Chapter 42

‎In another part of the club, tucked away from the noise and flashing lights, Edward sat in the VIP section by a tall, tinted window, his gaze locked onto the glamorous woman below. He had been staring for a while now, ever since they arrived. His drink sat untouched on the table in front of him, condensation dripping lazily down the glass.

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‎Across the room, through the pulsing crowd and the dim haze of neon light, his eyes had found her. Claire.

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‎“Silly girl,” Edward muttered under his breath, watching as she tilted her head back and downed a shot like it was water. There was a strange edge to his voice, part amusement, part something else.

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‎“What are you saying?” Jackson asked, turning toward him. He had noticed how Edward hadn’t said a word since they’d arrived, hadn’t even acknowledged the bottle service or the loud greetings from the other guests. His eyes had been glued to the window, to whatever, or whoever, was down there.

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‎“Bro, are you okay?” Sebastian asked from across the table, finally catching on to the odd tension. His brows were knit, voice low with concern.

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‎“I’m fine,” Edward replied, his voice distant, eyes unwavering. It was as if he didn’t even hear them. Like he was somewhere else entirely.

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‎Jackson exchanged a look with Sebastian, then leaned forward, curiosity getting the better of him. “What the hell is he looking at?”

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‎Unable to resist, Jackson stood and walked around the table, taking the seat opposite Edward. He followed Edward’s line of sight through the window. From this angle, he could see the dance floor below: people laughing, drinking, moving to the beat, leaning in close to shout over the music. A chaotic blur of lights and movement. But nothing, and no one seemed special enough to explain Edward’s complete fixation.

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‎Then, down on the floor, Claire suddenly stood from her table. She leaned over to say something to cleo, her smile brief but bright, before turning and heading toward the restroom hallway at the back of the club.

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‎Edward noticed immediately.

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‎Without a word, he pushed back from the leather seat and stood.

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‎“I’ll be right back,” he said, voice cool, distracted, already walking away before Jackson could respond.

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‎Jackson stood there, dumbfounded, watching him disappear down the stairs that led to the lower level of the club.

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‎“What do you think he’s up to?” he asked, glancing over at Sebastian.

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‎Sebastian only shrugged, raising his glass. “With Edward? Who knows. But it’s probably not good.”

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‎“How’s your pursuit going with Miss Jone?” Jackson asked, his full attention locked on Sebastian. His eyes narrowed with curiosity, clearly eager to get the details.

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‎“What do you mean?” Sebastian replied, his brows furrowing in confusion.

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‎Jackson leaned forward, a hint of frustration in his tone. “Don’t tell me you’re not making a move now that she’s no longer chasing Edward. This is your chance, bro.” He shot Sebastian a look that screamed, Are you serious right now?

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‎“She’s not into Edward anymore? When did that happen? What are you talking about?” Sebastian asked, clearly surprised by the news.

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‎Jackson took a slow sip of his drink before answering. “The day I called you, when she went to the bar. That night, something changed.”

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‎Sebastian’s eyes flickered as he tried to recall the events. “I didn’t know… but I already confessed to her,” he said, thinking back to the night he brought her to his place.

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‎Jackson’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s great! So… did she say yes? Are you two dating now?” he asked, leaning in with anticipation.

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‎Sebastian let out a dry chuckle, lifting his drink and downing a gulp before answering. “I finished pouring my heart out, and when I looked at her… she was asleep.”

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‎Jackson stared at him, mouth slightly agape. “Ahh, why are you like this?” he said, shaking his head with disbelief. His irritation showed, but Sebastian didn’t even glance at him. He just kept drinking, lost in thought. For someone so brilliant in business, Jackson mused, he’s a total mess when it comes to romance. Then, something clicked in his mind.

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‎“No wonder,” Jackson muttered, almost to himself. “She told the guy I saw her with yesterday that she’d be thinking about it.”

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‎Sebastian’s head snapped up. His eyes turned cold, and a dangerous aura surrounded him. Jackson wasn’t intimidated, if anything, he looked amused. He knew he’d hit a nerve.

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‎“Thinking about what? Did they exchange contact info?” Sebastian asked, veins visibly popping in his temple. His thoughts raced, he needed to act, and fast. Tonight, if possible.

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‎Jackson raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Do I really need to spell it out? Whether they exchanged numbers or not, the point is, you still have a chance. That is, if she hasn’t accepted him yet.”

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‎That was it. The last spark needed to ignite Sebastian’s fire. His grip on his glass tightened to the point it might shatter at any moment.

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‎“Easy there,” Jackson said, eyeing the tortured glass with mild pity. “Don’t worry. I’ve got an idea.”

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‎Sebastian straightened instantly, urgency in his voice. “Tell me. Now. I don’t have time to waste, I can’t think of anything myself.”

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‎"Well, I’ll call her using my phone," Jackson said with a sly grin, his voice laced with amusement. "I’ll tell her you’re drunk out of your mind and that something urgent came up, so I can’t stay. I’ll say she needs to come pick you up right away."

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‎He leaned back slightly, the smirk on his face growing wider as he glanced at Sebastian, clearly enjoying the mischief in his plan.

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‎Sebastian furrowed his brows, his expression shifting to one of mild concern. He looked down briefly before meeting Jackson’s eyes again.

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‎"You sure she’ll come?" he asked, his voice uncertain, carrying a hint of vulnerability. The troubled look in his eyes betrayed a swirl of emotions he couldn’t quite name.