?Chapter 168:


    Phoebe stated, “You should know that you’re safe with me. Go change, and let’s head out together.” She then returned to her room to change her own attire. After witnessing Phoebe’s serious expression, Eileen realized she had no choice but to go out with Phoebe tonight.


    As someone who usually buried herself in work and seldom indulged in outings, Eileen weed the change of pace. asionally stepping out for some fun didn’t seem like a bad idea. It was past ten o’clock in the bustling heart of Wist Land. Dressed in a purple floral dress as Phoebe had suggested, Eileen felt the vibrant nightlife pulse around her. The dress fell just above her knees. Her natural beauty was evident, and her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, turning heads.


    Bars weren’t her usual scene—the mix of patrons often made her uneasy. Despite the catcalls from several boldly styled men, she and Phoebe proceeded inside. The bar they entered wasvish, with an inviting open lobby that included a dance floor and seating. Quieter spaces were avable upstairs, offering varied entertainments. Yet, Phoebe’s intent was clear—she was here to enjoy the night. They settled on the bustling first floor.


    At Phoebe’s request, the waiter brought over two cocktails, and they watched the lively dance floor. “Check that out; that man’s quite the looker.”


    Phoebe leaned closer to Eileen, nodding towards a man in a white shirt and a mask on the dance floor.


    His shirt was loosely buttoned, revealing his muscr body. His figure and the slight sweat in his short hair added to his allure, a vision that could easily captivate any onlooker.


    Upon seeing him, Eileen couldn’t help but be impressed, though a part of her resisted the appeal, her thoughts drifting to Bryan.


    Bryan, with his well-defined shoulders and slim waist, seemed more appealing to her.


    L?t?st cнαpt?rs ιn g??lnov?ls.??????


    Besides, Bryan’s distinguished presence was something others could rarely match even in such settings. Eileen just smiled at Phoebe, keeping her thoughts to herself.


    While Eileen was distracted, Phoebe swiftly captured a photo of Eileen sipping her drink and sent it to Jacob. Under the vivid lights, Eileen looked radiant in the photograph. Even through the digital disy, the sight made Bryan’s heart race.


    “Unbelievable! We just left Wist Land for a day, and Phoebe’s already taken Eileen to a bar?” eximed Jacob, putting away his phone.


    He then smirked, looking at the traffic light ahead.


    “She’d be surprised to know we’ve managed to return sooner than expected.”


    Bryan, who was driving, pressed the elerator as the traffic light turned green. Jacob asked Phoebe where the bar was. Phoebe nonchntly disclosed the location and quipped, “Too bad you’re not here to join us. Next round could have been on me!” Jacob couldn’t help but curse out loud in frustration upon seeing Phoebe’s message. “Step on it! We’re heading there right now,” he urged Bryan. Silently, Bryan sped up without hesitation.


    Despite its low alcohol content, the cocktail made Eileen’s cheeks flush red. Feeling warm, she removed her coat. She had declined advances from a string of men over the past half hour, growing weary of the attention.


    Meanwhile, Phoebe delighted in collecting contact details from several admirers. “Didn’t you say you’re not interested in marriage?” Eileen asked Phoebe.


    “Indeed, I don’t want to get married,” Phoebe replied. “But I’m all for falling in love and experiencing life’s pleasures.”


    Eileen grinned and probed further, “How are things between you and Jacob then?”


    “What do you mean? What does this have to do with Jacob and me?” Phoebe retorted.


    “There’s nothing between me and him now.”


    Eileen was about to respond when someone approached. She kept her gaze down and stated, “I’m sorry; I don’t drink, and I’m not sharing my phone number with you.” “I already have your number, though,” Arthur said. He slid into the seat next to Eileen and said, “It’s been challenging trying to catch your attention. Haven’t you noticed the messages I send you daily?”


    Eileen instinctively shifted away from him. While she had seen his messages, she had chosen not to respond.


    Arthur continued, “Meeting you here must be fate. Let’s celebrate it with a drink.” He then signaled to the waiter.


    “The usual, please.” Soon, their table was adorned with vibrant drinks. “We came here for a breath of fresh air, not to party with you.”


    Phoebe quickly stood, pulling Eileen to her side protectively.


    “She’s with Bryan. It’s best you remember that,” she informed Arthur, whose face darkened at the mention of Bryan.


    If Gilbert hadn’t been so adamant about keeping him away from Eileen, Arthur would have approached Eileen sooner.


    Despite Bryan not rifying his rtionship with Eileen before, his influence had been evident, overshadowing the White family.


    The Whites were cautious not to cross Eileen until they fully understood her connection with Bryan.


