“What are you doing here? This is the VIP restroom,” Mrs. Blair asked, looking down at Callie with an air of superiority, though her eyes were full of suspicion.
“… Because I am also a VIP,” Callie replied calmly, clearing her throat.
“You too?” They exchanged glances, clearly not believing her, their disdain almost palpable. “Show me your card.”
Caught in a dilemma, Callie knew she was outnumbered and could only take out her card from her bag.
The woman behind Mrs. Blair snatched the card and compared it with her own, concluding, “It’s real.”
“Did you get it yourself?”
This question struck at Callie’s pride. She responded smoothly, “Of course not, a man got it for me.”
Would they ask who the man was?
“Who is your man?”
Callie’s mind raced. After a few seconds of silence, she answered, “You all know that in this circle, we can’t casually reveal a man’s identity. Please understand.”
They were skeptical but accepted this explanation for now.
“Mrs. Blair, she must be some mistress kept by someone important.”
Mrs. Blair started fiddling with her hair, her vigilance easing. “Got it, you can go.”
Callie turned and left quickly, afraid they might stop her again.
If they accepted this explanation so easily, they must have also climbed up through similar means.
On the way back to Paucaster Villa Complex, Callie’s mind was occupied with Mrs. Blair’s words.
Vankey was the group Nelson was planning to acquire. Could Mrs. Blair’s words be related to this matter?
It was already dark when Callie hurried into Paucaster Villa Complex. She didn’t see any cars in the yard. “Mr. Oconnor hasn’t returned yet?”
The servant saw her anxiousness and said, “Mr. Oconnor called and said he has a social engagement tonight and won’t be coming back.”
“Did he say where?”
“No.”
Callie took a deep breath and paced around the house anxiously. She decided to call Nelson. The phone rang for a while but no one answered. When she called again, it was hung up.
Was he in a meeting? Callie felt uneasy and grabbed her bag to leave.
“Sir, Club Paradise,” Callie instructed the driver.
Based on previous instances, he likely wouldn’t discuss important matters on his own turf. There was only one place left: Club Paradise.
As the neon lights lit up, people flocked to the entrance of the nightclub, as lively as ever.
This time, Callie was stopped again and asked who she was looking for.
Callie hesitated; she couldn’t say Mr. Wilcox this time. “… I’m looking for Bridger! Mr. Kaiser,” she said quickly.
The attendant asked, “Do you have an appointment?”
“It’s urgent! Do you have time to ask for an appointment? If something goes wrong, will you take responsibility?” Callie shouted boldly.
The attendant exchanged glances with a colleague, looking hesitant.
One of them then went inside and found a familiar figure in the crowd, whispering something to him.
Soon after, Bridger’s searching gaze met Callie’s excited wave of hand, which seemed to say, “It’s me.”
Bridger smiled roguishly and apologized to his boss before striding to the entrance. “Miss Marsh, what brings you here?”
Callie looked past him. “Is Nelson here tonight?”
Bridger signaled her to follow him inside. Amidst the noise, they stood in a corner.
“What do you need Nelson for?”
Callie frowned. “You haven’t answered if he’s here.”
Bridger’s smile widened as he scrutinized her face. “Even if he is, I can’t let you barge in.”