hapter 77
After Charlotte’s firm insistence, Georgia had only returned to work at Vetro Club once she was completely healed–one hundred percent recovered, with no lingering pain or weakness. She had told herself then that everything would be just like before, that her life was back on track and nothing had changed. But deep down, she knew the truth: everything had shifted beneath her feet.
The only real difference was that no matter how much she tried to push, no matter how much she waited or hoped, there were no assignments coming her way. No work was being scheduled for her anymore. The cruel silence of idleness wrapped itself around her like a suffocating fog. Her supervisor, Elaine, never offered her shifts or tasks. And Charlotte- never one to go against Preston’s commands–kept her distance, her expression unreadable.
Georgia found herself trapped in the Public Relations Department’s lounge day after day, sitting alone, watching time crawl until the moment she could finally leave. The lounge, once a place of lively conversation and camaraderie, had somehow become a cage.
One evening, as the clock ticked toward quitting time, Georgia slumped back into her chair, exhausted. “Finally time to get off work! I’m beat,” she muttered quietly to herself, the fatigue heavy in her bones. Yet she couldn’t deny a flicker of interest as laughter and chatter grew louder around her. The other girls in the lounge were buzzing about the day’s guests, comparing tips and stories.
Her gaze drifted upward, catching sight of a woman pulling out a thick wad of cash. The bills looked crisp, fresh–at least ten thousand dollars stacked neatly in her hand. The call girl noticed Georgia’s stare and flashed a teasing smile.
“Georgia, what are you looking at?” she teased, stepping closer with playful mischief in her eyes.
The woman waved the money in front of Georgia, who barely responded.
50? You want some of this too?” she said, cocking an eyebrow. “Come on, Georgia, stop acting like a fool in the Public Relations Department. When’s the last time a quest even asked for you?”
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Before Georgia could reply, another woman c
scorn, Juniper, quit showing off. Georgia doesn’t care about your peanuts. She’s got bigger plans, makes way more money than that. Your little stack means nothing to her.”
Juniper curled her lips in disdain. “That’s right. Who else is as cheap as her? I wouldn’t say yes to those guys no matter how much cash they threw at me.”
Georgia glanced at the clock on the wall, her heart sinking. She quietly gathered her belongings, stood up, and without a word, walked past Juniper toward the door,
“Stop right there! Juniper’s voice sliced through the chatter like a knife.
Georgia turned, puzzled. “What?”
“You!” Juniper jabbed a finger at her face, eyes blazing with anger. “I’m talking to you! And you’re just leaving without a word? What’s that supposed to mean? You looking down on me?”
A dull headache began to throb behind Georgia’s temples at the baseless accusation, She forced herself to stay calm, her voice even but gentle. “It’s time to get off work, Juniper. I’m just leaving
Isn’t that normal? she thought bitterly. It’s quitting time–I’m supposed to go back to the dorm. What’s the problem?
Juniper frowned, unconvinced. “What do you mean by that?”
Georgia didn’t understand what she had done to offend Juniper, nor did she want to argue. Her spirit was too weary for conflict.
She sighed softly and offered the simplest way out: “I’m sorry if I offended you in any way.”
For a moment, Juniper said nothing, her expression flickering with surprise and frustration. Of course, Juniper knew she had been picking a fight. She’d planned to report Georgia to Elaine the moment things escalated. But Georgia’s quiet apology disarmed her, making Juniper look petty and unreasonable.
“Fine You want to apologize? Then show me it means something. Juniper raised her hand, threatening.
Chapter 77
Suddenly, a stern voice interrupted from the doorway. “Juniper, what are you doing?”
Elaine’s arrival silenced the room. Juniper froze, then burst out, “Elaine, you have to call the shots! Georgia looks down ont
mer
Elaine’s eyes narrowed, her tone sharp and cold. “Juniper, you fought with Amber the other day, and now with Georgia. If you love causing trouble so much, this job isn’t for you.”.
In the past, Elaine might have looked the other way. But now, she was done tolerating nonsense.
Her gaze flicked to Georgia, sitting quietly, her
Silence both dignified and mysterious. If Elaine didn’t know better, she wouldn’t have guessed Georgia’s connection to Preston.
“She started it!” Juniper snapped, refusing to back down.
Elaine’s patience snapped. “Do I look like a fool to you?” she asked icily.
Juniper’s mouth snapped shut, her face crumpling with defeated grievance.
Elaine surveyed the group and said firmly. “Enough. It’s time to get off work. Everyone go.”
Then she turned to Juniper, her voice low and warning. “Remember, the most important rule at Vetro Club is to behave yourself. No more trouble.”
Elaine thought to herself, I’ve warned her every way I can. What she does next is up to her.
Georgia heaved a quiet sigh, gathered her things, and slipped out of the lounge.
Outside, the night wrapped around her like a cold cloak. The wind bit at her skin, sharp and unrelenting, as she walked the empty sidewalk toward the dormitory. Her solitary figure seemed fragile, lost in the chill darkness.
Behind her, a sleek car slowed, pulling alongside.
The window slid down, and a deep, magnetic voice floated out. “Miss Cooper, we meet again.
Georgia turned slowly, eyes narrowing as she took in the man inside, Handsome, sharp–featured, his eyes gleamed like at predator’s under the flickering streetlights–almost vampire–like in their intensity.
“Hello,” she said politely but firmly. “If you have somewhere to be, please go ahead.”
She thought he might just pass by and leave her alone.
But the car continued to move beside her as she took a few cautious steps.
Suspicion prickled her skin. “Sir, is there something you need?”
He smiled–a slow, knowing curl of his lips–and asked, ‘Miss Cooper, may I have the honor of inviting you into my car?”
“I’ll pass. My dormitory’s just ahead.”
Georgia’s thoughts flickered, sharp and clear: He’s dangerous. I don’t want to get involved with anything–or anyone–that: might pull me under.
The man chuckled darkly. “What if I insist on taking you back?”
She stopped, spun around, and met his gaze. “Sir, I’m off duty.”
He reached into the passenger seat and pulled out a thick wallet, waving a stack of bills. “Miss Cooper, how about some
overtime?”
Georgia’s heart clenched. She knew she should say no, should keep her distance from this man–Larkin. But the gnawing weight of the debt that shadowed her life–the million–dollar nightmare–pressed harder than pride.
She needed money. And with no work coming her way, this might be the only way.
