Alondra shot a glance at the man who spoke so bluntly. She felt he was trying to be humorous but only managed to make things awkward. She raised her glass to toast another man.
The men moved closer, sitting on either side of Sidney and Alondra, making casual conversation. This was Alondra's territory, so she began introducing the environment to them. She learned they were out-of-town visitors staying at a hotel nearby. She also recommended good places for late-night snacks and attractions worth visiting around the area. The men were well-mannered, and the conversation flowed quite smoothly. Sidney quietly listened as they spoke. After a while, the man sitting next to her suddenly said that she seemed too quiet, as though she wasn't here to have fun.
Sidney awkwardly said she was waiting for someone.
The man was surprised and asked a few more questions. Then he said he wanted to take Sidney to the dance floor to experience the thrilling excitement of dancing in the hot zone.
Sidney shook her head and politely declined. The man didn't seem disappointed and continued sitting patiently beside her, chatting. After a while, he suggested the four of them go out for late-night snacks, but Alondra was the first to refuse.
"We came here with our friends, so we're not going out."
"Just tell your friends, it's nothing, just a late-night snack!"
"Our friends are up upstairs waiting! We need to head back soon, so you guys go ahead and eat!" Alondra politely declined.
At this moment, the man next to Alondra thought they were just playing hard-to-get, so he grabbed her hand and tried to pull her away. Sidney quickly stood up and grabbed Alondra.
"I told you, we're not going!"
"We've already had drinks, isn't it fine to join us for late-night snacks?"
"But we have something to do later!" Sidney said.
The two men started playfully putting their arms around Sidney and Alondra, acting as if they were close friends, pushing and pulling them along.
"What are you guys doing?" A male voice suddenly sounded from behind, and the four of them froze.
They turned around to see Jayson standing alone.
Alondra immediately called out when she saw him. "Boss! We told them we're not going for late-night snacks, but they won't take no for an answer!"
When the two men heard her call him "boss," they quickly guessed what Alondra's occupation might be.
"Tsk! Turns out you're just a bar girl, trying to act all reserved?"
Alondra glared at them, pulling Sidney behind Jayson.
Jayson raised his hand with a subtle gesture, and two large bodyguards immediately stepped forward, grabbing the men and pulling them away without a word. The scene unfolded swiftly, leaving no chance for resistance.
Sidney leaned behind him and quietly asked, "Where are you taking them?"
"Of course, they're headed where they belong. You two should be heading back."
Alondra returned to her own private room, and Sidney followed Jayson back to the room where she had entered initially.
A hot plate of wings and a cold beer were waiting on the table. Jayson sank into his seat, wordlessly, lighting a cigarette as he relaxed into the moment.
Sidney couldn't stand the cigarette smell and coughed several times. She glanced at him a few times and finally realized he seemed to be sulking.
"What are you upset about?" Sidney put down her chopsticks.
"I'm not upset."
"You look angry."
"I'm not angry, I'm worried about you."
"What are you worried about?"
"I thought it would be fine with Alondra going down with you, but I'm starting to realize you two have the same awful sense of danger."
"What do you mean?"
"Do you know you both almost got drugged just now?"
"No way! We stayed in our seats the whole time."
"Heh! You didn't know, but when you turned your head to listen to Alondra and the others, someone secretly drugged you?"
Sidney widened her eyes and thought back carefully. It seemed like that might really be the case.
"So where is she now?"
"I don't know. I was only watching you the whole time, didn't pay attention to her."
Sidney immediately rushed out of the VIP room, only to find the next room empty. She hurriedly called her, but the phone was never answered.
She turned to Jayson for help, but he looked at her indifferently and said, "It's fine. She's probably with Josiah."
"Josiah? Josiah is a man too! If he's been drugged, it's dangerous for her to be with him. You need to send someone to find her."
Jayson remained motionless, sitting calmly. "Don't you know what kind of relationship your friend has with Josiah?"
"What kind of relationship? Alondra works at a club, but when she's off, she's completely respectable!"
"Haha! 'Respectable,' huh?" Jayson stubbed out his cigarette, propping one leg up as he leaned back, his eyes fixated on a flustered Sidney standing in front of him.
"What's the meaning of that laugh?"
"You can ask your friend directly about their relationship. As for the rest, I'd prefer not to say."
"Clarify yourself. Don't just say half of it!"
"I think your friend didn't want you to know the truth, which is why she didn't say anything. Don't worry, she's fine with Josiah."
Sidney wouldn't give up and insisted on getting the truth from him.
"Explain clearly, what kind of relationship is it?"
Jayson shook his head. "You won't be able to accept it. I don't want to say."
"I can handle it. Just say it."
"Your friend secretly took money from Josiah to do things for him."
"What things?"
"Anything she was asked to do!" Jayson said cryptically, which only made Sidney's imagination run wild.
"Be more specific."
"Accompanying to eat, drink, sleep, and play. Whoever she's asked to be with, she'll go."
Sidney was speechless, slowly sitting down. She felt as though her soul had left her body.
"She chose this path herself, no one forced her. So you don't need to feel sorry for her."
Sidney called again, but there was still no answer. She knew Alondra was short on money, but she had always believed that Alondra had some self-restraint. She couldn't believe Alondra would do whatever it took for money, as Jayson suggested. Plus, Josiah didn't seem like an easy person to deal with. She was worried that being with him might cause her harm.
She was worried, but couldn't get in touch with her. After several failed calls, she finally gave up.
She forced herself to think positively. Alondra was so smart; she surely wouldn't get into any trouble.
