CHAPTER 6

Adrian's POV

"Young Master, should I drive you to the Morreti mansion, or do you have somewhere else in mind?"

I was about to answer when my phone buzzed. I pulled it out, barely sparing the screen a glance. "Yeah?"

"It's Josh. Are you on your way?"

I frowned. "On my way where?"

Silence. Then—

"Don't tell me you're backing out! I told you there's a gathering today—Monday, Adrian!" Josh's voice was practically a roar.

Oh. That.

"Right," I said lazily, leaning back against the seat.

Josh huffed. "So? Are you coming, or am I gonna have to hunt you down myself?"

A smirk tugged at my lips. As if he could.

"Relax," I drawled. "I'm coming."

Josh sighed in relief. "Good."

I ended the call and turned to the driver. "Take me to the bar."

"Yes, sir."

By the time we arrived, I was already bored. Without waiting for the driver, I pushed the door open and stepped out.

The security guard at the entrance barely glanced at me before stiffening. "Mr. Morreti!" His voice cracked as he scrambled out of the way.

I walked past without acknowledging him.

Inside, the atmosphere was thick with alcohol, perfume, and desperation. A hostess rushed up, her lips curling into a flirtatious smile. "Right this way, Mr. Morreti."

I followed, barely listening. Then, something caught my eye.

A girl.

She was perched at the bar in a red crop top and black mini skirt, her heels tapping lightly against the stool. But it wasn't her outfit that held my attention—it was the way she carried herself.

Confident. Composed. Untouchable.

She wasn't here to be noticed. She expected to be.

And then—she lifted her glass, her gaze subtly sweeping the room through its reflection.

My smirk deepened.

Clever.

But when her eyes finally met mine, I saw it—the flicker of recognition, the sharp tension in her posture.

She knew me.

And now, I wanted to know her.

I leaned back, swirling the whiskey in my hand, watching. Amusement flickered through me as a guy approached her. She flirted back, playing the game, but then—she dismissed him with a sharp flick of her wrist.

Feisty.

Then, another man approached.

Not just any man. A predator.

His grip on her waist tightened, his grin wide and wrong.

Disgust curled in my gut.

She looked uncomfortable.

She wasn't playing anymore.

Before I could think twice, I was already moving.

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