Chapter 2

Ryan crosses his legs, leaning back against the sofa, watching the woman with her garish makeup and a face like wax, leading a group of bar hostesses into the room. He lifts cigar to his lips, takes a long drag, and exhales a cloud of hazy smoke. His eyes betray a deep-seated disgust and impatience.

Geoffrey's eyes gleam with excitement as five beautiful young women walk into the room. Their makeup is minimal, but their features radiate an innocence and naivety that is a stark contrast to the hardened women who typically frequent this place of debauchery.

Geoffrey leans in to Ryan's ear and whispers,

“These girls are all fresh off the farm, they haven't seen much of the world yet.”

Ryan frowns, about to stand up and leave, when a familiar face catches his eye, making his fingers holding the cigarette tremble slightly. She's still as beautiful as ever, those big, watery eyes haven't changed a bit. Seven years haven't left a mark on her, if anything, they've only added to her allure.

Ryan takes another drag of his cigarette, a sly smile playing on his lips, but his eyes are as cold as winter ice. He gestures towards Eudora and says, “Come sit here.”

Katy beams, her heart swelling with pride as she watches Eudora capture the attention of such a wealthy patron on her first night. She feels vindicated, her instincts proving to be spot on.

The other four girls can't help but cast envious glances at Eudora. This man, clearly a rich and powerful young man, is a rare sight, and not easily encountered. If they had the chance to serve such a high-quality client, they would do it for free! But alas, Eudora has snatched this golden opportunity.

But contrary to everyone's admiration and envy, Eudora doesn't feel happy at all. She shrinks back in fear, wishing she could disappear from the room.

Katy quickly notices Eudora's unusual reaction. Assuming it's because this is her first time serving a client, and she's feeling nervous and anxious.

She quickly says, “Hey, the guy's calling for you, go serve him. Everyone here is really nice, don't worry.”

She says that, then puts her arm around Eudora's back and gives her a little push, like, “Go on, get over there!”

Eudora looks down, takes a deep breath, and finally goes over to Ryan.

Seeing her do what she's told, Katy lets out a sigh of relief and says to the guy, “These girls are new in town, so they're a little shy and don't have much experience. If they mess up, please cut them some slack, okay?”

Geoffrey wouldn't say anything. He's happy to see Ryan's into the girl, so he says, “Don't worry, Katy, let the girls hang out with us.”

Katy smiles and tells the girls to take good care of the guys, then she leaves the room.

Ryan sees Eudora just standing there like a statue, so he frowns and says, “Sit down.”

Eudora sits next to him, but keeps her head down. You can't really tell what she's thinking. Her hands are clenched tight, and her palms are all sweaty.

Because she's short a large sum of money and can't afford to pay it back, she's been forced into this degrading line of work to pay off her debt. But Eudora never expected her first client to be an old acquaintance. She's so embarrassed and ashamed, wishing she could just disappear right now so Ryan wouldn't see her like this.

He lifts her chin with his hand, forcing her look at him. Seeing the fear and avoidance behind her long, curled eyelashes, he gives a mocking smile.

“I never would have guessed, would you?”

Eudora looks down, her lips start to tremble, but she doesn't say anything.

Ryan lets go of her chin and coldly ordering,

“The madam told you how to do this, right? What are you waiting for?”

Eudora replies in a dry voice, “Yes.”

She leans forward, pouring him a glass of wine. Then, she spears a grape with a fork and offers it to him. Ryan leans back on the sofa, arms crossed, not even looking like he wants it.

Eudora bites her lip, unsure what to do. She hesitates for a second, then brings the grape right up to his mouth. He opens his mouth and takes a bite, savoring it slowly. He keeps his eyes on her, watching her every move.

Seeing her just standing there like a statue again, Ryan says, “Keep going.”

Eudora holds out the wine glass, asking hesitantly, “Would you like some wine, sir?”

When he doesn't respond, she pauses before carefully raising the glass to his lips. Ryan takes a sip, then whispers in her ear, “You're still the same, aren't you? Still willing to do anything for money.”