Chapter 3

Eudora's face goes white as Ryan finishes speaking. Her hand holding the glass trembles, spilling wine onto his pristine white shirt.

He frowns and snaps, “What kind of service is this?”

All eyes in the room turn to Eudora. Geoffrey sweating nervously, worries his efforts will be wasted, quickly intervenes.

"She's new to this, so she's inexperienced. Please be understanding," he says. "Or maybe you can switch to the one beside me, she seems much more sensible."

Eudora frantically grabs a napkin to help him wipe the stain, apologizing profusely.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to.”

Ryan smirks, watching her fear, enjoying the service. Through the thin fabric, he can feel the warmth of her small hand. A familiar excitement surges within him. He stands up abruptly and pulls Eudora into his arms, then says to everyone around him, “I'm leaving first, everyone stay and have fun. I'll take care of the bill tonight.”

Geoffrey, seeing Ryan's urgency, replies with a beaming face, “Don't be silly, I invited everyone here, so I'm paying. No one's taking over the bill from me. You go ahead, have a good night.” He finishes with a sly smile.

Ryan doesn't say much, half-carrying, half-dragging Eudora out of the room. Geoffrey watches them leave, a smug look on his face as he raises an eyebrow at his son.

Waldo gives his dad a thumbs-up, clearly enjoying the situation. Turns out, the rumors about Chairman William having a clean personal life, not being interested in casual flings, are all lies. On the contrary, he seems more eager than anyone else here. What a waste of that respectable, dignified appearance! You can't judge a book by its cover, after all.

Leaving the karaoke room, Eudora nervously asks Ryan, “Where... where are you taking me?”

Ryan raises an eyebrow.

"Where? To fulfill your duty. Don't tell me you don't know.”

Eudora lowers her head, avoiding his mocking gaze. Bitterness wells up inside her, but she can only grit her teeth and pretend to ignore it.

Seeing her silence, Ryan says nothing more, just snorts coldly and turns back to focus on driving.

They quickly arrive at a nearby five-star hotel. As soon as they enter the room, Ryan roughly pushes her onto the bed. He stands straight beside her, arrogantly looking down at Eudora with disdainful eyes.

“Eudora, you're quite something. Seven years apart, you've really improved, haven't you? You like money that much? You like it so much that you're willing to be a prostitute, even without any shame?”

Ryan's words are like a knife twisting in Eudora's heart, making her chest ache. Her eyes are already misty, she can only raise her head and let the bitter drop on her cheek flow back in.

Trying to hold back the pain, she laughs at herself, “Yes, I like money that much. Someone born at the finish line like you, how can you understand the feeling of struggling in poverty like us?”

“Don't make excuses! There are many poor people out there, but not everyone throws away their dignity like you!”

Ryan is furious. The thought of Eudora sleeping with other men for money makes his blood boil. Seven years can change a person that much? He doesn't recognize the innocent girl he used to love. Maybe he was a fool all along, believing the fake image she'd created.

Eudora acts like she's unfazed by his harsh words, saying nonchalantly, “I'm not here to listen to your insults. If you want to be served, I'll stay. Otherwise, I'll leave.”

Ryan lets out a mocking laugh, “So you do have some professional ethics, you haven't forgotten your job.”

He sits down on the bed and orders, “Alright, get to work. If you please me, you'll get a generous tip.”

Eudora clenches her fists, fighting back the shame and urge to run that threatens to overwhelm her. She takes a deep breath and slowly sits up, moving closer to Ryan and gently massaging his shoulders.

Ryan sits still, letting her work. After five minutes of nothing more, he's growing impatient.

“Is that all your madam taught you?” He asks.

“No… not at all.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” He snaps.