TRES

Nagising ang dalaga dahil sa sikat ng araw na direktang tumatama sa kanyang mukha. Napapikit siya at marahas na napahilamos nang bigla niyang ma-realize ang isang napakahalagang bagay.

May pasok pala siya ngayon!

"Oo nga pala... estudyante pa pala ako," bulong niya sa sarili habang nagmamadaling bumangon at patakbong pumasok sa banyo para maligo.

Pagkatapos, dumiretso kaagad siya sa kanyang walk-in closet na konektado sa loob ng banyo. Mabilis niyang hinanap ang kanyang uniporme at agad itong isinuot.

Their uniform was a striking mix of red, white, and black. Puti ang pang-itaas na blusa, pinapatungan ng isang sharp red blazer, at itinatambal naman sa isang black pleated skirt na above the knee.

Humarap siya sa malaking salamin para ayusin ang kanyang kwelyo. Ready or not, she had a campus to conquer.

Hindi na siya nag-almusal dahil mawawalan din naman siya ng gana kapag nakita ang pagmumukha ng mag-ina. Kaya naman agad na siyang dumiretso sa campus, nagpapasya na doon na lang kakain sa cafeteria.

Kailangan niya muna talagang kalimutan ang mga sinabi ng mommy niya, at sa mga nalaman niya kagabi. Because after all—she's still a student. Oo nga, totoo naman ang sinabi niya na secured na ang future niya kahit hindi siya mag-aral. It's because she's the eldest daughter, kaya sa kanya mapupunta ang kalahati ng shares ng kumpanya, lalo na't anak siya sa unang asawa.

Para siguradong may panampal siya sa oras na lumabas ang totoo.

Hindi niya hahayaang maagaw ng mag-inang iyon ang para sa kanya. But for now, she needed to focus on her classes.

Nang makarating siya sa tapat ng gate ng school, agad siyang sinalubong ng kaniyang mga kaibigan pagkababa pa lang niya ng sasakyan.

"I'm sorry about that night, girl," pilit ang ngiting bati ni Aiya sabay kamot sa ulo.

Hindi siya kumibo. Humalukipkip siya at isa-isang binalingan ang mga ito ng tingin. "Bakit niyo ako iniwan sa lalaking 'yon?"

"Sobrang dami kasi ng nainom namin kaya hindi ka na namin nahatid," mabilis na paliwanag ni Aiya.

"Yeah," sang-ayon naman ni Kiara, habang si Chloe at Stacey ay nanatiling tahimik sa isang tabi.

"Bakit kayo nakauwi, tapos ako hindi?" tanong niya, pilit inaalala ang mga mabilis na tagpo nang gabing iyon.

Yumuko si Stacey bago sumagot. "Ang totoo... hinatid lang din kami ng kaibigan ni Khail."

"Khail?" Taka niyang tanong. Biglang may kung anong kaba at kakaibang tibok ang sumikdo sa kaniyang dibdib nang marinig ang pangalan.

"Yes, Khail is his name," seryosong sagot ni Stacey. "The man that you went home with."

Napaikot na lang siya ng mga mata. "Whatever," aniyang nauna nang maglakad at nilampasan ang mga kaibigan.

Nakangusong sinundan naman siya sa paglalakad ni Aiya at mabilis na isinukbit ang kamay sa kaniyang braso.

"Hey, galit ka pa rin ba? Sorry na," paglalambing nito.

Hindi niya pinansin ang kaibigan, ngunit sa bawat hakbang niya palayo sa gate, tila paulit-ulit na umuukit sa isipan niya ang pangalang binitawan ni Stacey.

Khail.

Bakit parang pamilyar sakin ang pangalang 'yon? Saan ko nga ba 'yon narinig?

Nang pumasok siya sa silid para sa kanilang Business Management class, agad siyang naupo sa kaniyang paboritong pwesto sa likod, malapit sa bintana. Inilabas niya ang kaniyang iPad at notebook, pilit na ibinabaling ang buong atensyon sa propesor na nagsimula nang magsalita tungkol sa corporate law at market acquisitions.

