Chapter 7

The group made their way into the club.

The Brocade Banyan sat tucked away in a quiet corner of the city's busiest district, yet it felt like a world apart. It didn't have the chill of concrete and steel, only gravel paths, neatly trimmed plants, and beautiful scenery. It was crafted with the graceful charm of a classical garden.

Anyone who could set foot inside was a name in Hutton and even across the country.

That night, the place was practically sparkling with star power.

Surrounded by the group, Celia walked through the winding corridor toward their reserved private room, The Lotus Room. She wore a simple white dress with clean, sophisticated lines. Her cool, aloof presence didn't match the lively scene, yet it somehow drew every eye.

Theodore walked beside her, falling half a step behind. He was close without overstepping, and his eyes sparkled with gentle fondness.

In the shadows nearby, Basil held a glass of wine. His gaze was frosty as he zoned in on that slender figure.

Celia? Why was she with Theodore?

He narrowed his eyes and stared through the crowd until he caught her profile precisely. It really was her—the woman who, on paper, was still his wife.

His stare tracked them as they moved and finally stopped at the doorway of The Lotus Room. The door wasn't fully shut—it was left ajar.

Compelled by something he couldn't name, Basil walked closer and peered through the gap. He saw Theodore seated at the head of the table. Two women sat beside him.

One of them was Celia.

Heh. How could she possibly be the legendary, elusive L-God when she was so plain and unadorned?

Basil scoffed inwardly. The other women looked even younger and carried a hint of childish eagerness in the way she fawned—she clearly wasn't the rumored figure, either.

Could it be… His gaze swept sharply to the young man beside Celia. He was open and easygoing, yet he carried himself with undeniable authority.

Was he L-God? He and Celia were close? Why had she never mentioned him to Basil?

A strange annoyance surged in Basil's chest.

Just then, Celia's phone rang. She leaned toward Theodore and said something softly, then stepped out alone. She walked to a secluded spot in the corridor, ready to take the call.

"Hello—"

Before she could get any further, a strong force yanked her forward.

The world pitched and spun. Celia slammed into a hard, hot chest. The thick scent of alcohol mixed with a familiar, cool presence.

It was Basil.

"Look at how bold you've become, Celia."

His low, icy voice rumbled above her head, laced with mockery and anger. "If I remember right, we're not divorced yet. Are you so desperate for a man that you're already out shopping for a replacement?"

His arm clamped around her waist like steel, the pressure so intense that it felt like he might crush her.

Pain shot through her. She struggled with all her might and tried to push him away, her tone sharp and frosty as she growled, "What's wrong with you, Basil? Let me go!"

He didn't loosen his hold. Instead, he tightened it, dipping his handsome face close as his eyes roiled with complicated emotion—anger, resentment, and a possessiveness that he didn't even notice.

"You think something's wrong with me?" He sneered. "Don't I have the right to be upset when I see my wife being so chummy with another man?"

"What a poor memory you have, Mr. Fulton. Did you forget that we're in the middle of a divorce?" Celia lifted her chin, meeting his gaze without flinching.

She curled her lip mockingly. "Besides, since when did you start caring for me so deeply?"

Basil narrowed his eyes. He took in her beautiful face, and a wickedly vivid image flashed through his mind. "You know when I just can't get enough of you."

Celia was taken aback. Then, she flushed. When had he become so shameless?

"You didn't just drag me here to reminisce, did you, Mr. Fulton?" she snapped.

He let her go, returning to his usual iciness. "Are you and Theodore Sterling close?"

"What if we are?"

"That means you must know who L-God is, right?" He finally voiced the question gnawing at him.

Celia looked at him with mocking amusement. "So you're interested in L-God, too, Mr. Fulton. Oh, I almost forgot. Fulton Group is also involved in the medical field."

Basil wasn't in the mood for jokes. He cut straight to negotiating the price. "If you tell me who L-God is, I'll amend the divorce terms. You get an extra 200 million dollars."

She crossed her arms, watching him like he was some curious beast. "200 million? How generous of you. I was going to tell you, but now… I don't feel like it anymore."

For the first time, Basil felt like he'd seen through her. She was greedy.

He pushed her lightly, pinning her against the column behind her. His eyes bore into her as he asked, "How much do you want?"

Celia shoved him away, her gaze turning to ice. "Our values don't match, Mr. Fulton. Aside from your skills in bed, there's really nothing else about you I find worth liking."

Aside from his skills in bed?

Basil's expression turned hideous. How dare she mock him! He had no idea she could be this fiery. If he'd known, he would've used more tricks on her…

"How dare you turn me down, Celia?" He sneered, a dangerous edge creeping into his voice.

"Why wouldn't I? What can you do about it?"

Celia's eyes cooled as she met his fierce gaze head-on. After the divorce, she'd turned to steel. The softness she'd once had was gone.

She knew just how to effortlessly spark his temper!

Basil's expression turned downright thunderous. Suddenly, he grabbed her throat and bit down on her bright red lips.

Celia's eyes widened in shock. Pain stung her mouth—he was like a rabid dog. She lifted a knee in fury, but Basil anticipated it. His other hand caught her leg, holding it firmly.

"Celia, the divorce certificate isn't in your hands yet. Don't push me, or I won't mind making you beg me in tears again."

His dangerous whisper brushed her ear, his eyes dark with a desire he couldn't name.

Celia was speechless. Could he be any more shameless?

She hissed, "Let go of me! Don't you care about your reputation, Mr. Fulton?"

Basil finally released her and added, "Grandpa specifically mentioned that he wants you to attend Fulton Group's anniversary gala. Show up, and don't cause any trouble."

He straightened his rumpled lapel, going back to looking like his usual high-and-mighty self. His tone made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

Stephen again.

Celia sneered inwardly. Every time, he would use Stephen to force her into these things. Well, this would be the last time.

She drew a long breath, composed herself, and put on a flawless smile. "It's just acting, right? Anyone can act. I might not be as professional as certain actresses, but at least I won't embarrass you."

She even dipped her head slightly, looking as poised as if their heated clash hadn't happened. "Oh, and one more thing, Mr. Fulton—L-God wouldn't give you the time of day. Don't waste your time and effort."

With that bomb dropped, she turned and walked back toward The Lotus Room, her back straight and resolute.

Basil stood where he was, watching the door close behind her, shutting her out of his sight. He clenched his fists, making the veins bulge across the back of his hands.

Damn it!

How had she managed to rile him up? That smug look on her face made him want to…

He whipped out his phone and dialed a number. "Hold the divorce agreement. Send it after the anniversary gala."

On the other end of the line, Calvin was baffled. Still, there was no time to dwell on this. He turned his car around and rushed to retrieve the document he'd just delivered.

Basil walked back to his private room and abruptly stopped. It was empty. Neither Tim nor Stella was around.

The air still held traces of food and alcohol, but all that was left was Stella's phone on the table. The screen was dark.

A jolt of dread seized Basil, and his heart sank.

"Stella?" he called out. "Stella!"

No one answered.

His expression changed instantly. He spun and bolted from the room. The black-suited bodyguards at the door stiffened.

"Where is she?" Basil's voice was icy, and it was clear he was barely keeping his anger at bay.

The bodyguards looked at each other, evidently clueless.

"Find her!" Basil roared. "Lock down the exits. Turn this place upside down!"

The bodyguards scattered, moving with rapid precision.