Chapter 3

Samantha didn't want to dampen Mina's mood. So, she smiled and asked, "Where should we go?" Without missing a beat, Mina replied, "Of course, we're going to Phantom! I'm a VIP there." Phantom was the most upscale bar in Valmon. Only those with substantial wealth and status frequented it. Before Samantha married Joseph, she and Mina were regulars at Phantom. Remembering those days, Samantha nostalgically said, "The last time we went to Phantom was four years ago." Mina rolled her eyes. "If you hadn't fallen for Joseph, and if Mr. Lynch Senior hadn't insisted on you marrying him, we would've met up a long time ago. As compensation, you owe me some serious quality time!" Samantha nodded repeatedly. "Okay, I'll do whatever you say." Mina looked Samantha up and down and furrowed her brows slightly. "Before we hit the bar, you need a change of clothes. This elegant white dress totally wastes your stunning looks." With that, Mina took Samantha's hand and led her upstairs to the wardrobe. Mina was a renowned makeup artist and stylist. She had her own studio in Valmon, catering to celebrities in the entertainment industry. With Samantha's natural beauty, a quick makeover from Mina was all she needed before they headed out to Phantom. ... Half an hour later, a flashy red Maserati pulled up in front of Phantom. Mina was the first to step out. She adjusted her oversized, black sunglasses with a faint smile on her lips before casually tossing the car keys to a nearby valet. "Take care of this for me, thanks." She then turned to Samantha, who had just stepped out of the car, and nodded approvingly. "I have to say, you look much better like this." Samantha hesitantly linked arms with Mina. Lowering her head, she glanced nervously at her outfit. Clearly, she felt out of place. "Minnie, don't you think this skirt is a bit too revealing?" Mina waved her hands and pulled Samantha through the door, heading straight for their regular private room. "Sam, you look hot and amazing in that! Plus, I've got a surprise for you. Stop worrying and come on." Soon, they reached the door of the private room. Mina put a finger to her lips and signaled for Samantha to keep silent. With a mischievous smile, she pushed the door open and gestured for Samantha to go in. "Sam, take a look." Samantha didn't know what Mina was up to. Curious, she stepped forward. Inside, about a dozen well-built and handsome men stood up in unison, flashing her polite smiles. "Good evening. We're the male escorts this lady arranged for you and are here to serve you tonight. Is there anything you need?" Samantha's jaw nearly dropped to the floor. "Minnie, what is this?" Mina proudly pointed at the male escorts. "Sam, I picked these guys based on your taste. It took a lot of effort. So, do you like them?" As she spoke, Mina pulled Samantha to sit on the sofa in the center of the room. The male escorts keenly gathered around them and offered them fruits from the platters on the table. Feeling awkward, Samantha shrugged off the escorts' attention and politely declined the fruit they offered her. "Minnie, tell them to leave. I'm not interested in male escorts." Upon hearing this, Mina immediately understood what Samantha meant. She exchanged a glance with one of the escorts and said, "Alright, guys, you know the drill. Head out, and we'll settle up later." After receiving Mina's instructions, the male escorts wasted no time and quickly exited the room. Once they were gone, Mina looked at Samantha, feeling somewhat guilty. "Sorry, Sam. I didn't mean to mess things up. I forgot you don't like strangers touching you. "Since they're gone, how about we go downstairs and dance?" Mina suggested. Samantha loved dancing during her university days. She had even been the president of the dance club back then. She didn't reject Mina's offer. "Sure, let's go. It's a good chance to practice." Mina felt relieved that Samantha wasn't upset. She led the way and held the door open for her friend. "After you, Sam." ... The club was filled with people, and the heavy metal music was deafening. Multicolored neon lights flashed as men and women swayed and moved in the center of the dance floor, losing themselves in the fun of the night. As soon as Samantha stepped onto the dance floor, she became the center of attention. Her black and pink skirt highlighted her curvaceous figure, while her long and wavy hair bounced freely with her movements. The combination of her exquisite makeup and her naturally cool demeanor made her look both alluring and untouchable. The crowd gasped, drawing the spotlight to Samantha at the center of the dance floor. The commotion downstairs quickly caught the attention of two men seated in a corner on the upper level. A strikingly handsome man took a sip of his drink casually and glanced down at Samantha before saying, "That girl is hot. She's definitely my type. I wonder if she's single." This piqued the interest of the man sitting opposite him. "What kind of woman could catch the eye of a playboy like you?" With that, he followed the spotlight's direction. When he saw Samantha, his expression darkened. He wondered what Samantha was doing here. He couldn't believe the revealing outfit she had on. She just asked for a divorce this morning, and now she was out dancing in a place like this. Joseph thought she was really starting to disregard him. A hint of coldness flashed across his face. "She's not single. Don't even think about it," he said through gritted teeth. The other man noticed the displeasure in Joseph's tone. He lightly swirled the wine in his glass. "Oh? Do you know her? I have to say, she has an amazing body and got quite the looks, too. She's a rare gem in Valmon, much better than Erica." Hearing that, Joseph let out a cold laugh. His eyes were clouded with complex emotions. "I don't know her, but I'd advise you to stay away from her unless you want trouble. She's not as easy as she looks."