hapter 33
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Ellie emerged from the third–floor bathroom and spotted Alex leaning against the hallway wall. His tall, lean figure was highlighted by the corridor lights, his dirty–blonde hair catching the light in a way that made him stand out like a pop star.
She scanned her surroundings and realized she had no choice but to walk past him. With a resigned sigh, she lifted her dress and hurried forward, keeping her gaze fixed on the floor.
As she approached, Alex’s long leg suddenly stretched out, blocking her path. She looked up and met his cryptic gaze
He had a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and his expression was far from friendly. “First time getting lost in this joint Take me to Room 7203,” he said, his voice tinged with a hint of contempt.
Ellie paused for a moment, taking in the strong scent of alcohol and faint tobacco wafting from him. He’d clearly had a few drinks. But she wasn’t about to play along. “I’m not a waitress here,” she said, lifting her dress and walking away.
Just a singer. Do you think that’s better than a waitress? Alex’s harsh voice followed her.
Ellie clenched the hem of her dress, her steps quickening. She didn’t want to argue with him; she knew she’d never win. In his eyes, anyone who was poor, whether a singer or a server, wasn’t worth much.
She focused on her work, determined not to let his words affect her. During her break, Whitney had told her that someone had given her a generous tip, saying they loved her singing. That encouragement gave her the motivation to keep going.
At midnight, the bar’s music switched from a soothing rhythm to a lively beat as Ellie finished her shift
As she headed to the dressing room, a young man with a flashy look rushed up, holding a bouquet of flowers. “Hey, Ellie, I’m a huge fan. Can we connect on Instagram?” He seemed like a typical rich kid, and he pushed the flowers into her hands.
Ellie tried to decline, “Sorry, but we’re not allowed to exchange personal info with customers.”
She handed the flowers back, but he suddenly hugged her.
Startled, she let out a scream. She’d never been in such a situation and was momentarily frozen, struggling to break free.
Security quickly intervened, pulling the man away. Ellie’s face drained of color as she dropped the flowers and tried to compose herself.
The man broke free from the guards and approached her again, causing her to step back nervously, nearly tripping over her dress.
A crowd had gathered, drawn by the commotion. Such incidents were common in bars, but not in this one.
Whitney stepped in, her gaze calm yet firm. “Trevor, you know the rules here,” she said.
Trevor, only briefly embarrassed, pulled out a credit card. “Whitney, I really like her. Just name your price, and I’ll take care of her,” he said confidently.
Whitney smiled faintly with a soft but firm tone, “Trevor, I think you should reconsider. I doubt you can afford what I’d charge.”
“In Jaslands, there’s no price I can’t pay,” Trevor boasted, glancing at two nearby patrons. “If you don’t believe me, ask Mr. Warren and Mr. Mosley
15.03 Sat, Jan 25 OG.
Chapter 33
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Layton, who had been observing, stepped in. “Trevor, you’ve had too much to drink. Let me take you home,” he said, trying to defuse the situation.
Ellie could sense the heat of Alex’s anger from across the room. She backed up against the wall, her eyes fixed on the floor, 100 intimidated to look at him.
Trevor pushed past Layton, pointing at Ellie. “No way, I’m taking this girl with me. I’ve had my eye on her since last time. and I can’t stop thinking about her. It’s driving me nuts.”
Alex’s eyes narrowed, a faint, cold smile spreading across his face. “What does that mean?”
Trevor grinned at him, his smile sleazy. “Well, you know what I mean. I want her.”
Alex’s expression turned hard in an instant. He threw a punch at Trevor and shouted, “Let me help you get over it.”
Trevor barely had time to react before Alex kicked him across the room. The crowd gasped and scattered as Alex grabbed Trevor by the collar, lifting him like a ragdoll.
Trevor crashed into the makeup table in the dressing room, breaking the mirror and scattering cosmetics everywhere. He fell to the floor, writhing in pain.
“Alex, Layton said urgently, stepping in as Alex’s eyes blazed with fury. “He’s going to get seriously hurt if you keep this up.” “I’m going to finish him off, Alex growled, pushing past Layton and storming into the dressing room.
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