Chapter 4

Diana spent the next few days alone in the villa.

Packages often arrived at the Haynes estate, all addressed to Mila Riley.

Each delivery left her heart heavy, and she tried mentioning it to Richard.

His response was curt. "Don't reach for what's out of your grasp. Know your place."

His words made it clear where Mila stood in his heart.

The business meeting Richard mentioned came quickly. As the eldest grandson of the Haynes family, he had already taken over much of the company's affairs.

In their world, connections between elite families were common.

Social engagements were part of the game.

That evening, he brought Diana along.

The moment the private room's door opened, a man's whistle rang out.

"Rare sight, Richard. New date?"

Richard didn't respond, simply taking a seat.

Diana, feeling awkward, was guided to a chair by a server pouring drinks.

"Come on, meet my friends," Richard said, gesturing with his chin for her to greet them.

The rules of the table demanded drinking.

Diana hesitated, then followed Richard's lead, raising her glass to greet each person.

In these circles, no one bothered with low-proof beer.

The table was laden with red wine at the very least, alongside bottles of imported liquor.

Uncertain of Richard's attitude, his friends played it safe.

They signaled for Diana to take small sips as a gesture.

Mindful of etiquette, she drank cautiously, stealing glances at Richard.

He stayed silent. Her timid, cat-like gaze stirred something in him-perhaps the lingering effects of the drug from the other night or something else entirely-leaving him inexplicably irritated.

A commotion erupted at the door.

Someone walked in.

Everyone recognized her-it was Mila.

"Richard, you're drinking alone again, not taking care of yourself," Mila said, her voice playful as she entered, wearing a pink skirt.

She wrapped her arms around Richard's, swaying them lightly.

Diana, mid-sip, coughed at the sight.

Mila turned, noticing her for the first time.

For a fleeting moment, Diana felt Mila's gaze sharpen like a blade.

"Isn't that Diana? What's she doing here?"

Without waiting for a reply, Mila turned back to Richard. "Why'd you bring a girl like Diana to a place like this?"

Diana stayed quiet, waiting for Richard's response.

He lazily lifted his eyes, pulling Mila to sit beside him.

"She said she needed a favor."

He added, as if to emphasize, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even consider helping."

His words brought a delighted smile to Mila's face. She covered her cheeks, feigning embarrassment. "Oh, come on, Richard, be discreet with Diana here."

Then she turned to Diana, her chest brushing against Richard's arm-whether deliberately or not.

"Diana, you could've asked me for help. Richard doesn't get girls the way we do, right?"

Her words sounded sweet but carried a barbed edge.

Diana's chest tightened. She glanced at Richard, hoping for a reaction.

He gave none, and a faint bitterness rose in her throat. She managed a weak smile and nodded.

Mila took the seat beside Richard the moment she arrived.

"It's Diana's first time here. Don't let her feel left out," Mila said, raising her glass with a hostess-like air.

The others, sharp and observant, glanced at Richard after Mila spoke.

Seeing no reaction from him, they understood Mila was the true companion.

Naturally, they sided with her.

In an instant, everyone raised their glasses to toast Diana.

It was a push to drink, and with Richard's presence, she couldn't refuse.

Her tolerance was average, and the high-proof liquor hit hard.

After a few glasses, her head grew foggy.

Richard watched as Diana's eyes turned glassy, her cheeks flushed.

Her lips, stained with wine, glistened under the light, strikingly alluring.

He stared, lost in thought, not noticing Mila calling his name.

Mila caught the direction of his gaze, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.

She set down her glass, walked o Diana, and pulled her up.

"I'm taking her to freshen up and sober up," she announced to the room.

Diana's mind was hazy, but seeing Mila, she didn't resist, following her out of the room.

Between the private rooms was a lounge area with a temporary sofa.

Mila's smile vanished the moment they stepped out.

She dumped Diana onto the sofa, a cold edge crossing her face.

"Oh, Diana, are you going alone? It's the room on the left," she called out, feigning concern.

Seeing no reaction from Diana, Mila glanced back at the room, ensuring no one followed.

Then she turned and left.

At the corner of the sofa, a sign was posted.

It read, "No resting for intoxicated guests. Beware of opportunists."