Chapter 4

(Carolina's POV)

Lucy and I arrived on the second floor. She quickly browsed through a red dress that was too short and too revealing.

"What is this? I cannot wear this," I told Lucy, immediately rejecting the dress. She laughed.

"You have to wear something revealing, Joy. Hurry up," Lucy said, throwing the dress at me to change into.

"Are you going to make me pay for this dress? I do not have the money, and I am already in debt to you," I told Lucy as I caught the dress, holding it carefully so it would not tear.

"Go and change, Joy. You work here now, and the cost of the dress will be deducted from your monthly paycheck," Lucy said. I looked at her in disbelief.

"Lucy, I have not earned any money yet. I do not even know how much I will be paid, and you are putting me further into debt," I told her, wanting to refuse the dress.

"Do you want to use the exit door? Either you put this dress on, or you leave this club. My boss, Mr. Karen Walker, is not as merciful as you think. He prioritizes appearances to make customers happy and feel at home. So hurry up," Lucy said flatly. I swallowed my objections.

I went into the fitting room and changed out of my old clothes. When I put on the new red dress, it hugged my figure and exposed my breasts plainly.

"Oh no. Why do I have to wear this?" I muttered, feeling uncomfortable. But remembering my mother’s words—that I should not come home again—I knew I had no choice but to do as Lucy suggested.

Taking one final look at my reflection in the mirror, I walked out of the fitting room. I held my handbag, inside which I had stuffed my old clothes and my phone.

"Now you look splendid. Let us go," Lucy said, dragging me away and leading me back to the first floor.

She did not pay for the dress, only showing her membership card to the female staff in charge of the exquisite boutique.

I was tense as Lucy and I stepped out of the elevator. She led me to meet Mr. Karen again.

"Boss, here is my friend," Lucy said.

Mr. Karen looked at me in surprise. His eyes widened, and he nodded.

"That is fine. Show her how to entertain the men. I will see you both later," Mr. Karen said, quickly dismissing us. I felt nervous about what he meant by “entertain the men.”

Lucy led me to the exclusive bar tables. She asked the man seated there, "Hello, excuse me, sir. What would you like to order tonight?"

I saw other waitresses working and serving drinks.

The man looked at Lucy first, then his eyes shifted to me. They widened in shock, much like Mr. Karen’s had. I blamed my large bust for the attention.

"Hello, may I get to know more about you?" the young man said to me.

I shook my head and looked at Lucy for help.

"Sorry, sir. My friend is new here and cannot be at your service tonight. Please let me know what you would like to order," Lucy said, taking over.

The man narrowed his eyes at Lucy. I did not expect him to cause a scene, but he stood and said, "If you do not allow her to serve me, then I am leaving!"

My jaw dropped. Before I knew it, Mr. Karen hurried over and stopped at the man’s table.

"Excuse me, sir. There is no need to be upset. What would you like my girls to do for you?" Mr. Karen asked the angry client.

The man’s lips curled into a sinister smile. "I want her to serve me. I am willing to have her tonight—for one million. What do you say?" he asked Mr. Karen.

My jaw dropped again. "What? I am not for sale!" I said before Mr. Karen could reply.

"You slụt! If you are not for sale, then why are you dressed like one?" the man taunted.

My eyes reddened with unshed tears. I had graduated with first-class honors, but finding a job was hard. The city was full of millions of people—even this Blues Club.

"Calm down, sir. She is new, and this is her first time working with us," Mr. Karen said, speaking politely despite the man’s rudeness.

I had not expected my first client to be so rude. What if he was involved with the mafia? Dread washed over me.

"I assume she is not a virgin. 1.2 million," he said, raising his price. He was determined to have me.

Mr. Karen looked at me and asked, "What do you say?"

"What? I refuse!" I snapped. I could not go with this ruthless man. What if he killed me? No.

"Then I am leaving!" the man said. He stood up and walked away.

I frowned, relieved that Mr. Karen did not call him back. But then he looked at me and said, "You are fired."

"What? You cannot fire me, sir. Please give me a second chance," I begged, following Mr. Karen. Lucy looked at me pitifully.

"Do not follow me, young woman. This is the city. If you cannot work for the money, then leave now."

"No, please. That man was too scary. I was afraid. I might have agreed if he had been nicer," I said.

Mr. Karen shook his head firmly. "You are too beautiful for this job. Find other work. Leave before I call security to throw you out," he ordered.

I lowered my head, knowing that pleading was useless.

"I am sorry, Lucy," I mumbled to my best friend. I turned to walk back toward the elevator to retrieve my bag and change on the second floor.

However, Mr. Karen’s stern voice stopped me. "Hey! Where are you going? Get out of here!"

I froze and turned back to look at him in shock.