Upstairs in the VIP room, Lucian watched the pot-bellied men toast each other with a blank expression.

That afternoon, when he picked up Estella, she was in low spirits. She’d even thrown a tantrum upon arriving home. I suspect Essie’s bad mood stems from not seeing Roranne recently. Perhaps Roranne treated her coldly? Regardless, I feel responsible. Roranne is deliberately distancing herself from Essie because of me.

This upset Lucian all evening. He was further irritated by the lack of satisfactory proposals from the men, despite a long day of discussion.

“Excuse me,” he said, rising abruptly. “I’m going for some fresh air.”

The men remained silent, watching him leave.

Lucian’s private room overlooked the downstairs dance floor. As he exited, he glimpsed a familiar figure.

He stopped immediately. The flickering dance floor lights made him question his eyesight. By the time he tried to look again, the figure was gone.

He stood staring at the dance floor, hoping to relocate the figure, but found nothing. He scoffed inwardly. What kind of magic did Roxanne possess? I was just observing; why would I imagine her?

Just as he was about to turn back, a loud noise from one of the downstairs tables drew everyone’s attention, including Lucian’s.

His eyes darkened when he saw the person at that table. It wasn’t an illusion! It was Roxanne! She must have returned to her table after dancing.

Lucian noticed she was surrounded by men, laughing heartily with one of them. Their boisterous behavior seemed to stem from Roxanne’s interaction with this man; they appeared intimate.

Roxanne downed her drink after clinking glasses with Hugo. The others cheered.

Putting down her glass, Roxanne felt a gaze from afar. She looked up, but it was dark. Oddly, she suspected it was Lucian.

This ruined her mood.

“I’m tired,” she announced apologetically. “I think I’ll leave.” Approaching Madilyn, she suggested, “It’s late. Let’s go.”

Madilyn, tipsy after several drinks, nodded drowsily. “Okay. Have fun, guys. We’re leaving.” She reached for Roxanne.

Roxanne helped her up, bidding farewell to the others.

“Let me help you ladies,” Hugo offered. “You seem to be struggling. I’ll help get her to the car.”

Roxanne hesitated, then, considering Madilyn’s condition, agreed. “Thank you for your help!”

Hugo approached to assist when a deep, displeased voice interrupted.

“I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Reynolds, but I’ll take the ladies home. Thank you.”

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