he second floor. Cold and hostile, he stood out

shield, blocking the scantily clad barma

ing opposit

He holds a patent for a certain AI technology.

of two giggling women. He laughed loud

lk tie. It loosened a little. He stared

rced the deep bass. "Read the con

t of gloomy resentment flashed across Rex

napped his fingers at the private bartender

ver tray. Two crystal glasses held

the left-hand cup with a sleight of hand. A tiny pil

c. Mixed with sedative ingred

most sensible person lose the

ke Hayden into a private room and film him, recording enough to destroy his reputation

mpered cup. He gripped the stem and

idened. "Have a drink with me, Hayden. Let me s

id with utter disgust. He leaned

won't get the patent unless you drink my toast

. The muscles in his neck

tant. He can't let a littl

tep forward, opening his mout

dly glance. Leo f

e crystal glass. He brought it

range, cloying sweetness ling

onto the table. "Sign th

x's eyes. He picked up his

inutes

stomach. At first, it was a faint warmth. It q

s, like wildfire sprea

lub. He reached out and roughly unbuttone

larming speed. My vision blurred. The strobe light

e war. It only took him three sec

as dr

Her slightly bloodshot

d innocence. "Hey, man. You look a little nervous. I booked a

him. Reason dwindled, but he cou

ding. This bastard wants to ru

both hands. The violent movement made him

uth, ready to or

t across the glass railing, overlooki

bar co

er sequin

he medicine instantl

sitting at the bar, wearing that damn little dress. The men around her were stari

ense that he couldn't distinguish whether it was a protectiv

s. Leaning forward, he fought off the dizziness caused by

s E

snapped. The sound of it breaking

ehind her. He stretched out his palm and

ossessiveness into someth

ex aside. The venture capitali

alance slipping. He then dashed towards

Leo cried o

rushed over, his heart

g on his lips. He raised his glass, assuming the d

he was looking