Kailangan niyang maging magaling. Kailangan niyang mag-focus. Dahil kung gusto niyang maprotektahan ang kumpanya mula sa mapagkamkam na kamay ng kaniyang madrasta, hindi sapat na hawak niya ang shares sa papel. Kailangan din niyang patunayan na siya ang may utak at kakayahan na magpatakbo nito.

Habang nagsusulat ng notes tungkol sa asset liquidation, biglang napatigil ang kamay niya. Sa gitna ng seryosong lecture ng propesor, muli na namang pumasok sa kaniyang isip ang pangalang kanina pa nanggugulo sa kaniya.

Khail.

"Bakit ba hindi kita maalis sa utak ko?" bulong niya sa sarili, habang ang dulo ng kaniyang ballpen ay unconsciously na nagsisimulang mag-doodle ng letrang 'K' sa gilid ng kaniyang notebook.

Napatigil siya sa pagsusulat nang biglang may tinapong papel sa kanya. Binalingan naman niya ang katabi, si Aiya.

"What?" she mouthed.

"Clubbing later," bulong nito.

Napailing naman siya. Wala siyang gana mag-clubbing pero natagpuan na lang niya ang sarili na tumango.

Super ingay at gulo ng cafeteria pagdating ng lunch break. Amoy fried chicken at kung ano-anong ulam na nakahilira sa counter ang sumalubong sa kanila. Bitbit ang kani-kanilang tray, naghanap sila ng bakanteng table sa may sulok, malapit sa bintana.

"So, anong isusuot mo mamaya?" tanong agad ni Aiya sabay tusok sa vegetable salad niya.

"I don't know," sagot niya habang hinahalo ang pagkain gamit ang tinidor. Wala talaga siya sa mood, pero alam niyang hindi siya tatantanan ng kaibigan kapag umatras siya. "Kailangan ba talaga nating pumunta?"

"Are you serious? Siyempre naman!" Inilapit ni Aiya ang mukha niya, nanlalaki ang mga mata. "Bukas na ang midterms. This is our last night na pwedeng huminga bago tayo mamatay sa kaka-review."

"G Ako." Sangayon ni Kiara.

Napabuntong-hininga na lang siya. May punto naman si Aiya, pero mas gusto sana niyang matulog na lang buong gabi.

Bago pa siya makasagot, naramdaman niya ang bahagyang pagyanig ng table nang may maglapag ng isa pang tray sa tabi nila. Pag-angat ng tingin niya, nakatayo roon si Liam, may nakakalokong ngiti sa mga labi.

"Narinig ko ang word na clubbing,'" sabi ni Liam sabay hila ng upuan nang walang paalam. "Isasama niyo ba ako, o kailangan ko pang magmakaawa?"

"Bakit ka naman namin isasama?" mataray na tanong ni Aiya.

He's Liam, one of Aiya’s suitors. Para silang aso't pusa sa sobrang kulit ng dynamics nila. Napatingin naman siya sa dalawang kaibigan habang patuloy sa pag-aasaran ang dalawa.

Nagtataka siya dahil kanina pa walang imik sina Stacey at Chloe, which was super unusual. Usually, sila ang mauunang makisawsaw sa asaran o kaya naman ay mag-hyperventilate sa stress para sa midterms. But right now, they were just staring at their phones, exchange-ing looks.

"Girls, is there something wrong?"

Sabay silang napaigtad sa tanong niya. Halos maibagsak pa ni Chloe ang tinidor niya sa tray, habang mabilis namang itinago ni Stacey ang screen ng phone niya.

"H-huh? Wala! Nothing's wrong!" mabilis na sagot ni Stacey, medyo mataas ang boses.

"Yeah, completely fine! Medyo sabog lang sa review," Chloe added, laughing nervously.

Nagkatinginan naman sila ni Aiya, tuluyang natigil ang asaran nito kay Liam. Ramdam na ramdam nila ang tensyon sa table. May tinatago ang dalawa, by looking at their faces.

