Chapter 2

To even enter The Summit Club, Brandon had spent half a year's salary.

Standing before its gilded doors, his palms were damp with sweat.

He gripped my hand, his hold so tight it almost hurt.

"Aria, once we're inside, just smile and keep quiet."

He instructed me again, his voice trembling.

"We can't afford to offend anyone in there. Don't you dare embarrass me."

I frowned, trying to pull my hand free, but he tightened his grip even more.

"I know you don't like these kinds of places, but this is about my future."

Brandon's eyes were red, his words pleading.

"If I can just get in with Chad, I can secure that construction project, and we won't have to be stuck in our cramped studio, surviving on ramen anymore."

Seeing him so tense and yet so excited, I swallowed the words I was about to say.

What I wanted to tell him was that I already had a membership card here - one of those Founder's Black Cards that didn't require any top-ups.

As for Chad, I'd had him thrown out last week for smoking in a private room.

But before I could speak, the doorman had already pulled open the grand doors.

The moment the doorman saw me, his face went white. He instinctively began to bow and greet me.

My gaze chilled slightly. I subtly raised a finger to my lips, signaling him to keep quiet.

He reacted fast, stopping mid-bow, though the hand holding the door still trembled.

Brandon was too busy taking deep breaths and composing himself to notice anything amiss.

Brandon inhaled deeply, straightened his back, plastered on an obsequious smile, and pulled me inside.

Pushing the door open, the room was thick with smoke, the music throbbed.

A dozen or so impeccably dressed young men and women were sprawled on sofas, the coffee tables laden with expensive liquor.

"Is this Brandon?"

A guy with a buzz cut, sitting in the center, lifted his eyelids, casually glancing at us.

It was Chad.

Brandon immediately bent low, offering a box of cigars he'd clearly prepared, and even moved to light one for him.

"Chad, hi, we met at the bar last time."

Chad didn't take the cigar. He just scoffed, his gaze sliding past Brandon and landing on me.

In that instant, I saw a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

After all, I'd worn the same icy expression when I had him kicked out last week.

Just then, a sharp female voice cut through the awkwardness.

"Oh, is this Brandon's girlfriend?"

The woman sitting next to Chad stood up.

She was wearing the latest Chanel, her makeup flawless, but her eyes held a distinct malice.

Tiffany. Brandon's childhood friend.

And the woman who'd always kept Brandon on a leash, treating him like her personal backup.

Brandon's eyes visibly brightened when he saw her, then he looked a bit flustered.

"Tiffany, you're here too."

Tiffany ignored him, walking directly toward me and sizing me up.

Then, she covered her mouth, feigning surprise as she exclaimed.

"You look so familiar! Aren't you the new stripper here?"