Bianca called Bruno, and an attendant quickly led her to the second level of the basement, where they unlocked a sealed door.
When the door opened, Bianca was shocked by what she saw.
The room was filled with an extravagant display.
The room was thick with cigar smoke as men puffed away while dancers performed seductive routines. Bruno, with a woman by his side and his collar undone, quickly moved her aside when he saw Bianca enter.
“Miss Scott, come join us,” he called out.
Bianca clenched her fists and walked toward him. She couldn’t afford to back down now that she was here.
“Mr. Foster,” she said and halted her steps in front of him.
Bruno reached for a glass, purposefully brushing against her hand, and smirked.
Bianca, who dressed both professionally and alluringly, felt Bruno’s stare pierce through her as if he wanted to strip away her layers and reveal her true self.
Uncomfortable under his stare, Bianca quickly poured a glass of wine and handed it to him. “Mr. Foster, let me toast to you.”
Bruno took the glass, deliberately brushing it against her hand again, and smirked.
“I didn’t expect you to be even more captivating in private than in public, Miss Scott.”
Bianca forced a smile, hiding her discomfort. “Mr. Aston, I’m honored. After a few drinks, I was hoping you could do me a small favor.”
Bruno narrowed his eyes. “Bringing business into such a pleasant evening ruins the mood, don’t you think?”
“I’ve been honest with you,” Bianca replied calmly. “Surely, you wouldn’t refuse a simple request?”
But drinks weren’t her main goal. She had business to discuss. If Bruno wasn’t interested, there was no reason to stay.
Bruno observed her carefully before a sly smile appeared. “Alright, a deal. Stay with me, and I’ll consider whatever you ask.”
“So, just to be sure-if I share a few drinks with you, you’ll consider helping me?”
Bianca didn’t like guessing. She needed a clear answer.
Bruno looked at her with an intensity she hadn’t seen before. He knew she was smart and quick-witted. With a chuckle, he gestured at the table full of drinks. “If you can finish all of this, I’ll help with whatever you need.”
Bianca’s eyes swept over the bottles and her expression turned serious. That much wine could knock her out.
But she had come too far to back down. She had to get what she came for.
“It wouldn’t be much fun if I drank all this alone,” she said, lightly patting his chest. “Besides, getting too drunk might make certain things… less enjoyable.”
Her sudden flirtation caught Bruno off guard.
He swallowed hard, intrigued by her willingness to play along.
“Okay, okay,” he said with a smirk. “Since you’re being reasonable, how about we split the drinks?”
“You’re the best!” Bianca beamed. “But before we start, there’s a small favor I’d like to ask. Waiting until later might ruin the mood, don’t you think?”
Bianca’s smile stayed playful, a sharp contrast to her earlier seriousness. Her sudden charm had Bruno completely hooked, making him more willing to listen.
“Anything you need, just say the word. If it’s within my power, consider it done.”
She explained the situation with Reese’s late arrival at the recording session, which now risked being exposed.
“Mr. Aston, we handled this together. If the news gets out, it could hurt your show’s reputation too. The reporters are still interviewing the director. Reese’s time at the event and the recording barely overlapped. She arrived early but was backstage preparing for her grand finale. Maybe you could talk to the director and staff to release a ‘clarification’ to the media.”
Bruno looked into her eyes. He knew exactly what she meant by “clarification.”
After thinking it over, he realized she was right. He had approved Reese’s late arrival and even helped cover for her. If this got out, it would affect him too.
“You’re right. A clarification is necessary!” he said, pulling out his phone and making a firm call to handle the situation.
Bianca felt relieved as she watched him take action.
She reached for her phone to check the live stream and see public reactions. Before she could, Bruno finished his call and leaned back beside her, casually resting his arm around her shoulders.
The sudden contact shocked Bianca.
She quickly slipped her phone back into her pocket.
“I’ve done everything for you. Can you drink with me now?”
Bruno’s hand slid across Bianca’s back.
She kept her smile intact, gently taking his hand and placing it on the table with a playful grin. “Mr. Aston, you first.”
Bruno grabbed a bottle of whiskey and held it out to her, chuckling. “Consider this the appetizer.”
The whiskey was strong. Bianca’s eyes darkened for a moment, but she didn’t hesitate. She poured herself a drink.
“Here’s to showing gratitude for your kindness.” She raised her glass with a hangover pill hidden in her other hand.
It wouldn’t completely prevent intoxication, but it would help keep her mind clear.
Drinking too much would be dangerous.
“Just one glass? Is that all your gratitude amounts to?” Bruno’s eyes darkened with a sharp warning.
Bianca paused for a moment before asking, “What are you trying to say?”
“I’ve helped you more than once. A single glass isn’t enough.” Bruno picked up the whiskey bottle and held it out to her. “Drink the whole bottle to show your appreciation.”
Bianca felt nervous. Even with a hangover remedy, finishing the entire bottle would leave her barely able to stand.
Bruno’s intent was clear-he wanted her drunk.
With a soft smile, Bianca pushed the bottle away. “There’s no rush. The night is long; we can take our time.”
Bruno’s smile turned cold. His eyes made her skin crawl. “Take our time? Are you really planning to drink with me all night?”
He shoved the bottle toward her again. “Bianca Scott, don’t play games with me. Drink it! Or I can break you just as easily as I can help you.”
His patience was running out. His expression darkened with threat.
Bianca observed the man in front of her.
He was already somewhat drunk. In his territory, direct confrontation wasn’t an option. She had to endure the night and find a way out later.
She pressed her lips together and picked up the whiskey bottle. As she opened it, the strong smell of alcohol made her cough.
Bruno crossed his arms and tilted his head, looking at her lustfully.
He was waiting for her to finish the glass.