<b>Chapter </b><b>31 </b>


    There were no blinding neon lights here–only two soft spotlights spinningzily, casting a gentle glow through the room. Jazz music drifted from the speakers, giving the ce a calm, almost intimate atmosphere that set it apart from the usual bars in town.


    Most of the tables were already taken. If you paid attention, you’d notice that the clientele was overwhelmingly female–and not just any women, but the kind who wore designer heels and expensive perfume, theirughter as polished as their jewelry.


    “Hey, look who’s here–the boss herself!” One of the regrs called out, waving Ste over without a trace of self–consciousness.


    “Faye, you’re early today! Brought someone new with you?” Ste grinned, slipping behind the bar.


    “Yeah, finally managed to snag a reservation.” Faye shot her a mock–annoyed look.


    Ste, ever the charmer, picked up on the subtleint right away. “That’s my bad. Mario, send three of the new cocktails to Faye’s table–on the house.”


    Faye’s annoyance melted into delight. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, but when Faye tried to ask about Alessia, Ste deftly steered the conversation elsewhere without making an introduction.


    Plenty of eyes were fixed on Ste, watching her every move. Some were ready to gossip was this friendship real, or just for show? Ste made her answer clear: she slipped an arm around Alessia’s shoulders, her protective gesture leaving no room for doubt.


    Most ordinary patrons had no idea who Ste really was. Some of the socialites came just for the ambiance, but others were here hoping to get close to Ste. And Ste knew it–she made sure they all saw exactly what she wanted them to see.


    So what if the Tate family had changed their heiress? Ste was still the sole heir to the Laines. Anyone with half a brain could weigh the bnce: in this city, every top entertainment venue belonged to the Laines. Eighty percent of the deals these families made happened on Laines–controlled turf. Crossing them? You could find another ce to do business, but your standing would take a hit–and so would your reputation.


    With her point made, Ste led Alessia upstairs. The second floor was lined with private booths–small, cozy, perfect for two to four people. Any more, and the


    15:39


    noise would ruin the vibe.


    One wall of each booth was a one–way ss window, letting you look down on the main floor unnoticed. The attendant adjusted the air conditioning to the perfect temperature, set out a fresh fruit tter and a couple of drinks, and slipped away.


    “It’s almost time,” Ste said, ncing at her watch. “I headhunted this guy. myself–great voice, and honestly, he’s ridiculously handsome. He’s only been here a week, and business has already picked up.”


    Alessia nodded, a distracted look on her face, like she’d just remembered something. “What’s the date today?”


    “The thirtieth. Why?”


    “Nothing, just forgot something. It’s not important.” She took a thoughtful sip of her drink, mentally making a note.


    Ste looked like she wanted to ask more, but the music in the bar suddenly cut out. The room shifted, a wave of anticipation rolling through the crowd, but the overall hush remained. A few guests overreacted, but the staff handled them quickly, restoring calm.


    “Bit dramatic, isn’t it?” Alessia arched an eyebrow, ncing down toward the stage.


    “Right? But thanks to him, our sales numbers have shot way up, and we’ve got a whole new crowding in.”


    Alessia didn’t respond. She just watched as everyone’s attention was drawn to the


    stage.


    A spotlight hit the man’s silver hair, making it gleam. At first, the lights were too bright for Alessia to see more than his outline. Then the first notes of a guitar filled the air, the light softened, and she finally saw his face.


    “Liam?” she said quietly.


    “You know him?” Ste turned, surprise in her eyes.


    “He’s


    my


    third brother,” Alessia replied calmly, barely ncing before looking away.


    “Your brother?” Ste raised her eyebrows, shooting Liam a teasing look. “Small world, huh?”


    “You didn’t do a background check first?”


    “Nope. There was a fight at his old bar the other night–I jumped in to help, and,


    well, he got his pay docked because of it. So, I poached him for us.”