Chapter 172

The handsome model poured Claire a drink, but Evelyn swiftly intercepted the glass before it could reach her lips.

"Alcohol is so predictable," Evelyn declared with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Let's order spaghetti instead."

Claire blinked in stunned silence.

Determined to look after her friend, Evelyn flagged down a waiter and demanded their finest pasta dish.

Eclipse Lounge specialized in cocktails and bar bites, but money talked. After some negotiation and an outrageous tip, the manager reluctantly sent their chef to whip up a plate of spaghetti carbonara.

When the steaming dish arrived at their VIP booth, heads turned throughout the dimly lit establishment.

Who ordered Italian cuisine at a high-end cocktail bar?

The absurdity of the situation made their table the center of attention. Even their accompanying male model froze mid-sip, cocktail forgotten.

Claire rested her elbows on the black marble table, staring at the twirling pasta with a mixture of amusement and secondhand embarrassment. The rich aroma of garlic and parmesan clashed violently with the bar's signature lavender mist.

Julian Mercer, the dancer who'd been flirting with Claire all evening, looked genuinely concerned for their sanity. "Is this... normal for you two?"

Evelyn twirled a forkful of pasta with theatrical flair. "Darling, we invented abnormal."

Claire buried her face in her hands as nearby patrons whispered behind their drinks. The spaghetti incident would undoubtedly become tomorrow's hottest gossip among Kingsdom's elite.

Somewhere across the bar, a champagne flute shattered as someone dropped their glass in shock. Evelyn merely smirked and took another bite, thoroughly enjoying the chaos she'd created.

Claire couldn't resist reaching out to boop Evelyn's nose playfully.

"Darling, where on earth do you come up with these wild thoughts? But I adore how protective you are of me," Claire chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Evelyn grinned mischievously before turning to the male model beside them. "Claire's craving spaghetti. Why don't you feed her?"

Claire burst into laughter, leaning forward with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Absolutely! I've never been pampered by someone this gorgeous before. Impress me, and maybe I'll keep you around longer."

"Seriously?" the guy asked, his voice a mix of surprise and hope.

He was a university student from the nearby campus, with a physique sculpted like a Greek god—the kind that made hearts race.

Yet his face held an innocent, boyish charm, creating a delicious contrast.

Every movement he made was endearingly awkward. When Claire traced her fingers over his well-defined knuckles, he ducked his head shyly, a faint blush dusting his sculpted cheekbones.

With movie-star looks like his, Claire couldn't help but prop her chin on her hand, studying him with open admiration.

"Of course I'm serious. I never lie to beautiful men. By the way, what's your name?" Claire purred.

"Julian," he answered softly.

Claire's lips curved into a slow, suggestive smile. "How about coming home with me tonight?"

Lucas Bennett had been scanning the room when a familiar laugh made him freeze.

His gaze snapped toward the sound, landing on Claire Dawson being fed spaghetti by Julian Mercer.

A sharp pang twisted in his chest. Lucas's fingers curled into fists, his jaw tightening.

Claire parted her lips, accepting the bite with a playful smirk.

Julian leaned closer, murmuring something that made Claire burst into soft laughter.

Before he could stop himself, Lucas stormed over and loomed over their table. "Claire," he bit out, voice low and dangerous. "Care to explain?"

She tilted her head up, meeting his glare with an unbothered smile.

Then, as if dismissing him, she turned back to her plate.

"Eating like this is so dull," Claire sighed dramatically, stretching back against the plush booth.

Julian's eyes flicked to Lucas before he asked, "What would make it more exciting for you, Claire?"

Her lashes fluttered as she studied Julian's lips, pretending to consider. "Hmm, what do you think?" she teased.

Julian's cheeks flushed pink. He cleared his throat, suddenly fascinated by his wineglass.

Alexander pulled Claire closer, his arms wrapping around her slender frame. His lips hovered just inches from hers, teasing the promise of a kiss.

Evelyn watched from the sidelines, her pulse quickening.

Claire was playing this game masterfully.

The tension was electrifying.

Lucas's expression darkened as he observed the scene, his jaw tightening.