Oasis Club.

Inside one of the exclusive private rooms, men and women draped themselves lazily over the plush sofas, their laughter mingling with the sound of clinking glasses.

Alexander sat sprawled in a corner, his legs propped arrogantly on the low table before him.

On either side, two women in skimpy dresses hovered attentively, one pouring his drink while the other lit his cigarette.

He smirked and reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against one woman’s cheek before abruptly dousing her with the wine she had just handed him.

The girl froze, her surprise evident for only a fleeting second before she forced a coquettish smile.

“If you enjoy seeing me wet, Alexander, why don’t we take this to the rooftop pool? One glass isn’t enough to be fun.”

Alexander chuckled darkly, patting her cheek again.

“Feisty.

I like that.” He pulled out his phone and transferred her a small tip.

He took out his frustration from his earlier encounter with Elizabeth on these hostesses.

“Go clean up.

Don’t let your mess ruin my suit,” he said, exhaling a puff of smoke as he waved her away.

The girl left the room with a strained smile, but as soon as she was out of earshot, she muttered under her breath, “Cheapskate.”

In a club as upscale as this, tips like his were laughable.

Her thoughts wandered to Elijah—unapproachable, composed, and disinterested in women like her—but always generous.

Getting picked by Alexander Crawford tonight was rotten luck.

She looked at her alcohol-soaked dress, which had cost more than his stingy tip.

Inside the room, the conversation shifted.

A sleazy man with shifty eyes leaned forward, his arm slung casually around a girl as he sneered, “Alexander, you’re a genius.

That knight-in-shining-armor act was pure brilliance!”

His eyes were so small they were mere slits, giving him a shifty look.

Alexander leaned back, shrugging off his jacket with a smirk.

“Please.

I don’t waste time on elaborate schemes.”

Another man chimed in, “Still, you played it perfectly.

Hell, we even called the cops so she wouldn’t think it was staged.”

This man, Alexander’s childhood friend and head of his family’s security team, chuckled knowingly.

He had been in Foxfire County with Alexander during the incident.

“I’ll admit, I went there with other intentions,” Alexander said, downing the last of his whiskey.

“Thought I’d have my fun, leave her behind, and move on.

Like I’d ever marry someone like that.”

He set his glass down with a sharp clink.

“But then I found her staying at a government-run inn, surrounded by people.

No privacy.

Then, by some twist of fate, I stumbled across her getting cornered by some thugs.

Perfect opportunity to play hero.

Thought maybe she’d soften up.” His jaw clenched.

“Instead, she treated me like the enemy.”

One of the men snickered.

“Still holding onto the Norris name, huh? Now that Sandra is back, Elizabeth’s just waiting to be thrown out.”

Alexander’s gaze darkened.

“If she doesn’t appreciate my kindness, she’ll regret it.

Sometimes, people need to learn the hard way.”

The thought of forcing Elizabeth into submission made his blood simmer.

Without warning, he turned toward the girl beside him, ripping her dress open as he dragged her onto the sofa.

The others averted their eyes, unfazed by the scene.

Conversations resumed as if nothing had happened, their voices and the pulsing background music drowning out the vulgar display.

The next day.

Film set.

At the film location, Elizabeth stepped out of her car and was immediately surrounded by her colleagues.

“Elizabeth, you’re finally here!”

Amid the warm welcome, Asher approached, holding a brown paper bag with a proud grin.

“My aunt made this beef jerky—several flavors! You have to try them and pick your favorite first.”

During their time filming together, everyone had gotten to know her tastes a bit.

“Elizabeth, hurry and choose.

We’ve been drooling over it!”

Elizabeth blinked in surprise as Beverly added with mock exasperation, “We’ve been staring at it all morning! Asher wouldn’t let us touch it until you had first dibs.”

Chuckling, Elizabeth accepted the bag.

Inside were several containers, each sealed and neatly labeled.

When Asher popped one open, a rich aroma of spices and beef filled the air, making her mouth water.

Her stomach growled as she took a bite, savoring the tender texture and bold flavor.

She quickly chose the spicy jerky, her personal favorite, and passed the rest to the eager crowd.

They all thanked Asher and Elizabeth too.

After all, without Elizabeth, how else could they taste homemade beef jerky from Asher?

As the laughter and chatter continued, Elizabeth’s smile wavered as she caught a flash of light from the corner of her eye.

The set was located in a bustling area, with no road closures—just a cordoned-off zone for filming.

Nearby, fans and curious passersby lingered to watch.

Her gaze swept over the crowd, her instincts prickling with unease.

She had a nagging feeling something was amiss.

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