The atmosphere inside the private booth was unexplainably tense. Brett's handsome fingers were gently caressing a card, his face sporting an unreadable expression, that left everyone guessing his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Orlena stood defiantly at the door, her eyes brimming with tears. She looked pitiful, just like a little puppy.
Slowly, Brett rose from his seat and began to walk towards the door. Ms. Olea seemed to sense something and called out to him, "Brett!"
But Brett seemed oblivious. He continued to stride towards the door, his voice gentle and warm, "Why did you follow me here?"
Orlena just stood there, looking at him. And at everyone else in the room. And at Ms. Olea. Finally, she managed to squeeze out a sentence, "I forgot to get your autograph!"
It was an obvious lie. Everyone in the room could see that, but nobody dared to call her out, because Brett's feelings for this young girl were clearly different.
Brett smiled slowly, then turned to Ms. Olea, "Ms. Olea, this is your fault! Quickly sign something for her, so she can go home and complete her mission."
Ms. Olea was a master of social etiquette. She immediately opened her handbag, took out a fragrant picture of herself, signed it, and then walked over to Orlena, joking, "Brett is right, it was my fault!"
Orlena softly thanked her. She refused to look at Brett again, but he kept his gaze on her.
When she said goodbye, Brett arranged for someone to send her home.
"No need!" She shook her head, "I drove here."
Without saying anything more, Brett reached out, as if he wanted to touch her hair, but finally put his hand down, and smiled faintly, "Drive safely."
She nodded, turned around and left.
From beginning to end, there wasn't a single word of blame or resentment between them. Because such words are meant for lovers, and she and Brett, were nothing. Even her feelings for him were not allowed.
The luxurious brass doors slowly closed. He was inside, surrounded by luxury and beautiful women.
And she was on her own, her shadow stretching long under the crystal chandelier in the corridor.
......
The room became lively again.
Ms. Olea was still nestled next to Brett, serving him with the same tender affection, while Mr. Moreno joked, "We should've kept the girl here. Brett, she's your exclusive little tail. How could you let her go?"
Brett made a few casual jokes, but he felt a restlessness that shouldn't have been there.
"I'm done playing!" In the end, he pushed the cards away, ending the social gathering.
The room fell silent.
After a while, Ms. Olea managed to smile, speaking softly, "Are you feeling unwell? Come with me. I'll help you relax. You're always so busy..."
Mr. Moreno quickly agreed, "Yes, let Ms. Olea take care of you."
Brett didn't want to embarrass her. He didn't care either way.
……
Ms. Olea's private residence was very elegant, and she had instructed the servants to light a lamp in the bedroom in anticipation of Brett's arrival. Brett used to love this atmosphere.
He leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes and enjoying Ms. Olea's affection.
Ms. Olea was leaning against him, singing softly, her slim waist tightly wrapped in a dress, and her soft breasts on full display, making her incredibly tempting.
Brett listened for a while, but the more he listened, the more irritable he became, and he opened his eyes.
Ms. Olea was lying next to his legs, pleading softly, "Stay with me tonight, please?"
Any man would find it hard to resist such a tempting woman, but all Brett could think of was a certain young girl, who was on the verge of tears but still trying to act like she didn't care.
He gently pushed Ms. Olea away, started to put on his shoes, and casually said, "I have a ton of work to do tomorrow. I don't think I can..."
Ms. Olea was not happy. He was clearly just making excuses.
Brett pinched her face, soothing her with a gentle, "I'm really busy!"
Ms. Olea stomped her foot angrily, but didn't dare to lash out.
Brett walked out of the private residence, where Donny was already waiting for him by the car. Donny was quite surprised, "You're not staying with Ms. Olea?"
Brett got into the car without answering. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Do you think she'll be mad at me?"
Donny was taken aback. Then he realized who Brett was talking about, and laughed along, "She's just a kid; she'll forget about it in a few days."
Brett smiled faintly. Yeah, how long could a young girl's crush last?
He closed his eyes and ordered softly, "Drive to Horigan Mansion."
......
It was late at night.
Parker had just laid down when a servant knocked on the door, saying that Brett's car was outside.
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