    “Her rtionship status doesn’t change the fact that I can offer her a drink,” Arthur said, undeterred by Phoebe’s words. His confidence grew, pondering further actions. He believed he wouldn’t be med if Eileen became intoxicated and slept with him afterward. Arthur offered a ss of strong wine to Eileen. “Ms. Curtis, please have a drink. I also know someone looking for a tutor.”


    Eileen declined the drink and replied, “My agency doesn’t enroll students over eighteen.” “No,” Arthur responded, realizing his blunder. “I meant my friend’s child.” “You don’t take preschoolers, either,” Eileen said. Aware of Arthur’s youthful circle, Eileen pondered how his friends could have school-aged children.


    “Mr. ke, you’re wasting your time here. I won’t drink with you,” Eileen stated firmly. She rose, collected her coat and bag, and exchanged nces with Phoebe, signaling it was time to leave. Phoebe got up quickly. Their evening was meant for enjoyment, not for awkward encounters like this. But Arthur blocked their path as they tried to leave. “Why do you always avoid me when we bump into each other? You should show me some respect!”


    Arthur thought of Ka’s assurance of support at the ke family’s shareholder meeting, which had made him bold enough to pursue Eileen. “No,” Eileen replied directly. Arthur’s face fell as he grabbed Eileen’s hand and forced her to sit back down. “You’re not allowed to leave until you finish all the wine on the table,” he dered.


    Phoebe now regretted her decision to bring Eileen out. “You’re too arrogant for your age,” came a distinct voice. Despite the mor around them, Eileen heard the voice clearly. She looked up to see Bryan approaching, a cigarette between his fingers. The dim lighting barely revealed his expression, masking the chill in his demeanor and obscuring any emotional cues in his eyes.


    Arthur tried to respond. He opened his mouth, but no words came out. The next second, Bryan sat beside Eileen, his arm casually resting behind her. It seemed like Eileen was in his arms. It was only when Eileen heard Bryan’s voice and caught his familiar scent that she realized he was really here. “I’ll settle this with youter,” he murmured, his voice audible only to Eileen.


    “You think you can take her from me just like that? This is my ce. You’ll need my permission to take her anywhere,” Arthur retorted. Though Arthur’s tone was bold, he didn’t dare to make any move. Bryan quirked an eyebrow. “Do I need your permission to take my woman away as well?” The simple phrase underscored Bryan’s assertive stance. Eileen felt her heart flutter, her thoughts swirling in her mind. Arthur was at a loss for words, his face betraying his anger.


    “If it’s not clear to you, let me spell it out,” Bryan dered. “Eileen is mine. Keep your thoughts and actions away from her in the future.” He offered Arthur a cigarette, his voice icy. “You weren’t aware of this before, so I’ll let it slide. But from this point forward, stop bothering her.” His gesture was an olive branch, albeit a stern one. Embarrassed, Arthur hesitated, unsure whether to ept the peace offering.


    Noticing that, Jacob intervened, emphasizing the significance of the gesture. “Not many can im they’ve received a cigarette from Mr. Dawson. We’ve shown you considerable respect today. Why the hesitation? Aligning yourself with Mr. Dawson is only going to benefit you.” Arthur mulled over his next steps, acutely aware that aligning with Bryan could be good for him. He knew that if the project in Bryan’s hands seeded, Bryan would quickly be the leading entrepreneur in Wist Land.


    Recognizing Bryan’s power, Arthur reluctantly epted the cigarette, smiling. “Alright, Mr. Dawson. Let’s consider ourselves friends from now on.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, leaving his sincerity in question. But Bryan was unfazed by it. He rose, signaled for Eileen to gather her belongings, and promptly left with her. Phoebe tried to keep up, but Jacob grabbed her wrist, guiding her to walk with him.


    “Why did you guys suddenlye back tonight?” Phoebe asked. Jacob responded, “If we hadn’t returned, you would have been in serious trouble tonight!” Phoebe frowned and said, “Is Arthur really that influential here? Even Bryan fears him?” Jacob’sughter was tinged with frustration. “Why would Bryan fear him? If we were in Onnd, Arthur wouldn’t even stand a chance! It’s merely that Bryan prefers not to have Eileen attract unnecessary hostility.”


    If Bryan really offended Arthur, Eileen would be the one being affected. “But now, all of Wist Land will know that Eileen belongs to Bryan,” Jacob said. Phoebe and Jacob couldn’t help but feel a surge of exhration thinking of that.


    Meanwhile, Eileen didn’t share their enthusiasm. Bryan had swiftly escorted her out. Eileen was about to tell Bryan that she would return to Phoebe’s car when Bryan dragged her into his car.


    .


    .


    .