Chapter 70

The faint fragrance of Diane’s perfume left Patrick slightly intoxicated. After Diane entered, he gently locked the door and smiled. "Come and sit down, Miss Diane. Let's have a drink and chat. Simple as that!"

Diane looked at him warily, frowning. "I don’t remember having a friend like you."

Patrick smiled. "Haha, you must have forgotten. I was at Easton’s wedding today, too. You arrived too late to see Severin kick me!"

Diane’s heart skipped a beat. Is he here for revenge?

She smiled awkwardly. "He's impulsive, and… he solves problems with physical force. I apologize. I hope you aren't offended!"

Patrick went to the table, sat down, and patted the chair beside him. "Come sit. Let’s talk. Whatever happened this morning is past. Severin and I are college classmates, and we’re in Lucy’s class. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been at the wedding, and I wouldn't have met Severin!"

Diane sat beside him. "Sorry, what's your name? Who are you?"

Patrick poured her a glass of red wine. "Patrick Reece. Have a bite!"

Diane smiled awkwardly. "I’m full. Your manager said you'd let my family go after a chat and a few glasses of wine." Patrick smiled wickedly. "How about a drink, then?"

Feeling unable to refuse, Diane raised her glass and drank some wine.

Patrick was pleased by her obedience. She'd already drunk some wine downstairs; a few more drinks, and she'd be drunk. Then, it would be much easier… He glanced at her exposed thigh and felt a surge of desire.

"Okay," Diane said, smiling awkwardly, and drank her wine.

After finishing their wine, Patrick refilled their glasses. "Since you’re full, let's have a couple of drinks!" He clinked glasses with Diane.

She felt dizzy, but remembering the armed men guarding the door to prevent her family’s escape, she gritted her teeth and drank.

After her second glass, she said, "Mr. Patrick, it’s time you told me what you want to talk about. I’ve had two glasses!"

Patrick grinned evilly, refilling her glass. "Miss Diane, you’re amusing. 'A couple of glasses' means more than two, not just two. Got it?"

Diane’s expression soured. "Could you tell me what you want? This is my last glass. I'm too full!" Unbeknownst to her, the secret door behind her had opened slightly. Easton, hiding there, looked at Diane’s back. Her dress rode up her thighs, revealing silky skin. He thought her beauty far surpassed Lucy’s. Her figure was stunning; no man could resist!

(The promotional material at the end has been removed as it is not part of the text needing cleaning.)