Chapter 14: A Night Out

Aurora let out excitedly as she showed Ernest immediately. 

“I have seen it too! Who would have thought Mr Beaufort would make a video with her?” Laura replied as they all glued their eyes on their screens while Luca acted nonchalant.

“She made him hop on a trend!” Julia squeaked happily as she tapped her finger on her screen. “How did she get him to do that? And he looks so pleased to make a video with her.”

“What do you think? She must have forced him.” Edward let out and Julia nudged him instantly. “What? We all know Mr Beaufort. He is just like his son, strict and stern.”

“And what about Mr. Michael’s fianceé?” Aurora inquired softly as she placed her phone on the table. They will get married soon, and she will be his daughter-in-law soon, so it is normal for him to be free with her.” 

“Well, Aurora is right. He might be strict but he must be free with his in-laws to be.” Mrs Evergreen affirmed and they nodded solemnly. 

Soon, the lunchtime ended and they all dispersed. Luca returned to his office and took out his phone to check the internet. The recent video of Mr Beaufort and Maria dancing happily was trending and he pondered the kind of effect Maria had on her fans. She had gained new followers and Luca wondered if he could also be famous like that if he started making videos. 

He shook his thoughts off, dropped his phone on the table, and resumed his work. After the day’s work, Luca received a payment from the company’s accountant, and he was shocked to see the amount. The amount was not what he expected, and he made up his mind to head to his ‘workplace’ that night. 

After sending important files and Michael’s schedule for tomorrow to him, he left and as he walked out of the building, a female employee ran after him. 

“Hiii…sir!” 

He stopped and turned back to look at the caller. It was the lady Evelyn had slapped, her expression was brighter than before but Evelyn’s finger marks were still on her cheek. He felt bad for her as she ran towards him.

“You should not stress yourself like this after today’s work.” He said as she stopped before him, panting for breath as she rested her palms on her thighs and her body bent. “Are you okay? Do you need water?”

“I..I am fine!” She straightened her posture and flashed a smile at Luca broadly. “I went to your office but you had left so I had to chase after you.”

“I am so sorry you had to do that.” He retorted warmly then added. “Have you put ice on your cheek? It is still a bit red.”

“I did but I'd like to thank you for standing for me.” She said confidently. 

“Oh no, don't do that.” 

“I have to. Miss Evlyn had always treated employees like shit but this is the first time it will happen to me and I'm happy I had you by my side. I was scared I'd lose my job so I had to apologize to her but I'm glad you stood up for me. I appreciate it.” She replied sweetly. 

“You are welcome, ma’am…

“Vivian! My name is Vivian.”

“Ohh..Vivian. What I want to say is that you should always be confident and never apologize when you're right. Bad people tend to create difficult situations for good people but trust me, one way or the other, we will find our way out.” He said calmly and she nodded.

“Thank you so much!”

“Have you received the compensation f*e?”

“Yes. It was all because of you and I thank you, again.”

“It is nothing, Vivian.”

“I will take my leave now, see you tomorrow.”

She waved at him and he waved back, smiling lightly as he watched her walk away. 

Heaving a sigh of relief, he took a cab and then scrolled through his phone. He went through Maria's page and wondered how happy she must be with the most handsome and richest man in the country. She was enjoying the life he wanted, to settle down with a wealthy CEO and have a wonderful future with him. 

It was a dream of his. 

A dream to have a supportive partner but he has to take care of his grandmother for now, a partner can wait. 

He got home after a while and found Grandma and Dorothy playing a game. They welcomed him and he was glad to find both of them occupied with a game. He freshened up and changed, then cooked a meal. After serving them the food, he told Grandma he wanted to go out and be back soon. 

They waved him and he went out, then took a cab. 

He arrived at the huge building and alighted from the cab. It was in a corner of a secretive street and only the elite patronized them. He worked as a playboy and had many satisfied customers but ever since he resumed his work at the Beaufort company, he quit. The manager was not pleased to read the resignation letter he had sent to him and replied to him that he could come anytime he wanted. 

He inhaled sharply and walked in. The security guards were about to stop him but as they saw his face, they recognized him and welcomed him. 

As Luca walked in, the loud music from the club could be heard and females in short and seductive clothes smoked and made gestures to him.

He went to the club quietly and found people dancing and singing wildly. Different colours of lights shone upon the people while Luca made his way to the bar counter. Some people were hailing the men performing around the pole and throwing them money.

Luca had always admired the male strippers and wished to be like them but he preferred private ‘business’ between him and his clients. 

“Hey, Ethan!” He called out loudly as he sat on the barstool gently. 

Ethan, the barman, had a burly build and his broad back was turned to Luca. He turned to look at Luca, his hands shaking a bottle of drink. 

“Mr Seduction.” He said as he smiled lightly as he walked forward to Luca. “How long has it been?”

“Come on, it has not been a week. Pass me the usual I take.” Luca replied as Ethan dropped the drink on the table. 

“I see.” He stretched his hand to Luca and he took it immediately. “Mr Mason told me you resigned, he did not divulge any reasons. And you left without telling me anything, are we not friends anymore?” 

“Of course we are Ethan.” He answered back as Ethan withdrew his hand from his and prepared the drink carefully. “I got a job.” 

“Really? Tell me about it.” He retorted as he mixed the classic Martini, gin and vermouth in the chilled glass. He stirred the ingredients expertly then poured the mixture into a frosted martini glass. “Here is your usual.” 

“Thank you, Ethan,” Luca said warmly as Ethan passed the drink to him swiftly. He raised the cup to his mouth and  took a sip.