As Actum looked up, he saw Hailey already making her way through the crowd toward Decim. Having always been pampered by the Alvarez family, Hailey had reached an age where adult conversations became increasingly unavoidable.

Adam's brow furrowed in frustration. "What is she doing with these unsavory people?"

Meanwhile, Celine observed Adam, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit. Amid the opulence, he exuded sophistication, standing in stark contrast to Declan. He belonged to a world entirely separate from Declan's. It was clear—Adam would never approve of Hailey associating with someone like Declan.

"Mr. Alvarez, Hailey's choices have nothing to do with you," Celine said. Adam met her gaze. "Have you had enough of this place? If you're finished, I'll take you home." Without waiting for a response, Adam firmly took Celine's arm and led her away. Behind them, Robin called out, "Celine! Mr. Alvarez!"

Declan returned backstage to change. Though he didn't visit often, he knew the place was highly profitable. He ripped off his torn white tank top and was about to pull on a black hoodie when the door swung open. His gaze immediately flicked toward it. "Who's there?"

It was Hailey, who had followed him. To her surprise, she found herself staring directly at Declan's bare chest. Her face flushed instantly, and she quickly shielded her face with both hands. Without a word, Declan threw on the hoodie, grabbed his bag, and started toward the door, having no intention of engaging with Hailey, treating her as if she were invisible.

But Hailey stepped directly into his path, blocking his way. "Declan, are you really going to pretend you don't know me?" Hailey refused to step aside. When Declan moved left, she followed; when he moved right, she positioned herself in front of him again. With her hands firmly placed on her hips, Hailey spoke defiantly, "Unless you talk to me, I won't move."

Declan didn't waste a second. He grabbed the collar of her shirt with one hand, effortlessly lifting her off the ground. Hailey dangled in midair, her mind racing. "Wow, he's so strong," she thought. Without a word, Declan dropped her back to the ground and walked past her.

Hailey sprinted after him, but Declan's tall figure had already melted into the crowd. "Declan? Wait! Declan!" Hailey shouted, pushing her way through the throngs in a frantic attempt to catch up. But Declan had no interest in wasting more time with her. He wasn't about to engage any further. The night was growing late, and he was eager to leave.

Just as Declan stepped outside the bar, a sleek luxury car pulled up. Several bodyguards in sharp black suits moved into his path. "Excuse me," one said, "Ms. Adeline O'Brien would like to speak with you." It seemed a wealthy woman had somehow managed to track down Declan.

The bodyguard continued, "She mentioned that if you refuse, she'll contact your family. Finding them won't be a problem." The bodyguard's eyes locked with Declan's. "Getting the attention of Ms. O'Brien is a rare privilege. Serve her well, and you'll never have to worry about food or shelter again." With that, the bodyguard opened the car door. "Please, step inside."

Declan's gaze sharpened, but he stepped into the car without a word. The sleek car sped off into the night.

Hailing a cab, Hailey quickly called out, "Follow that car, and make it quick!"

Half an hour later, Declan was led into a lavish presidential suite at a five-star hotel. Waiting for him was a woman in her forties, radiating elegance and allure. She was Adeline O'Brien, a wealthy and influential woman. Adeline studied Declan's physique. A smile played on her lips. "When you wore that mask earlier, I couldn't get a good look at you. You have such an impressive—"