Chapter 115

"That's not what I meant," Esme said, clearly upset. "We've talked to Ophelia a few times, and her family's situation is just so sad. I feel bad for her. Why don't you care at all?"

Seeing the tension rise, Simon quickly stepped in, "Alright, alright, stop arguing. Finding her is the most important thing right now!" He then pulled Alice out of the restaurant, glanced at Esme outside, and asked, "Alice, what's going on with you?"

"Nothing, I just think Esme is meddling too much," Alice said, adjusting her collar with an impatient look.

She couldn't understand why Esme had to get involved. The police would eventually figure out Ophelia's situation, but Esme's interference would only make things worse.

Ophelia didn't have many friends or live on campus. She spent most of her time working part-time to earn money, aside from attending classes and exams. She worked so hard to hide her family situation, not wanting to be a laughingstock or an object of pity.

But now, Esme's actions were undoubtedly exposing her secret. Just like Alice herself didn't like being called "the Bailey Family's illegitimate daughter," Ophelia didn't want to be known as "the poor girl with extremely shameless adoptive parents."

Who would want to expose their most embarrassing side to others, to be pitied and sympathized by others?

Alice pinched the bridge of her nose, patted Simon's shoulder, and gestured towards the restaurant. "You stay with her. I'll head back."

"Alright, be careful on your way," Simon said, a bit worried. "Text me when you get home to let me know you're safe."

Alice waved her hand at Simon and left. On the way, she bought an iced coffee, drinking it as she walked to the bus stop. Halfway there, she passed a bar and involuntarily came to a halt. She looked up at the sign, took a sip of her coffee, and walked in.

Even though it was daytime, there were still some customers in the bar. Alice walked to the bar and knocked on the counter. "I'm here for your manager."

The bartender was stunned for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, please wait a moment."

Before long, the manager appeared. He looked at Alice and asked the bartender in confusion, "She wanna see me?"

The bartender nodded. "Yes."

Before the manager could react, Alice stepped forward, pulling him aside. Holding a latte in one hand and with the other hand in her pocket, she calmly asked, "Has anyone new started working at your bar recently?"

The manager immediately stiffened, smiling. "What? What do you mean? I don't understand what you're talking about. Alright, I have things to do. You should leave."

He turned to leave, but Alice grabbed him and pressed him against the wall. "I'm just asking, I won't call the police."

Ten minutes later, in the lounge, the manager pulled out a booklet and handed it to Alice, warning, "No photos. I'm making an exception for you. If it weren't for Mr. Williams' sake, you wouldn't see this. Hurry up."

Alice flipped through it and found that there were only a few new people, and the dates were all from the past few days. "Did you alter the dates?"

The manager immediately became agitated. "How could we fabricate it? These are all registered on the day they started. Do you think I'm crazy?"

"Alright." Alice handed the booklet back to the manager and asked, "Do you know any other places that have recently hired new people, preferably today or yesterday?"

The manager rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. "There's a place called Golden Palace. I heard they just got a batch of new hires yesterday. You can check it out, but the boss there might not respect Mr. Williams. Be careful."

Alice nodded and headed to Golden Palace. When she arrived, she realized it was the upscale entertainment club David had taken her to last time.

Alice took out her phone and sent David a text. Alice: [I might get into trouble. Be prepared.] After sending it, she shared her location with David, put her phone away, and walked in.

She went to the counter and asked, "Is the third floor booked?"

The staff replied, "Sorry, the third floor is already booked."

Alice lowered her voice, "I heard you recently got a batch of new people. Can I see them?"

The staff forced a smile. "Miss, are you sure you want to see the women? Not the men?"

Alice firmly said, "I want to see the women."

The staff hesitated for a long time but eventually relented. "I'll ask for you, okay?"

Alice gestured for them to go ahead.

The staff confirmed with the higher-ups and, recognizing Alice from her previous visit with the second son of the Tudor Family, agreed. "You can wait in the private room. We'll bring them over shortly."

In the private room, Alice leaned back on the sofa and picked up her coffee. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She took it out and saw a message from David.

David: [Why are you there? Cheating?]

Alice's mouth twitched. She put down her coffee and replied.

Alice: [I'm here to save someone. Soon, you'll save me, my hero.]

David: [I'm coming over now. Wait for me.]

Alice smiled slightly and was about to reply when the door to the private room opened. A server brought in a few women dressed in revealing short skirts and high heels, with heavy makeup and a strong scent of perfume.

The server smiled obsequiously. "They are the new ones. Do you want to keep all of them, or...?"

Alice glanced at them and then looked down, saying calmly, "Do you really think I'm that easy to fool? Are these supposed to be new?"

Even if they were here voluntarily, would they be so relaxed on their first day? The server's smile froze, and they stood at the door, not knowing what to do.

At that moment, the manager of Golden Palace came over and scolded, "What are you doing? The guest asked for new people, and are these the new ones you bring? Get out! Bring the real new ones!"

"Yes." The server hurriedly took the women away.

The manager stood at the door of the private room and respectfully asked, "May I come in?"

Alice looked up and nodded slightly.

The manager walked in with a smile. "Ms. Bailey, right? Last time, Mr. Williams booked the third floor, and you came with the second son of the Tudor Family. Am I right?"

Alice casually complimented, "Good memory."

The manager smiled modestly. "So, may I ask, who are you looking for women for?"