Chapter 28

Neon lights pulsed through Nightfall Lounge as deafening heavy metal music shook the walls.

Vivian Laurent entered with her team to find every seat occupied. The secret to her establishment's success lay in its exclusive craft cocktails.

"Viv, we have to celebrate properly tonight!" Aileen pulled her into a plush booth.

Crystal glasses glimmered under the mood lighting as servers delivered drinks.

"A toast to Viv's latest acquisition!"

The clinking of glasses echoed as Vivian downed her cocktail. Alcohol quickly loosened the atmosphere.

Emily suddenly slammed the table. "Just drinking is boring. Let's play a game!"

"What kind?"

"Truth or Dare!" She spun an empty bottle. "Whoever loses takes the punishment—no exceptions!"

The group cheered, all eyes turning to Lucas Lefèvre.

Lucas smirked. "I'm game."

Finally everyone stared at Vivian.

"I'll sit this one out," she waved dismissively.

"No way!" Emily grabbed her arm. "This party's for you!"

Several rounds passed with Vivian miraculously avoiding the bottle. Emily kept getting targeted instead, stomping in frustration.

"I'm switching seats with Viv!" Emily declared. "This spot's cursed!"

Vivian reluctantly changed places. The bottle spun—and landed directly on her.

"Truth or Dare, Viv?"

......

Two tall figures entered through the lounge's entrance.

"Sorry Ethan, all the private rooms are taken." Felix Valdemar pointed to a distant booth. "Only that section's available."

Ethan Roscente's gaze sharpened. That slender silhouette looked hauntingly familiar.

Beside her, a handsome man leaned in to whisper something. Ethan's pupils contracted—wasn't that the man from the Valrose estate?

"Ethan?" Felix followed his line of sight.

Ethan was already striding toward the booth.

Vivian sat surrounded by cheering friends.

"Choose already!"

"Truth then," Vivian said with a coy smile.

Emily's eyes sparkled. "My question is—was the sex good with your ex?"

Ethan froze mid-step.

"It wasn't." Vivian's voice rang clear. "He was terrible in bed."

Ethan: "......"

Standing mere feet away, his face darkened like a thundercloud.