Chapter 12


    Lounging back with a casual cross of his legs, Devin fixed his gaze on Joy with undisguised


    annoyance.


    “Get off your high horse!” Not too deep into her drinks, Joy had guts that belied her stature. It was the


    indignity that boosted her courage. Spotting Curtis in the crowd downstairs, she stormed up. “Don’t you


    recognize me, your granny? Get over here and kneel in respect!”


    “Are you out of your damn mind?” Devin stood up abruptly, tossing aside his whiskey ss.


    Joy crossed her arms, a smirk ying on her lips. “What’s the matter? Want to take a swing at your


    granny, huh? You disrespectful brat, you’d be the first to go to hell.”


    “Motherfucker…” Devin’s face darkened as he advanced toward her, but Leanne stepped out from


    behind Joy and pulled her back to safety.


    Devin halted, his anger subsiding at the sight of her.


    “Leanne?”


    The name Leanne was like a record scratch in the room. The raucousughter and clinking of sses


    ceased, and all eyes turned toward the entrance.


    Casually holding a cigarette between his fingers, Curtis looked past Devin and fixed his eyes on


    Leanne.


    Leanne was striking, the beauty that didn’t need makeup to turn heads. Her features bold yet delicate


    and formed a wless visage together.


    Her perfectplexion seemed to glisten in the soft glow of the crystal chandelier.


    “My apologies. She’s a bit wild when she’s had a few. Bear with us.”


    Normally, Devin would’ve already kicked out anyone giving him lip. But a quick nce at Curtis made


    him keep his cool. “As if I’d argue with a fool.” he murmured.


    Joy opened her mouth to retort, but Leanne pinched her, transforming the curse into a yelp of surprise.


    With a sour face, Devin offered, “Since you’re here, why don’t you sit down and join us?”


    Leanne nced at Curtis.


    The opulent VIP lounge was filled with the heady scent of liquor and the golden hues of a French


    chandelier, making the air more expensive than the bustling hall outside.


    The table had foreign spirits whose names she couldn’t pronounce, and plush leather


    sofas hosted a mix of high-society men and morous women.


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    Chapter 12


    Curtis was seated on a ck leather sofa at the far end of the room, his legs crossed, his dark pants


    entuating his lean figure.


    Beside him sat a pretty woman.


    Leanne recognized her as the one from those photos, the one in the mini skirt.


    When she entered, the room’s previously carefree atmosphere turned tense.


    Leanne questioned, “So, this is what’s been keeping you busy?”


    He’s busy boozing and hitting on people?


    Holding the cigarette, Curtis massaged his temple, and his smirk held a mischievous edge through the


    haze of smoke.


    “Caught by you just as I started to have fun. You’re keeping tabs on me closely. What is this, a roll


    call?”


    His tone was dismissive as if going days without answering calls oring home was no big deal.


    “Then carry on with your business”,” Leanne said, pulling Joy down to sit. “I’ll wait right


    here until you’re free.”


    The atmosphere in the room fell silent.


    Devin sat by the side and watched in disbelief while Skyler nudged him with a foot, whispering a curse,


    “You absolute moron, letting them sit down with us.”


    Devin grumbled, “I was just being polite. How was I supposed to know she’d take a seat?”


    Leanne was quiet, true to her word, not disturbing Curtis as he continued to y. She took a seat far


    from him and busied herself with some snacks.


    Not expecting Leanne to stay, Joy felt a bit lost at first.


    But she couldn’t hold back for long and soon grabbed a handful of nuts, brandishing a bottle of


    expensive liquor as she vented to Leanne.


    “Can you believe this extravagance? Our whole table’s worth isn’t even worth what’s at the bottom of


    these sses.”


    “Then drink up,” Leanne said, handing her another bottle.


    After all, Curtis had money to burn. Since they were there, they might as well drink their fill. “Mr. Curtis,”


    The girl in the skirt cooed sweetly beside him, “why are you ignoring me?”


    Curtis looked rxed and unfocused with his gigarette in tow, his gaze indeterminate, “I’m worn out.”


    “Want me to help you up to a room for a nap?”


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    Chapter 12


    Not privy to the nature of Leanne’s rtionship with Curtis, the other girls could guess. from the


    exchange that she was likely hiswful wife.


    But what did they have to fear if Curtis wasn’t concerned?


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