0006: Fire of the Night

Betty fled the penthouse, the glittering lights of La Cresta a dizzying blur. Her tears welled up, but she quickly wiped them away. Her mind was racing. She had to find help. Just a waitress, a nobody in this world of luxury, she had no powerful friends to call on, but she couldn't give up. 

As the headlights of a car approached in the distance, a flicker of hope ignited. Maybe, just maybe, someone would see her, someone who could help her save her friend.

Meanwhile, Edward and Toni were chatting happily, heading towards the plaza of Upper Crest Haven to watch Shiela and her group perform.

"Sir, you seem different today. Watching fire dancing for the first time, and you're even offering freebies after their performance? I swear, I almost forgot that Ma'am Alice broke your heart," Toni teased, his voice laced with playful sarcasm. He'd been poking fun at his boss for a while now.

Edward smiled and shook his head, his attention fixed on the road. "Come on, it's just a friendly gesture. I just want to cheer Shiela because I feel like I'm the reason she lost her job," he explained, though his voice held a hint of excitement.

Toni didn't buy it. "Oh, please, cheer her up, you say. That's how it always starts, Sir. Then, before you know it, you're getting married, and—oh, Jesus Christ!" Toni clutched his chest, his heart lurching. A figure had suddenly appeared in front of their car, nearly causing Edward to crash. Luckily, he slammed on the brakes just in time.

 

Both Edward and Toni stared, blinking in shock, before snapping back to reality. Edward realized it's Betty standing in front of them. She's crying, rushing towards the driver's window where he sat. She pleaded with him to open the door, and despite his confusion, Edward did as she asked.

"Sir Edward, thank God I found you," Betty said, her voice choked with tears. Her hands and lips trembled with emotion.

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Edward asked, concern etched on his face. He had a bad feeling about this.

Betty nodded. "Yes, there is," she managed to say between sobs. "Shiela… she's at the Bidding Hall right now, because of that old hag Nadia!" she confessed, her fists clenched in anger.

"What?!" Edward and Toni exclaimed in unison, their faces pale with shock. Even without being inside that building, they both knew the depravity that lurked within the Bidding Hall. It's where wealthy men bought women to quench their unyielding thirst for pleasure. They knew Shiela would be in danger.

"Get in," Edward ordered, his voice tight with urgency, and Betty immediately followed. He slammed his foot on the gas, the engine roaring, and they sped off into the night.

They drove for a few kilometers before reaching the place. Loud music and cheers blasted from inside, a cacophony of revelry. Outside, men in tailored suits were entangled with sexy women, who they assumed had been bought inside. They’re openly making out, touching each other intimately, and laughing.

Edward took a deep breath. He couldn't believe Shiela was in a place like this. He’s so worried he didn't even think about parking. He threw open the car door and sprinted towards the building's entrance.

"Sir, wait!" Toni and Betty followed, their hearts pounding just as fast as his. They’re all panicking.

The guard's grin widened as he saw Edward. "Good evening, Sir. Do you have a—"

"Take that," Edward cut him off, shoving the crumpled bills from his wallet into the guards chest. The guard's grin faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of surprise. He swallowed hard, scrambling to catch the money that had been tossed at him. 

 

Edward didn't wait for a response, pushing past the guard and into the building. His eyes scanning the dimly lit hallway. 

He didn't care how much he'd given the guard. All he could think about was finding Shiela and getting her out of there before anything bad happened. Toni and Betty hurried after him, matching his brisk pace.

The second they stepped into the main area of the Bidding Hall, a wave of cigar smoke and the distinct scent of strong liquor hit them. The music was deafening, the crowd a blur of flashing lights and boisterous laughter. 

 

In the center, a luxurious stage with three large screens glittered under the strobe lights. It’s clear no expense had been spared on the design. The venue felt like a massive club, and the men in their fine suits were clearly enjoying themselves a little too much.

"Alright, folks! Prepare yourselves for something truly spectacular! Get ready to welcome the one and only… the goddess of La Cresta… Shiela Lockheart!" the emcee announced, followed by the crowd's enthusiastic cheers.

The lights dimmed, then a sudden burst of light revealed a young lady standing in the center of the venue. 

 

She's a vision, her figure outlined by a shimmering red and gold outfit. Its daring design exposes almost all of her skin, creating a breathtaking display. It's like she'd stepped out of a dream. Her aura was otherworldly, radiating an almost ethereal presence.

Edward couldn't help but notice the transformation—the simple woman he'd first met was gone, replaced by this dazzling presence. Even her makeup, which enhanced her beauty, seemed to obscure the former version of herself he once knew.

There’s no doubt it’s Shiela. But she seemed like a different person altogether, captivating the guests with her mesmerizing dance, fire chains swirling in her hands.

 

Her performance was ablaze with sensuality. The flames danced in sync with her sexy movements, making it impossible to look away.

 

She’s undoubtedly the best fire dancer in La Cresta. Her beauty was legendary. Men watched her with desire, like moths drawn to a flame. 

She’s a modern-day Helen of Troy. Her smile was alluring, one that seemed to promise a world of pleasure. Yet, her eyes held a flicker of something else, a hint of sadness that lingered beneath the surface. It’s as if they reflected the weight of a secret sorrow, a pain she carried with a quiet dignity.

Edward felt as if he had gone deaf, unable to hear the shouts of the men who wanted to claim the woman in front of him. He wanted to stop everything, to rescue Shiela from that worldly place. But all he could do was watch, as Shiela stared at him, drawing strength from him to continue dancing despite the nightmarish situation.

Betty gasped as she noticed an old man approaching. Her heart pounded, and she nudged Edward, snapping him out of his trance. "Sir, Mr. Smith is here," she whispered, her voice laced with panic. Even Toni turned to look at the man she’s referring to, and his gut instinct told him something was wrong about him, even though he had never seen him before.

Aunt Nadia greeted Mr. Smith, whose nose was still plastered with a bandage from Edward's strong punch. The old man handed Aunt Nadia a briefcase overflowing with cash, a clear sign of their conspiracy, and there’s no doubt it’s about Shiela. After watching Shiela dance on stage, Mr. Smith licked his lips, a look of lust in his eyes, and chuckled.

Edward, Betty, and Toni all took a deep breath, feeling the impending doom. The old man swayed to the music, as if everything that’s about to happen was planned.

“Damn, that filthy creep!” Betty cursed out of anger.

Edward clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white. The old man's obsession with Shiela didn't end at the Sunset Grill. Even after he’d been knocked down and injured his nose, his lust for Shiela hadn't faded.