Noah's Pov:
I turned and looked at the lady.
"Pablo's classic bar?" I repeated, and she nodded.
"I'm pretty sure he knows her very well because...they seemed really close at the bar. And he was in charge of makeup and organisation. So definitely, he knows her," she replied, and I cogitated a little more.
"Okay, thanks. As soon as the information is confirmed, you'll get your payment," I told her and hurried out of the office.
I needed to get to the bar. I needed to see him-my heart pounding with a mix of hope and anxiety, craving clarity about our connection.
I rushed into my car and ignited the engine, taking off immediately.
*
*
Ruby's Pov:
I paced restlessly around the room, feeling so confused.
Mum and Dad kept watching silently.
The whole thing was f**ked up! Ruby's fury was palpable, and I wanted the readers to feel the chaos and emotional intensity of the moment.
Everything!!
I couldn't get to Noah; instead, the dinner turned into a fight between the two brothers.
"This is also Maxine's fault", I cursed under my breath.
"She ruined it! Everything! Why the hell was she in the room with Noah? What were they doing together in the first place, huh?" I gritted my teeth.
"That lady's completely hapless", Tammy also said
"I think it's high time someone taught her a lesson".
And immediately, I walked away, headed for the room where she was locked up.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I sat on the floor, tired and weak, thinking about my life. I knew my aunt. And she was damn serious when she said she was gonna lock me up for 24 hours.
But the competition - what will I do?
Suddenly, the door opened, and I turned to see Ruby coming in, looking like a tiger.
"You animal!" She half-yelled and pulled my hair roughly, making me shriek.
"How dare you? What were you doing with Noah? Huh? Tell me! Did you really think you stand a chance with him?"
"Ruby, let me go! Please!" I cried and struggled to free my hair from her, but she ended up slapping me.
"You're nothing, Maxine! Nothing! Don't ever forget that. And don't ever try getting in my way ever again!" She snapped and pushed me to the floor.
Hot tears rushed down my eyes as I stared at her, and she turned around and left the room.
Oh, God! What have I done to deserve this life?
*
*
Noah's Pov:
I parked in front of the bar and stepped out of the car. The bar seemed busy, and hopefully, I was gonna meet him in.
I walked towards the bar and opened the glass door, going in and as expected, all eyes turned on me. But I didn't care.
I looked around, spotted him at the counter, and my eyes glittered. Were my stars really shining on me today?
I hastened my footsteps and went closer to meet him, and as soon as he noticed me, he freaked out a bit.
"S...Sir Noah?" He called, backing away.
I sighed and allowed a few seconds of silence, sensing the weight of unspoken worries. I wanted him to feel my genuine concern and hope he would trust me enough to share.
"Please, we need to talk", I said calmly, and he furrowed his brows in surprise.
*
*
Rex's Pov:
I felt so angry at everything and everyone!
Mum and dad wouldn't let me have any privacy at home, so I decided to chill out and have a drink in a bar.
So I went to the place I had been to a few days earlier. I mean, the bar was kinda cool to me - Pablo's classic bar.
I parked in front of the building and was about to come out of my car when I saw Noah going in.
Huh? What's he doing here?
*
*
Noah's Pov:
He took me to a private room with less noise from the music, and I could tell he was damn nervous.
"Please, Noah, have a seat", he said, and I nodded and sat, facing him.
"Um...I must say, I'm really confused and... surprised to see you here. I...hope there isn't a problem?" He asked, unavoidably stuttering.
"There isn't a problem - I just need a little favour from you.
"All I want is the identity of the veiled dancer. Who's she?" I asked, and his jaw dropped.
"Huh?" He exclaimed.
"S...Sir, wh...what're you talking about?" He scoffed
"I mean, I don't understand you. What veiled dancer? The one at the party? I don't know her. How am I..."
"I know you were the one behind her dancing at the party. She dressed up here before going to the party. I know, so there's no point denying it".
I paused and leaned closer.
"Please, I just need to know her. I've been looking for someone as perfect as she is and now...I want to know her. I promise - I don't mean any harm. And I'll never do anything to hurt her. Please, I have no bad intentions". I pleaded.
For the first time in years, I pleaded for something.
He moved his eyes to the floor and didn't say a word for a while.
"I'm...I'm really sorry, sir. But I can't help you with that information. I don't know who she is," he replied and tried standing up.
"I'll give you $10,000", I chipped in, and his eyes beamed.
He didn't move again.
"What?" I could hear him say in his mind.
"Please, all I need is just the name", I told him, and he licked his lips and swallowed hard.
The price must be ringing in his head.
"I...I can't. I mean, I promised to keep her identity a secret. Her family - they're gonna kill her if they ever get to know she's the one," he rushed his words, his lips watering.
I became a little confused.
"I...I promise to keep her identity a secret as well. Just tell me her name, and it'll be safe with me", I told him, and he looked at me.
He didn't say a word for a long while.
"Please, just the name", I cooed, and he exhaled deeply.
"Maxine", he said, not looking at me.
"Her name is Maxine - the same lady you met dancing at the bar a few days ago".
Oh my God!
What??