CHAPTER 138: CHAPTER 138: THE TRUTH SHE SAW

Mardale, the most exclusive private club, nicknamed "Mandoria."

In Mandoria, money alone is useless!

You need to be a super member of status, holding that thin gold card, to step into this den of luxury.

Security?

It’s naturally impeccable.

Vivi Sterling didn’t know what got into her today, insisting on dragging Zane Zimmerman to "Mandoria" for a look.

Zane, worn out by her persistence, brought her in with a sullen face.

As soon as they stepped into the luxurious private room brimming with atmosphere, the lights were ambiguous, and the music was sultry.

Zane’s trace of impatience was instantly replaced by another kind of heat, and with a stretch of his long arm, he pinned Vivi Sterling down on the soft sofa, raining hot kisses upon her.

Vivi Sterling symbolically resisted twice, but she was no match for this hungry wolf.

She could only let him have his way.

This man’s stamina is simply inhuman; she really worried he might literally die from exhaustion one day.

After the intense encounter was finally over, Vivi Sterling, with weak legs, found an excuse to slip out for some fresh air.

Just as she reached the corner, an all-too-familiar figure caught her eye.

Aiden Fordham!

A stunningly alluring beauty was tucked in his arm, her figure captivating and her aura absolutely top-notch.

Compared to Corinne Kensington, who could only be loud and flashy, she was a world apart.

Born with seductive allure, her tall figure wrapped in a well-tailored gown revealed every curve.

The most deadly were those eyes, seductive yet mingled with a hint of chilling hostility.

The two walked into the room 888 at the end of the corridor, and as the door clicked shut, they never came out again.

Around eight in the evening, Stella Grant arrived at the entrance of "Mandoria."

Vivi Sterling was already waiting there, waving the gold membership card in her hand with a mischievous grin.

The two entered the club interior unobstructed.

In the corridor, waitstaff wore sexy modified short cheongsams, sporting red masks and rabbit ears, nimbly weaving between private rooms delivering drinks.

A rotating sign hung on every door handle of the private rooms.

Red means "Do Not Disturb."

Green means "Feel Free to Knock."

This sign is controlled from inside the private rooms.

Vivi Sterling remembered earlier, as soon as she entered the private room, Zane eagerly flipped the sign to red and then "ravished" her.

At this moment, the door handle of room 888 prominently displayed the glaring red sign.

Vivi Sterling leaned towards Stella Grant, quickly explaining a few words in a low voice, then pointed her chin toward room 888 at the end of the corridor.

"See that? The one with the red sign, things are intense in there."

As soon as she finished speaking, the sign on room 888’s door suddenly flipped from red to green with a snap.

Vivi Sterling’s eyes lit up, and she slapped her thigh.

"Oh! Are they done? This is the moment!"

She grabbed Stella Grant, "Quick, quick, quick, I’ve got the outfit prepared for you, change and go see!"

Vivi Sterling had already prepared a server’s outfit for Stella Grant, even including a mask to conceal her face.

The drinks ordered by room 888 were right on the tray beside them.

This series of actions happened in a flash, and before Stella Grant even recovered from the shock, Vivi Sterling had pushed her right to the door of room 888.

"Go on, I’ll be over there. Call me if you need anything!" Vivi Sterling encouraged her, swiftly ducking back into the corner.

Stella Grant stood at the doorstep of room 888, her heart pounding.

Go in, or not?

This was a life-and-death decision.

Just as she was hesitating, torn by inner conflict, the door suddenly opened a crack from inside.

An effeminate, sultry female voice spoke up.

"Is the wine here?"

Stella Grant’s scalp tingled, and at this moment, retreat was no longer an option, so she steadied her nerves, holding the drink tray, and stepped inside.

The lighting inside was dim and hazy, filled with smoke.

Three men and a woman.

Aiden Fordham sat in the main seat, expression indifferent, a cigar unlit between his fingers.

Beside him, cuddled up, was an extremely sexy and provocative woman, precisely the "stunning beauty" Vivi Sterling had mentioned earlier.

And next to Aiden Fordham sat Mr. West!

In Mr. West’s arms, he nonchalantly held another flamboyantly dressed man.

Stella Grant was incredibly shaken.

Hadn’t they just clashed violently the previous night? Aiden Fordham had even fought with Mr. West to "save" her.

Could this be... a negotiation today?

Mr. West gestured to the empty wine glasses on the table with the cigar in his hand, his voice carrying a playful edge.

"Pour the wine."

Stella Grant lowered her gaze, trying to merely appear as an ordinary server.

She carried the tray over, picked up the wine bottle, and began pouring carefully.

One glass, two glasses... each of the four cups filled with amber liquid.

At this moment, she was standing directly in front of Aiden Fordham.

She could clearly feel a cold, sharp gaze piercing through her, carrying scrutiny and inquiry.

It was Aiden Fordham.

