Chapter 164. Moral Dilemma

Claire sits in the VIP section, savoring her drink while a vague hip-hop music forms the background of the serene ambiance. The persistent bartender hovers nearby, as he has done every night for the past five years, attempting to catch her attention.

"This has gotten old. Really old," she giggles to herself, her thoughts directed at the bartender's futile attempts to get her attention. She doesn't even bother sparing him a second glance since her purpose for being here tonight far outweighs any trivial interactions with the staff.

After about five minutes, her cocktail halved and she signals for another. The bartender hesitantly departs to fulfill her request, duty-bound. And just as he walks away, Claire senses the familiar aura of the man she has been waiting for, her anticipation reaching its peak after over an hour of waiting.

She almost hears his approaching footsteps, each thud echoing through the air with a grace that matches his presence