Chapter 87 The Unspoken Longing
She'd been mulling it over forever before finally deciding to call him, but he didn't pick up.
No matter what, if there was even a tiny chance, she had to try. But would Raymond answer? And if he did, what the heck would she say?
Their relationship had been a total mess lately.
But no matter how awkward it was, she had to try.
All she got was that annoying automated voice. "Hello, the person you are calling is currently busy."
He hung up on her. She didn't even get a chance to talk to him.
Even if he did answer, he would just cuss her out and call her names.
At this moment, Donna Martin was shouting, "Hiring! Hiring! Wanna make big bucks? Come check it out. You won't be let down or scammed."
Margaret turned her head towards the noise.
It was at The Velvet Lounge, where some dude in a suit was slapping a job notice on the wall.
A crowd started to gather.
Margaret wandered over to check out the notice too.
Donna said, "The pay's insane. Just selling a drink can get you half a million bucks a night."
"This has gotta be a scam. How could it be that high? Can a bottle of wine really sell for half a million?"
"The Velvet Lounge is the fanciest bar in Silverbrook. The people who go there are loaded. Half a million is pocket change to them."
The crowd was buzzing.
Donna, all dolled up with a scarf and a long, thin cigarette, took a drag and sneered at the crowd. "Making that kind of money ain't easy. You all look so ugly, just go work hard somewhere else."
One guy in the crowd grumbled, "Hey, who you calling ugly? I'm just not obviously handsome."
Donna smirked. "I'm hiring girls. All of you, scram."
The crowd shook their heads, thinking it was pointless, and left.
Margaret glanced at the job notice and started to walk away too.
Donna suddenly called out, "Hey, wait up."
Margaret stopped. Donna walked over, grabbed her hand, and looked her over. "You could do it. You fit the bill. Wanna give it a shot?"
"Find someone else. I can't do this kind of work." Margaret wasn't dumb. She knew what Donna was hiring for and waved her off.
Suddenly, her phone rang in her jacket pocket. She answered, and Nancy was on the other end, sounding frantic. "Margaret, the director just called me again. Have you found a hospital? Are you sure there are no problems? We're moving your dad tomorrow."
Margaret's heart sank, and the director's words echoed in her head. "Ms. Hughes, you won't find a hospital to take you in. Don't waste time, go beg your husband, Mr. Howard. Asking him to help is more effective than anything you do."
Nancy's voice got more desperate. "Margaret, tell me, is something wrong? Did you go to Raymond? Now's not the time to be stubborn. Your dad's in danger!"
Margaret's eyes welled up.
Guilt and helplessness choked her.
There was no turning back now.
But she couldn't bring herself to tell Nancy about her and Raymond.
Nancy had always had it easy, never suffered, but now, in her old age, she had to go through this. It was all because of Margaret, causing Marlon to fall into a coma.
Nancy was frantic, "Margaret, are you even listening? I tried calling Raymond, but he didn't pick up. Only you can get through to him. Margaret, I really think we shouldn't move your dad. He can't handle the stress. He was so close to waking up, and this transfer could be a disaster."
Nancy's voice broke, "If he dies, how will I go on? I love him so much."
Her sobbing was like a dagger, slicing into Margaret's heart, making it ache with every word.
Margaret forced herself to stay calm, "I got the money. It's just half a million. Dad won't be moved, don't worry."
Lying had become second nature to her. She used to get all flustered and red-faced, but now it was as easy as breathing.
Before Nancy could ask more, she quickly hung up.
Donna's sharp eyes were fixed on Margaret's face. "Need cash? Trying to save someone? I can help."
Margaret bit her lip. "What do I need to do?" She was desperate. She had no other options. If she could get a million bucks, she'd do whatever it took.
Dignity and morals? Out the window. She had no choice.
Being pushed to this point by Raymond was just the cherry on top.
Donna said, "It's simple. Just pour a drink for a client."
Margaret asked again, "Just pour a drink, nothing else?"
Donna took a drag of her cigarette, blew out the smoke, and smiled. "Of course, just pour a drink. The Velvet Lounge is legit. The people here are all big shots; they don't mess around. I get your concerns. Rich folks do things consensually; they won't force you."
Donna added, "Tonight's client is Mr. Ingram. He's a big deal and very generous. Make him happy, and the tips are extra."
Margaret asked, "So, I just need to go in, deliver a bottle of wine, and then leave? I'll get half a million in commission?"
Margaret couldn't believe her luck.
Delivering a bottle of wine for half a million bucks?
She asked for the third time.
Donna replied, "Yes, just deliver a bottle of wine. But it's not that simple. You have to look good. Mr. Ingram spends big to have a girl deliver wine, hoping she can help him close a deal."
Margaret said, "Okay, I'll take the job. But you have to pay me a $200,000 deposit first, and the rest after it's done."
Donna smiled and said it was no big deal, then led Margaret into The Velvet Lounge.
The place was decked out and huge. Margaret rarely went to such places. Once inside, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Donna signaled to her assistant, who filled a cup with water and slipped in a small white pill. "You're thirsty, right? Have some water. Then we'll do your makeup. Mr. Ingram will be here soon."
Donna handed the cup to Margaret, who was sitting on the sofa.
Margaret took it but didn't drink right away. She looked at Donna. "When will you give me the $200,000 deposit?"
Donna glanced at the cup and urged, "After you finish your makeup and change your clothes, we'll transfer it to your account. Drink some water first."
Margaret didn't think much of it. She was thirsty and drank the water.
She felt strange but couldn't put her finger on it.
This uneasy feeling kept growing.
Donna exchanged a look with her assistant, signaling it was enough.
Donna then looked at Margaret. "Let's go do your makeup."
Margaret said, "Give me the deposit first, then I'll do the makeup."
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