Chapter 17 A Damsel in Distress

• The next morning, Edgar strode into his office with a stern expression, his mood as cold as the early autumn air. He cast a frosty glance at his assistant, Miles, who stood by the desk with an anxious look.
• "Where's Jean? Is she back yet?" Edgar's voice was edged with impatience.
• Miles shifted nervously, clutching the document in his hand. "Ms. Eyer hasn't returned, but we've tracked her location."
• Edgar sank into his chair, his fingers drumming on the armrest. "Where?"
• Miles hesitated, then replied, "Ms. Eyer is at Luminance Villa. It seems that she’s starting work there tonight as a waitress."
• The revelation darkened Edgar's expression. His grip tightened around the document, crumpling it slightly. "A waitress?"
• Miles broke out in a cold sweat, nodding apprehensively. "Yes..."
• Edgar's lips curled into a chilling smile, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "She’s determined to defy me at every turn, isn't she? That place is frequented by the elite of the business world. Everyone there will know she’s mine."
• He was seething with anger. The notion of Jean working as a waitress, especially at such a high-profile establishment, was an affront to him. It was an insult he would not tolerate.
• "How much does she owe? Settle the entire amount," Edgar ordered with a steely tone.
• Miles stared blankly, but the cold determination in Edgar's eyes left him no room to protest. He nodded quickly and left the president’s office in silence, his heart pounding with unease.
• In the corridor outside, Gigi had overheard the conversation. Her face darkened with malice, her eyes narrowing into slits of hatred.
• "Jean Eyer, you just won’t leave me alone," Gigi muttered under her breath, her voice laced with venom.
• As night descended, the Luminance Villa was ablaze with lights, signaling its readiness for the evening's patrons. The villa, known for its opulence, was a venue where the city’s elite gathered to mingle and indulge.
• Inside, Luna, a stunning woman in a rhinestone-studded slip dress, checked on the staff. She glanced at Jean, who had adopted the name Cindy for her new role. The name was a bitter irony—Cinderella’s fairy tale ending contrasted sharply with Jean's current plight.
• Jean, with her elegant makeup and impeccable posture, wheeled herself into the bustling room. Her presence drew attention; some patrons gazed at her with surprise, others with disdain, and many with a hunger in their eyes. Her grace and beauty stood in stark contrast to the harsh reality of her situation.
• "Madam Lylah, when did you acquire such a fine newcomer? Won’t you introduce her to us?" a balding man with a lecherous grin asked. His suit barely concealed his paunch, and his eyes roamed over Jean with evident desire.
• "Ah, Mr. Wilson, this is our new recruit, Cindy. How fortunate she is that Mr. Wilson takes an interest in her. Please, come over," Luna responded, her tone smooth and accommodating.
• Jean’s heart pounded as she accepted a glass of champagne from a nearby waitress. Her hands trembled slightly, but she maintained her composure as she approached the man. She was about to extend a polite greeting when a shrill voice cut through the murmur of conversation.
• "Jean? Why are you here?"
• The voice came from someone familiar, startling Jean and causing a wave of tension to ripple through the room.