Evelyn's nerves tightened as she and Rayna pulled up to the imposing club. Black-clad bouncers flanked the entrance, a red carpet leading to the door. A line snaked down the block, but Rayna confidently steered Evelyn past the crowd, straight to the VIP entrance. The bouncers barely glanced at them before waving them through, and Evelyn wondered how often Rayna frequented this place.

"You do this often, don't you?" Evelyn asked. Rayna grinned.

"Why do you ask?"

"Seems like they know you," Evelyn said with a shrug.

"Well, there's a story behind that. I'll tell you later," Rayna promised, leading her inside.

Rayna had chosen Sodom and Gomorrah, one of the city's most exclusive clubs, and the moment they stepped inside, Evelyn understood why. The interior exuded class and luxury. The music was loud; the air thrummed with energy, anticipation, and the scent of expensive perfume.

Rayna, barely containing her excitement, grabbed Evelyn's hand, pulling her through the crowd. "This is going to be so much fun! Trust me, you'll have the time of your life!" Evelyn forced a smile, trying to match Rayna's enthusiasm, but felt completely out of place. The dress, the makeup, the club—it all felt like a role she was playing, and she wasn't sure she was doing it right. Years ago, she would have been just as excited, but that enthusiasm had been drained from her. This wasn't her scene anymore.

As they weaved through the crowd, Rayna swayed to the music, while Evelyn prayed they'd find a seat soon to avoid unnecessary attention. Reaching the bar, Rayna signaled the bartender with a flick of her hand. "Two martinis, please. Extra dirty."

As they waited, Rayna turned to Evelyn with a wide grin. "Isn't this place amazing? Look at all these people! We're going to have a blast!"

Evelyn nodded, but her attention wandered. The dance floor was packed, and she found herself scanning the crowd. She thought she saw a familiar figure—a tall, broad-shouldered man with dark chocolate hair that looked achingly familiar. Evelyn blinked, telling herself it couldn't be who she thought it was. Derek was supposed to be on a date with Sandra. There was no way he'd be here.

But then the man turned, his profile becoming clearer, and Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. It was Derek. He was entering the club with another man, dressed in a fitted blazer and dark jeans, looking effortlessly handsome. He hadn't noticed her yet.

Her pulse quickened. Derek was really here. It felt like a cruel joke. For a moment, Evelyn considered leaving. The last thing she needed was to see Derek, especially while trying to forget him, his date with Sandra, and the emotional mess since moving back to Ludus. But she couldn't move. Her gaze was locked on him.

Then, as if sensing her gaze, Derek looked up. Their eyes met across the room, and for a heartbeat, everything else faded. It was just the two of them. Evelyn's breath caught in her throat. A part of her wanted to confront him; another part wanted to flee. She did neither. Instead, she tore her gaze away, turning back to the bar as if she hadn't seen him.

Rayna handed her a martini. "Here you go! This will get you in the mood."

Evelyn accepted the glass, her hands trembling as she took a sip. The alcohol burned, but she welcomed the distraction. She couldn't get caught up in whatever was going on between them, not tonight. Tonight was supposed to be about fun, about forgetting.

Meanwhile, across the club, Derek, who had just arrived with Ethan, turned to him, a knowing smile on his lips. "You won't believe who's here."

Ethan, who had also been scanning the crowd, raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

"My mystery lady," Derek said, nodding toward the bar. "I think she saw me, but she's pretending she didn't."

Ethan followed his gaze to Evelyn and Rayna, whose backs were to them. "The lady in red? And you think she saw you?"

Derek nodded, his expression a mix of surprise and something else. "The lady in red. And I think she saw me, but she's pretending she didn't."

Ethan chuckled, clapping Derek on the shoulder. "Well, looks like tonight just got a lot more interesting. But hold that thought—I see someone I know."

Derek watched Ethan disappear, then turned his attention back to Evelyn. She was still at the bar, sipping her drink, her posture tense. He couldn't help but smile. There was something about Evelyn that intrigued him. Without another thought, he started making his way through the crowd, his gaze never leaving her.

He didn't know what he would say, but he couldn't let this opportunity pass. When Evelyn turned and saw him approaching, she stiffened.

Evelyn turned to Rayna. "I need to use the restroom. I'll be right back."

Rayna nodded, raising her glass. "Don't take too long."

Evelyn forced a smile, then slipped off her barstool, heading for the restroom. But before she could get far, Derek stepped into her path.

His gaze swept over her, taking in her dress, her makeup, her captivating presence. He was surprised to see her like this.

"What are you doing here, Eve?" he asked, his voice low.

Evelyn avoided his gaze. "What does it look like? I'm here to buy and sell," she replied sarcastically. Derek chuckled.

"Alright. Maybe that question was stupid…"

"Yes, it was. What do you want, Derek? And why are you talking to me when you should be with your date?" she asked, trying to sound harsh.

"You know what I want. And the date ended already."

"Well, I don't care," Evelyn snapped, trying to push past him, but Derek gently caught her arm.

"Why don't you join us at our table?" he asked.

Evelyn shook her head, pulling her arm free. "I don't want to. I'm here with my friend, and we're fine where we are."

Before Derek could reply, Rayna, sensing the tension, appeared beside them, holding their drinks. She looked at Derek curiously, then at Evelyn. "Who are you? And why are you bothering my friend?" she asked.

"It's fine, Ray. I know him…"

"Oh, you do?" Rayna asked eagerly. Sensing what Rayna might say, Evelyn spoke quickly.

"He's not someone you need to worry about," Evelyn said dismissively.

Derek smiled, refusing to be dismissed. "Pleased to meet a friend of Evelyn's," he said, extending a hand to Rayna. "I'm Derek, and I was just asking if you'd like to join us at our table."

Rayna glanced at Evelyn, then back at Derek. "That depends. Do you have a single friend you can introduce me to? If so, we might consider it."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed. "If you want to join them, Rayna, I'll just head home."

Rayna understood. She smiled politely at Derek and shook her head. "On second thought, we're good where we are. It was nice meeting you, Derek."

Derek felt a twinge of disappointment. He nodded, masking his frustration. "Likewise," he said, stepping back.

He watched Evelyn and Rayna walk away.

"So, how'd it go?" Ethan asked.

Derek shook his head, a rueful smile on his lips. "Not as well as I'd hoped."

Ethan chuckled. "Better luck next time, my friend. Though I have to say, she's one hell of a beauty."

Derek nodded, then turned back to look at Evelyn. One way or another, he was going to have her in his life, beside him.