Turan Out 115

Matthew, reading the room, lit the cigarette for Zachary before entering the private room 

once more. 

Zachary walked to the end of the deserted hallway and took a deep drag from his cigarette. Then, he casually exhaled smoke rings. 

He pulled his phone out and saw that Jessica had replied to him. 

“No,” she wrote. 

At that moment, he did not know what to say. 

Ashes fell from the cigarette between his fingers, the tip of his cigarette glowing brighter momentarily before dimming. 

He rarely smoked, but for some reason, he suddenly craved a smoke today. 

10 

Meanwhile, at Titan Bar, Jessica was not bothered by this matter. The chemistry between her and Zachary was not something that could be built in just a couple of months. 

Moreover, it seemed like they had not yet developed such deep feelings for one another. Thus, it was not necessary to be jealous over something so minor. 

She sat on the couch, listening to the deafening noises around her. 

Joshua and Elsa were huddled together, chatting about something mundane. Though it had only been a few days since they met, they quickly became chummy with one another, talking about everything under the sun. 

However, this was just as Jessica expected. 

Next to her were a few other people who were invited–people she did not know. 

Among them was a high–spirited B–list actress, Nicole Lancaster, who was recently the main lead of a period drama. 

Not only did she have a naturally beautiful face, an unrestrained personality, and great social connections, but she was also focused on having a good time, unafraid of being targeted by the paparazzi. 

Most of her outfits were designed by Elsa. Because of this, she pushed Elsa to greater fame. 

7/8 

“I heard that you’re also a designer. Elsa even recommended you to me earlier. I have an annual party to attend before New Year’s, and I was thinking of getting your help with designing an outfit. 

“Elsa has been so busy with her new store that she doesn’t have time for me. She tells me that you’re better than she is.” 

Jessica leaned in to listen. 

A DJ was spinning tracks in the bar, giving her no choice but to strain her voice to respond. This was a rare opportunity, after all. 

As they engaged in conversation, Jessica happened to notice a few familiar people at a table a short distance away. 

It was Zachary and a few others, including Evelyn and Amanda. 

What were they doing here? 

Amanda quickly made her move, claiming the seat next to Zachary just as Evelyn was about to 

take it. 

Occupied by his conversation with Mickey, Zachary failed to notice the woman who had sat 

down next to him. 

Jessica turned her gaze away. 

“I ordered an Atomic Peach. Would you like to try it? I heard that it’s really good!” 

Nicole tugged at Jessica, and without waiting for her response, poured half of her drink into Jessica’s glass. 

“It’s so fragrant,” Jessica remarked after taking a sniff of the drink wafting from the glass. 

The pair clinked glasses merrily and took a sip. 

The drink felt very smooth going down. The moment the liquid touched their palate, the fragrance of peaches filled their mouths, covering the taste of alcohol at the same time. 

Jessica couldn’t help but take a few more sips. 

Joshua, who had finished chatting with Elsa, panicked instantly when he saw Jessica drinking with Nicole. As quickly as he could, he pushed her glass back down. 

“Queen Bee, the Atomic Peach has a 52% alcohol content. Its taste is deceiving. Hold back on the drink.” 

“52%? I don’t think so… It only tastes like peaches.” 

Jessica took another sip and licked her lips. 

“Listen, I’m off the clock. I’m not going to send you home if you get yourself drunk. Mr. Jones will kill me if he finds out that I brought you out for drinks.” 

“Did Zachary brainwash you? You’re taking this whole thing too seriously. We’re buddies now, you know.” 

Before Joshua could even say anything, five male escorts came to their table. Meanwhile, Elsa, sitting next to him, was already getting hyped up. 

“Don’t even get me started. These male escorts look even better than those overseas!” 

Elsa leaned closer, and Joshua gave up his seat so that she could sit with Jessica. 

The male escorts started dancing sensually for the women. A couple of drinks in, a few of the gorgeous women who were with them couldn’t resist reaching out and touching the men. 

Jessica burst out laughing. Although she was aware that Elsa loved to have fun, she hadn’t known how bold Elsa was with her fun. 

“Jessica, feel this!” 

Nicole pulled Jessica’s hand toward the male escort in front of her. As Jessica placed her slender hand on the man’s six–pack abs, an image of Zachary’s eight–pack abs and tanned complexion came to mind. 

Zachary, who sat at the other table, looked over when he seemed to catch the sound of a familiar name. Instantly, he tightened his hand on the wine glass in his hand and clenched his 

teeth. 

His eyes dimmed.