Five minutes later, the car stopped opposite a brightly lit garden, bustling with cars and filled with the scents of perfume and alcohol.
Darnell turned off the engine, then moved to the back seat, placing his hand on Areli’s head.
Areli, who had been asleep throughout the journey, instinctively woke up at Darnell’s touch. “What’s wrong?”
“We’re here,” Darnell said softly. “You were sleeping deeply.”
Areli looked across and saw it was indeed the venue for the party. She sighed softly, “I guess I’ve been too tired these past few days.”
Then she asked, “Was everything okay on the way? I felt like you were arguing with someone and setting off firecrackers.”
“No,” Darnell chuckled. “You must have been dreaming.”
He then firmly grasped Areli’s shoulder. “Let me give you a massage. You’re too exhausted.”
Areli murmured, “No need.”
“Don’t move!” Darnell commanded with authority, leaving Areli no room to resist. “You must have it.”
Feeling Darnell’s imposing presence, Areli didn’t resist. Instead, she became as docile as a kitten, allowing him to proceed.
Darnell’s fingers began to move skillfully and with just the right pressure, instantly relaxing Areli.
Being massaged like this made her feel a bit embarrassed, and her blushing cheeks revealed her shyness.
Especially when Darnell’s arm brushed against her chest inadvertently, an indescribable sensation spread through her body.
To make it more comfortable, Darnell sat directly on Areli’s legs.
This made Areli’s face even redder. She bit her lip hard, trying not to make any sound.
Yet, the pleasure from those large hands made her want to cry out.
“Does it feel good?” Darnell asked with a mischievous grin as his fingers began to gently poke at Areli.
“Mm!” Areli couldn’t help but let out a soft moan as the poking felt like an electric shock, tingling and numbing her senses.
Two minutes later, Darnell released Areli’s head, opened the car door, and slowly got off her legs. With a bright smile, he said, “How do you feel? You can handle them tonight with ease. Just remember to give me a raise.”
Areli took out a makeup mirror and glanced at herself. She indeed looked refreshed and energetic. Holding her handbag, she stepped out of the car but not before tapping Darnell on the head.
“Money, money, money-it’s all you think about. Can’t you be more ambitious?”
Darnell replied earnestly, “I can’t.”
“Enough talk. Let’s go. The party is about to start.”
Areli walked ahead with light steps, a small smile playing on her lips.
Darnell followed Areli into the garden.
The security guards at the entrance brightened up upon seeing Areli and showed signs of admiration.
As they entered the garden, Darnell’s view expanded. Dozens of people gathered in groups-men in suits and women adorned in jewels. He immediately smelled a mix of red wine, flowers, cosmetics, and perfume.
It was a scene of extravagance and splendor with music gently filling every corner-a dream for many.
The garden was well-arranged with several round tables providing ample space for guests. In the center was a temporary stage set up for an auction.
To the left of the stage was a dance floor for guests. To the right was a buffet area with several chairs.
“So many people,” Darnell observed as he scanned the crowd for any potential threats.
Once he confirmed there was no danger, his gaze shifted to the buffet area. “The food seems good too. I haven’t had dinner yet. Miss Fanshaw, shall we grab something to eat?”
“I’ve already eaten,” Areli replied with a glance at Darnell before humming softly. “Go if you want to. Just don’t embarrass yourself.”
Areli exuded elegance and charm under the lavish lights as she teased Darnell playfully, “Tonight wasn’t wasted coming here, right? Look around-it’s full of beautiful women. Lucky you! But keep yourself in check.”
“If you provoke some heiress into a tantrum, I won’t be able to save you.”
Just then, sharp high-heeled footsteps echoed from some distance away, drawing attention.
Darnell and Areli looked over.
A figure dressed in fiery red caught Darnell’s eye-a woman in a low-cut red dress revealing ample skin and cleavage that was both striking and provocative.
Her lips were painted bright red-a color that pierced through vision yet stirred men’s sexual desires even more.
It was Lisa.
As Darnell watched his adversary approach confidently with six others in tow-heading straight towards him-it was clear she had recognized him.
They were impeccably dressed, with an aggressive air about them. One man stood out as tall and imposing-a protector closely shadowing Lisa like some affluent handsome guardian.
The path wasn’t wide enough. One side would have to yield for passage.
Sensing their hostility, Darnell glanced up briefly before curling his lips into an icy smile. This party wouldn’t be peaceful after all…
Blocking his way alongside six companions, Lisa bore disdainful eyes filled with provocation. Among them, Shawn’s gaze was particularly venomous.
During the last University of Whiteville anniversary celebration, he had suffered humiliating defeats in both basketball and singing against Darnell. Since then, he had been unable to hold his head high at the university, even giving up basketball altogether…
“Move aside!”
Before Areli could grasp what was happening, Lisa haughtily commanded, “I never yield my way for fools!”
Darnell chuckled lightly, “I’m quite different-I love giving way to fools.”
He pulled Areli along around them without further ado-
Lisa paused momentarily before realizing what transpired. She furiously shouted, “Darnell! Stop right there!”
“Who exactly are you calling a fool?”
Ignoring Lisa entirely, Darnell let go of Areli so she could mingle while he grabbed a plate and began to sample the offerings at the buffet.
Seeing how little regard he gave her, Lisa shouted again angrily, “Darnell! How dare you insult me?! I’ll have someone throw you out!”
Her entourage glared menacingly at him while Shawn seized the opportunity to humiliate him further.
Darnell sipped his wine leisurely without caring about Lisa’s yelling.
The tall man next to Lisa was fuming, feeling that Darnell was far too arrogant. He strode over with his entourage, his expression darkening.
“I don’t know what happened between you and Lisa, but I suggest you apologize right now,” he warned. “Otherwise, in ten minutes, you’ll regret your recklessness.”
“Splash-”
Darnell couldn’t help but spray red wine out of his mouth, exclaiming, “The wine has gone bad!”
The tall guy was caught right in the face, wine dripping down his features.