Chapter 18

The entrance of Eclipse Lounge was guarded by two massive bouncers, their arms crossed like impenetrable walls.

Ethan Caldwell was about to escort Vanessa Hart inside when the men abruptly barred their path with outstretched arms.

Ethan’s expression darkened instantly. His glare was sharp enough to cut glass as he snapped, "Alexander invited us. What’s the problem?"

The bouncers remained unmoved, their voices dripping with frost. "We need clearance first."

Irritation flared in Ethan’s eyes, his temper barely restrained—until Vanessa lightly tugged his sleeve.

She could already sense Alexander’s game. Forcing a polite smile despite the biting wind, she said, "I don’t mind waiting. Just let Ethan through, please?"

The night air was merciless after the earlier downpour, the draft at the club’s entrance making it even worse.

Vanessa, clad in a thin satin dress, shivered visibly, her fingers trembling and her nose turning pink from the cold.

The bouncer didn’t even blink. "No."

Ethan's expression darkened like a gathering storm.

Fuming with no target for his rage, he watched the security guard vanish back into the exclusive club, leaving them stranded in the chilly night air.

After what felt like an eternity—over fifteen agonizing minutes—the guard finally reappeared.

"You may enter now."

Ethan marched forward, shooting the guard a venomous glare, but the man remained stone-faced, eyes fixed straight ahead.

Since the guard answered to Alexander, Ethan swallowed his pride and let it go.

Inside the lavish private room, Alexander was engrossed in a high-stakes poker game with Lucas and a few other elite players. He didn’t bother looking up when Ethan and Vanessa stepped inside.

"Uncle Alexander." Ethan forced his voice to remain steady. "I’ve brought Vanessa."

At that exact moment, Lucas won the round and let out a triumphant roar, his boisterous celebration drowning out Ethan’s words entirely.

Ethan’s temper flared. His already foul mood plummeted further into darkness.

Vanessa tightened her grip on his arm, silently pleading with him to keep his composure.

Another round of cards concluded. Twenty excruciating minutes had passed since their arrival, and still, no acknowledgment.

The tension in the room was thick enough to slice.

Ethan Caldwell finally stepped forward, his voice firm. "Uncle Alexander, if you have a problem, take it up with me. Leave Vanessa out of this."

Before Alexander Whitmore could respond, Lucas Bennett's mocking laughter cut through the air. "Oh, how chivalrous. What's going on between you two? Must be something special."

Vanessa Hart's cheeks burned, but she bit her tongue.

The Bennett family wasn't one she could afford to provoke—especially not with their ties to Alexander.

Alexander stretched lazily on the couch, and Lucas immediately caught the unspoken command. Tossing his cards aside, he slung an arm around Ethan's shoulders.

"Ethan, I heard you've got some rare vintage hidden away. Let's go take a look."

It was obvious Lucas was trying to remove Ethan from the scene.

Ethan hesitated, reluctant to leave Vanessa alone with potential trouble brewing.

"How about this, Mr. Bennett?" he countered smoothly. "I'll have the wine brought here so we can all enjoy it together. Would that work?"

Lucas glanced at Alexander, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"Fine," Lucas conceded, dropping back onto the couch.

Then he pointed straight at Vanessa. "Then—"

The unspoken threat hung in the air.

Vanessa's fingers curled into her palms.

She knew this game.

And she wasn't about to lose.

"Let your lover serve the wine."

Ethan's expression turned to stone. "Mind your words!"

The gathered guests leaned forward with undisguised curiosity, their eyes gleaming at the brewing confrontation.

Vanessa's nails bit into her palms, yet she maintained a flawless smile despite the humiliation crawling up her spine.

She had no choice but to endure.

As the air thickened with tension, Alexander's voice cut through like a blade. "If you're thirsty, drink elsewhere. She isn't moving."

Vanessa's lips parted in shock, her wide eyes darting to Ethan in silent plea.

Under Alexander's command, Ethan clenched his jaw but didn't protest—though the sight of Vanessa's glassy eyes made his stomach twist.

"Uncle Alexander," Vanessa interjected softly, "what's this meeting about? May I stay?"

Alexander finally looked up, his gaze sharp enough to flay skin. "We're discussing Horizon Enterprises. Since when do you have a voice in family affairs?"

The room fell deathly still.

Vanessa's breath hitched.

Ethan's fingers twitched toward her before curling into fists.

Alexander turned a page of his contract with deliberate slowness, the sound like a judge's gavel.

Vanessa's knees trembled, but she locked them straight.

She wouldn't crumble.

Not here.

Not yet.

Ethan's throat worked as he swallowed hard.

The grandfather clock ticked like a countdown to disaster.

Then—

A champagne flute shattered against the marble floor.

All eyes snapped to the culprit: a red-faced investor who'd clearly had one too many.

Alexander didn't even blink. "Walter."

His assistant materialized instantly. "The car is ready, sir."

Vanessa's pulse roared in her ears.

This wasn't over.

It never was.

Ethan reached for her elbow—

Alexander's pen froze mid-signature.

A silent warning.

Ethan withdrew his hand as if burned.

Vanessa tasted blood where her teeth had pierced her lip.

Somewhere, a woman laughed too brightly.

The chandelier's crystals threw fractured light across their faces.

Alexander stood, his shadow swallowing them whole.

"Let's continue this... privately."

The doors clicked shut behind him with finality.

Vanessa exhaled.

For now, she'd survived.

But the war had just begun.