"May nangyari ba sa inyo?" she asked while eating her lunch. She tried to sound casual, but her eyes were fixed on them.

"Like what?" ani Stacey, trying to play it cool, though her hand was visibly shaking as she reached for her water turn.

"After kang ihatid ng kaibigan ni Khail."

Silence immediately hit their table. Even Liam and Aiya stopped their bickering, completely caught off guard by the sudden drop of Khail's name.

Stacey froze, her glass halfway to her mouth. Chloe, on the other hand, suddenly looked anywhere but at them, completely guilty. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Wait, back up," Aiya intervened, leaning forward with wide eyes. "Is there something going on between you and Khail's friends?When did this happen, and why are we just hearing about this now?!"

Stacey swallowed hard, exchanging a panicked look with Chloe before looking back at her. "It’s... it’s not what you think. Nothing happened, promise!"

"Then why do you both look like you just saw a ghost?" she countered, raising an eyebrow.

Chloe covered her face with her hands, her ears turning bright red. "Kasi... hindi lang basta kami hinatid kagabi. Sobrang sabog at lasing na kami ni Stacey, and we... we completely lost our filters."

"Oh my god," She murmured, her fork freezing halfway to her mouth. "Anong ginawa niyo?"

Stacey hid her face in her hands too, groaning in sheer embarrassment. "You know how Khail's friends always looks so serious and intimidating, 'di ba? Out of nowhere, habang nagda-drive siya, Chloe literally leaned forward, poked his cheek, and asked him if he wanted to be her sugar daddy because her monthly allowance wasn't enough for her shopping addiction!"

"Baliw kaba?" aniya.

"H-hey, it's not like I know what I'm doing."

"S-Stacey! Sabi mo hindi mo sasabihin ang part na 'yon!" Chloe squeaked, her face burning. "Ikaw nga rin kaya! Nung pinapababa na tayo sa tapat ng condo, you literally grabbed his leather jacket, pulled him down, and told him he smelled so good you wanted to kidnap him and keep him in your closet!"

Aiya burst out laughing so loud that a few students from the next table turned to look at them. Liam was coughing hard into his drink, trying his best not to choke from laughing.

"Seryoso ba?!" Aiya gasped for air, wiping a tear from her eye. "You guys hit on Khail’s inner circle?! baliw ba kayong dalawa?"

"Kaya Pala kanina pa kayo hindi mapakali ha." tudyo pa niya.

Napailing na lang ang dalaga habang sumusubo ng pagkain. At least siya, hindi ganoon kalala ang ginawa.

"Ano bang pangalan ng mga lalaki niyo?" tanong niya.

Agad naman napaiwas ng tingin ang dalawa. "Don't tell me nakipag-hook up kayo nang hindi alam ang pangalan?"

"H-hey, it's not like that. Hinatid lang nila kami, okay," ani Chloe.

"Sinabi niya," sabay sila ni Aiya na napatingin kay Stacey. "Pero hindi ko rin maalala."

"Baliw nga kayo. Stacey?"

"Ha?"

"Ikaw ang parang ate sa amin, but what happened, girl? Lalaki lang pala ang katapat sa iyo, eh."

"N-no," Stacey stuttered, her face turning an even brighter shade of red. "It was a total accident, okay? Hindi ko naman intensyong hilahin ang jacket niya. Nawalan lang talaga ako ng balanse dahil sa taas ng heels ko!"

"Sus! Palusot," Aiya teased, nudging Stacey’s shoulder with her elbow. "Sa dinami-rami ng pwedeng kapitan para hindi matumba, bakit sa gwapong underling pa ni Khail?"

Mila just shook her head, a small smile finally playing on her lips. She took a sip of her water, watching her friends bicker. For a moment, the heavy burden of her mother's letter, the threats from Elena, and the mystery of the Orlov name felt a little lighter. Her friends' chaotic love lives were the perfect distraction.

