Chapter: 86

“Norah, you deserve better..." Tears started to form as Joanna took another sip. She confessed, "You don't know how much I missed you when you went to take care of that bastard. I wanted to contact you but didn't want to bother you. Damn that Derek! How dare he treat you like that! What a despicable jerk!"

Norah found Joanna's words somewhat amusing. She set her drink aside, moved closer to comfort Joanna, and pulled out a tissue to wipe the latter's tears.

Madeline linked arms with Derek and Kathy. Three of them dressed up and made their entrance into the Glamour Club.

Kathy cheerfully exclaimed, "After being locked up for so long, I'm thrilled to finally come out for fun! Madeline, you're amazing. Thank you for convincing Derek to bring me along.”

Derek warned her with a stern look, “Just make sure you stay out of trouble. I won't be as forgiving if you mess up again."

Kathy promised, “I'll be good."

Trying to lighten the mood, Madeline urged, “Derek, enough with the warnings! Come on, I heard there's a live band tonight. Let's get close to the stage."

Derek wasn't really there for the music. His usual nights out involved drinking and flirting. However, he tagged along for Madeline's sake.

They found a booth and settled in. Kathy offered to take their orders, “Derek, Madeline, what do you want to drink? I'll head to the bar and get it.”

“A Jagermeister for me, a Margarita for Madeline, and get yourself a cocktail," Derek instructed.

"Got it."

The club was alive with music and dancers moving freely, fully immersed in the rhythm.

Norah and Joanna were having drinks upstairs when some bold guys approached them.

Unlike Jordy, these men took the hint and moved on after being politely declined.

"It turns out that actual combat training is worlds apart from Taekwondo. Once I'm fully trained, I'll be more than capable of looking out for you, Norah!" Joanna declared.

Sitting beside Joanna, Norah propped her chin up, half-listening to Joanna's tipsy ramblings, occasionally sipping her drink.

Then, suddenly, a wave of excitement erupted from downstairs.

"It's Rosy Secret!"

"Rosy Secret has arrived!"

"They're finally here!"

The entire club darkened, save for a spotlight that found its way to the stage.

The DJ paused the music, and the previously energetic crowd stopped, all eyes drawn to the stage.

The band featured four members: a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer, and a singer - a striking woman, with the instrumentalists donning masks.

"Don't know what's happening to me..." The singer's rich voice filled the room as she began to sing, her band providing a compelling backdrop.