However, thinking that Vera would alsoe, he agreed, “Okay, I’L call him.”


    A pensive shadow apanied the end of the call. Waylen’s fingers danced over the phone’s surface as another number was dialed, a calcted request issued.


    “Copy Joseph’s phone card for me. It mighte in handy.”


    The following evening at 8 o’clock, an upscale club in Duefron became the stage for their rendezvous.


    Within thevish confines of a private room, the aura of opulence mingled with the heady scent of decadence.


    The assemblyprised around tenpanions, a tight-knit circle of associates.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Seated in a corner, Waylen’s attire, once again ck, absorbed the dim light, his presence unassuming amidst the revelry.


    At his side, Roscoe’s yful jests teased at deeper intentions. “Afraid of thedies, Waylen? Could it be you’ve truly found a romantic connection?”


    The words were half inquisitive, half yful, and Waylen responded with an understated smile, “Indeed, I’ve found a connection.”


    Roscoe was taken back and said, “Introduce her to us, then. I’d love to meet her.”


    A knowing smile yed on Waylen’s Lips. Rena deserved tranquility, a world removed from this chaotic realm. “She’s likely tucked in bed by now, an early sleeper.”


    Roscoe, however, persisted, a teasing note edging his tone. “As your best friend, can’t I even meet your girlfriend? Just call to wake her up.”


    Waylen’s restraint held firm, his lips sealed against divulging more. In a timely flourish, Joseph entered the scene, apanied by Vera. An integral part of this social clique, Joseph’s demeanor was deferential in Waylen’s presence. Yet, an air of curiosity mingled with his humility, a curiosity rooted in Vera’s tales of Waylen’s interest in Rena.


    But Waylen weed him warmly and addressed him by his name.


    Joseph was ttered. He believed it was because of Rena’s good rtionship with Vera, his girlfriend.


    In fact, he didn’t expect that Waylen and Rena would really be in a rtionship.


    Although Rena was good-looking, he didn’t think she could match someone like Waylen.


    But ording to Vera, Waylen’s feelings for Rena was genuine, and with that, the Gordon family received many benefits because of Waylen.


    Joseph was a man. He knew if a man was willing to pay a Lot of money for a woman, it showed that the man really cared about the woman. It was anguage of devotion spoken in gestures, an understanding Joseph himself held dear.


    So Joseph attached more importance to Vera and wanted her to maintain a good rtionship with Rena.


    Everyone had their own intentions.


    For 35-year-old Waylen, dealing with them was easy.


    As the evening progressed, Waylen’s grace radiated in his interactions, a charismatic hub around which their camaraderie blossomed.


    By 10 o’clock, the private room’s door swung open and a waiter said, “Miss Hanson, this is it.


    Aline came in, draped in a seductive ck slip dress that entuated her allure.


    The sight evoked a momentary pause, a tension that threaded through the room.


    Joseph looked momentarily surprised. Why was Aline here?


    When the atmosphere was delicate, Aline wanted to sit down, but she saw Vera at a nce.


    Joseph, however, harbored a secret, a shared understandingmunicated with a subtle wink to Aline.


    Gathering her wits, she managed a smile, her voice tinged with apology.


    “Apologies, it seems I’ve taken a wrong turn.”