"Kahit ano pang sabihin niyo, physical contact still happened," Liam added, wriggling his eyebrows at Stacey. "Mukhang may masasabunutan ka mamayang gabi sa club, Chloe. Secure your wig."

"Shut up, Liam!" Chloe groaned, burying her face back into her hands. "Hinding-hindi ako lalapit sa counter o sa VIP area mamaya. I will literally hide behind Mila the entire night."

Mila raised an eyebrow, setting her glass down. "Huwag mo akong idamay, Chloe. Kung hahabulin kayo ng mga lalaking niyo mamaya, labas ako diyan."

Kung alam niyo lang, Mila thought to herself, her thumb unconsciously tracing the edge of her blazer pocket where Khail's silver signet ring was safely hidden. Hindi niya alam kung paano 'to napunta sa bag niya. Ninakaw ko ba 'to? hays baliw na talaga ako. Mas malaki ang atraso ko sa lalaking 'yon kaysa sa inyong dalawa.

Stacey lifted her head, trying to regain her composure as the parang-ate of the group. "Basta, mapanindigan lang natin ang midterms review natin pagkatapos nito, walang problema. But for tonight... let's just make sure we survive the Blackout Club."

"Hindi ba tayo mapapagalitan niyan? Halos araw-araw na tayong nasa club niyo, baka malugi 'yon?" natatawang ani ni Kiara.

"Don't worry about it. Kahit anong gawin ko, hindi naman malulugi 'yon," ani Stacey.

Natawa na lang sila at tinapos ang pagkain.

Mabilis na lumipas ang buong hapon sa unibersidad. Pagkatapos ng kanilang mga huling klase, agad silang dumiretso sa Bahay ni Mila para doon sabay-sabay na mag-ayos para sa gabi.

Ang kaniyang malawak na walk-in closet ay agad na napuno ng ingay. Nagkalat ang mga hanger, designer shoes, at kung ano-anong makeup palette sa carpeted floor habang ang magkakaibigan ay abala sa pagpili ng kanilang mga susuotin.

"Mila, please tell me isusuot mo 'to!" sigaw ni Aiya habang itinataas ang isang backless emerald green silk dress. "Bagay na bagay 'to sa sapphire necklace mo."

Napatingin si Mila sa kaniyang repleksyon sa malaking salamin habang pinapatuyo ang kaniyang mahabang buhok. Bahagya niyang hinawakan ang kaniyang leeg kung nasaan ang kuwintas na iniwan ng kaniyang mommy. "I don't know, Aiya. Parang masyadong revealing."

"Hello? It's Blackout Club tonight, hindi tayo pupunta sa simbahan," biro naman ni Kiara habang naglalagay ng dark eyeliner sa harap ng vanity mirror. "Saka remember the rule: look expensive but dangerous. Para kapag nakita mo ulit si Uncle, mabilaukan siya sa ganda mo."

"Stop calling him Uncle," Mila hissed, her cheeks flushing slightly as she remembered how she had clung to his arm like a koala.

Habang nagtatawanan ang tatlo, napansin naman ni Mila sina Stacey at Chloe na tahimik sa isang sulok, busy sa pagpili ng mga damit na halos magtakip na sa buong katawan nila.

"Anyare sa inyong dalawa?" tudyo ni Mila, nakataas ang isang kilay. "Bakit mukhang pang-babaeng maybahay ang mga pinipili niyong outfit?"

Stacey sighed in defeat, holding up a long-sleeved black top. "Sabi ko naman sa 'yo, Mila, ayaw naming mapansin mamaya. I am literally trying to blend into the shadows."

"Good luck with that. Sa ganda nating 'to, impossible ang mag-blend in," Chloe added with a nervous laugh, though she was already checking her reflection to see if her high-necked dress was enough to hide her face.

Matapos ang halos dalawang oras na pag-aayos, handang-handa na ang squad. Mila looked absolutely breathtaking in her emerald dress, the sapphire pendant resting perfectly against her skin. She grabbed her white mini bag, but before leaving her room, she subtly slipped Khail's heavy silver signet ring inside the inner pocket.

