Chapter 34
It’s none of your business.” Harley said coldly
Without another word, he walked to the car and opened the passenger door. Turning to Noelle, he said, “Noelle, sit here”
Leia’s eyes instantly reddened.
She had spent hours preparing for this moment–waking up early, meticulously applying makeup, and agonizing over her outfit just to leave a lasting impression on Harley
Yet now, he barely even glanced at her. It was painfully clear: Harley hadn’t come to see her. He was here for Noelle.
What’s so special about her? Leia fumed internally. ‘She’s just a gutter rat. ‘How could someone like her catch Harley’s eye! As for the lifesaver thing, there must be some misunderstanding. Harley must have been deceived by Noelle!”
“Alright.” Noelle replied, about to climb into the passenger seat
But Leia grabbed her arm, her voice soft but firm. “Noelle, don’t you know? The passenger seat is a very intimate position. It can easily be misunderstood. Why don’t you sit with me in the back instead?”
“Is that so? Alright then, Noelle said, nodding in agreement. She didn’t know much about such social nuances and saw no reason to object.
Leia walked with Noelle to the car, flashing Harley a sheepish smile as they approached. “Sorry, Harley” she said sweetly, “but Noelle is engaged. and sitting in the front might give the wrong impression. She’ll join me in the back.”
Harley’s cold gaze landed on Leia, his patience wearing thin. Is she always this fake?
Until now, he had thought Leia was the picture of innocence–quiet and gentle. But now, her charm felt like a mask, hiding the sharp edge of subtle manipulation beneath.
Still, Leia had a point. The passenger seat was a bit too personal. With a curt nod, he relented. “Do as you like.
Harley moved to the back door and opened it. “Get in.”
Leia beamed triumphantly and slipped into the car, throwing Harley a coy smile. Thanks, Harley.”
Harley’s expression remained indifferent. This woman really has no shame.
Suppressing his irritation, he turned to Noelle and said, “Your turn”
“Coming.” Noelle chirped, climbing into the back with ease.
As the car began moving. Leia tried to make conversation. “Harley, where are we going?”
“Star Club Harley replied, his tone distant.
Leia’s brows knitted together. “Star Club! Isn’t that place known for its adult activities? Are you sure it’s appropriate?
“If you think it’s inappropriate, you can stay behind,” Harley said bluntly
Leia bit her lip, her voice softening. “Im fine with it, but Noelle’s still so innocent. I’m worried it might not be suitable for her.”
Im fine with it” Noelle suddenly exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Adult activities sound fun! Do they have strippers there, Harley?”
Leia nearly choked. Is this woman for real? What kind of proper lady talks like that?
Harley glanced at Noelle through the rearview mirror, amused by her enthusiasm. He let out a low chuckle. Don’t get your hopes up beading to the club’s clean zone–it’s full of thrilling activities, but nothing risqué?
“Aw, really?” Noelle dellated, slumping slightly. “No adult zone?”
“Nope,” Harley said firmly. He wasn’t about to let her step foot in a place filled with questionable characters.
We’re
When they arrived at Star Club, the receptionist immediately recognized Harley’s gold membership card and ushered them through the VII entrance to the clean zone.
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9:28 AM c
Chapter 31
“This is the clean zone,” the receptionist explained. “We have various entertainment options here. Let me introduce them to you.
“That won’t be necessary, Harley interrupted. “We’ll handle it ourselves. You can go
“Understood, the receptionist replied, bowing before leaving
“Tollow me.” Harley said, motioning to Noelle.
“Okay!” Noelle eagerly followed, with Leia trailing behind. As they reached a set of grand golden doors, a uniformed doorman opened them with a how, revealing a bustling room filled with young men and women.
“Harley A cheerful voice called out. Connor was already waving enthusiastically from across the room.
Harley led the group over
Connor’s eyes lit up when they landed on Noelle. “Hi, Noelle
Before he could finish, Harley elbowed him sharply in the ribs. Connor doubled over, clutching his side.
“Watch your mouth” Harley muttered under his breath before turning to Noelle. “This is C
is Connor, a friend of mine
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Gordon, Leia said I politely, seizing the chance to make a good impression
Connor waved dismissively, still holding his side. “No need to be so formal. We’re the same age–just call me Connor.”
“Alright, Connor. I’m Noelle,” she said breezily, skipping the formalities entirely.
Connor grinned. “We met the other day. Do you remember!”
“Nope. Noelle replied bluntly, her expression guileless. She hadn’t thought twice about him.
Connor burst out laughing. “Wow, you’re brutally honest!”
“Are we starting soon?” Harley interjected.
“Yeah, almost,” Connor replied.
Leia, still unsure of what was happening, looked around in co
confusion.”
“What
exactly are we doing here?”
Connor turned to her, his easygoing grin intact. “Leia, right? N Mind if I call you that?”
“Sure… Leia agreed, though she inwardly bristled. ‘Harley hasn’t even called me by my first name, and here you are acting all familiar. How annoying
“Great! So, Leia, Juve you
you ever done an escape room before?” Connor asked.
“An escape room?” Leia echoed, taken aback.
Before Connor could elaborate, a gunshot rang out. Everyone looked up to see a fla
see a flamboyantly dressed host on the second floor, microphone in
“Welcome, escapeest the host announced theatrically. The doors have been locked, and the escape room challenge is about to begin!”
“Whoa!” Noelle exclaimed, her excitement reignited. “This looks fun!
Harley Harned to her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You like it?
Tlove it!”
“Then ler’s win together.”
“Okay!”
Meanwhile, Leia stood frozen, completely out of her element. Who am I? Where an
And why am I stuck in this ridiculous game?
