After a long day of work, Clara returned to the break room, only for her phone to ring.
Looking at the glaring name "Zachary," her brows furrowed, but she still answered, "What is it?"
"Be at the VIP room by ten tonight," came the grim voice on the other end.
"We agreed on once a month!" Clara glanced around and lowered her voice.
Zachary extinguished his cigarette with a laugh, "Ava, you must always remember your current identity. Do you really think you have the right to resist what I say?"
Clara hung up the phone in despair. Zachary was right; she was no longer the daughter of the Ava family. With her father in prison, her mother dead, and her only grandmother needing money for medical care, she had no choice.
At ten oclock, the real nightlife began. The VIP room under Zacharys name was lively, all in anticipation of Masons arrival. The guests looked on with awe and envy, but there was no disdain.
No one dared to look down on Mason, who had been designated as the heir by the old man of the Mason family at a young age. His success was not just due to his striking appearance.
Mason was here to avoid his grandfathers engagement arrangements, but the guests assumed he had come for a collaboration with Zachary, which lightened their disdain for the latter.
As the lights flickered, Zachary smiled happily and raised his glass to Mason, saying, "Mason, its quite a small collaboration that you personally came for. To show my respect, I toast you on behalf of the company."
Clara, waiting outside, couldnt help but scoff at this. Why did Zachary think he could represent her fathers company? A backstabber!
Mason slightly raised his eyes, his expression distant and cold, exuding an air of authority that made Zacharys smile freeze for a moment.
In the awkward silence, Zachary noticed Clara standing at the door and quickly laughed, "Everyone, the highlight of tonight has finally arrived. Ava, hurry up and come in!"
All eyes turned to Clara, filled with surprise. Masons loyal confidants sensed that their masters heart had been disturbed the moment she walked in.
"This is Miss Ava. She heard everyone was here tonight and asked me to bring her to experience her former life," Zachary said, pulling her to his side.
The guests exchanged knowing glances and laughed. They understood Avas intentions; it was hard to adjust from riches to rags. If she could be won over with money, it would benefit them too.
Mason sat silently, his cold gaze fixed on Clara, his hand slowly sinking into the leather sofa beside him.
He had been searching for her for two years, never expecting to meet her under such circumstances.
"Come, Miss Ava, I toast you," someone raised a glass towards Clara.
"Sorry, I cant drink. Ill toast you with tea instead, please forgive me." Clara was allergic to alcohol and truly did not drink.
"Tsk, once you step through that door, you need to play along. If you can hold your liquor and make me happy, maybe I can negotiate with your father. You should inquire who in Harbor City dares to disrespect me!" The man looked displeased, nearly shoving the glass into Claras face and reaching to grab her.
In the next moment, he let out a scream. Claras bodyguard had already moved in close, firmly gripping the mans wrist.
"Mason... what does this mean?" he stammered, his voice shaking from the pain.
Mason stepped forward and draped his coat over Claras shoulders, his crisp aura enveloping her, causing her to blush unexpectedly.
"Zachary, I want her. Bring the contract tomorrow," Mason said coolly.