Chapter 401
After a brief tirade, she left, leaving Dalores to close the door behind her.
As Dalores turned around, her eyes met Julio’s intense gaze. “When did you start having stomach problems?” he asked, his tone laced with concern.
Dalores responded coolly, trying to maintain a professional distance. “Mr. Freguson, don’t worry about me. It’s best you head back now. I’ve got work to do. And next time we meet, pretend you don’t know me. You could even treat me like that man in your private room did. I don’t want to cause you any trouble.” With that, she grabbed a tray from the cabinet and swiftly exited the lounge.
Julio watched her leave, his expression darkening with worry. After a long moment, he too left the lounge and made his way to his private room.
Although they acted like strangers, Julio’s clients knew of their acquaintance, and no one dared to trouble Dalores.
As the early hours approached, Julio exited the club with his clients. The vibrant lights of the club cast playful shadows over his carefree smile. After dispersing the crowd, he settled into the back of his car and instructed the driver to depart.
As the car pulled away, Julio’s gaze lingered on the passing night scene. His attention was abruptly caught by the sight of Dalores crouched at a corner of the club entrance, violently vomiting.
The driver, mistaking her condition, commented, “That young lady must have had too much to drink.”
Julio, knowing well that Dalores didn’t drink, pinched the bridge of his nose, choosing to remain silent, his thoughts heavy.
Meanwhile, at dawn, Eileen was jolted awake by the sound of the doorbell. It was Ruby, returning unexpectedly early from her trip.
She quickly descended the stairs. At the same time, Bryan, sensing the urgency, phoned Josue. “Send over the stuff I asked you to prepare,” he instructed crisply.
Josue, groggy and disoriented, mumbled a response and hung up, then rolled over to catch more sleep.
Downstairs, Ruby appeared weary as she began unpacking her belongings in her room.
Eileen entered the room cautiously, her voice soft with concern. “Mom, why are you back so early? And why are you alone?”
Ruby forced a smile as she replied, “Yes, I came back by myself. I took the bus.” She continued to organize her things, her movements mechanical. “It’s good to be back.”
Eileen’s concern deepened. “You should have told me you were back today; I would have driven you home.”
Ruby continued organizing, her voice nonchalant. “There’s no need, darling. I can manage. I didn’t want to impose.”