Chapter 50

In the Twilight Enchantment Lounge of Pearl Peak City,Patrick was knocking back glass after glass of some crimson drink. A freckled waitress with a ponytail nervously kept his drinks coming, since he'd scared off all the glamorous girls,leaving just her.

"Who ticked off Mr. Rivera?" Vincent Watson teased, breaking the silence. He leaned back on the sofa, a mischievous grin on his face, clearly ready for some drama.

Willard Ramirez chimed in, "Why's Patrick drinking alone and not calling us? If Otis hadn't spotted you, we'd be clueless.What's the deal? Emily not around?"

Willard walked over to Patrick, a concerned smile on his face.They'd been in neighboring classes in high school and became friends after a fight over a love letter. Patrick hadn't backed down despite being outnumbered, and they'd been tight ever since.

At the mention of Emily, Patrick slammed his glass down,shattering it andd scaring the waitress to tears.

Patrick's face darkened, a mix of anger, helplessness, and pain.He clenched his fists, knuckles turning white,trying to keep it together.

Vincent,legs crossed,clung to the sofa, staring at Patrick. "Mr.

Rivera really don't know how to treat a lady! Why isn't Emily here? Bet you drove her away, huh? Emily's got a great personality,and you don't appreciate her. Serves you right!"

His words dripped with sarcasm and frustration, watching Patrick's reaction with a smirk.

Willard saw Patrick's grim expression and knew Vincent had hit a nerve. Even though they thought Emily wasn't the best match for Patrick, they enjoyed the attention from a beautiful woman. Emily was smart, pretty, obedient, and capable-who wouldn't want that?

They were used to having her around, and her absence felt weird.

Willard shook his head, sighed, and went back to the sofa to light up a smoke.

Otis Patterson, the club owner, was older and more composed.He clapped his hands, letting the waitress go, and handed Patrick a fresh glass of whiskey. "If something's bugging you,just spill it. If we can help, we will."

Otis's tone was steady and reliable. The Patterson family had connections with high-ranking military figures. Even though he couldn't join the military or politics, he still contributed to the family. In this chaotic place, information was everywhere. He looked at Patrick with concern, not great at expressing himself,

but trying to comfort him.

Patrick stayed silent, and Otis knew it wasn't business troubles.

Vincent loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, the black fabric gleaming with quality. His family had been in trade for generations.

Vincent leaned back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling with a dreamy look, a smile on his lips. He was wild and unrestrained,charming many girls, but not Emily.

He swirled his glass, the ice clinking.

Vincent had once asked Patrick for Emily. He liked girls like Emily-high achievers, smart, beautiful, ambitious, and with a great figure. Despite being only 5-foot-5, her legs were over 3-foot-7 long.

To get Emily, Vincent had offered mansions, luxury cars,stocks,and even a foreign trade company, but Patrick had refused.

Vincent almost thought Emily was special to Patrick, but seeing Patrick's repeated violence towards her, he realized Patrick just wanted control.

There was no true love!

Vincent's eyes flashed with regret as he drank, mocking himself.

No matter, he had patience.