Tristan Ashcroft signaled his men to carry Jake Varley out of Studio 54 once the situation was under control.

He followed them outside.

Under the dim streetlights, Tristan hailed a cab and shoved five hundred-dollar bills into the driver's hand.

"Take him to the hospital," Tristan said coldly.

The driver pocketed the cash without hesitation.

Watching the taxi disappear down the road, Tristan turned to his four enforcers.

"You'll be stationed here from now on," he said in a low voice. "Deal with troublemakers immediately."

"Yes, boss," they chorused.

Back inside, Tristan strode straight to Jenna Roland.

Tiny cuts marred the skin below her neck, glinting painfully under the lights.

"Those need medical attention," Tristan frowned.

Jenna shook her head. "Just minor scratches. Some disinfectant will do."

Worry flickered in Tristan's eyes.

This happened on his turf. If Ethan Roscente found out...

He turned to Stella Laurent. "Get the iodine from my office."

Stella returned swiftly with antiseptic swabs.

"Let me help," she said, gently dabbing at Jenna's wounds.

Tristan scanned the room, locking eyes with every employee present.

"Remember," his voice rang with authority, "handle any disturbances with force. I'll take responsibility."

Nods rippled through the crowd.

Most staff had worked here since the club opened eight years ago. They knew Tristan's character well.

After issuing instructions, Tristan took the elevator to his sixth-floor office.

The door clicked shut as he sank heavily into his leather chair.

His phone lit up with Ethan's name.

Tristan's finger hovered over the call button.

Tell Ethan? The man would blame him for poor management.

Keep quiet? The consequences would be worse when Ethan inevitably discovered the truth.

He raked a hand through his hair and lit a cigarette.

Amid the swirling smoke, Tristan dialed Patrick Klein.

"Send Jenna to my office."

Patrick responded promptly: "She's currently entertaining Gavin Valentine's group."

Inside VIP Room 308, Gavin's gaze burned into the wounds on Jenna's chest.

"Who did this?" His voice could freeze hell.

Jenna opened her mouth to explain when new guests interrupted.

Only after entering the private room did she recount the incident in full.

When she described Jake striking her with roses, Gavin shot to his feet.

His fist smashed down onto the glass coffee table.