Chapter 5

Harper’s POV

That evening, an exclusive private gala was held on the outskirts of town.

Before leaving, the car stopped outside a high-end salon to pick up Chloe.

Chloe, dressed in an extravagant ballgown, opened the door but stayed standing on the curb, glancing toward the back seat.

"Ethan, my skirt is way too voluminous. Two people can't squeeze in the back; it'll crush the silk."

Ethan turned to me, looking conflicted.

Without a word, I opened the front passenger door and slid inside.

The venue was an unmarked private estate, hosting the most influential elite in New York.

Chloe held Ethan’s arm as they walked inside, instantly drawing a cluster of sycophants.

"Chloe, Mr. Vance spoils you so much. To get you a membership spot here, he came down personally to pull strings."

"Seriously. This club only releases a few slots a year. People wave blank checks and still get turned away."

Chloe’s eyes curved into crescent moons as she glanced sideways at me.

"Ethan promised that as long as I ask, he’ll get me anything."

Someone nearby looked at my plain, outdated dress and scoffed under her breath.

"Dressing like that to an event like this? Wonder what she thinks she's doing here."

I turned my head and met the woman’s gaze.

"Clothes can be changed when they get old. But when a person is dirty on the inside, no amount of silk will ever wash it clean."

The woman choked, her face flushing crimson, not daring to push further.

What Chloe wanted tonight was a coveted membership card to this premier business circle.

The slots were controlled by the venue's owner, Victor Chambers.

Halfway through the evening, Ethan stepped away to talk with Chambers in private.

Using an excuse to visit the powder room, I followed, stopping near the turn of the corridor.

Through the cracked door, Chambers' oily voice floated out.

"I can grant the slot. But I'm currently lacking an eye-catching plus-one for an upcoming trip. Let Mrs. Vance accompany me, and the membership card is yours on a silver platter."

Ethan fell silent for a long moment.

"Mr. Chambers, name another price. I'll pay double."

Chambers let out a dry chuckle.

"You think I need your money, Vance? I'm just looking for a bit of spice. A fiery woman like your wife... that’s what makes things interesting."

Ethan stayed quiet again for what felt like an eternity.

"...I understand."

Standing outside the door, my fingertips turned ice-cold.

By the time I returned to the table, Ethan was already back in his seat.

In front of the entire table, he poured a full glass of straight whiskey and pressed it into my hand.

He leaned in, his voice dropped to a barely audible whisper.

"Harper, just have this one drink with Mr. Chambers. Just this once. I promise it’s the last time."

Victor Chambers raised his glass, watching me with a smug, knowing smirk.

I looked at Ethan. Ethan looked away.

"Mr. Chambers, I drink this, and your word holds."

I raised the glass, tilted my head back, and drained the burning liquor in one swallow.

Setting the empty glass down, I caught the vicious little smile tugging at the corner of Chloe's lips.

I walked out the front doors. Just as I rounded the corner outside, the world spun wildly into blackness.

The drink had been spiked.

I tried to scream for help, but no sound escaped my throat. My knees buckled beneath me.

Ethan caught my collapsing frame from behind, lifting me into his arms, whispering brokenly against my ear:

"I'm sorry, Harper. This is the last time. Never again."