Chapter 2

Bliss Nightclub, true to its name, was a notorious den of luxury and excess.

I sat at the center of attention at the bar, dressed in a backless red sequined dress.

I swirled a glass of whiskey in my hand, my gaze hazy, looking like someone trying to drink away her troubles.

Plenty of guys nearby were itching to make a move.

After all, the pampered princess James used to spoil was now left out in the cold. Who wouldn't want to try their luck now?

"Well, well, if it isn't Ms. Summers," a flippant voice rang out.

A group of rich playboys swaggered over, with Charles Knight, James's old rival, leading the pack.

"Heard James dumped you? What, running low on cash? So now you're working the bar, hoping to make ends meet?" Charles said. He reached for my face.

I turned my head, dodging his hand with a cold laugh. I replied, "Mr. Knight, if you're so eager to lose your hand, maybe you should donate it to someone who needs it more."

Charles's expression darkened as he grabbed my chin roughly. "Cut the act. James has already had his fun with you. You really think you're still some kind of princess?

"If you keep me happy tonight, I'll give you 30 grand."

Charles slammed the money into my face. The sharp edges of the bills scraped across my eye, leaving a red mark.

The crowd around us burst into laughter.

Swallowing my humiliation, I was about to strike back when my eyes landed on a familiar figure standing at the railing of a private box upstairs.

It was Zack.

He had a cigar between his fingers, watching everything from above with an amused look in his eyes.

I knew he was sizing me up.

If I tried to use James's influence now, or showed even a shred of pride, he'd never believe I was truly out of options.

I took a deep breath, pushing down the rage burning in my eyes.

Then I bent over, picking up the bills from the floor one by one.

"30 grand? Mr. Knight, you really know how to spoil a girl," I said.

I looked up, plastering a gaudy smile on my face as I tucked the cash into my dress. "With that kind of money, drinking's just the start; anything goes."

Charles froze for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"James, you see this? This is the woman you worshipped like a queen," he shouted, gesturing toward the entrance.

I followed his gaze, and my blood ran cold.

James was standing right there.

He was dressed in a sharp black designer suit, with Olivia clinging to his arm, looking all innocent and sweet.

James looked at me like I was nothing but a rat crawling out of the gutter.

"James, what happened to Stella? How could she end up like this?" Olivia said. She covered her mouth, looking genuinely stunned.

With a cold glance, James looked away and picked up a glass of red wine from the waiter's tray.

Then, he closed the distance between us.

"Running low on cash?" James asked.

I gritted my teeth, my smile so forced it was almost painful. "Yeah, Mr. Foster, that breakup money you tossed my way? It's barely enough for me to splurge," I replied.

With a splash, a glass of red wine was poured right over my head.

The crimson liquid dripped through my hair, blurring my vision.

"Stella, you make me sick," James said.

He tossed the glass aside, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, then casually dropped it to the floor.

"Mr. Knight, since she's so desperate for money, I'll pay for whatever she does tonight," James added. "Just make sure she stays alive. The rest is up to you; have your fun."

With that, he pulled Olivia close and walked upstairs without so much as a backward glance.

That was the VIP suite where Zack was hanging out.