Humphrey was well aware that Rhea was the cause of Darin’s daily gloom. His suggestion of hiring a stripper was an attempt to lift his friend’s spirits.
“No, let’s just continue drinking. Darin lifted his glass, and the two clinked their drinks together.
His mind went back to a moment when Rhea had taunted him at a temple, and he felt his mood sink further.
Darin glanced at Nancy, considering whether to engage her in conversation. But Humphrey gestured for him to let her be.
“I need sfresh air,” announced Nancy, standing up to leave the private room.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtOut in the hall, amidst the crowd, she spotted a familiar face, Rhea.
Beside her stood a man who, Nancy could tell, wasn’t wealthy.
Nancy moved a bit closer.
The man accompanying Rhea inquired softly, “Would you like another drink?”
Rhea, already tipsy from her earlier rounds, beamed as she pinched the man’s cheek.
Pulling out a card from her purse, she placed it on the table.
“Your face is smooth, and let’s not forget that body. Starting today, you’re my pet. Show up whenever I summon you, got it?”
Angela’s Library
Rhea pulled on the man’s tie, drawing him closer to her.
Grinning, the man glanced at the card and responded, “I’ll be there whenever you call.”
Nancy furrowed her brow, contemplating the situation. Could this man be Rhea’s gigolo? He was undeniably good-looking, but there was something less than masculine about him.
Rhea, noticing Nancy’s proximity, pointed at her.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Nancy? Are you spying on me? You bitch!”
Ignoring the insult, Nancy picked up her glass of wine and approached them, her expression solemn.
“So, you’ve got a gigolo?”
Undeterred, Rhea raised her glass and slammed it onto the stage.
“What’s wrong with having a gigolo? He’s far more convenient than a disabled man I have to look after. He does as I say for the right price. And when I’m bored with him, I can simply move on. It’s not like I can win over the man I really want.”
Rhea broke into sudden, intoxicated laughter.
“I know why you’re unhappy. You were bested by Millie. As the lead designer of the Thomas Group, you lost to an unknown designer like Millie. She’s definitely better than you. Her Sky Heart design? Miles ahead of anything you’ve ever created. You’re left with nothing. How does that feel, huh?”
Her loud words caught the attention of bystanders.