"You know girls, hindi naman sure Kung nasa club sila. Kaya wag masyadong mag assume, nakaka pimples 'yan." aniya habang pababa sila ng hagdan.

Habang pababa sila ng grand staircase ng mansyon, naabutan nila sa malawak na sala sina Elena at Jessica na tila naghihintay talaga sa kaniyang pagbaba. Agad na nagsalubong ang kilay ng kaniyang madrasta nang makita ang mamahaling emerald green dress ni Mila at ang kumikinang na sapphire necklace nito.

"Look who's going out to play again," Jessica sneered, crossing her arms while scanning Mila from head to toe. "Akala ko ba seryoso ka na sa Business Management class mo? Gabi-gabi ka namang nasa club."

Bago pa man makasagot si Mila, mabilis na humakbang si Aiya p***o at humarang nang nakapamewang. "Excuse me, Jess? FYI, galing kaming school kanina at tapos na kaming mag-review. At least si Mila, may kumpanyang tatakbuhin kahit magbulakbol. Eh, ikaw? Ano ulit ang plano mo sa buhay bukod sa ubusin ang credit card ng daddy ni Mila?"

"You—!" Jessica gasped, her face flushing with anger.

"Mila!" Elena immediately intervened, standing up from the sofa to defend her daughter. "Napakabastos talaga ng mga kaibigan mo. You let them insult your sister inside this house?"

Mila paused on the last step of the stairs, looking at Elena with complete coldness. "They are just stating facts, Elena. At huwag mong matawag-tawag na sister ko ang anak mo. She’s just a package deal that came with you."

"Savage!" Kiara whispered in the background, trying so hard to suppress a giggle.

Stacey stepped forward, acting as the parang-ate but with a sweet, mocking smile on her face. "Good evening po, Tita Elena. Huwag po kayong mag-alala, ibabalik naman po namin nang buo ang tunay na tagapagmana ng mansyong ito bago sumikat ang araw. Una na po kami."

"Let's go, girls. We have a club to conquer," Chloe added, opening the grand main door with an air of pure luxury.

Naiwang nanginginig sa galit sina Elena at Jessica sa sala habang sabay-sabay na nagtatawanan ang magkakaibigan habang naglalakad patungo sa naghihintay na sasakyan sa driveway.

Nakahinga nang maluwag ang magkakaibigan pagkasara ng p***o ng SUV. Habang mabilis na bumabaybay ang kotse sa kahabaan ng highway patungo sa club, agad na napuno ng tawanan ang loob ng sasakyan dahil sa nangyari kanina sa sala.

"Oh my god, did you see Elena's face?!" Kiara gasped, gripping Chloe’s shoulder while laughing. "Para siyang uod na binudburan ng asin kanina."

"Deserve!" Aiya chimed in, fixing her makeup in the small vanity mirror of the car. "Masyado kasing feelingera si Jessica. Akala mo kung sinong reyna, eh sabit lang naman silang mag-ina rito."

Mila smiled faintly, leaning her head against the cool glass window. But her mind couldn't help but drift back to the deep web registry search her hacker friend did. Axel Mikhailovich Orlov. The elite military pilot. The underground tycoon.

Where can I find him?

"Pero seryoso, Mila," Stacey shifted the topic, her tone turning a bit more serious as she looked at her from the front seat. "Are you really okay? Hindi ka ba talaga natatakot na baka nandoon si Khail mamaya?"

Mila pulled her gaze away from the window and raised an eyebrow, crossing her legs. "Bakit naman ako matatakot? Like I said earlier, hindi naman sure kung nandoon sila. And besides, it was just a stupid drunk mistake. Ano namang gagawin niya sa akin? Ipapapatay niya ako sa harap ng maraming tao?"

"H-hindi naman sa ganoon," Chloe stuttered, checking her own outfit nervously. "Pero kasi, his friends looked so intense kagabi. Paano kung mag-demand sila ng closure sa mga pinaggagawa namin ni Stacey?"

