Chapter 2 Encounter at the Bar (Part 1)

• Stepping out of the airport terminal, Lewis hailed a taxi and swiftly left the bustling area.
• Sitting in the backseat, he pulled out his phone and entered the contact information left by Tess into his address book.
• He quickly typed a message: 'Hello. This is Lewis. Let's meet up sometime.' He hit the send button. Then, he chatted cheerfully with the driver about the changes in Kloria city.
• Ten minutes later, his phone buzzed. The screen displayed: 'Busy with family matters; I'll find some time to see you later.'
• Lewis smiled. It seemed he had made quite an impression on her. He decided to let her wait a few days before following up; he had more important matters to attend to.
• Half an hour later, he stepped out of the taxi and arrived at Hull Cemetery in the west of Kloria. At the entrance, he bought some offerings and a bouquet of flowers. Silently, he made his way to the highest point of the cemetery.
• Hull Cemetery, nestled against the mountains and overlooking the sea, boasted a serene and picturesque environment. However, in this era when every inch of land was precious, the cost of a burial plot was exorbitant—8,000 dollars per square feet, and even more for the higher elevations. Despite the high cost, the well-maintained grounds were worth it. Lewis had spent all his savings and some funds from his comrades to secure this plot. Money was also the primary reason for him to go abroad to be a mercenary.
• Standing before the grave of his grandmother, Violet Morton, he laid down the flowers and lit the offerings. Gazing at her photograph on the tomb, he was overwhelmed with emotion. The pain of losing the very close relative, even after nearly ten years, still cut him deep.
• The sea breeze gently caressed his face as the surrounding trees rustled in the wind. The birds chattered, and the distant sound of waves crashing seemed to echo his sorrow.
• "Grandma, I'm sorry it took so long for me to visit. But I won't be leaving again. I'll come to see you often," Lewis said softly to the grave.
• The main reason for Lewis's return was to take care of Sacha Cox, the sister of his fallen comrade, Mandred Cox, best known as Feral, who had died saving their team in an attack. It was a wound still fresh in Lewis's heart.
• The Memorial Day had just passed. Now the cemetery was quiet. Lewis sat by his grandmother's grave. He started to reminisce about his childhood, and he didn't left until sunset.
• Violet maked her living as a scavenger before she died. When she was seventy, she found Lewis by the roadside. She had raised him with great difficulty until he turned sixteen, at which point she passed away. Violet had left behind nothing but a circular pendant carved with a lifelike dragon.
• At sixteen, Lewis enlisted in the army. After five years of service, he moved to Chaobar at twenty-one to pay off his debts. He and his comrades then formed "the Scarlet Pack Mercenaries", which was famous in the underworld. After four years of living on the edge, he grew worn out of danger and blood. Ignoring his friends' pleas, he decided to return home. The notorious Lupine had returned to the city.
• Checking into the Glacier Hotel, Lewis filled out his personal details. After receiving his room key, he headed to his room.
• He really needed to relax himself well now. He got dressed up to look handsome and rich. Feeling satisfied with his look, he left his room and was ready for a night out.
• After grabbing a bite at the hotel restaurant, he headed to a nearby bar named Nightfall.
• It was ten o'clock, prime time for night owls to hit the scene.
• Entering the bar, Lewis quietly observed the lively atmosphere. The place was packed. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and alcohol. Young men and women filled the dance floor, moving to the pulsing music and releasing their energy with the exciting DJ live.
• As Lewis walked into Nightfall Bar, he instantly caught the attention of many.
• With his at 6'3" height, athletic build, and striking features, he drew the gaze of numerous women.
• Approaching the bar, he ordered a bottle of 92-proof vodka on the rocks, along with some snacks and a fruit platter. He sat back, quietly scanning the room in search of a suitable companion for the night.
• A few minutes later, Lewis noticed an exceptionally attractive woman wildly dancing on the stage. Her height was approximately 5′8″, and her sleek black professional outfit clearly identified her as a career woman. Her delicate features on her oval face were extremely perfect, exuding an air of flawless beauty that was difficult to ignore. Compared to that the flight attendant Tess, this woman was undeniably more captivating.
• However, there was always an icy expression on her perfect face.
• Several young men approached her and made unsuccessful attempts to engage in conversation. This piqued Lewis's interest.
• Winona was feeling particularly irritable today. The pressures from her family and the difficulties at work made her want to blow off some steam. Despite never having visited a bar before, she decided to let loose and release her suppressed frustrations.
• After a few drinks, her cheeks flushed slightly. She ran up to the stage and danced wildly, letting it all out. Once the song ended, she returned to her booth and continued drinking, unaware of the dangers of being a lone woman in a bar, especially the one as beautiful as herself.
• "Hello, doll. All alone?" A young, scholar-looking man appeared before her.
• Winona's expression remained cold, her disdain for the man evident as she muttered, "Scram!"
• The young man's face flushed with embarrassment, but he still kept a gentle smile to maintain his image of a gentleman.
• He said softly, "If you need help, just find me. I'd be delighted to assist."
• Winona was clearly irritated, and she snapped, "You make me sick. Scram!"
• The young man waved his hand, then another sleazy-looking man, Stuart, quietly approached Winona.
• As Winona still argued with the young man, Stuart discreetly slipped a packet of powder into her drink.
• The young man was unfazed by Winona's rejection. He smirked as he saw the drug take effect, then walked away from her booth.
• Unaware of the drug in her drink, Winona continued to drink after they left. She was oblivious to the danger she was in.
• The departing young man smirked and felt satisfied with his plan.
• Once you drink that, you'll be at my mercy.
• Lewis observed from a distance and found the situation amusing. Didn't she know how dangerous a bar could be? How many single women have been drugged without any awareness? Well, since I'd seen it, I might as well do a good deed.
• As Winona drank from the spiked glass, Lewis realised it was too late to stop her. He needed to get her out of there.
• The young man saw her drink the spiked beverage, and he was pleased. He turned to Stuart and praised him, saying, "Good job, Stuart. Here's a reward for you. Next time you find a catch like this, let me know."
• He handed Stuart a stack of cash worth around 2,000 dollars, enough to keep him happy for a while.
• Stuart's eyes gleamed as he accepted the money. He bowed repeatedly and said, "Thank you, Mr. Neil, thank you!"
• Clearly, these two had done this countless times.