Chapter 17

I jumped into my Camaro and sped home. By the time I arrived, it was already 7:30. There wasn't much time, so I skipped eating, quickly changed my outfit, and headed out again.

When I pulled into the parking lot, it was 8:15. I sent a quick message in the group chat to let everyone know I had arrived. After parking, I stepped out of the car, only to be hit by a sudden wave of dizziness.

'Not again' , I thought, pausing as I waited for it to pass. Once the sensation subsided, I continued toward the club entrance.

The entrance was nothing short of striking. A velvet rope curved gracefully across the doorway, guarded by impeccably dressed doormen whose sharp suits and composed demeanor exuded authority and exclusivity.

They didn't stop me or ask for my ID—they knew who I was. Bowing slightly in greeting, they opened the door for me.

As the heavy door swung open, the deep bass of the music inside spilled into the night, promising an electrifying experience. Inside, the club radiated energy and sophistication. The ground floor was a vibrant scene, the dance floor pulsing with life as the crowd moved in sync with the beat. The bar glowed with neon lights, and the bartenders crafted intricate cocktails with precision. But instead of lingering, I headed for the staircase, drawn to the quieter luxury of the VIP floors.

The second and third floors offered an entirely different vibe. Plush seating, muted lighting, and exclusive entertainment—like poker, billiards, karaoke, and even chess—created an intimate atmosphere. The music from below faded to a distant hum, replaced by soft conversations and the faint clink of glasses.

As I climbed the stairs, another wave of dizziness hit me, stronger this time. I gripped the railing tightly, trying to steady myself, but my strength failed me. My vision began to darken, and I knew I was losing consciousness. Desperately, I tried to move to the second-floor hallway to avoid falling down the stairs, but I was too late. My vision faded entirely, and the last thing I felt was the sensation of falling backward.

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It was the hundredth time Adam questioned why he had agreed to come with Elijah. They had barely stepped into the club, and he was already regretting it. But there was no turning back—Elijah had thrown an arm around his shoulders to ensure he couldn't escape.

Humming along to the music, Elijah glanced at Adam and smirked. "If someone saw your face right now, they'd think you were heading to a funeral."

Adam shot him a glare. "This night better go smoothly, or we'll be making a stop at the gym on the way home. It's been a while since I've practiced my boxing."

"Hey, hey! Why do I have to take the blame? It's William who picked this place for the gathering—take it up with him!"

Before Adam could retort, a voice interrupted from behind. "Someone's in a bad mood tonight?"

Turning, they saw Alexander Young, one of their childhood friends and a renowned doctor.

"Ah, you're just now arriving?" Elijah quipped. "And here I thought we were the late ones."

"There was a lot going on at work," Alex replied with a weary smile. "It took longer than I expected."

As the three of them climbed the stairs, Elijah added, "I See. Anyway, Someone's not in a bad mood—someone's always in a bad mood."

Adam glared at him, biting back a curse, while Alex chuckled. The contrast between the two friends was clear as day—polar opposites in almost every way, yet as close as brothers. Despite Adam's constant glares and jabs, Elijah was one of the few people allowed in his personal space.

"Come on, Adam," Alex pressed. "I know you hate clubs, but this one's not so bad. The drinks here are top-notch."

"Exactly," Elijah chimed in. "This is one of the best clubs in the city. All the hottest women come here. Who knows? Maybe you'll find someone tonight—blink once, and boom! She'll fall right into your arms."

Adam opened his mouth to retort, but before he could speak, a dark blur entered his peripheral vision. Acting on instinct, he shifted and extended his arms, ready to catch whatever—or whoever—was falling toward him.

The three men fell silent, processing what had just happened and gazing at the woman who had fallen into their midst.

Adam was the most shocked of the three. He stood frozen, captivated by the beauty of the lady in his arms. She wore a tailored black blazer, the sharp lines of its cut softened by a cascade of crystal embellishments adorning the shoulders, catching the light like a thousand tiny stars.

Beneath the jacket, a structured black crop top revealed a hint of skin, its sweetheart neckline emphasizing both elegance and allure. The ensemble was completed with a sleek black mini skirt that hugged her form, and a pair of iconic black stiletto heels, the kind that whispered elegance and confidence.

The thin, towering 120mm heels were unapologetically bold, designed to elongate the legs and demand attention. The signature red sole beneath them added a touch of rebellion to their polished exterior, marking them unmistakably as the coveted "So Kate" by Christian Louboutin.

In his 30 years, Adam had attended countless parties, celebrations, and meetings, but he'd never encountered such beauty. In a single glance, he could tell it was all natural—no surgeries or enhancements.

However, it didn't take long for him to recognize who she was—or more accurately, who she was to him. As the heir to the country's top corporation, Adam's memory was impeccable; he remembered everything he saw or read. When he'd come across her photo before, it made sense why that woman felt jealous of her—her beauty was so striking that any woman would feel inferior. But the photo didn't do her justice.

In person, she was even more stunning. Adam stood in stunned silence, wondering how it was even possible for someone like him, out of everyone in the world, to run into this woman again.

Her hair was a wild masterpiece of cascading curls, voluminous and untamed, yet somehow exuding an effortless elegance. The thick, dark locks framed her face in a halo of texture, each curl a spring-like coil that seemed to have a life of its own. The strands shimmered under the light, their rich, dark chocolate hue catching hints of warmth. It was hair that spoke of power and allure, a bold crown.

Elijah was the first to break the silence. He burst out laughing. "Man, I never thought my words would come true. Can't believe there are still women who use these tactics to seduce a man."

Adam's brow furrowed at Elijah's comment. He had initially thought this girl was decent, even feeling sympathy for what had happened to her and what he had done. But now, seeing her in this situation, using cheap tricks to seduce men like him, he felt repulsed. The disgust deepened when he remembered how he had admired her beauty earlier. He cleared his throat, his voice harsh as he spoke, "I'll give you one minute to move, or I'm throwing you to the ground."

Elijah raised an eyebrow and chuckled. He couldn't believe his friend would just cast aside such a beautiful woman. Yes, she might have used some questionable tactics, but she was still one of the most stunning women he'd ever seen—the most beautiful, in fact. He was also taken aback by her appearance, but he couldn't understand why she would resort to these methods, considering she could easily have any man she wanted. Well, except for Adam, of course—his friend seemed like the type who wouldn't fall for such charms. But Elijah thought, why not have some fun with her for the night and then toss her aside?

Still, he said nothing, content to watch as the scene unfolded. It wasn't every day his friend found himself in such a situation, and Elijah was determined to savor the moment.

As Adam's impatience grew and he prepared to throw her to the ground, she still hadn't moved. But just as he was about to act, Alex finally spoke up, "Stop." He quickly stepped forward and placed his hand on her pulse point.

Adam glanced at him, puzzled, but remained in place, holding the girl firmly.

Alex's face turned serious as he looked at Adam, his voice tinged with concern. "Her pulse is weak."

Both Adam and Elijah froze at his words. "What?" Adam asked.

"This girl is really unconscious," Alex confirmed.

A heavy silence fell over them as the gravity of the situation sank in.