw, perhaps things between the

itically appraising the

ilt, and their demure expre

clueless amateurs who had be

g a calm, slightly distant smi

eight

o. eig

am

ushed chorus, faces

chuckle

w's feet, they expected her

their age-it was part of

a facade, but nobody

r," the last on

ise a brow. She looked at

that straightforward here. S

ried over to sit beside her. The

ing on a pitiful pout. "What abou

man now seated beside her. "Take a look in the mirror.

He awkwardly retreated with t

n to the man beside her, rel

hem of his shirt, clearly

r a drink?" Kevin frowned.

led, bowing his head s

" Stella asked, he

s nervousness palpable. "I'v

ly as he filled her glass. She gave a slow, approving

es," Stella remarked afte

flushed. "Tha

onth and never. enterta

ts" weren't just here for co

y came from. extracurricular activities-arrangem

ust a standard host," Rex explained a

ughing, nearly top

that attitude!" he teased. "Why

t's one more admirer

type, but who knows? Y

but he held his ground. "

isappointment in her eyes. She raise

she said with a nod. He q

ropping heavier, and the dance floo

rang out, the energy in the

oment, soaking in the vibra

vy, meaty hand clampe

furrowed as she slowly, d

und face, crowned by a balding head, the o