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Chapter 12
Lounging back with a casual cross of his legs, Devin fixed his gaze on Joy with undisguised annoyance.
“Get off your high horse!” Not too deep into her drinks, Joy had guts that belied her stature. It was the indignity that boosted her courage. Spotting Curtis in the crowd downstairs, she stormed up. “Don’t you recognize me, your granny? Get over here and kneel in respect!”
“Are you out of your damn mind?” Devin stood up abruptly, tossing aside his whiskey glass.
Joy crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. “What’s the matter? Want to take a swing at your granny, huh? You disrespectful brat, you’d be the first to go to hell.”
“Motherfucker…” Devin’s face darkened as he advanced toward her, but Leanne stepped out from behind Joy and pulled her back to safety.
Devin halted, his anger subsiding at the sight of her.
“Leanne?”
The name Leanne was like a record scratch in the room. The raucous laughter and clinking of glasses ceased, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.
Casually holding a cigarette between his fingers, Curtis looked past Devin and fixed his eyes on Leanne.
Leanne was striking, the beauty that didn’t need makeup to turn heads. Her features bold yet delicate and formed a flawless visage together.
Her perfect complexion seemed to glisten in the soft glow of the crystal chandelier.
“My apologies. She’s a bit wild when she’s had a few. Bear with us.”
Normally, Devin would’ve already kicked out anyone giving him lip. But a quick glance at Curtis made him keep his cool. “As if I’d argue with a fool.” he murmured.
Joy opened her mouth to retort, but Leanne pinched her, transforming the curse into a yelp of surprise.
With a sour face, Devin offered, “Since you’re here, why don’t you sit down and join us?”
Leanne glanced at Curtis.
The opulent VIP lounge was filled with the heady scent of liquor and the golden hues of a French chandelier, making the air more expensive than the bustling hall outside. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
The table had foreign spirits whose names she couldn’t pronounce, and plush leather
sofas hosted a mix of high-society men and glamorous women.
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Curtis was seated on a black leather sofa at the far end of the room, his legs crossed, his dark pants accentuating his lean figure.
Beside him sat a pretty woman.
Leanne recognized her as the one from those photos, the one in the mini skirt.
When she entered, the room’s previously carefree atmosphere turned tense.
Leanne questioned, “So, this is what’s been keeping you busy?”
He’s busy boozing and hitting on people?
Holding the cigarette, Curtis massaged his temple, and his smirk held a mischievous edge through the haze of smoke.
“Caught by you just as I started to have fun. You’re keeping tabs on me closely. What is this, a roll call?”
His tone was dismissive as if going days without answering calls or coming home was no big deal.
“Then carry on with your business”,” Leanne said, pulling Joy down to sit. “I’ll wait right
here until you’re free.”
The atmosphere in the room fell silent.
Devin sat by the side and watched in disbelief while Skyler nudged him with a foot, whispering a curse, “You absolute moron, letting them sit down with us.”
Devin grumbled, “I was just being polite. How was I supposed to know she’d take a seat?”
Leanne was quiet, true to her word, not disturbing Curtis as he continued to play. She took a seat far from him and busied herself with some snacks.
Not expecting Leanne to stay, Joy felt a bit lost at first.
But she couldn’t hold back for long and soon grabbed a handful of nuts, brandishing a bottle of expensive liquor as she vented to Leanne.
“Can you believe this extravagance? Our whole table’s worth isn’t even worth what’s at the bottom of these glasses.”
“Then drink up,” Leanne said, handing her another bottle.
After all, Curtis had money to burn. Since they were there, they might as well drink their fill. “Mr. Curtis,” The girl in the skirt cooed sweetly beside him, “why are you ignoring me?”
Curtis looked relaxed and unfocused with his gigarette in tow, his gaze indeterminate, “I’m worn out.”
“Want me to help you up to a room for a nap?”
Not privy to the nature of Leanne’s relationship with Curtis, the other girls could guess. from the exchange that she was likely his lawful wife.
But what did they have to fear if Curtis wasn’t concerned?
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