The place was a breeding ground for flirtation and indulgence.

As Tessa stepped into the bar, the clamor of voices and music made her knit her brows. She never really liked places like this.

“Tess, over here!” Naomi waved her over, standing next to Sienna.

Tessa walked over as Naomi casually led her to the drinks bar, settling onto a high stool. “Leo, three Mojitos.”

The bartender smiled in response and began mixing the drinks with skilled hands.

Naomi leaned closer and whispered in Tessa’s ear, “This bartender’s name is Leo. He’s 26 and basically the ‘star attraction’ of this place. What do you think? Pretty handsome, huh?”

Tessa lifted her gaze and took a quick look at the man before her. He wasn’t very tall—maybe about five feet nine inches-but he had delicate, attractive features. His slightly wavy hair gave off the vibe of an actor straight out of a movie.

Without revealing much emotion, she withdrew her gaze. “He’s alright.”

Naomi grinned mischievously. “So, do you like this type? That’s the little puppy I was telling you about. Tons of girls come here just to see him.”

As if on cue, a girl approached Leo, openly flirting with him and slipping a thick stack of banknotes across the counter without hesitation.

Tessa shook her head. “Too many women around him—not my type.”

“Oh, come on. It’s just for fun, not marriage,” Naomi teased with a playful lift of her eyebrows. “Why should men have all the fun while we sit around being saints?

“Stephen’s out there parading around with some actress, and you’re still playing the devoted ex? Live a little! Have fun!”

Tessa frowned. “I… I’m not interested…”

“That’s only because you haven’t tasted how fun it can be.”

The bartender placed three Mojitos in front of them.

Naomi gave him a sweet smile. “Thanks, handsome.”

Leo locked eyes with her, his smile laced with a teasing charm. “No need to thank me, beautiful.”

Their gazes collided, and without a word, sparks of flirtation quietly ignited.

Tessa and Sienna exchanged a glance, both blinking in confusion, and their wide eyes were filled with disbelief.

Did they just hit it off like that?

After downing her first glass, Tessa’s frustration only seemed to deepen.

Under the influence of alcohol, her longing for Stephen seemed to grow even stronger.

Naomi tried to console her. “Don’t

worry. If you’re not into this one, introduce you to someone else Didn’t I say I’d hire you some male escorts?

།

“There’s a bunch of gorgeous ones here. Hold on-I’ll go get the manager. Just tell me what type you like, and I’ll hook you up.”

Tessa had already downed three glasses, and her head was starting to spin. Her words came out in a mumble. “No… don’t…”

Naomi was also tipsy herself and struggling to hear over the noise. She leaned closer. “What? You do want them?”

Tessa shook her head. “I don’t like messing around with that kinda stuff…”

“What? You just wanna see some abs?”

What the hell was Naomi talking about? With her cheeks flushed from the alcohol,

and her eyes glazed over, Tessa was already quite drunk.

Ten minutes later, five male escorts, each over six feet tall with chiseled eight-pack abs, stood in a row before her, striking a pose as they ladies…”

shouted in unison, “Hi, they

II

Tessa let out a little hiccup and giggled foolishly. “Hey, guys!”

She had to admit that they did look pretty good.

Meanwhile, over in a dimly lit booth tucked away in the shadows, Stephen stared at his phone, his expression darkening as he read the bank @otification that had just popped up. His voice dropped to a dangerous low.

“Why is Naomi using my credit card to hire male escorts for Tess?”