Lucas' eyes darkened momentarily, then he said, "I'll have someone. take you home."

Sophia nodded. "Alright."

The driver arrived quickly, and after ensuring Sophia was in the car, Lucas took out his phone and made a call.

"Find a time to catch Selena."

After finishing their steaks, Aveline and Selena wandered around the night market, their moods significantly lifted. Aveline linked arms with Selena and sighed. "Selena, maybe you should go abroad."

Selena shook her head. "No way, I'm staying here to keep you company and protect you from that jerk."

Aveline joked, "Maybe I should marry you instead."

Selena laughed. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Aveline smiled.

"Fancy seeing you here."

A playful voice interrupted them. They turned to see Russell, with his signature blue hair, smiling as he approached.

Aveline was surprised. "Mr. Skyler, you're here too?"

Russell replied, "I'm a regular here. The pasta over there is great. Mention my name and you'll get a discount."

Aveline teased, "Really? I might just check that out."

Russell grinned mischievously. "Not just the pasta shop. The dessert place and the barbecue wing spot too. Just drop my name." Aveline didn't actually go but said, "Wow, Mr. Skyler, you have quite the connections. I guess I'll save a lot on food here."

Selena added, "Looks like I can benefit from knowing you too, Mr. Skyler,"

Russell laughed. "Want to head to my place?"

He meant his bar.

Selena's eyes lit up. "Is there something new?"

Russell said, "You'll see when we get there."

Selena looked at Aveline eagerly. "Let's go! I want to see the new show!"

Aveline nodded, "Alright, let's go!"

The group left the night market and got into a car, heading towards the bar.

The bar was already bustling with people, colorful lights flashing, and the DJ on stage noticed Russell immediately and stepped aside for him.

Russell looked at the bar manager and signaled, "Get them some nice drinks that won't get them drunk."

The manager quickly nodded. "Yes, boss."

Aveline's eyes lit up. "So, you're the owner here? Does this mean I've got an inside connection now?"

Russell grin

Absolutely. And not just an inside connection; you

can get as close as you want."

713

Selena teased, "Oh, really now."

Aveline shot her a glance, then tumed back to Russell. "I can't do that. If your girlfriend finds out, she'll eat me alive." Russell's smile faded slightly, and his charming face med serious. "I don't have a girlfriend, so don't spread rumors." Selena gave a knowing look

Aveline changed the subject. "What's the new soon?

Russell gave her a deep look and said, "Tonight, I'll be dancing on stage"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"Wow!"

Selena covered her mouth. "I've heard you're an amazing dancer, and now I finally get to see it."

Russell added, "But I need a dance partner. No partner, no dance."

As he spoke, he fixed his gaze on Aveline.

Aveline felt a bit helpless. She was married, after all! If she were single, she would have agreed.

Selena nudged her. "Ave, I remember you can dance. Be Russell's dance partner, please! I'll do anything you want if you let me see him dance!"