Chapter 8

As darkness enveloped Aglonard, the city pulsed vibrantly under the glow of neon lights.

Pulling up sharply in front of the dazzling Dusk Lounge,Kristina flashed Evelina a triumphant grin. "Your Majesty, we've arrived."

Stepping onto the bustling sidewalk, Evelina raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I thought we were scouting talent tonight. What's with the infamous venue choice?"

This wasn't just any nightclub-Dusk Lounge was the hottest, most notorious destination in the city,notably a favorite haunt of Cary's after his eyesight had been restored,mainly to avoid returning home to Evelina.

"Exactly where I scout my fresh faces," Kristina replied breezily, looping Evelina's arm firmly with her own and pulling her through the vibrant entrance. "I've devised a fun little game tonight, and you're gonna adore it."

Catching Evelina's skeptical look, Kristina insisted enthusiastically, "Don't even think about ditching me.Last time I promised you a divorce celebration, you chose sleep instead. You've rested enough after your ordeal with the Gibsons-now we celebrate."

Grabbing a lavish bundle of bright red roses from the reception counter, Kristina quickly deposited them into Evelina's confused arms.

Evelina blinked, baffled.

With a mischievous smile, Kristina explained, "I've got a hundred fresh candidates performing tonight. Like someone? Toss him a rose."

Lowering her voice, Kristina continued, "The others get just one pink rose each-you have ten bright red ones. Whoever catches your eye tonight receives top -tier management and resources."

Evelina stared incredulously. "Ahundred men to judge?Are you running a beauty contest or something?"

Laughing delightedly, Kristina twirled and opened her arms grandly. "The perks of royalty!"

Evelina sighed deeply, pressing her fingers to her temples, reconsidering the comfort of her bed back at the hotel.

Relentlessly determined, Kristina practically dragged Evelina into the club's VIP section-an exclusive front -row seat with an unrivaled view of the stage.

Half an hour passed, then the club exploded into dazzling lights, booming music, and a glittering shower of confetti.

Men streamed onto the stage, performing in groups of ten, as wild screams filled the venue. "He's amazing!I'm in love!"

Yet Evelina remained indifferent, barely lifting her gaze from her drink, clearly uninterested.

Kristina was visibly distressed. "I brought you here to unwind, not take vows of celibacy! A hundred men and you're unmoved?"

Feeling a little woozy from her drink, Evelina made her escape attempt. "Let me freshen up. Be right back."

"Don't forget your roses!" Kristina protested, thrusting the bouquet firmly back into Evelina's hands. "You're not leaving until every rose finds a recipient."

Helplessly smiling, Evelina wandered toward the restroom with roses in hand.

She emerged from the bathroom feeling clearer-only to run directly into Cary and Margot.

Margot immediately wore a look of disgusted accusation. "See that, Cary? I told you she's shameless-look how she's dressed, desperate for attention!"

Margot swiftly pulled out her phone, snapping a quick series of photos capturing Evelina's appearance.

She wasted no time, immediately forwarding them to Hayden with a message, saying, "That's your target. No need to hold back-she's just an orphan. No one will miss her."

A wave of disgust surged through Cary as he scowled at Evelina, his voice dripping with disdain. "Is this really how low you've sunk? Coming here dressed like that -do you have no shame at all?"

But tonight, Evelina was worlds apart from her usual reserved elegance. Tonight, she was electrifying.

Her vivid red lips and glossy, slightly hazy eyes,paired with the daringly cropped denim outfit, exuded an intoxicating confidence-bold, fierce, and irresistibly captivating.

Any man in his right mind would have been mesmerized instantly.

Frustration boiled over within Cary. The woman he'd always dismissed as bland now radiated allure. Worse still-he found himself irresistibly drawn to her, making Esme's demure elegance suddenly appear dull by comparison.

Evelina returned his gaze, unfazed. "We're no longer married, Cary-remember? You have no right to comment."

Gathering her roses confidently, Evelina began to walk away.

Yet, the vibrant crimson bouquet seemed to ignite something possessive within Cary. Grabbing her wrist,he demanded jealously, "Who gave you these roses?Which man-?"

Without bothering to answer, Evelina sharply stomped on Cary's foot.

"Ah-damn it!" Cary recoiled, stumbling in pain as he released her wrist.

"Cary, are you hurt?" Margot hurried forward, glaring venomously at Evelina. "You're insane-how dare-"

She abruptly silenced herself, hastily smoothing her appearance.

Several handsome young men, contestants fresh from the stage, casually strode by, heading backstage.

Evelina was about to vanish quietly when her eyes caught sight of someone at the tail end of the group.

He had an exquisitely chiseled face and striking,defined features, his tall physique emanating unmistakable confidence and calm authority.

Exactly the type Kristina dreamed of finding-a prime candidate destined for superstardom.

Perhaps slightly older than the others, but that lent an intriguing maturity. Stardom was unquestionably within reach for him.

Excitement gleamed in Evelina's eyes. Finally, a worthy candidate. Boldly, she approached him,extending the bouquet. "I've been looking for someone like you all night. These roses are yours-all ten of them. You're my choice."

The man halted, an eyebrow arching subtly. His deep,magnetic voice was compelling. "Are you certain about this?"

Jasper Russell's penetrating gaze assessed her, and the atmosphere in the corridor instantly grew tense.Even Cary, watching from a distance, felt a strange chill down his spine.

What was happening here...? Who exactly was this stranger?