But her entire arrangement with Collin had been nothing more than a desperate attempt to rescue Felix s project and spare his company from devastating losses. Now that Felix had betrayed her so completely, Linsey saw no point in maintaining the charade with Collin any longer.

A fierce gust whipped through her hair, making her lashes flutter. Without a second thought, she declined his call.

The phone buzzed again almost immediately. She rejected it once more, but Collin persisted with stubborn determination, creating a relentless cycle of calls and rejections that stretched on for what felt like forever.

Growing weary of this exhausting dance, she finally powered off her phone completely and stepped into the rain-soaked street to flag down a taxi.

In a bar, the space stretched wide but remained shrouded in shadows, with colorful neon lights pulsing and flickering to create an intoxicating, dreamlike atmosphere. Bodies moved across the dance floor in wild abandon, men and women losing themselves to the music, while occasional whoops and cheers erupted from the crowd.

Linsey sat hunched over the bar counter, drinking in solitude, surrounded by a graveyard of empty bottles and glasses of every shape and size. After draining yet another glass, she slammed it down carelessly and addressed the bartender, her words thick with alcohol. Another one, please.

The bartender hesitated, genuine worry creasing his features as he chose his words carefully. You ve had quite a bit already. Maybe it s time to call it a night.

What do you mean? Linsey s eyes flashed with drunken anger as she fixed him with a withering stare. I m paying good money, so why can t I drink as much as I want? You think I won t get you fired?

The bartender realized his concern had only earned him her wrath. He sighed and reached for another bottle, preparing her drink without another word. Here you go.

Just as Linsey s fingers closed around the fresh glass, a heavy hand dropped onto her shoulder. She spun around to find a man s face hovering inches from her own. Read complete version only at find novel net

Ah! Startled, Linsey shoved him backward and snapped, Who the hell are you?

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The man stood at average height, wearing a gaudy floral shirt stretched across his frame and a gold chain glinting at his throat. His smile revealed a row of yellowed, crooked teeth, and the stench of stale alcohol rolled off him in waves. Two lackeys lurked behind him like shadows.

His grin widened as he leaned closer, oozing false charm. Hey there, gorgeous. Drinking all by yourself? How about you let me keep you company?

Realizing he was hitting on her, Linsey cut him off with brutal directness. Not interested.

She turned her back on him and lifted her drink again, seeking refuge in the burning liquid.

The man refused to take the hint, sliding onto the stool beside her as he pressed on with his unwelcome advances. You look like someone broke your heart. Boyfriend dump you? Don t let it get you down, sweetheart. Plenty of fish in the sea, and I m right here if you need someone new.

Hearing that, Linsey set her glass down with deliberate precision, turned to face her persistent admirer, and delivered her response like a slap. Has anyone ever mentioned that your breath could kill a horse? Maybe try brushing your teeth before you attempt to charm women.

The insult struck home, wiping the sleazy grin clean off his face as rage twisted his features. You little bitch! Who do you think you re talking to?

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