That gaze was like the stare of death.

At this moment, the sultry woman beside Aiden Fordham picked up a freshly poured glass of wine, leaned over, and sat directly in Aiden Fordham’s lap.

Her arms snaked around his neck, her red lips moved close to his ear, her voice so coy it could make one’s bones tingle.

"President Fordham, you can’t go back on your word. You personally promised my brother you’d accompany me in Mardale for three months. Why did it take so long for you to finally come and get me?"

The woman’s voice had a hint of both complaint and coquetry.

Stella Grant’s hand, which was holding the bottle, trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Accompany her for three months?

Her heart felt as if it had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand, sinking instantly to the bottom.

Aiden Fordham’s voice was calm, void of any emotion.

"I never said I wouldn’t accompany you."

Yes, he had agreed.

He actually agreed!

The woman, hearing this, laughed so hard she nearly shook with joy, offering the glass of wine to Aiden Fordham’s lips, her eyes misty, her breath fragrant.

"So, don’t go back tonight, okay?"

Such blatant seduction, completely unmasked.

Aiden Fordham didn’t even lift his eyelids, refused to drink the wine she offered, and instead slightly furrowed his brow, pushing her off his lap.

"Sit over there, you’re heavy."

His tone was calm, yet carried a dismissive aloofness, giving the woman no face at all.

Mr. West hastily tried to smooth things over.

"Nora, be good, sit properly, don’t bother President Fordham, relationships take time to develop."

Then, he turned to Aiden Fordham, a smile plastered on his face, though the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

"President Fordham, you were a bit too rough that night, weren’t you? If I hadn’t dodged in time, my life could have been at stake. Must you catch only me for this hero saving beauty act?"

Stella Grant, who was silently tidying the table, paused abruptly at these words.

So it turns out... everything that happened that night was just a meticulously staged play?

He had arranged the real Mr. West for this show just to have her dislike Mr. West, allowing him to step in as a hero.

Aiden Fordham slowly put down his cigar, his tone flat and unperturbed.

"Didn’t all the money get transferred? Is Mr. West dissatisfied with the amount?"

Mr. West immediately waved his hand, his smile now appearing more "genuine."

"No, no, no, President Fordham is so generous, how could I possibly be dissatisfied? Money is indeed the most wonderful thing in the world, hahaha!"

He changed the subject, continuing pointedly.

"However, President Fordham, it’s the first time our Nora has liked a man, please don’t let her down."

Aiden Fordham was sparing with words, only responding with two.

"Of course."

Stella Grant’s eyes darkened a shade deeper instantly.

Her heart felt clogged, making it hard to breathe.

She packed away the last empty wine glass, preparing to leave this suffocating place.

Suddenly, she heard the woman say again, "President Fordham, I heard you acquired a large pink diamond, I’d love to see it!"

The woman nudged his shoulder as if acting spoiled.

Aiden Fordham paused, "The pink diamond already has an owner, if you want one, I’ll order another."

He said it casually, as if the billions involved were insignificant.

"I knew you were the best to me." The woman beamed with pleasure, rubbing her face against his arm.

Stella Grant couldn’t take it any longer, preparing to leave.

Suddenly, her wrist was gripped tightly!

Unbeknownst to her, Mr. West had already come up behind her and pulled her into his arms!

"Ah!" Stella Grant cried out in fear.

Mr. West’s strong arms clamped tightly around her waist, binding her to his chest, his tone was teasing.

"Oh, since when did this club have such a hottie?"

He lowered his head, inhaling deeply between her fragrant strands of hair, sighing in satisfaction.

Aiden Fordham glanced this way coldly, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

"When did Mr. West start showing interest in women?"

Mr. West hugged Stella Grant, laughing heartily, his hand inappropriately squeezing her waist.

"My taste’s gotten a bit odd lately, and I just fancy this now. Tonight, let’s see if she’s the real deal or just a tease!"

Stella Grant was frozen, filled with fear and surprise.

She wanted to shout, to struggle, but knowing Aiden Fordham was right there, she dared not make a sound.

She could only bite her lip tightly, forcing herself to stay calm.

The woman called Nora, seeing this, giggled and clung to Aiden Fordham again.

"President Fordham, the night is short, why don’t we find someplace else to have fun? Let’s not disturb my brother’s enjoyment."

Aiden Fordham cast a faint glance at the woman being restrained by Mr. West, his eyes deep and unreadable.

He stood up, ready to leave.

The man who had been silent beside Mr. West also stood up tactfully, following towards the door.

The door to the private room closed.

Stella Grant’s heart sank, just as Mr. West was about to kiss her, she twisted the ring on her finger, giving a light wave!

Aiden Fordham and Zeno West had just reached the door when two bodyguards shouted, "Mr. West is under attack, seal the premises, no one is to enter or exit. Search!"

"Brother." Zeno exclaimed, rushing towards the private room.