"Closure your ass, Chloe," Aiya scoffed, hitting her arm lightly. "Isang gabi lang 'yon! Just act cool. Kapag tinanong kayo, sabihin niyo bad trip kayo dahil sa midterms kaya kayo nagwawala. Huwag kayong magpahalata na affected kayo."

"Easy for you to say, Aiya, kasi hindi mo siya sinabihan na maging sugar daddy mo!" Chloe groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"Kung pumayag naman siya sa inoffer mo, why not?" Natatawang Ani ni Aiya.

"Are you crazy?" agad na usal ni Chloe.

Mila let out a soft laugh. "Girl, calm down, it's not like it's a big deal."

"It is." Chloe scream.

Mila just shook her head but her hand automatically slipped inside her mini bag. Her fingers brushed against the heavy, cold metal of Khail's silver signet ring hidden in the inner pocket. Her friends were worried about embarrassing pickup lines, while she was carrying an actual stolen asset from that dangerous man.

"Basta, relax lang kayo," Mila assured them, trying to sound as confident as possible to mask her own rising heartbeat. "Nasa VIP section naman tayo ng club ni Stacey. No one can touch us there without our permission."

"Tama! My club, my rules," Stacey agreed, nodding confidently as the car began to slow down. "And look... nandito na tayo."

Mila looked out the window. The bright neon signs of Blackout Club pulsed against the dark night sky. But what caught her attention immediately were the three identical, high-end matte black sports cars parked perfectly near the exclusive VIP entrance.

Her breath hitched. They were definitely here.

"Guys, I don't think I can go out," ani Stacey habang nagpapanic.

"Shh, come on, hindi sila 'yan—"

Biglang bumukas ang p***o ng mga kotseng nakaparada sa labas at iniluwa ang tatlong magkakaibigan, bago ang mga ito tuluyang pumasok sa loob ng bar. Naiwan naman silang tulala at kinakabahan sa loob ng kanilang sasakyan.

"It's them." sabay nilang usal.

Ang tatlong pigura ng mga binata ay tuluyan nang naglaho sa loob, ngunit ang awtoridad na dala ng presensya ng mga ito ay tila naiwan sa driveway.

"Oh my god," Stacey whispered, her hand clenching the strap of her seatbelt. "Confirmed. Sila nga 'yon. At nakita niyo ba siya? He looked like he was about to draft a corporate lawsuit against me just by walking!"

"Mas nakakatakot siya," Chloe whimpered, sinking deeper into the leather seat. "He didn't even look around. Seryoso lang siyang nakasunod kay Khail. Mila, I swear, mamamatay ako sa hiya kapag nahuli nila tayo."

Mila took a deep, steadying breath. Her own heart was racing, but as the de facto leader when things got chaotic, she needed to hold her ground.

Pati siya kasi nagugulohan kung sino ba sa mga kaibigan ng binata ang tinutukoy nila.

She adjusted her emerald green dress, ensuring her mother's sapphire necklace was resting perfectly.

"Guys, pull yourselves together," Mila commanded, her voice dropping into a firm, authoritative tone that instantly silenced the panic. "Blackout Club is Stacey's territory. Hindi tayo pumasok doon para magtago sa gilid na parang mga takot na bata. We look expensive, we look dangerous, and we are going there like we own the place."

Aiya grinned, slapping Chloe’s knee to pump her up. "Tama! At least si Mila hindi takot! If they bring up last night, act like it was a joke. Game?"

"Game," Kiara agreed, opening her compact mirror for one last check. "Let’s show them who the real queens of this club are."

Matapos magpalakasan ng loob, binuksan na ng driver ang p***o ng kanilang SUV. Isa-isang bumaba ang magkakaibigan, agad na umaakit ng atensyon mula sa mga taong nakapila sa labas. Mila led the pack, her chin held high and her high heels clicking sharply against the concrete pavement.

