Fairchild Mansion
"Old Madame doesn't need to worry. I'll handle this matter with utmost discretion," said Rosalind, a chubby, middle-aged woman dressed glamorously in an expensive summer dress. She sat with a respectful air, as though she were in the presence of royalty.
Old Madame Fairchild gave a slight nod. At her gesture, Lady Mina, her loyal assistant, stepped forward and handed Rosalind a thick wad of cash.
"This is just a small token to motivate you in your mission," Lady Mina said with a warm smile.
Rosalind's eyes lit up with delight. Grinning foolishly, she quickly accepted the money and laughed. "Old Madame need not worry. I promise you'll be pleased with my performance."
Old Madame Fairchild studied the vulgar-looking woman before her with thinly veiled disgust. Raised in the lap of nobility, she could barely tolerate those beneath her social status.
"I heard your son is struggling to establish his business," Old Madame said smoothly.
Rosalind's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly masked it with an embarrassed laugh. "Yes, it's true. My poor boy just can't seem to catch a break. No one wants to give his ideas a chance," she said pitifully.
Old Madame rolled her eyes at the woman's dramatics. "Get this matter done, and the Fairchild family will be very appreciative. Your son's business prospects rest on your success."
Those words lit a fire in Rosalind. She beamed and nodded eagerly. "You can count on me. I won't disappoint you."
Once Rosalind had taken her leave, Lady Mina turned to her mistress with concern.
"Are you sure she can handle this?" she asked. "She doesn't exactly seem... reliable."
Old Madame's eyes narrowed. "That woman is greedy and cunning. In this city, she's involved in more shady dealings than you can imagine. For money, she'll go to any length. And that is exactly the kind of desperation I need right now."
In the past few days, the Lyle household had known nothing but hardship.
Ana juggled multiple part-time jobs, working from dawn till late into the night without rest. Her mother and brother, Adonis, had their fair share of troubles too, barely managing to keep the household afloat.
Velvet Kiss Clubhouse
Velvet Kiss Club was a den of luxury, where the city's elite came to indulge in all sorts of vice whether it was overpriced liquor, high-stakes gambling, or exotic women. There's something interesting for everyone.
On the stage, beneath dim crimson lights, a beautiful young woman danced in sexy red lingerie. A silver mask covered the upper part of her face, but nothing could hide her beauty—her soft porcelain skin, full breasts, and seductive eyes. Her petite yet curvaceous body moved like fire incarnate, captivating the crowd of lustful men who cheered and threw money at her feet.
It was Ana.
This wasn't the job she wanted, but it was the one she had—an exotic dancer by night, sacrificing her dignity for her family's survival. The leering eyes, the filthy comments. She endured them all in silence, keeping her gaze distant as she danced seductively.
Up in the VIP lounge, a pair of dark, intense eyes followed her every move.
He was a handsome man, dressed in a custom-made suit, his aura cold and regal. He looked like someone born to rule—and perhaps he was. Next to him lounged a more casually dressed man in designer wear, sipping wine and wearing a smirk.
Leo Vance chuckled. "If only you looked at your wife with half the desire you're showing right now, the old lady's prayers would be answered. You'd probably have enough babies by now to start a basketball team."
Harry Fairchild didn't respond. His eyes remained fixed on the girl on stage.
Leo sighed dramatically. "It's been two months, five days, six hours and... two minutes since you got hooked on this girl. Yet you've done nothing. She doesn't even know you exist. With your status, you could have her at your feet with a snap of your fingers."
"You talk too much," Harry muttered, standing abruptly.
"Hey! I'm only trying to help! Keep bottling it up, and you'll be crying in the end!" Leo called after him.
It was late by the time Ana left the club. She clutched her thin coat tighter around her as she walked toward the bus stop under the dim streetlights.
Suddenly, a sleek black Lamborghini screeched to a halt in front of her, blocking her path. A man stepped out, his smirk dripping with arrogance.
Ana stopped and stared warily. She recognized the type—rich, entitled, and dangerous.
"Hey beautiful," the man said smoothly. "I saw your moves back there. You were amazing. Had to pay your pimp a lot of cash before he revealed your identity to me. So... how much for one night?"
Ana narrowed her eyes, disgusted. "My body's not for sale. Get out of my way."
The man laughed. "Oh, come on. Everyone has a price. Twenty thousand bucks for a night. How's that sound? Make me happy, and I'll make sure you're taken care of for life. Be a good girl, and I'll give you everything you want."
Ana rolled her eyes and snapped, "Even if you were the president's son, I wouldn't be interested. You and your filthy money disgust me."
His smile vanished. Fury flashed in his eyes. "Bitch! I always get what I want. You'll be mine whether you like it or not."
He lunged at her, pushing her against the wall, trying to grope her as she struggled and screamed for help.
"HELP! SOMEBODY, PLEASE! GET OFF ME!" she cried, kicking and clawing.
Suddenly, a powerful hand yanked him away from her. Before he could react, a fist landed squarely on his jaw, sending him crashing to the ground.
Anna instinctively ran into the arms of her rescuer, trembling. Her eyes filled with tears and terror.
If he hadn't shown up...
Harry stared coldly at the attacker, his expression murderous. His fists clenched at his sides, and his aura darkened like a brewing storm.
He wasn't done. Not yet.