Chapter 3 The Scandal

Luke let the bombshell sink in completely. He felt his knees go weak under him and in that moment, he felt a surge of anger he hadn't felt in a long time.

Darrell sensed how the news affected Luke, but he had to deliver it anyway. "It's all over the news, and his medical license as a gynecologist is at stake." He paused, and after a second he added, "he might lose his license."

"So what has that got to do with me?" Luke retorted sharply.

"Calm, Luke. I wanted to let you know, so you can stay hidden until I can come get you."

"You know how it is, news like this spreads like wildfire, and reporters are on the neck of every Carter and employee of the hospital."

Luke sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He noticed the waiter was still there and signaled him to come back.

His brother, Matthew Carter, was an embodiment of rascality. Rebellious and extremely perverse, he was in no way qualified to be in the medical profession, but with the influence of being the first heir, and being favored by his father, he had climbed the ladder to the second-highest-ranked position in Carter Pharmaceuticals.

Carter Pharmaceuticals started nosediving the day Matthew Carter was appointed the Managing Director.

He made the worst possible decisions, even without consulting the board of directors.

He had women's troubles every day, and he had to spend a lot to take care of these troubles, mismanaging the finances of the company in the process.

Carter Pharmaceuticals used to be known to be a very influential company, that was before Matt Carter came into the limelight.

Andrew Carter, not knowing how to reprimand the son he favored the most, took it upon himself to put the company back on the success track.

Carter Pharmaceuticals was slowly recovering and getting back on track before this incident occurred.

Luke sighed heavily and rested his left elbow on the table while he held the phone to his ear with his right.

"Okay." He said into the speaker.

"Alright, so where are you now? I'll come pick you up myself." Darrell responded.

Luke didn't quite hear him though, as he had let his mind trail off. This news wouldn't have bothered him, just like every other news about his brother, and he wasn't in any way interested in the family business.

But he cared too much about his sister, and he knew how much this would affect her, so he couldn't look the other way.

"Luke, where are you?" Darrell asked again, jolting Luke back to reality. "Meet me at Blues Lounge" Luke replied and the line went dead.

~~~

The loud music that blasted from inside the club reached Ava and Alexis in the parking lot and Ava wondered what it would sound like inside if it was this disturbing to the ears, outside.

She had had a long day at work and she hoped to just go home and spend the rest of her evening in a rose-scented bathtub, listening to Elton John and sipping from a glass of margarita.

But her psychotic friend had insisted they go clubbing, to 'loosen up'. But that was where the problem lay. Ava does not see clubbing as loosening up, rather she sees it as putting in more work. The dance and drinks and all.

Considering all these, Ava had adamantly refused to follow Alexis to the club. Alexis, not having it, had dragged her along.

A few hours later, they arrived at the club. The introvert in Ava hated it so much. She was dressed in a purple crop top, thigh-short leather skirt, and white leather boots.

Alexis on the other hand, was in the mood to party, and she dressed accordingly. All she had on was a skin-net jumpsuit over a set of black panties, a black bra, and bright red stilettos.

Alexis looked over at Ava, who looked painfully bored. She adjusted her dark shades and nudged her, "Let's move baby." Ava grudgingly followed her, dragging her feet behind.

The blast of music that hit her ears just as they got in still surprised her, even though she knew what to expect. She quickly scanned the club for a quiet spot and stealthily moved away from Alexis.

Meanwhile, Alexis didn't waste time mixing with the crowd, moving her hips to the rhythm of the music.

From where she sat, Ava studied a guy who sat on the couch across from her. He was focused on his phone so she had not seen what his face looked like, yet. But from his physique, she could tell his face would be a pleasant sight to behold.

She couldn't get her eyes off the veins on his arms. She sighed and pressed the space in between her forehead.

She needed to get laid, badly. She's been too preoccupied with work since she got back from the States, she hasn't had time to herself.

"Gosh, I can't believe this. I'm seriously drooling over a guy. She muttered as she took a glance at him again. Damn! he's hot, I mean who wouldn't?

She looked up to catch a glimpse again only to see the guy observing her. She immediately loved the feeling in her toes. You know, that feeling. She could feel the air heating up from the sexual tension. She knew he could feel it too.

The young man moved over to where she sat and extended his hand. "Darrell" Ava ignored the gesture and eyed him surreptitiously.

"Good day, Darrell," she responded.

Darrell smiled and observed her. He knew and saw how extremely beautiful she was, but he knew that wasn't what was pulling him. Had to be something else.

Her charm? well maybe...

He chuckled at that thought and cleared his throat.

"Well, maybe you can tell me your name?" He started "I'd like to...

"Can we just cut to the chase?" Ava interrupted him, not wanting all that boring talk.

Darrell looked extremely confused. "Excuse me?" he muttered sheepishly.

"I know you feel it too," Ava claimed, moving in closer and looking down at his lips with tipsy eyes.

Damn. He knew that the dry Martini she had been drinking wasn't any good for her. Hit her too soon.

Ava grabbed him by the collar. "Let's cut the crap and get to it."