The heavy security guards at the exclusive VIP door immediately straightened up the moment they recognized Stacey.

"Good evening, Ms. Stacey. Good evening, ladies," the head bouncer greeted respectfully, quickly bowing his head and pulling open the heavy VIP door without checking any IDs.

As they stepped into the main lounge, the pounding bass of the club music vibrated right through Mila's chest. The flashing, dim purple and red neon lights danced across the crowded dance floor, but Mila’s eyes weren't in the crowd.

She looked straight up toward the exclusive, glass-walled balcony of the VIP section—the highest and most private booth in the entire club.

And there he was.

Khail was casually leaning back against a black leather sofa, a glass of whiskey held loosely in his veiny hand. his friends were standing right behind him like shadows. As if sensing her arrival, Khail slowly lowered his glass, his dark, calculating eyes cutting through the dim lights to lock directly onto Mila.

A slow, dangerously familiar smirk played on his lips. He raised his glass slightly toward her in a silent toast.

Mila felt her blazer pocket feel heavier than usual, the stolen silver signet ring burning right through the fabric.

"Mauna na kayo sa table natin. Kukuha lang ako ng maiinom," Mila said, her voice completely calm despite the chaotic racing of her heart.

"Mila, are you serious? May free drinks naman sa VIP area!" pigil sa kaniya ni Stacey, trying to pull her arm back.

Mila gave her a reassuring smile and gently shook her head. "It's fine. Mas gusto ko ang specialty mix sa main bar tonight. I'll follow you guys in a bit."

Without waiting for their arguments, Mila spun around on her high heels. She smoothly navigated through the moving bodies on the crowded dance floor, her emerald green silk dress catching the flashing purple neon lights. She could feel her friends' worried stares on her back, but she needed a minute away from the squad to clear her head.

She reached the long, marble-topped main bar and slid onto an empty leather barstool near the far corner—a spot slightly away from the loudest speakers.

"What can I get you, ma'am?" the bartender asked, wiping down the counter.

"Give me a glass of hot chocolate. Dark, with no sugar," she ordered smoothly.

The bartender paused, blinking in complete disbelief. "Ma'am? We are a premium nightclub. We don't serve hot chocolate here."

Mila raised an eyebrow, leaning her elbow against the cold marble counter. "Check the VIP special kitchen pantry, or ask your manager. I am a guest of Stacey Alcantara, and I want my hot chocolate."

The bartender quickly nodded, realizing who she was, and rushed toward the back room.

Mila let out a soft sigh, finally relaxing her shoulders. She reached into her bag and subtly transferred Khail's heavy silver signet ring from her inner pocket, concealing it tightly inside her closed fist. She was mentally preparing how to slide it back to him without looking defeated.

"Hindi ko alam na naging coffee shop na pala ang Blackout Club," a dangerously deep, familiar voice suddenly murmured right next to her ear.

Mila stiffened. The rich, sharp scent of his expensive cologne immediately hit her senses, making her breath catch in her throat.

She slowly turned her head. Khail was sitting on the barstool right next to her. He had discarded his formal blazer, and his white button-up shirt was casually unbuttoned at the top, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his veiny, toned forearms. He was leaning back against the bar, swirling a fresh glass of whiskey, staring down at her with those dark, calculating eyes.

"And I didn't know that old, busy tycoons had the luxury of time to hang out in noisy bars, Uncle," Mila countered smoothly, forcing her signature fierce attitude to return as she looked him straight in the eye.

A slow, amused smirk played on Khail's lips. He took a slow sip of his drink, his gaze dropping to her lips before locking back onto her eyes, radiating pure intimidation.

"You're really still a child, little kid. Subukan mo munang tagalan ang bawat shot bago mo ako tawaging matanda."

"Can you stop calling me little kid? I'm not little anymore," inis niyang sagot.

"Right," sagot nito sabay baba ng tingin sa dibdib niya. "You're really not."

Nanlaki ang mga mata niya at agad na tinakpan ang dibdib. "You pervert!"

