Neon lights cast fragmented shadows across the rain-slicked streets as night enveloped the city. Jack Cardenas stood trembling by the curb, a cigarette dangling between unsteady fingers. It took several attempts before his lighter finally sparked to life.

He inhaled deeply, his voice quivering. "I've only met him a handful of times. He never even looked at me properly. How could I have offended him?"

Benjamin Durant frowned. "Then why is he targeting your family's company?"

Calvin Valentine stroked his chin. "Ethan Roscente never acts without reason. There's more to this."

Benjamin replayed the scene in the private room—Ethan's icy silence shattering only when Jack's hands had wandered too close to Jenna Roland.

"I've got it!" Benjamin slapped his knee. "It's that beverage promoter!"

Jack and Calvin gaped at him.

"Are you insane?" Jack's cigarette ash scattered like falling snow. "What connection could a club girl possibly have with Ethan Roscente?"

Calvin shook his head. "A man of his status, defending some random server?"

Benjamin's eyes narrowed. "She's strikingly beautiful. Maybe she's his type. You practically molested his woman right in front of him—of course he'd retaliate."

"Then why didn't he react at the time?" Calvin pressed.

"Since when does Ethan settle scores immediately?" Benjamin's laugh held no warmth. "He always collects debts in his own time."

Jack's cigarette slipped from numb fingers. His face turned ashen. "We're finished... completely finished..."

Benjamin sighed. "Should've kept your hands to yourself. Brace yourself—your company won't survive this."

A thought struck Calvin. "If Ethan really favors her, why is she still working there?"

"Who knows?" Benjamin shrugged. "Just be glad it wasn't you who touched her."

......

Tension hung thick in VIP Room 888.

Gavin Valentine counted his blessings that the disaster wasn't of his making. Ethan drained his whiskey in one swallow and crushed out his cigarette. "Screen your guests better next time."

"Understood." Gavin bobbed his head.

Ethan strode into the hallway just as Jenna rounded the corner, arms laden with liquor bottles.

"Leaving so soon, Mr. Roscente?" She stepped aside, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.

Ethan paused. His stormy gaze raked over her delicate features before he wordlessly brushed past her.

Gavin forced a chuckle. "Last-minute business. Store the bottles for next time."

"Of course." Jenna dipped her head. "We look forward to your return."

As their figures disappeared down the corridor, Jenna worried her lower lip between her teeth. Something about Ethan tonight felt... different.