Indigo was thinking back on the call she received the night before. Mrs Johnny had called and warned her about Carla and Irene.“In Thursday's meeting which you didn't attend, Irene tried to subtly turn the team against you. And I think she may have succeeded. I don't know what she is trying to achieve but it is not good. Carla is with her. That woman is a rumour monger. You have to be careful, Miss Indigo.“

“Why are you telling me this?“ She didn't think Mrs Johnny would be on her side for no reason.

“To be forewarned is to be forearmed.“

“I want to know why you care to inform me.“ Indigo explained.

Mrs Johnny hesitated for a moment, then hung up the call.

It was a hot afternoon when Young Master Slade received a surprise call from his buddy. He could look cold and aloof but he had friends— the ones he shared his childhood with. He valued loyalty as a second skin as he was rarely had time for fun. Closing the file he was working on, he picked the call, for Bryson Hwang didn't call quite often. He was a busy man himself.

Bryson Hwang.

He was of a Korean American origin and combining the nice pointed nose of Americans and the Korean idol sexy look, his exotic beauty was a force to be reckoned with. However it was different from his buddy's. While Young Master Slade's was cold but too irresistible— making women want to throw themselves at him always— Bryson Hwang's was both mesmerizing and inviting, especially when he flashed his flirty smile.

“Young Master Drew Slade.“ Bryson called in a mock formal voice, “You have an appointment with me today at The Royal Land.“

“Bryson, you seem to be free. Why don't you come over to my company?“

“ Embrace fun for once, man. Also, Rosalie is here with me. Won't you come see her?“

Rosalie? Indigo wondered in shock as she stood there pretending to go through some documents. But her mind was spinning faster than a treadmill.

Who was Rosalie?

Moreover she felt a slight discomfort at the thought of whoever was named Rosalie.

“I'll be there.“ the call ended and he got up.

She watched him take his jacket and leave, her curiosity thoroughly piqued.

* * * *

The Royal Land

A high class bar for the rich to mingle and wringle themselves dry. Assorted types of drinks and entertainment especially for men to chill were abundant. One more thing, a person required a membership card to atleast gain entry. However, Young Master Slade and his friends possessed a VIP card— a rank above ordinary visitors.

“Bryson, you chose this rowdy area?“ Drew Slade asked as he approached them. The duo were seated in a separate corner, sipping champagne and watching the strippers' performance on stage.

“Yeah, the VIP is quite mundane.“ he laughed as he gave his best friend a pat on the shoulder. Then Drew Slade looked at her, Rosalie Finn.

The daughter of a popular Italian winery CEO. She was biracial like Bryson, but Italian-American. She got the nickname 'Barbie' during her middle school days because she resembled the Barbie characters with her cute princess look and a nice sexy back.

Drew Slade gave her a peck on the cheek.

“What are we celebrating?“ he asked, gesturing at the champagne bottle.

“Is my presence not a cause for celebration?“ Rosalie asked with mock hurt.

“So, done with your business over there?“

“Still got one more degree to earn next year.“

She replied and they clinked glasses.

“You're here to stay, then?“

“No. I prefer Italy to Mexico. I hear Mexico is currently rife with gangs clashing on a daily basis.“ She sipped at her drink with a shrug.

“Oh yeah, man I learnt Axel is planning to open a casino here in the city.“ Bryson added in a low tone, then regretting he said it because Drew's face turned cold.

Drew poured himself a drink and nodded silently, staring at the performance on stage.

“Bryson, you shouldn't have—” Rosalie began.

“No, it's alright.“ Drew interrupted.

“How do you know?“ He asked Bryson.

“The usual.“ Bryson replied but Drew just continued staring at the stage.

“Do you like her? The blonde dancer?“ Rosalie teased. Of course, Young Master Drew Slade's claim of not believing in love was true but that didn't mean he didn't have needs.

Drew Slade grew up in an aristocratic but problematic family. His paternal male family had a history of violence. His mother was his father's love for years but one particular incident shattered the family. And guess who caused it? His father. The family was no longer united and a significant portion of wealth which he saw as burden was shifted to his care. His extended family members were no better than sharks and he was always guarded against them. Love had no place in his life.

So as his friends watched him call the stripper over, they knew it would be just a one night stand. The empire's prince was hopeless.

“Do you love your girlfriend, Bryson?“ Rosalie turned to him.

“It's none of your fucking business. Love doesn't exist. It's all about money, status and power. Nothing else matters.“ He shrugged then slouched lazily on the sofa.

Rosalie turned to looked at Drew. He was leading the woman away and they all knew where. Rosalie's eyes flashed with a subtle emotion, then she turned away.

Drew Slade took the woman who was beside herself with excitement to a VIP elevator. She was ready to use up all her luck just to sleep with this male god of beauty.

In the VIP room, he asked her to strip and perform a lap dance for him, which she did with slow seductive moves.

The atmosphere slowly turned heavy with sensual heat. The woman was all bare and her skin was glistening with sweat which in a way, increased her appeal. Soft moans escaped from her lips as he thrust in slowly but powerfully. She nearly fainted from ecstacy but it was unfortunately broken by the ring of his mobile.

“Indigo?“ He called hoarsely, his breathing ragged.

In her office, Indigo froze as she immediately deciphered what was going on. Her heart slowed down a beat and all she could hear was its constant thump. She was losing her mind, and for no exact reason.

“Indigo?“ He called a third time, “Speak.“ He commanded.

Instead, she cut the call and flung the phone hard onto the wall. Then she watched it fall to the floor.

She sucked in a gasp at what she had done.

What was wrong with her??