Daddy’s Game

Chapter 1

In the damp and dilapidated rental room, moans and gasps echoed endlessly from the bedroom. Emma no longer remembered how many times she had been forced to endure those disgusting sounds. She only recalled that ever since she became aware of the world, strange men had been coming and going in the house.

Emma stared blankly at the workbook in front of her. To block out the sounds, she had to wear headphones with the volume turned up to the maximum. But the disgust and fear still coursed through her body, making her tremble involuntarily from time to time.

“Is it still raining outside?” Emma mumbled softly. If it weren’t for the rain today, she could have gone out to find a quiet place to read instead of sitting here enduring all this.

It was unclear how much time had passed before the noises from the adjacent room finally ceased, followed by the sweet laughter of her mother and the strange man.

When the man left, he stopped by Emma’s room and looked at her with a lustful, greedy gaze. Putting on a false air of kindness, he asked, “Emma, how old are you this year?”

Emma didn’t turn her head or respond. She tried to act calm and indifferent, but sweat beaded on her forehead, and her whole body turned cold from fear. She knew exactly what that gaze meant—she understood the implication behind his question.

“She’s sixteen already. Why, do you think she’s prettier than me?” said Emma’s mother, May Lee. She wore a thin, short nightgown, her seductive face and curvaceous figure clinging tightly to the man’s arm.

Even though he had just finished his business, the man still felt aroused by the sight of this alluring woman—but his wallet was running thin.

“Of course, you’re more beautiful,” he replied. “She’s just a kid. But since she’s your daughter, she’ll definitely grow up to be as pretty as you. If she served clients, she’d make a lot of money.”

As soon as the words left the man’s mouth, Emma’s already pale face turned ghostly white. Her entire body trembled even more violently. She was so terrified she wanted to run, but her legs were shaking so much that she couldn't stand up, let alone run.

At last, Emma managed to endure until the man finally left the house. May cheerfully counted the money she had earned that day. She had serviced four or five men—regular customers from the bar where she worked.

The money May earned from “working at home” wasn’t bad either, but she knew this kind of work couldn’t last forever. The men who came to her desired her beauty and skilled lovemaking, but once age began to mark her face with wrinkles, her path to earning money would only become more difficult.

It wasn’t that May didn’t want a better life or to escape this place, but she couldn’t. Selling her body was the only way she knew how to make money. Clutching the cash tightly, she pondered how she could earn even more.

Suddenly, she glanced over at Emma and smirked. “Emma, my darling girl. Come here.”

Emma jumped in fright. She had planned to slip out, but her mother’s call stopped her. “Mom…”

“I have to work at the bar tonight. This time, come with me. Don’t worry, you’ll just be serving tables. It’s easy work, really. Lots of girls your age—fifteen, sixteen—do it too,” May said with a smile. This time, as she looked closely at her daughter, she realized Emma wasn’t bad-looking. Emma had inherited her beauty and, even without trying, could easily draw attention.

Emma clenched her fists. She had known this day would come—but she didn’t want it to. The bar where her mother worked was no good place. Timidly, she replied, “But I’m already working at the supermarket nearby. It’s a decent job, and the pay is not bad. I can—”

Before Emma could finish, her mother shouted over her, cutting her off. “Shut your mouth! What good is the little money you make? Do you want the two of us to keep living like dogs, hiding and struggling like this? If it weren’t for giving birth to you, do you think I’d be living this miserable life? I’m your mom. When I speak, you listen—got it?!”

Emma lowered her head, not daring to argue—because she knew it was useless. If she continued to disobey, her mother would definitely use force to drag her to the bar.

“…Yes, mom”

Seeing her daughter obey so meekly improved May’s mood considerably. She didn’t forget to remind Emma to shower thoroughly, then went back to counting her money.

That night, Emma followed her mother to Nyxeria Bar, where she worked. Employees were not allowed to enter through the front door. They had to go through a dark alley to use the back entrance.

