Chapter 163 He's Playing You
Susan looked like she wanted to say something but held back.
Emily broke the silence. "Ms. Wilson, come sit with us."
With Zaire's nod, Nancy lifted her long skirt and took a seat.
Jack's eyes never left Nancy.
But she didn't glance his way even once.
Isabella was clueless about what was happening. She quietly pinched Seb's fingers.
Seb leaned in and whispered, "Zaire's setting this up to reveal Nancy's true colors to Jack."
Isabella scanned the room.
Nancy was already chatting with Emily and the others. Zaire handed her a drink.
Nancy's eyes flickered as she said softly, "Mr. Jose, I don't drink."
Zaire raised an eyebrow. "When you're out having fun, not drinking isn't an option. Drink up, and we'll all be friends."
Nancy hesitated.
Jack suddenly stood up.
Startled, Nancy quickly took the glass and downed it in one gulp.
Whether she drank too fast or on purpose, some of the drink trickled from the corner of her mouth, down her chest, and disappeared into her cleavage.
Zaire's eyes shamelessly followed the drop.
Jack felt a surge of anger. He couldn't hold it in any longer. He stepped forward, grabbed Nancy's hand, and started pulling her out.
Zaire didn't stop him; he let go just in time.
He'd done his part; now it was up to Jack.
Nancy was caught off guard as Jack yanked her up and dragged her toward the door. A few seconds later, she realized what was happening and tried to pull her hand back, unwilling to leave with Jack.
The room fell silent as everyone watched Jack and Nancy struggle.
Leo, bored, took out his phone and started filming.
Isabella shot him a look.
Leo smiled and quietly put his phone away.
"Let go of me! Let go!" Nancy struggled.
Unable to break free, she used her long nails to scratch the back of Jack's hand, leaving marks.
Jack turned to her, his eyes tinged with red. "Can't you see? He's playing you!"
Nancy was stunned, feeling a mix of embarrassment and shame. But she still said, "I don't care!"
"You don't care?" Jack's face turned pale with anger. "I didn't bring you to Lakina for you to degrade yourself. If that's what you want, I'd rather you go back!"
"I'm not going back!" Nancy's voice was sharp. "If you can't make it, why can't I find another way out?"
Jack looked at her coldly. "What did you say?"
Things had already gone too far tonight. Nancy probably knew there was no going back with Jack. She said, "Jack, you're just an employee for the Landon Group. You have to answer to others. What can you give me?"
Maybe Jack's gaze was too intense, so Nancy looked away, her chest heaving. "I don't want to live like you. I want to be rich!"
Jack was silent for a few seconds, then laughed. "So you're willing to degrade yourself. Don't you realize why he invited you tonight? It was all for me to see!"
"I told you; I don't care!" Nancy's eyes were red. "I'm willing to pay the price, even if it's my dignity!"
Jack looked at her like she was crazy, his eyes full of incomprehension.
Maybe he had underestimated Nancy's ambition, or maybe he had never truly understood her.
Nancy tried to pull her hand back, but Jack held on tightly.
Helpless, she looked at him. "What do you want?"
Jack said, "Come back with me. I'll call your parents. If they support you in this, then I have nothing more to say."
Nancy shouted, "I'm not going back. Let go, Jack!"
No matter how much Nancy struggled, Jack still dragged her to the door.
He opened the door and came face to face with someone outside.
Miley was about to enter the V12 room when she ran into Kelsey.
After a brief conversation, Miley learned that Zaire had organized a gathering next door.
Kelsey, thinking Miley was invited by Zaire, enthusiastically brought her along.
However, before Kelsey could reach for the door, it opened from the inside.
Jack, pulling Nancy, paused for a second when he saw Kelsey, a look of embarrassment flashing in his eyes. However, he quickly looked away and continued dragging Nancy out.
Kelsey stood at the door, stunned.
Miley, seeing the situation inside the room, smirked and walked in.
Isabella stood up. "Miley."
Miley smiled at Isabella, a knowing look on her face. "Looks like we ran into each other?"
The situation was complicated. Isabella didn't know how to explain it. Besides, with so many people around, it wasn't the right time to speak.
After greeting Isabella, Miley turned to Zaire. Of course, she didn't miss the two new faces.
"Mr. Jose, you have a get-together and didn't invite me. Are you treating me like an outsider?" Miley walked over and sat next to Zaire.
Zaire couldn't muster a smile. He glanced at her without much emotion and asked, "Why are you here?"
"I had plans with Isabella." Miley put down her bag and coat, leaning closer to him. "I booked V12. Mr. Jose and I are really in sync, even booking rooms next to each other."
Zaire looked at her. Miley's makeup was light, and she was dressed conservatively. Compared to the glamorous Susan, she was lacking a bit.
He reached out, stroked Miley's back, and with a playful smile, said, "If I had known, I would have invited you."
Miley laughed. "I should have changed my clothes. That way, I wouldn't embarrass you."
Zaire raised an eyebrow. "You're not embarrassing."
Their eyes were filled with flirtation.
Next to them, Susan picked up a glass of wine and downed it.
Emily pulled her aside and whispered, "Don't drink too much."
Zaire glanced at Susan out of the corner of his eye, lowered his gaze, rubbed his thumb on his knee, and his lips tightened slightly.
No one asked about Miley, and Zaire didn't introduce her, creating a tacit understanding.
Kelsey walked in and greeted old friends. "Susan, Emily."
"Kelsey." Susan pulled her over. "Long time no see. You've grown so much. I remember you're the same age as Leo, right?"
Kelsey said, "He's two years older than me."
"Really?" Susan slapped her forehead. "I must have remembered wrong."
Zaire turned to Kelsey. "I thought you weren't coming."
Kelsey's eyes flickered. She glanced at Isabella and then looked away. "I'm here to see a friend."
"Do you have friends at Moon Club? What kind of friends?" Zaire squinted, worried Kelsey might be led astray.
Just as Kelsey was about to speak, the door opened, and several waiters brought in food.
Among the waiters, Isabella saw Nina.
