The private room was already buzzing with a few familiar faces, and wouldn''t you know it, Nichs and Richard were among them. Nichs was even busier than Dn these days, what with the Greenard family being in a bit of a mess, so he hardly ever showed up for these little gatherings. Only a handful of folks from their close-knit circle could coax him out.


    Simon ignored the rest of the crowd, his eyes locked onto Dn. Dn nced up, but it was tough to tell if he was really meeting Simon''s gaze. Simon''s temper red as he marched over.


    "Dn, I''ve got something to ask you."


    Dn arched an eyebrow, keeping that poker face of his.


    Simon shot a look at Richard and Nichs. "Mind stepping out for a sec?"


    Richard and Nichs exchanged nces, and just as Richard was about to throw in a snarky remark, Dn''s look stopped him cold. Richard tugged Nichs away. "Let''s bounce."


    Nichs didn''t put up a fight; he''d been in a funktely too. Once they were out, the room stayed dimly lit.


    Simon had grown up under Dn''s shadow. Now, it was just the two of them in the room, and he felt his confidence slipping away. Nobody in the whole Ferguson n dared to stand up to Dn. Sometimes Simon wondered if the guy was superhuman because he was so damn good at everything.


    Simon''s fingers clenched at his side, the bite of pain clearing his head and giving him a dose of courage.


    "Dn, got nothing you wanna say to me?"


    Dn was still holding his wine ss, eyeing the deep red inside. "Like what?"


    Simon couldn''t keep his cool like Dn and sounded more frantic. "About ra. When did you two start having a thing? Was it before or after she lost her memory? If it was after, then you''re totally taking advantage of her. She hates you and despises you, but she''s just forgotten. You had to have known she lost her memory ages ago."


    Dn took a leisurely sip, his vibe as rxed as ever. "Oh? She lost her memory?"


    Simon''s face darkened further. The Dn in front of him didn''t seem like the aloof, untouchable guy he knew. This Dn had aid-back, almost mischievous air like nothing could shake him. Simon was so rattled it felt like his scalp was prickling, and he blurted out recklessly.


    "Did you kiss ra tonight? Her lips were swollen."


    Dn chuckled instantly, a sound that made Simon''s skin crawl. "And who are you to grill me on that? Just a few hours ago, you posted on social media about ''being strangers.'' Does she have to clear it with you before she kisses someone?"


    Simon''s eyes widened in shock, words failing him. ''Damn it! Why did I ever post that online? Damn it!''


    He shook with anger, all the color draining from his face. "So, Dn, you''re saying it was you? You did kiss her, right?"


    "Did I admit anything?"


    Simon waspletely outmaneuvered in this verbal sparring and was being led around in circles. He couldn''t take it anymore and smashed a wine bottle on the floor. The rich scent of alcohol filled the room, mixing with the dim lighting, making the scene feel both chaotic and hauntingly beautiful.