"So you've finally brought your daughter here? I knew it. A girl as beautiful as yours—what a waste it would be if she didn’t entertain clients to earn money. Sure, she can make you money, but did you ask for Boss’s permission?"

The speaker was named Kiki. Most employees here used fake names for work. Her voice was shrill and arrogant.

At this bar, not everyone had to entertain guests like May and Kiki. Employees like May were allowed to wear seductive outfits and heavy makeup, often selected by VIP customers.

"Boss will agree. After all, having my daughter work here is only beneficial to him. Emma, go get changed and follow Hina to start working," May ordered, motioning for a server to guide Emma.

From beginning to end, Emma didn’t say a word. She knew there was nothing she could do but obey. If even her own mother wanted to push her into this place, where else could she go? Who else could she rely on?

Just as her mother had said, the work wasn’t difficult—she just had to endure the hungry stares of the male customers. They made no effort to hide their desire for her. Some even tried to pull her over and force her to drink with them. Emma was so frightened, she could barely breathe. Hina always had to step in and get her out of trouble.

Standing in a dim corner of the hallway, Emma bowed her head and whispered, “Thank you…”

“Don’t thank me. I don’t accept your thanks. Judging by how scared and timid you look, this must be your first time here, right?” Hina took a drag of her cigarette, silently thankful that the previous customer hadn’t caused a scene.

Emma nodded tightly. It wasn’t just her first time here—she had been forced here by her own mother. She had nowhere to run. She was already used to being oppressed and could only cowardly follow orders.

“Then I guess your mother hasn’t told Boss about bringing you here yet. As long as you haven’t signed a contract, you still have a chance to get out. Nyxeria doesn’t lack girls like you. This place is full of VIPs and high-ranking officials, and the monthly pay is generous. But once you sign a contract and start working here, your future will belong to money and lust.” Hina spoke calmly, as if she had grown numb to it all.

Emma didn’t fully understand the inner workings of Nyxeria, but she knew one thing for sure—this was no place for someone like her.

“But… what should I do? I—”

Before she could finish, a tall, menacing-looking bodyguard walked up and barked, “Why are you two still standing here chatting? Get back to work! I just got word that the Boss is coming tonight.”

“Tch… ugly scar-faced bastard can’t shut up. Let’s go, Emma.” Hina tossed her half-smoked cigarette to the ground. She only dared to mutter the insult under her breath, never to his face.

Emma followed Hina into a large room—larger than anything she had ever seen. Sensing her amazement, Hina reminded her, “Don’t stare. Clean up quickly. This is Boss’s room. No one else uses it, so it only needs cleaning when he comes.”

“Boss?” Emma echoed, quickly helping Hina tidy up. Though the room was spacious, it wasn't particularly dusty due to its infrequent use. After cleaning, the two of them brought in wine and food, setting the table.

Emma was so focused that she didn’t even notice the Boss had arrived. The man was tall, dressed in an elegant suit with a long coat draped over his shoulders. His presence exuded nobility and danger. Two bodyguards followed behind him, dressed in black with cold, stern expressions.

Hina quickly pulled Emma to stand beside her. Both of them lowered their heads and dared not even breathe loudly, waiting silently in the corner. They weren’t allowed to leave until Boss departed.

It was Emma’s first time experiencing such an oppressive and suffocating atmosphere. Even while staring at her shoes, she could feel the dominating pressure radiating from the man known as “Boss.”

The Boss didn’t seem to notice them. He sat down and tapped lightly on the table, prompting the bodyguard to hand him some documents. The room was silent—so silent that Emma could hear her own heart pounding violently in fear.

Not long after, a knock came at the door. An elderly man entered, hunched and respectful.

“Mr. Thorne, thank you for giving me the honor of meeting you in person.”

Damien raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Is that so? Well, I’m very much looking forward to the 'gift' you brought with you, Mr. Allen.”