"I've been trying my best. But the universe never sides with me. I don't want to burden myself by thinking about things that will never come true. I'll just go with the flow."
That was Alesha's answer a few minutes ago—words that left Garvin speechless.
They arrived at a building bustling with upper-class guests. The place was swarming with security guards. Entrance checks were strict. Guests were only allowed in if they showed an invitation. No invitation, no entry.
Garvin stood beside Alesha. Without warning, his hand reached out and pulled her closer from the side, wrapping tightly around her waist.
"What's going on?" Alesha asked, uncomfortable with Garvin's muscular arm resting on her slim waist. She looked up at him for an explanation. "Answer me."
"Just stay quiet." Garvin scanned their surroundings.
Garvin didn't come alone. He brought over a dozen of his men. But only two bodyguards were allowed inside the building. For someone involved in illegal business, self-protection was essential. Enemies were always lurking, ready to strike.
After showing their invitation, Garvin and Alesha entered the party.
"You said you were going to sell me, but instead you brought me to a party? Are you serious?" Alesha asked.
"I'm introducing you to my business associates. If any of them are interested in you, then I'll sell you to them," Garvin replied honestly.
Alesha held back her tears with all her might. Abandoned by her lover, tangled up with the Mafia, already sold once and now about to be sold again. Was fate really this cruel to her? Come on! Don't cry, Alesha. Alesha is strong. Alesha is strong!
Garvin pulled Alesha toward a table where two men were already seated.
"Mr. Garvin. Good to see you. And who have you brought with you?" asked an older man with greying hair and a protruding belly. He looked quite interested in Alesha, who was still in Garvin's embrace.
"This beautiful woman's name is Jenifer."
Alesha frowned at Garvin's answer. No wonder he made up a name—he clearly didn't know hers. She gave a faint smile, disgusted by the lustful stares of the older men.
A slightly younger man than the first reached out his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Erlando. You're very beautiful."
Alesha shook his hand, struggling slightly as Erlando gripped her hand too tightly.
"Ahem."
With just a simple cough from Garvin, the sleazy man let go of Alesha.
"I need to meet with someone else." Garvin pulled Alesha again. Like a passing doll, he deliberately showed her off to every important guest at the party.
"I need to go to the restroom," Alesha said.
"One of my men will go with you."
Alesha nodded and walked toward the restroom, Garvin's subordinate faithfully trailing behind and standing guard at the door.
She felt suffocated. Closing her eyes, she hit her chest with her own hand. She wanted to run away—disappear into thin air. Humiliated and disgusted with herself. Alesha washed her hands over and over again until they turned red.
These hands had touched those sleazy men out there. Alesha missed Aldrich. She wanted to run to him. She'd had enough—Alesha walked out of the restroom. But the scene outside had completely changed. Chaos.
~~
DOOR!
DOOR!
Gunshots rang loudly through the building. This ambush couldn't have happened spontaneously—it had to be planned. Someone was behind it. People scattered in fear. The exits were sealed. Some ducked and hid under the tables.
"IF YOU WANT TO LIVE, HAND OVER YOUR VALUABLES!"