Chapter 15
The clock had already struck one when Bailey’s phone rang shrilly in the silent night.||
The screen showed Julian’s secretary calling, and Bailey answered with confusion |
“Miss Mitchell, I sincerely apologize for disturbing your rest,” the secretary’s voice sounded urgent dressed immediately and head to Mirage Lounge.”
Bailey rubbed her sleepy eyes, asking bewilderedly: “What could be so important at this hour?“[]
- “But if you’re not too tired, I suggest you get
“Our, investigator just reported that Alexander Winters is currently at Mirage Lounge,” the secretary explained. “I believe this is a rare opportunity for you to create a ‘chance encounter.“”]
Bailey leaned against the headboard, her temples throbbing slightly
“Shaw, it’s past one in the morning,” Bailey couldn’t help asking curiously. “What motivates you to call me at this hour?
me.”
The secretary answered without hesitation: “Naturally, the generous salary Mr. Hayes pays me.”
After hanging up, Bailey quickly got out of bed []
She knew she needed to act fast–this opportunity couldn’t be missed.
Despite her lack of sleep making her complexion somewhat p pale, she carefully applied a light blush to make herself appear more vibrant
Then she got into the Porsche that Julian had provided for her and hurried out in
in high heels.
Racing through the city, she finally arrived at Mirage Lounge at two in the
the morning.
Bailey scanned the room, quickly sporting Alexander.
He wasn’t in a private room but sitting at a booth with two heavily made–up hostesses. They were drinking and laughing, appearing to be having a wonderful time]
Seeing this scene, Bailey felt a mix of emotions.
She had once argued with Alexander about his business entertainment activities Later, to respect her feelings, he had gradually moved his business meetings to tea houses
Even when entertaining clients, he would wait until she fell asleep before returning home, avoiding letting her smell unfamiliar perfume on him Now, however, his first love Stella apparently didn’t receive the same consideration
Hailey thought about this, her lips twisting into a cynical smile: Men are probably all the same–once they possess something, it’s no longer worth cherishing
She ordered a whiskey at the bar and deliberately chose a seat where Alexander would spot her the moment he looked up
After taking a few sips, she heard a man’s voice behind her: “Hey beautiful, drinking alone? Why not join me for a drink?“[]
Bailey frowned, realizing she had attracted unwanted attention before Alexander noticed her
She gave the man a cold–glance, refusing: “I’m waiting for someone.”
“Who are you waiting for?” the man persisted: “Your lover who’s going to ravish you tonight?“||
Emboldened by alcohol, he tried to touch her.
Bailey was instantly enraged, the terrifying memories of being tied up in the attic flooding back.]
She shoved the man away, slapping him hard across the face.
The slap humilated the man, who hanged at her with a twisted expression
Just then a powerful force pulled Bailey into an embrace]]
Alexander had appeared just in time, kicking the man hard and shielding Bailey behind him.
Bailey fell against his chest as if awakening from a nightmare
She looked up at Alexander, who gazed at her with unfocused eyes, murmuring her name: “Bailey, it’s you… you’ve come back, right?“||
Though his voice sounded genuinely heartfelt and deeply emotional, Bailey’s heart remained completely unmoved. Because she knew all too well that she was no longer the Badley he once knew
She gently pushed Alexander away, saying coolly: “Mr. Winters, you’ve mistaken me again. I’m Renee.
Alexander didn’t seem to fully register her words, his alcohol–clouded eyes still searching her face as if trying to see another person’s soul through her
He reached out to touch her cheek, then closed his eyes and leaned in for a kiss.
Just then, a sharp voice called out from across the room: “Alexander!”
The voice stopped Alexander’s advance immediately. He slowly opened his eyes and looked toward its source.
The caller was none other than Stella]