"Excuse me? Sino kaya 'yong may balak akong halikan noong nagdaang gabi?"

"Here is your hot chocolate, ma'am. Dark, with no sugar," the bartender suddenly announced, carefully placing the porcelain cup on the marble counter right between them.

The sudden arrival of her drink effectively shattered the heavy, teasing tension hanging in the air. Mila immediately pulled her gaze away from Khail, her cheeks burning hot as she reached for the warm cup. She took a slow, deliberate sip of the dark chocolate, desperately using the bitter taste to regain her composure and calm her racing pulse.

Khail didn't even look at the bartender. His dark, calculating eyes remained locked on Mila, the mocking smirk on his lips widening as he watched her ears turn a faint shade of pink.

"Hindi ko alam na tsokolate pala ang panabla mo sa banat ko, little kid," Khail murmured, his deep, raspy voice sending a familiar shiver down her spine as he casually swirled his glass of whiskey.

Mila set her cup down on the marble surface with a little more force than intended. She turned to face him completely, crossing her arms defensively to hide her chest. "Gaya ng sinabi ko, huwag mo akong matawag-tawag na bata. Dahil kung tutuusin, kaya lang naman ako narito ngayon ay dahil may kailangan akong ibalik sa iyo."

Khail raised a sharp eyebrow, leaning a fraction closer until the rich, heavy scent of his expensive cologne completely enveloped her. "Oh? At ano naman 'yan?"

Mila slowly opened her clenched right fist on top of the counter, revealing the heavy, vintage silver signet ring with its intricate crest glinting under the purple neon lights. "I found this in my bag this morning. Mukhang naiwan mo."

Instead of taking it, Khail simply looked at the ring, his expression completely unfazed. "I don't lose things by accident, Mila. I left that in your bag on purpose."

"Mila?"

It was the very first time he had actually spoken her name, and hearing it come out of his mouth made her heart stop.

"What? It's your name," ani Khail.

Agad naman siyang humalikipkip. "At kailan ka pa nagkaroon ng karapatan na tawagin ako sa pangalan ko?"

"Why? Do you prefer if I call you honey instead?"

"In your dreams, Uncle!" she spat out, trying desperately to sound unaffected.

"Saka honey? Honey your ass. Mas bagay sa iyo ang pangalang Lo-lo. Kasi bukod sa napakatanda mo na, napaka-bastos mo pa."

Khail didn't even flinch. Instead, a low, deep chuckle vibrated through his chest. He took a slow sip of his whiskey, completely entertained by her sharp tongue. "Matapang ka talaga kapag gising, little kid. But you didn't sound this defensive when you were clinging to my arm last night."

That was the absolute final straw for her pride."Ugh! Whatever!"

Deciding that she couldn't take his teasing for another second, Mila aggressively opened her right hand on top of the cold marble counter. She slammed the heavy silver signet ring right between his glass of whiskey and her cup of hot chocolate, making a sharp clinking sound.

"Ayan! I*****k mo 'yan sa baga mo," she snapped. "Hindi ko kailangan ng favor o ng utang na loob sa iyo, and I certainly don't want to keep anything that belongs to a pervert like you. Quits na tayo."

Khail’s gaze dropped to the silver ring with the intricate crest glinting under the purple neon lights. His playful smirk slowly vanished, replaced by a cold, calculating look. He didn't take the ring. Instead, he slowly leaned forward until his face was just inches away from hers, his dark eyes locking onto hers with immense psychological pressure.

"I told you before, Mila," his raspy voice dropping so low it sent a strange shiver straight down her spine. "I don't lose things by accident. I left that in your bag on purpose."

He casually reached out, but instead of picking up the ring, his warm fingers brushed against her hand as he slid a small, sleek black business card right next to it.

"You want to know my real name and why my asset was in your bag?" Khail whispered, his eyes narrowing as he read the confusion on her face. "Call that number tomorrow. Let's see if you're brave enough to step into my world when you're completely sober."