Chapter 160
As soon as Alvin stepped into the bar in Xandria, he was hit by a mix of smoke, alcohol, spices, and stifling heat.
The bar was dimly lit, with flickering lights and music that had a strong exotic vibe. The heavy drumbeats seemed to sync with his heartbeat.
A few local businessmen walked ahead of him, their faces full of arrogance, heads held high. One of them said, "There are plenty of companies wanting to work with us. What makes you think we'd choose your small company?"
Alvin followed behind them, his brow furrowed, unwilling to give up. He pleaded, "Efren..."
"Enough, we'll talk about this later," the man called Efren said impatiently, waving his hand dismissively. His thick arm pushed Alvin aside with a rough shove.
The disdain on Efren's face was unmistakable, showing no respect as he turned and led his group towards a private room.
Alvin stood there alone, clutching the proposal he had poured his heart and soul into, his knuckles white from the pressure.
He slowly turned around, the weight of defeat heavy on his face.
As he looked up, he saw Daisy sitting by the bar not far away.
Daisy was wearing a tight, crimson dress that accentuated her curves.
Her makeup was meticulously done, exuding a cold, fierce beauty. In this exotic and alluring bar, she was like a blooming rose with thorns, radiating a dangerous yet captivating charm.
Daisy noticed him too, and didn't avoid his gaze. She watched him with a calm, detached look.
Just then, a tall man in a flashy shirt and a thick gold chain approached Daisy, speaking with a heavy accent, "Miss, are you alone?"
Daisy didn't respond immediately. She raised an elegant eyebrow and a faint smile played on her lips, like a lazy yet regal cat, making her even more enticing.
Before she could reply, the man was abruptly pulled aside. "She's not alone."
Daisy's smile deepened, her eyes still fixed on Alvin.
The man was about to protest, but seeing the burly bodyguards behind Daisy, he backed off and left dejectedly.
Alvin walked over and sat across from Daisy, casually picking up a drink and downing it. "What are you doing here?"
Daisy's slender fingers gently held her wine glass, swirling the red liquid inside.
She spoke softly, "Just relaxing, and maybe finding someone to spend the night with. You just scared off a decent prospect. How are you going to make it up to me?"
Alvin stared at her silently for a moment, then looked away, his voice tinged with weariness. "Xandria is too chaotic, full of all kinds of people. It's not safe for you. You should go back."
"If you can handle it, why can't I?" Daisy raised an eyebrow, a hint of defiance in her tone.
"I'm not like you," Alvin paused, then continued, "Here, they still have some fear of me."
"Perfect, with you as my 'guardian angel,' I have nothing to worry about," Daisy said, standing up and tossing her small purse to him. "I'm hungry. Take me to get something to eat."
Alvin frowned, looking troubled. "I still have business to discuss."
Daisy turned back, giving him a charming smile and a playful wink. "There are other ways to negotiate besides pestering. Come on."
Daisy and Alvin went missing in Xandria.
Victoria received the news while she was organizing art books in the gallery.
The shock nearly made her faint on the spot.
Thankfully, Wendy was there to catch her.
After taking leave, she was about to rush home to pack when she found William's car already parked outside.
Victoria, setting aside their past grievances, urgently asked, "What happened? Why did they suddenly disappear?"
William's lips were pressed into a thin line, his face icy. "I don't know the details, but according to Aunt Daisy's bodyguards, they went to meet someone in a private room at a bar and never came out."
Victoria's heart sank.
Seeing her pale face and red eyes, William's heart ached. He softly reassured her, "Don't worry. Aunt Daisy and Alvin will be fine. I'm heading to Xandria now to bring them back."
"I'm coming with you!" Victoria insisted.
"No way!" William refused without hesitation.
Xandria was a dangerous place, overrun by gangs. Human life there was worth nothing.
He couldn't let Victoria take that risk.
"William, please, let me go with you. I'm so scared. I'm worried something will happen to them. Please take me with you."
Seeing her pleading expression, William finally relented. "You can come, but you must stay within my sight."
Victoria nodded repeatedly.
William sighed, "Go pack. I'll arrange the tickets."
Nora was in the living room with a face mask on, a plate of fruit and a glass of fresh juice in front of her.
Her surgery had been postponed, and her health was still precarious. But she always took care of herself, and lately, she had been indulging in expensive supplements and imported fruits.
Seeing Victoria return, Nora quickly removed her mask and rushed over to block her path. "Why are you home early?"
Victoria, consumed with worry, had no time for her. She pushed past Nora and headed upstairs.
"I'm talking to you!" Nora, hands on her hips, glared after her, chest heaving with anger.
Soon, Victoria came back down.
"Stop right there!" Nora grabbed Victoria's arm, her face livid. "Is this how you treat me? Do you want me to expose your secrets?"
"Go ahead!"
Victoria shook her off angrily. "If you don't mind the shame, why should I? Expose away!"
Her shout stunned Nora, who stared at her in shock.
Nora noticed the items Victoria was packing.
She snatched them away. "What's this?"
"Give it back!" Victoria reached for it, but Nora had already stepped back onto the stairs. Seeing it was a passport, she looked suspicious. "What do you need this for?"