Chapter 56: Can’t Take It Anymore

The money slapped hard against Claire’s face, stinging painfully. She ignored the pain, frowning as Joshua’s words echoed in her ears. She thought, “I’ve never served this Joshua before. Why did he say I always have the most tricks up my sleeve? Could it be that Joshua mistook me for someone else? But just now, Lily said he specifically requested me, and it was Lily who personally brought me to this VIP room.”

“What’s this? Playing the innocent flower today? Naughty!”

As Claire was lost in confusion, Joshua staggered to his feet, drunkenly swaying as he grabbed her hand. “Or do you need me to make the first move? Isn’t this wet and sticky feeling your favorite, hmm?”

With that, Joshua clumsily picked up a glass of liquor and poured it down the front of her dress. “Ah!” Even though Claire had mentally prepared herself, the sudden rush of cold alcohol made her cry out involuntarily. She struggled to hold it in, trying not to make any more startling noises.

Her mind raced, replaying everything that had happened since she entered the VIP room. One thing was clear: Joshua hadn’t asked for her. So, who was it supposed to be? Emily? Or Emma? Or maybe even Lily? But at this point, it no longer mattered who set her up or brought her here.

Since coming to Eclipse Nightclub, Claire had likely become the target of many people’s envy, jealousy, and resentment. From the beginning, when Hannah treated her with unusual kindness, to later, when she accidentally encountered Frederick, who helped her resolve the situation with Neil—everything that had happened to Claire seemed like rare, unattainable luck in the eyes of others at Eclipse Nightclub. And that was precisely why today’s situation unfolded.

Now, all she could do was grit her teeth and endure it. If things escalated and Frederick got involved, it wouldn’t benefit her in any way. Here, she had to keep her head down, blend in, and stay unnoticed. Her only hope was that Frederick wouldn’t remember her anytime soon. That way, she could continue living quietly.

She thought, as long as it wasn’t someone as twisted as Neil, the other men just wanted some company. Once they were pleased, she could take the tips and leave. And the man in front of her was likely no different.

“Sir, you…” Claire braced herself, calming her thoughts, and was about to look up. But before she could speak, the man grabbed another bottle of liquor, pouring it all over her once again. As the alcohol trickled down her body, he let his hands follow, caressing her skin.

“As expected, changing your style really does make a difference. You’re especially tempting today. Isn’t this slick, slippery feeling your absolute favorite?”

Joshua, completely oblivious to Claire’s inner turmoil, was drunk beyond reason. He still thought she was Emma. Hearing her voice seemed to drive him wild, and he was eager to pin her down beneath him.

“As long as you’re happy…” Claire fought the overwhelming urge to vomit, clenching her fists and keeping her head bowed, trembling as she endured it. In her mind, she kept repeating to herself, “It will be over soon, and just endure it a little longer. Claire, hang in there!”

Although she had experienced many hardships in prison, most of those involved other women. Facing this kind of torment from a man was something she wasn’t prepared for.

“I’m absolutely in love with this side of you tonight, do you know that? How long has it been since I last saw you? Even your skin feels so much softer and smoother now.”

Joshua, eyes closed, leaned his head back, gripping Claire’s arm. The alcohol, combined with her silky skin, made everything feel even more slippery and tantalizing to him. Claire’s scalp tingled, her entire body breaking out in goosebumps.