Chapter 6 An Unexpected Confrontation

"Let's not talk about Paige anymore. You've been away for two years, so I've arranged something special for you tonight," Larry said, shifting the conversation, as he clapped his hands.

The next second, the door to the private room swung open with a quiet creak, revealing a line of masked waitresses, each with a graceful figure.

The air filled with an electric tension as they glided into the room, their faces hidden but their allure unmistakable.

Among them was Alison, who wore a top that only covered her chest, showcasing a slender waist that curved enticingly.

"Let's play a game. One of these ladies is an old acquaintance of yours. Think you can pick her out?" Larry's reputation for indulgence was well-known across Shifmont, and tonight was no exception.

Nicholas, though not one for such frivolities, chose to respect Larry's whims. His frown deepened slightly, but he remained silent.

Alison noticed the woman beside her lifting her chin with a haughty air, her eyes sparkling with confident determination beneath the mask.

This must be Nicholas' old flame, she mused.

"Sir, may I suggest a different game?" Alison's voice rang out with a surprising boldness.

Larry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. It wasn't often someone dared to alter his plans, but finding it harmless, he nodded in approval.

Nicholas, however, cocked his head slightly; there was something familiar about this masked waitress's voice.

"Why don't we take turns sitting next to Mr. Bowman and see who he reacts to?" Alison proposed, her tone playful.

Truth be told, she just couldn't afford to waste time here and needed to wrap this up quickly.

Larry clapped again, clearly entertained by the suggestion, while the lack of a reaction from Nicholas signaled his consent.

Alison exhaled in relief, but the woman beside her wasted no time, darting forward with competitive eagerness. Determined not to be outdone, Alison quickly pursued and overtook her. However, the woman shoved Alison aside, sending her tumbling right into Nicholas.

Alison was blindly grabbing at Nicholas to catch her fall when she suddenly felt a familiar palm settle around her waist, holding her securely.

"You again?" The second Nicholas' fingers grazed Alison's skin, a wave of recognition surged through him, conjuring up memories from the previous night.

Alison's lips curled into a faint smile. "Mr. Bowman, it seems you have a good memory."

Nicholas let out a low, chilling grunt. "You've got some nerve."

Alison sighed, a hint of helplessness threading through her voice. "It's not like I had a choice. Getting an audience with you is nearly impossible."

Their casual exchange left the rest of the people in the room stunned speechless. The woman standing beside Alison clenched her fists, her anger palpable as she tore off her mask, revealing a face flushed with fury. "Nicholas!"

Larry, on the other hand, was frozen in place, his eyes wide with shock. It was the first time Nicholas hadn't shoved a woman away.

How daring of her!

Larry wanted to look on, but Nicholas nipped the situation in the bud with a single command. "Get her out of here."

With that, he shoved Alison away forcefully, frustration gnawing at him. He had clearly underestimated this audacious woman.

Two bodyguards stepped forward, but Alison, unfazed, dusted herself off and stood tall. She removed her mask, her gaze locking with Nicholas'. "Hold on. Mr. Bowman, if you're going to be so mean to me, I can't promise to keep my mouth shut."

A heavy silence settled in the room before Nicholas finally spoke, his tone laced with irritation. "Everyone, out."

Larry and the others, eager to witness the unfolding drama, hesitated but ultimately obeyed, not daring to defy Nicholas' authority. They reluctantly filed out of the room.

"What's this? Mr. Bowman, is there something private you want to discuss with me?" Alison teased, her voice oozing with seductive flair as she pouted her glossy lips.

Nicholas suddenly strode up to her, his long fingers gripping her chin with a firm yet controlled force. "I despise being threatened," he hissed, his breath warm against her skin.

The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unease. Even though Alison wasn't easily intimidated, she could feel a cold shiver creeping over her, making her skin prickle with discomfort.

"If you had been fair, I wouldn't have had to resort to this," Alison retorted, her tone tinged with frustration.

Nicholas' towering presence loomed over her, his cold gaze piercing into hers. But Alison refused to back down. She defiantly lifted her head, meeting his eyes with unwavering resolve. "I want to take on Paige's case."