Chapter 3 A Dearing idea

At night, the T.S. Club is dazzling with lights. A seven-story firework fountain sprays mist into the air, synchronized to elegant music. Fancy cars line the entrance, while men and women, dressed in the latest designer fashions, stride confidently toward the golden glass doors.

Amid the luxury vehicles, a taxi comes to a sudden stop. Out steps Grace Lauren, her long legs emerging from the door first. Dressed in a tight black dress, her wavy brown hair falls down her back, and her bright red lips curl into a smile. With her stunning figure, she exudes confidence and allure.

The doorman, noticing the taxi and Grace's entrance, sneers slightly. "Another woman looking for a rich husband," he mutters under his breath as he watches her approach.

Grace walks toward the door, her hips swaying, but the doorman steps in front of her. "Miss, this is a private club. Only members are allowed inside," he says coldly, though maintaining a polite façade.

Without a word, Grace holds up a golden card, the light catching its surface. The doorman's eyes widen. A golden card-one that can only be held by someone connected to Lucien Gray himself.

His attitude changes in an instant. "My apologies, miss. Please, go right in. Enjoy your evening," he says, bowing slightly as he steps aside.

Grace flashes a satisfied smile, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she strides through the golden doors. As soon as she enters, a voice calls her name from the side.

"Grace!" Surprised, Grace turns to see Ryan, an old high school classmate.

"Ryan! What are you doing here?" she asks, raising an eyebrow. She remembers Ryan as a guy who once pursued her, though she had never paid him any attention.

Ryan beams with pride. "I'm driving for the president of Gray now! We're here for a private party tonight."

Grace's heart skips a beat at the mention of Lucien Gray. "Lucien Gray? You mean the president himself?" Her eyes sparkle with excitement. She had come to the T.S. Club to try her luck, but this-this was fate delivering her an opportunity on a silver platter.

Later, inside a dimly lit suite, Ryan is pressing close to Grace. The room is filled with the heavy scent of desire.

"Ryan," Grace whispers, her voice low and breathless, "you promised. You have to help me."

Ryan smirks. "I can slip something into the president's drink, but that's all I can do. He only sleeps with virgins, though."

Grace's body freezes, her breath catching in her throat. "What? He only sleeps with virgins?"

Ryan chuckles. "Yeah. Didn't you know? The president's got a rule-no matter how beautiful the woman is, if she's not pure, she's not worth his time. And even then, she only gets seven days with him before he moves on."

Grace feels a chill run through her veins. Seven days? Virgins only? This wasn't part of her plan. She grits her teeth, her mind racing. How could she get around this?

But then, an idea forms in her mind-a bold and dangerous idea. Her lips curve into a sly smile as she pulls back slightly.

Later, as the two lie in the aftermath of their encounter, Grace passes Ryan a small pill. "Here. Make sure you do your part, Ryan. If I become Lucien Gray's woman, I'll make sure you're rewarded."

Ryan hesitates for a moment but ultimately nods, taking the pill from her.

Meanwhile, at a bustling restaurant across town, Nina Morrison is finishing up her shift. Her phone vibrates in her pocket, pulling her attention away from the customers.

She answers quickly. "Hello?"

A man's voice comes through the line. "Your sister's drunk. Come get her from room 1806 at the T.S. Club."

"Wait, what?" Nina asks, confused. But before she can say anything more, the call disconnects. She tries calling back, but no one picks up.

Nina frowns, anxiety bubbling in her chest. Grace never mentioned going to the T.S. Club. Why would she be there? And drunk, no less? Nina hurriedly explains the situation to her coworker Jennie, who offers to cover her tables.

Throwing on her jacket, Nina rushes out into the cool night air and hails a taxi. As she speeds toward the club, her mind is filled with worry. Something didn't feel right. Grace was always calculating, always after something-but this? Going to the T.S. Club and getting drunk wasn't like her. What had she gotten herself into this time?

Nina leans back in the taxi seat, her heart pounding as the lights of the city blur outside the window. Whatever mess Grace had gotten herself into, Nina would have to clean it up. And she had a sinking feeling that tonight, things were about to get a whole lot worse.