Chapter 3

By eight that evening, the Velvet Club was in full swing. It was Elepdon's largest entertainment venue,a gathering place for the city's wealthy and powerful,where extravagance ruled and a single bottle of wine could cost hundreds of thousands.

Lillian's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Eleanor."Now this is the Eleanor I remember!"

That night, Eleanor's figure was wrapped in a sleek red dress that traced every curve. With loose waves tumbling over her shoulders and crimson lips to match, she was a vision that drew every eye.

Once Eleanor was seated, Lillian gave her shoulder a quick squeeze. "Stay here. I'll track down some top-shelf wine."

"Alright."

Eleanor's allure was undeniable; even as she sat still beneath the lights, her presence drew the eyes of countless men in an instant.

Out of nowhere, a man with blond hair swaggered up, flashing her a greasy smile. "Hey, beautiful.Sitting alone must be boring. How about sharing a drink with me?"

Across the club, Jonny stepped inside accompanied by his younger sister, Emma Todd.

From a nearby booth, Lainey lifted her hand in greeting, her smile poised. "Jonny, Emma, over here."

Emma hurried over, her face glowing with excitement. "Lainey, I'm so happy you're back. I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too." The reply was warm, but Lainey's eyes never strayed from Jonny.

She was just about to draw him in with another gesture when Emma's voice rang out in surprise."Jonny, isn't that Eleanor over there?!"

Jonny's head turned toward the direction Emma pointed.

Under the shifting lights, a striking figure rested on a barstool, her long legs revealed beneath the hem of her skirt, elegant and mesmerizing.